Ultimate Battleship

Chapter 12

Chu Xiaoxiao’s eyes widened as she stared at the fishing vessel gliding toward them. No engine hummed, no crew manned the deck. Tattered sails billowed in the wind like phantom wings, propelling the ship through the inky water with eerie silence. The Sea Wolf moved as if borne on a ghost’s breath, its weathered hull gleaming faintly under the stars.

“Ah, well,” Nie Yun said with a casual shrug, “you’ve heard of self-driving cars? Consider the Sea Wolf… an early prototype.” He slung his pack over his shoulder and vaulted onto the deck, the planks creaking under his weight.

“Self-driving?” Xiaoxiao’s gaze swept the patched canvas sails. Couldn’t he have installed an engine at least? The ship looked more likely to sink than sail.

Nie Yun extended a hand. After a moment’s hesitation, she placed her cold fingers in his. His grip was warm, calloused—unexpectedly gentle. She quickly turned away, feigning interest in a rusted winch as a blush crept up her neck.

“The crew’s on break,” Nie Yun joked, noting her distraction. He missed the faint silver ripple that raced across the sails, a fleeting shimmer like fish scales in moonlight.

Xiaoxiao ran a hand along the railing. “Yesterday, this keel was shattered. How is it seaworthy?” She knelt, tracing the hull’s smooth planks—no sign of the gaping holes she remembered.

“Repaired it last night.” Nie Yun coughed, avoiding her eyes. “Damage was superficial. Just needed some… elbow grease.”

“Superficial? That hole was big enough to sink a ferry!” Her brows knit. She might not be a shipwright, but this defied logic.

“Got a friend in the business.” Nie Yun leaned in, voice conspiratorial. “Builds submarines on the side. Knows his way around marine plywood.” He winked and turned toward the mast, leaving her to gape at his back.

Submarines? Fixing a fishing trawler? Xiaoxiao’s confusion deepened.

While she stewed, Nie Yun tossed a silver orb onto the speedboat. “Right, then. Course set for Nanwan. Should make port by dawn.” He handed her a bulky satellite phone. “Call home. Have them meet us at the old docks. And… maybe leave my name out of it. Less paperwork, you know.”

Xiaoxiao took the phone, studying him. “Won’t you come with me? Start over?”

“The Sea Wolf is my home.” His tone was final, eyes fixed on the horizon.

She nodded and stepped aside, dialing.

“Who is this?” A woman’s voice, tight with worry, answered.

“Mom. It’s me.”

“Xiaoxiao? Oh my God!” The line crackled as something dropped. “Are you hurt? Tell them we’ll pay—anything—”

“Mom, I’m safe. Someone… rescued me. The kidnappers are gone.”

Silence, then a deeper voice: “Miss Chu? Liu Guodong, Municipal Police Chief. Your location? Details of the rescue.”

Xiaoxiao glanced at Nie Yun, leaning against the mast. “You don’t need my location. Inform my mother I’ll call tomorrow with the rendezvous. Send her security then.”

“Miss Chu, protocol requires—”

She hung up.

Nie Yun whistled. “Police chief on speed dial? Impressive. Hope he doesn’t send a SWAT team.”

“Send a team?” Xiaoxiao’s laugh was brittle. “He should be thanking his lucky stars I’m alive. His career depends on it.” The steel in her voice betrayed the polished heiress.

She noticed the speedboat now tethered to their stern. “Why tow that?”

“Nearly new engine.” Nie Yun grinned, all innocence. “Waste not, want not.”

Xiaoxiao rolled her eyes, exhaustion suddenly crashing over her. The adrenaline had worn off, leaving her bones feeling hollow.

“Cabin’s below,” Nie Yun gestured. “Get some rest. I’ll wake you at dawn.”

She took two steps, then paused. Turning, she met his gaze, eyes wide and coy. “Does the door… lock?”

Nie Yun’s expression darkened. “Don’t flatter yourself. Auntie Shuyun’s apple pie holds more appeal than you do.”

Xiaoxiao shot him a glare, tucking “Auntie Shuyun” away for later. A mischievous urge struck. She slowly removed his jacket, stretching her arms. The torn strap of her dress slipped, revealing lace and a sliver of skin. “So warm out here,” she sighed, feigning fatigue. “I could use a bath.”

Nie Yun swallowed audibly. Xiaoxiao hid a smile, turning with exaggerated grace to disappear below deck. The door clicked shut, and she collapsed against it, cheeks burning. What was I thinking?

Outside, Nie Yun cursed, forcing his pulse to steady. He stalked to the stern, where a faint rasping came from the speedboat. Dozens of silver tendrils crawled over its hull, siphoning fuel. The mechanical swarm worked silently, refueling the Sea Wolf under the cover of night.

Dawn painted the sea in soft gold. Xiaoxiao emerged, squinting, and frowned at the empty water behind them. “The speedboat?”

Nie Yun adjusted the sails, face blank. “Changed my mind. A dinghy like that? More trouble than it’s worth. So… I cut it loose.”

Xiaoxiao stared. Cut it loose? After bragging about the engine?

She opened her mouth to protest, but stopped at the look in his eyes—playful, yet guarded. The Sea Wolf rocked gently, sails full of wind. Maybe some mysteries were better left unsolved.

“Fine,” she said, crossing her arms. “But next time, warn me before you set expensive boats free.”

Nie Yun laughed, the sound carrying over the waves. “Noted, madam.”

As the sun rose, casting long shadows on the deck, Xiaoxiao leaned against the railing, watching the horizon. The Sea Wolf sailed on, silent and sure, as if guided by an invisible hand. She stole a glance at Nie Yun, his profile outlined in sunlight, and wondered—who was this boy, and how had he become her savior?

The sea whispered around them, carrying the promise of land and the mystery of the man beside her. For now, that was enough.