Chapter 6 – Welcome to Mya Mya Island
"This is my brother, Rem Hai. Just call him Ah Hai," Koya said, trying to sound casual while her cheeks were still pink from crying.
Ding Li stepped forward with a warm smile and extended his hand. "Ding Li. Really nice to meet you."
Rem Hai stared at the hand for a second, clearly reluctant, but finally shook it. "Rem Hai," he answered curtly, his tone cold enough to freeze the air between them.
Ding Li didn't flinch. "Don't worry, Ah Hai. I'll leave the island today. I don't want you to feel uneasy about me being near your sister."
The honesty in his voice was impossible to miss.
Rem Hai gave a short nod, neither friendly nor hostile.
Koya, however, panicked. "No! You can't leave! Because… because…" She floundered, searching for any excuse. Her face turned even redder.
Both men looked at her, confused. "Because why?" they asked at the same time.
Koya avoided her brother's eyes. "Because… Ding Li's still hurt! He needs time to recover…" Her voice got smaller and smaller until it was barely a whisper.
Ding Li opened his mouth to say he was perfectly fine, but before he could speak, Koya grabbed his arm and started dragging him back toward the house.
Rem Hai watched them go, sighed, and rubbed the back of his neck. A sudden thought struck him, and the more he thought about it, the more it made sense.
"Well… he doesn't seem like a bad guy. And if something ever happens to me at sea… at least Koya would have someone to rely on."
His little sister was 19 already. Maybe it wasn't such a bad idea to start looking at Ding Li as potential brother-in-law material.
By the time he walked into the house, his attitude had done a complete 180. He clapped Ding Li on the shoulder with a wide, friendly grin.
"Ding Li, since Koya says you're still recovering, stay as long as you need. No rush."
Ding Li blinked, stunned by the sudden warmth. But honestly? He had nowhere else to go, the main quest hadn't triggered, and this peaceful island with its kind (and beautiful) residents was the perfect place to lie low and grow stronger.
He smiled back. "Then… thank you, Ah Hai. I'll stay a while."
Rem Hai nodded decisively. "Perfect. Tonight the whole island is throwing a party. We sold a huge haul of fish for a great price, and we're celebrating the three of us making it back safe. Best time for you to meet everyone. With me introducing you, no one will give you trouble."
Koya's eyes lit up. Without thinking, she grabbed Ding Li's hand and pulled him after her brother. Only after a few steps did she realize she was still holding his hand. Her face exploded scarlet and she let go like she'd been burned.
Ding Li, lost in thoughts about island life, didn't even notice.
They soon arrived at an open area near the beach. Even though it was still afternoon, all 19 islanders were already busy: moving tables, preparing food, lighting bonfires. Laughter and the smell of grilling meat filled the air.
A lively girl with short brown hair waved enthusiastically. "Ah Hai! Koya! Come help with these barrels!"
"That's Elmu," Rem Hai explained with a chuckle. "Aunt Kri's daughter. Island's little ball of energy."
Koya giggled. "Elmu-nee fixes everyone's clothes. She's amazing with a needle."
The moment the other villagers spotted Ding Li, work slowed and suspicious stares turned their way.
Rem Hai raised his voice so everyone could hear: "Everyone, this is Ding Li. A few days ago my sister fell into the sea. This guy saved her life but got hurt himself. He'll be recovering here for a while. Treat him like one of us."
Instantly the atmosphere changed. The men slapped Ding Li's back, the women smiled warmly, and invitations to drink and eat poured in.
System notifications rang like a slot machine in Ding Li's head:
Ding! +9 [Suspicion] +2 [Fear] +6 [Anger] … Total gained this round: 17 points!
Plus the 2 from earlier → 19 spendable points.
Without hesitation, Ding Li dumped all 19 into Physique.
A violent wave of heat roared through his body. Every muscle, bone, and tendon felt like it was being reforged in fire. He froze mid-step, trembling hard.
Koya turned around. "Ding Li?! Are you okay? Why are you shaking like that?!"
"I-I'm fine! Just… a little cold!" he lied through his teeth, rubbing his arms dramatically.
Koya stared at him, then her eyes widened in horror. "Oh my god… don't tell me… you're… you're kidney-deficient?!"
Ding Li's face turned black. Where did that leap come from?!
Koya burst out laughing at his expression. "I'm kidding, I'm kidding! Come on, dummy. Sunset's starting. It's my favorite thing in the world."
She grabbed his wrist (less shyly this time) and pulled him toward the shore.
The sun was sinking into the sea, painting the sky in molten gold. Waves glittered like scattered jewels.
Koya stood at the water's edge, wind teasing her pink hair, sunset turning it into living flame. Her white dress glowed, her smile soft and radiant.
To Ding Li, she looked like a goddess who had stepped straight out of the light.
He stared, completely entranced.
Koya glanced back and caught him. For once she didn't blush; she just smiled wider, eyes sparkling brighter than the sea.
"Beautiful, right?" she whispered.
Ding Li could only nod. Yeah. The sunset was beautiful.
But the girl in front of it was breathtaking.