That evening at dusk, Lin Luo returned to camp with two girls. They found Zhang Dajian once again bragging about how he'd driven off several wild wolves that day, protecting classmates gathering fruits.

Lin Luo handed the newly drawn map to You Xun.

"Perfect, Lin Luo," You Xun smiled. "With these locations for wild fruits and herbs, we can send everyone to gather tomorrow."

After dinner—roasted wild boar and berries—Lin Luo sat alone under the eaves.

"Lin Luo." You Xun, Feier, and Ziwan approached him.

"What's up?"

The three girls seemed shy, exchanging playful, awkward giggles.

"You say it."

"You're the class rep—you go first."

You Xun stepped forward. "We... want you to come with us somewhere. Okay?"

"Sure. Where to?" Lin Luo had nothing else to do. In this other world, nights held no computers or phones. Hanging out with girls was about the only fun left.

"You'll see when we get there," You Xun said mysteriously.

Though the forest was more dangerous at night, Lin Luo wasn't afraid. Still, You Xun and Feier were usually close, while Ziwan kept her distance. Why were all three together now?

They walked through the moonlit forest to the clear stream where they fetched water.

"Lin Luo," Ziwan said, her big eyes serious as she stared at him. "You guard us—but don't look!"

"Huh?" Lin Luo was confused.

"Tch. I thought you were sharp. Must we spell it out?" Ziwan complained, her face flushed.

"What exactly is it?" Lin Luo grew more puzzled.

Feier leaned toward him, smiling. "We're planning to bathe here."

"Eh?" Lin Luo's mind instantly flashed with exciting images.

"Hey, you're imagining something lewd, aren't you?" Feier scolded gently, her cheeks red.

"No! I get it—you want me to stand guard, right?" Lin Luo quickly steered the topic away.

"Mm-hmm. Among the boys, only a true gentleman like you is reliable," You Xun said softly. She'd already undone the top button of her dress, her eyes shimmering in the night.

Being called a "gentleman" and "reliable" wasn't exactly flattering. Lin Luo felt a tiny pang of disappointment. Was he really that trustworthy?

Only Feier watched him meaningfully. After that night of the bet, she knew a little of his secrets. Yet whether he was trustworthy or not, she didn't seem to mind the risk.

"Lin Luo, this area is relatively safe Goblin territory," You Xun explained, her eyes watery and face flushed. "But you know how lecherous Goblins are. Even if we're not attacked, they might peep or steal our underwear..."

Right. Miss Lin's predictions always hit the mark. Lin Luo believed her completely now.

"Lin Luo, turn around for a moment," Feier whispered in his ear. "We'll change here. Then we'll leave our clothes on this rock. When I say it's okay, turn back and watch them while guarding the riverbank. Alright?"

"O-okay..." Lin Luo's breath hitched. But bathing was necessary, and honestly, he wanted one too.

"If you really must look," Feier murmured, her lips almost brushing his ear, "look at me. Don't peek at the others."

"I won't look at any of you!"

Wanting to look was one thing. But with their trust, he couldn't betray it... right?

"Feier, what are you whispering about? Hurry up!" You Xun urged, worried about lingering too long near Goblins.

Lin Luo turned his back as instructed. He heard their giggles and splashes as they stripped. Then each walked behind him, placing their most important clothes on the rock.

Even facing away, You Xun felt her face burn with tension.

Soon, different water sounds began. Feier called, "You can turn now."

The three girls were bathing behind the bushes by the river. Lin Luo had no intention of peeking. But as he glanced down absently...

Three sets of women's clothes lay on the rock: white, pure and holy; purple, mysterious and alluring; yellow, vibrant and youthful.

Like flowers scattered across the earth.

Lin Luo couldn't help but imagine. The nearby water sounds almost tempted him to act boldly.

After a long bath, the girls emerged and dressed.

"Lin Luo, you can turn around now," You Xun said warmly.

They looked like fresh lotuses risen from water. Behind them stretched a dark, deep, mysterious world. A fierce impulse surged in Lin Luo—to protect them, to guard these precious people before him.

"Oh, Lin Luo, you should bathe too."

"Eh? Me? I-I'm fine."

"You haven't washed in days. You'll lose your charm," Feier teased.

"My charm doesn't matter!"

Still, since he was here, Lin Luo wanted to bathe. So he did. The girls guarded his clothes.

"T-this is Lin Luo's..."

"Feier! What's wrong with you? Boys' clothes aren't interesting!" You Xun scolded.

Feier grinned mischievously. "Don't you think Lin Luo's become more beautiful since coming here?"

"Eh? What do you mean?" You Xun was confused.

"I mean... don't you want to see just how beautiful Lin Luo is?" Feier's breath quickened, her eyes shimmering.

"Huh?"

Feier tiptoed toward the bushes.

"Hey! What are you doing?" Ziwan gasped.

She and You Xun rushed after her. Through the moonlit, swaying bushes, they glimpsed an exquisitely delicate figure—a body seemingly crafted by the universe's perfect artistry.

"Those... women!" Lin Luo, the God Emperor, stood bathing in the water. He sensed their stares.

He nearly reflexively covered himself.

Wait!

I'm a guy!

What did it matter if they looked? It was just his back.

"Go ahead and look," Lin Luo muttered, face red and brow furrowed. He pretended not to notice, washing calmly. "You'll be the ones losing out, heh... heh heh..."

"So beautiful..." You Xun, standing farthest back, felt her heartbeat pound. Heat spread through her body.

She shook her head sharply and turned away, fleeing a few steps.

"Goodness... what am I thinking!" You Xun panted, her modest chest rising and falling.

Her eyes drifted unconsciously toward Lin Luo's clothes.

"Stop staring!"

She squeezed her eyes shut, scolding herself fiercely inside.