Chapter 3: Sharks
—Slaaash—
Just as everyone was caught off guard, Shi Nianqing tore off her shirt, revealing only a simple sports tank top underneath.
With a swift motion, she ripped her thin shirt into long strips, carefully tying them together to bind the main bamboo poles of the raft.
Under the incredulous stares of everyone, she slowly lashed the key pieces together, discarding the extras without hesitation.
Shi Nianqing then adopted an oddly contorted position, sprawling across the lashed bamboo poles, barely managing to stay afloat.
She abandoned the bamboo paddle and used her hands to push against the seawater.
The shark behind her stalked with a predator’s patience, but Shi Nianqing acted as if she hadn’t noticed, paddling steadily toward the shore.
The viewers in the livestream were stunned by her actions.
[Is this really possible? Why does this White Lotus seem so different from before?]
[Seriously, Shi Nianqing has no shame—she just undressed in front of everyone. Absolutely shameless.]
[Even though I dislike this so-called White Lotus, but come on, it’s the interstellar era—why are people still so narrow-minded?]
[I dislike her too, but what’s the big deal? She’s still wearing a tank top.]
[Freedom to wear what you want—this is the age of the stars, why are there still so many feudal relics?]
[These feudal relics should be sent to the front lines—let them fight a few more bugs, and maybe they’ll learn.]
[Honestly, my opinion of her is changing. That was such a decisive move. Suddenly, Shi Nianqing seems really cool.]
[If she survives this, I’ll stop criticizing her.]
[Count me in—I’m impressed.]
[I thought she was done for, but she found a way. If she really makes it, I’ll send her a rocket gift.]
Most people still didn’t believe Shi Nianqing could survive the shark’s pursuit.
But as she tore her shirt, the number of viewers in the livestream surged, jumping from just over a thousand to more than two thousand in an instant.
[Congratulations, host! Livestream popularity has reached 2,000. You may redeem 200 points. Redeem now?]
Shi Nianqing nodded immediately. “Redeem!”
[200 points redeemed. Current balance: 290 points. Would you like to exchange for the Swimming Skill?]
She could still feel the threat lurking behind her, and the bamboo raft held together by strips of clothing wouldn’t last long.
How fast was this so-called swimming skill from the system?
She could hear the faint tearing of the fabric beneath her—she didn’t have much time left.
If she wanted to live, she’d have to risk everything.
As time slowly passed, Shi Nianqing could tell she was getting closer to shore.
But it wasn’t enough!
She was still in deep water. If she fell into the sea, she’d be nothing but food for the shark.
Worse yet, the shark’s patience was running out. It began to nudge and ram the remains of her small raft, hastening its destruction.
At this rate, she’d never reach the shore before the raft fell apart.
Already, she could feel the raft coming apart beneath her.
There were nearly 800 meters left to land, and the raft was at its limit.
Sensing the shark behind her, ready to strike at any moment, Shi Nianqing’s eyes flashed with grim resolve.
She’d risk it all.
Her breathing grew heavier.
The sea wind howled, like a death knell in her ears.
[My god, even though I really dislike Shi Nianqing, I actually hope she survives now.]
[I don’t know why, but my hair is standing on end. I haven’t felt this tense in ages.]
[My palms are sweating. Shi Nianqing, if you survive, I’ll stop criticizing you.]
The number of viewers kept rising, closing in on 3,000.
Shi Nianqing focused intently ahead, keenly aware of the danger behind her and the raft’s unstable state.
Soon, she felt that ominous shadow drawing close, gliding alongside her in the water.
This was the moment.
A wild, reckless smile pulled at her lips.
From her vantage, the shadow looked like a drop of water—at least five meters long.
Its back was gray, with a long dorsal fin.
One glance was enough—Shi Nianqing recognized the breed.
Bull shark.
On old Earth, they were the sharks most notorious for attacking humans.
The bull shark instantly detected that her raft was failing.
It closed in on her.
Here it comes!
As the predator surged closer, Shi Nianqing abandoned the raft.
With all her might, she shoved the bamboo toward the bull shark, whose poor eyesight made it think she was still on the raft.
It lunged at the decoy.
In that split second, Shi Nianqing turned and swam for shore, her swimming skill growing by leaps and bounds, her speed increasing.
System messages popped up in her mind.
[Swimming skill experience +1]
[Swimming skill experience +2]
The chimes kept coming—she grew faster and faster.
The bull shark soon realized something was wrong; its intended prey had vanished.
It turned and immediately spotted Shi Nianqing, heading straight for her.
In the sea, no human could hope to outpace a marine predator.
Squinting against the salt spray, Shi Nianqing could sense the shore drawing nearer.
But the bull shark was closing in at an even greater pace.
She could only give it everything she had.
She pumped her arms, pushing herself to the limit.
Behind her, the massive tail fin slapped the water, the sound ringing in her ears.
It was here!
Ten meters!
Five meters!
Three meters—
The difference between human and marine beast was stark in that final stretch.
Shi Nianqing’s strength began to fail; her speed slowed.
The gap was small, but at that moment, it was enough to seal her fate.
A hundred meters still lay between her and the shore—how could she possibly escape?
Through the livestream, the audience saw the bull shark’s eyes break the surface, brimming with a strange, triumphant glint.
[It’s over. Shi Nianqing won’t survive.]
[She really should’ve just quit earlier. Now she dies in the opening round—so unlucky.]
[If only the raft had lasted a bit longer. She might have made it.]
[As a survival enthusiast, her string of decisions was brilliant—such a pity...]
Just as everyone was lamenting her fate, Shi Nianqing suddenly unleashed a surge of unprecedented strength.