I really don't have money for the ship girls.

"I'm not saying anything more, you can guess for yourselves."

Nobody paid much attention. Some people made a few guesses and then stopped discussing it. After all, most people were really tired from the transfers and the ordeal these past few days and wanted to rest as soon as possible.

It wasn't until afterwards that everyone belatedly realized that this matter was truly not simple, and that it would soon spread into a major storm sweeping across the two world naval bases.

Chapter Twenty-Seven: Of the myriad waters in the world, one must drink only a ladleful.

The streets are clean and tidy, and the crowds are bustling. Even when cars speed by, they don't kick up dust. Even though the crowds are thronging, there's no need to worry about armed robbery. The sun is scorching, but the temperature is still slightly lower than in Africa. Moreover, the shops on both sides have air conditioning, and the cool air wafts out from the doors, bringing a moment of coolness to passersby.

Seeing such a familiar and reassuring scene, Ying Tian couldn't help but sigh again, "Our motherland is still the best. We are both developing countries, but China is crushing Africa. Unless you have a filter, Britain is just so-so."

After eating and sleeping well, Ying Tian had basically recovered his energy. Since there was nothing to worry about in China, he asked Belfast to go out with him as evening approached. There was something Ying Tian thought only Belfast could help him with.

Aren't you curious? What is it that they need your help with?

Belfast naturally didn't go out dressed as a maid. She tied her long hair into a high ponytail, wore a yellow ruffled dress, revealing a section of her calves covered in white stockings, and stood gracefully and elegantly next to Yingtian, frequently attracting the attention of passersby.

“Of course I’m curious, but it doesn’t matter. I will fulfill all of Master’s requests,” Belfast said softly. “Besides, Master will tell me sooner or later, won’t he?”

"Well, I should have told you a long time ago, but I was a little embarrassed to ask." Seeing Belfast's pretty face, Ying Tian paused for a moment, then said truthfully, "Because you are my head maid, I knew you wouldn't refuse my request, so I blatantly asked you to come out and help. It was really quite wicked..."

Belfast extended her slender finger and sealed Yingtian's lips with hers. She shook her head and said, "The master's trust is the greatest honor for a maid. Please leave it to me. I am your head maid."

"Yes, my head maid."

"You'll always be your master's head maid, so just tell me what you need to do?"

Ying Tian took a breath and then said frankly, "I want to buy a ring, but I have absolutely no experience and I'm afraid of being tricked by salespeople, so I hope you can give me some advice."

"Is it for Wales?"

"Yes, it's for Wales."

Belfast had already guessed it, but she didn't expect that even with her carefree attitude, she would feel a moment of sadness and jealousy. Although she quickly adjusted her mindset, Ying Tian still noticed her momentary lapse in concentration.

"Feel sorry."

"Yes, I accept your apology." Belfast walked beside Yingtian and pulled her to a shady spot away from the sun. "Not as the head maid, but just as a ship girl who likes the commander, you know how outrageous this is for a woman, right?"

"know."

Ying Tian awkwardly touched his nose. Of course he knew how outrageous this was. Back in the orphanage, the director took him out to buy New Year's gifts. He was happy and excited, offering suggestions and helping to carry the goods. But in the end, the director told him that the New Year's gifts were for orphans who hadn't gone to high school, and since he was already in his second year of high school, he wouldn't get any. Even though Ying Tian was in a pretty good mood back then, he still hid under the covers and sulked for a whole day. In the end, the director realized that they had bought too many gifts and decided to give one to everyone, which turned his anger into joy. And that was just a few pens and notebooks.

"Now that you know, what does the master intend to do?"

"I……"

Ying Tian paced back and forth, people constantly passing by them. The air conditioner unit next to them was emitting scorching heat. Various voices, songs, and shouts of discounts mingled together. It was just an ordinary bustling commercial street, just like life, always flowing by. There was nothing to hesitate about; one should just follow one's heart.

"I've only recently discovered a kind of fun in enjoying your troubled expression. It's a bit of a whim of mine, so please forgive me."

Just as Ying Tian was about to speak, Belfast extended her arm first, smiling as she said, "However, as a woman, I always want some compensation in this situation, and you can't refuse."

"I'm more afraid of your rejection." Ying Tian hugged Belfast's arm, their smooth skin touching, and his body trembled slightly. "Actually, it's not difficult. How can something that doesn't go against your conscience be difficult?"

"I know."

Belfast intertwined her arms with Yingtian's, leaning gently against the man. The supple, soft touch was like her soft yet proud heart. Because of her softness, she was accommodating; because of her pride, she was unwilling to exert any coercion. She deliberately changed the subject, saying, "Has Master considered what everyone in the garrison will think after giving the ring to Wales?"

"I've thought about it a bit."

"The naval base has two marriage ships, and I think you can also sense that many people admire you. Some have shown it, and some haven't, but that doesn't mean they don't. Have you considered how everyone will react and what kind of impact it might have?"

“I’ve thought about it. My previous two brides, Glorious already knows my feelings, and I’ve only chatted with Yi Xian a few times on the phone. There are many others, not to mention those I’ve never met in person, but those I’ve met and can feel my feelings for include St. Louis, Shoukaku, Roon, Reno, Victory, Dido, Taihou, Akagi, Richelieu, Dreadnought… and you, my head maid,” Ying Tian said. “But in the end, I realized that I don’t need to consider any of these things, because thinking about them won’t make any difference. There’s only one person I need to consider, and that’s Wales. Now, I only need to consider her feelings.”

Ying Tian smiled and continued, "If it weren't for Da Feng's situation, I would have done this when I returned from England. I already felt bad for her, and I couldn't delay any longer."

Belfast looked up slightly, glancing at the smile on Ying Tian's face, and said softly, "That's wonderful..."

"what?"

"It's nothing, I'm just a little envious. Please let me lean on you for a moment." Belfast gently leaned her head on Yingtian's shoulder and said, "Master, do you know that people call me the perfect and elegant head maid? I don't really agree with that. I'm just doing my job. If others do their jobs well, they can be just as perfect and elegant."

"So, I never think I'd be jealous of anyone else, because all I need is to be able to look at you, Master. As long as I can do things for you, nothing else matters."

"I never imagined that I would feel jealous one day."

Belfast couldn't help but reach out and stroke Yingtian's cheek, murmuring, "Please forgive your head maid's willfulness, because you have made my love for you transcend my own pursuit. Master is really going too far."

Ying Tian grasped Belfast's slender hand that was touching his cheek, and looking into her affectionate eyes, he couldn't help but think, "Where did I break the rules? It was clearly you who broke the rules!"

Chapter Twenty-Eight: Your Ring? No, it's Your Ring

"Aren't we going to a jewelry store?"

"No rush. It's not easy to come back to China and get out of here. Let's look around first and go back before dinner."

After being confessed to so passionately, Ying Tian felt that he would feel guilty if he took Belfast to a jewelry store and asked her to help the person he had just confessed to choose a ring for another outstanding woman.

That's what they say, but Ying Tian had absolutely no experience with what to do while shopping. When he was with the Prince of Wales before, they would just stroll around and take her to explore the city's streets and alleys. Moreover, they were short of money back then and would blindly avoid any shopping options. Now, however, he didn't have such concerns. Before leaving the house, Ying Tian took several banknotes from next to the shoe cabinet. He couldn't help it; the red hundred-yuan bills were just too tempting, and his hand reached out involuntarily.

"Should we buy a cup of milk tea?"

"Would you like some, Master?"

"Generally speaking, it mainly depends on whether you want to drink it or not."

“Then don’t.” Belfast put her arm around Ying Tian’s arm, her embrace warm and inviting. “If you want to drink it, I’ll make it for you when we get back. These sold ones aren’t good for your health. Of course, you can buy them if you want to drink them.”

"That's it."

He wandered aimlessly through the mall, glancing at the shops passing by. Ying Tian's desire to deliberately find a shop or watch a movie gradually faded. He knew that just walking around like this was enough. Even just strolling around Belfast would never get boring.

Belfast gently scratched Yingtian's hand and said with a smile, "As expected, Master, you rarely go shopping."

"I should say I've never gone shopping," Ying Tian said truthfully. "When you go shopping, you have to buy something, right? But I don't buy anything, so naturally I don't go shopping."

"You can go shopping even if you don't buy anything."

"Huh? Why go shopping if you're not going to buy anything?"

“My sister Edinburgh often goes shopping with me in Joshropshire, and we spend the whole afternoon shopping without buying anything,” Belfast said, leaning forward. “For many women, it’s not about buying; the process of choosing things is enjoyable enough.”

"Incomprehensible..."

"No need to understand, just remember it, Master, you'll definitely need it in the future."

It's as if you'll be accompanying a lot of people shopping in the future... Well, given the current situation, that might actually be true.

Ying Tian thought for a moment, then said with a smile, "It seems you must go shopping often, Belfast."

“Yes, even though I really like maid outfits, I still need to prepare other clothes,” Belfast said, blinking. “Would you like to see some?”

Not knowing what to do, Ying Tian readily said, "I want to."

There was a brand-name clothing store next door, and the two went in. When the sales assistant saw that Belfast was such a beautiful woman, she immediately came up to her enthusiastically and recommended various new styles.

Ying Tian pointed to a coffee-colored long dress that resembled a cheongsam and said, "How about that dress?"

The sales clerk immediately said, "You have excellent taste! This is the latest style of the season. Your girlfriend will look beautiful in it."

The waiter's compliment didn't excite Belfast. She glanced at it and immediately concluded, "Too small, I can't wear it."

The shop assistant persisted, saying, "Could you tell me your measurements? I have sizes several sizes larger than yours."

Bust, waist, and hip measurements are a woman's closely guarded secret, but Belfast, being a generous head maid, gave her a number—her bust measurement. The short female shop assistant looked at Belfast and immediately gave up.

There were other suitable styles, though. Belfast walked out of the dressing room in a white dress and a brown beret. She was already a stunning beauty with a great figure, and this outfit made her look sophisticated and elegant, attracting almost everyone's attention in the store.

"Master, how do I look in this outfit?"

Ying Tian immediately sensed the strange gazes directed at him from around him, since such a form of address was either flirtatious or carried a deeper meaning.

“You’re beautiful, not the clothes, but you,” Ying Tian said. “Also, please be mindful of the occasion when you address me.”

"Is something wrong, Master?"

The two exchanged glances, Belfast smiled charmingly, and in the end, Ying Tian was defeated, feeling guilty and naturally in the wrong.

Finally, having bought nothing, he quickly changed out of his clothes and left the store, drawing envious and jealous glances from the men. Although Ying Tian was secretly pleased, he was also embarrassed.

The two then browsed several more shops together. Belfast may or may not have enjoyed the shopping experience, but Yingtian certainly had a feast for the eyes. Clothes make the man, and every garment looked unique on Belfast's curvaceous figure.

It wasn't the selection process itself, but seeing Ying Tian's amazed expression—that was the kind of fun Belfast wanted.

Instead of buying clothes, the two naturally walked into a jewelry store.

The shop assistant was a master at tailoring the menu to each person. With Belfast's stunning beauty, she naturally led the two to the most expensive counter. Looking at the large diamonds and the numerous zeros on the labels, Ying Tian awkwardly explained that his budget was limited, and then they went to the regular counter.

Belfast asked, somewhat puzzled, "You shouldn't be short of money right now, should you?"

"Yes, I transferred a lot of money to my bank account before to register the company and for other things," Ying Tian said while picking through the items. "But I still want to use the money I earned from my previous job to buy them."

Belfast's heart clenched, she bit her cherry-red lips, then said with a sigh of relief, "Now I have another reason to be jealous of Wales."

"It's a pity I can't afford a big diamond ring."

“It doesn’t matter. Diamonds are irrelevant to us. What matters is the vow. With your heartfelt intentions, it’s the most important vow.”

The shop assistant, who had initially been somewhat dismissive, was suddenly struck by the implications of their conversation. Good heavens, they were with such a beautiful woman, yet they were buying a ring for someone else? Impressive.

Ying Tian pointed to one of the rings and said, "How about this one? The diamond is a bit small, but the pattern is harmonious and has an elegant feel."

"You can give it a try."

Ying Tian asked the shop assistant to take the ring out from the counter. He slowly slipped the platinum ring onto Belfast's slender white finger, watching the restrained yet complex smile on her flawless face. The simple yet elegant engraving on the ring shimmered beautifully under the shop's lights, perfectly complementing Belfast's dashing and elegant demeanor.

“It’s beautiful,” Ying Tian said sincerely.

“Yes, it’s beautiful.” Belfast seemed relieved, and she winked playfully. “Now I’m not envious of Wales anymore.”

"why?"

"Because she can only wear the rings I've worn...hehehe, just kidding."

Looking into Belfast's blue eyes, Ying Tian held her hand and said, "No, Wales will not wear a ring you've worn."

Belfast tilted her head and asked directly, "What does this mean?"

"That's what I mean. This ring is for you. I'll buy another one from Wales." Ying Tian knew his face must be burning red. "I know this is a bit rushed and informal. Even if you don't accept it, I understand. If you take it off, I'll..."

Ying Tian stopped halfway through his sentence. He wasn't that stupid; he knew there was no need to say those things at all.

"Foolish master."

Belfast said softly, then raised her beautiful face: "How could I possibly want to take it off?"

Chapter Twenty-Nine: Please Let Me Not Breathe

It may seem like a decision made on a whim, but it wasn't a whim at all.

Sooner or later, this kind of thing was destined to happen. Even the most hard-hearted person could be warmed by Belfast, not to mention Ying Tian, ​​who had gone from being wary to opening his heart. He had gone from being a loner to being completely used to having everyone around him.

The ring for Wales has also been purchased. The platinum band has a light red embossed design, which perfectly matches Yingtian's initial impression of Wales: besides the radiant blonde hair, there's a touch of red in the clothes. Belfast also thinks it's very suitable.

Of course, the cost was that Yingtian's savings were completely depleted. All the money he earned from making milk tea, screwing screws, working as a cashier, and queuing as a shill was spent with just a simple scan of a QR code.

Does it hurt your heart?

not at all.

After making the payment, Ying Tian paused for a moment, feeling as if from this moment on he could say that he had completely said goodbye to the past.

"What's wrong?" Belfast asked softly.

"It's nothing. It's the first time I've bought something so expensive by myself. I feel so proud of myself."

Belfast chuckled and said, "Your skill is clearly demonstrated in another aspect."

Ying Tian agreed, saying that if they weren't powerful, why would so many eyes be watching them leave the store? Although such treatment was basically all thanks to Belfast.

Summer nights come exceptionally late. It was already six o'clock in the evening, but the sun outside the mall was still blazing. Even though it was about to set, the heat in the air was still oppressive.

The two naturally walked on the road home. After leaving the main road, under the shade of the privet trees, there were fewer and fewer passersby. Only a few elderly people with fans slowly passed by.

Ying Tian saw the gate of the residential area and asked inquiringly, "Are we just going home like this?"

"If we don't go home... isn't Master hungry yet?" Belfast smiled. Sometimes playing dumb is an important skill, and of course, she had to give her man face.

“My head maid clearly knows everything.” Ying Tian glanced at Belfast’s beautiful profile and said, “She just gave you a ring like this, and did nothing else… I’m sorry, I can only make it up to you later.”

“Master didn’t do nothing.” Belfast raised her left hand, the beautiful diamonds on her ring finger sparkling brilliantly in the sunset. “Master’s first ring was originally meant for Wales, but I beat him to it. That’s the greatest affirmation for me.”

"What's the big deal?"

“No, this is very important,” Belfast said. “Some people don’t care, but some people care a lot. Because quite a few people care, everyone actually cares. Master, are you ready?”

It's a bit convoluted, but Ying Tian understands what Belfast means. The naval base is a small society, and this small society doesn't need identity politics to have a natural sense of belonging. Where there are people, there is a world of its own. The naval base isn't just a world of its own; it's practically a world war. You can see that from the recent events.