Tidal Engagement - Chapter 13

I finally agreed.

Soft-heartedness was only a small part.

The bigger reason was that the risks were controllable.

The risk assessment from the institute was clear: the Blood Sample Calibration would not bind my lifespan, nor affect my dreams.

I signed three informed consent forms.

Pei Tinglan signed seven.

One of them was an extra one I drafted.

The Full Tide Behavior Restriction Agreement.

Article one: Without Lin Wu’s consent, do not enter her living space.

Article two: Do not restrict Lin Wu’s actions under the pretext of protection, worry, or instinct.

Article three: If hunting impulses arise, voluntarily report it and enter the Isolation Pool.

Pei Tinglan finished reading and was silent for a long time.

“Can we change one word in article three?”

“Which word?”

“Hunting.”

“You think it’s not accurate?”

He glanced at me.

“Too accurate.”

I couldn’t help but laugh.

He also smiled.

The day we signed was the eve of High Tide.

When the institute installed the Stabilizer on him, he was in so much pain that his back was covered in cold sweat, yet he didn’t make a sound.

I stood outside the isolation glass and saw the silver scales repeatedly appear and recede on the back of his hand.

My supervisor asked if I wanted to wait outside.

I shook my head.

“No need.”

Pei Tinglan lifted his eyes and looked over.

Through the glass, he looked cold and beautiful, like a caged tsunami.

I mouthed, “Bear it.”

He stared at me for a few seconds, then suddenly smiled.

The junior apprentice beside me whispered, “Isn’t your interaction a bit unhealthy?”

I said, “I know.”

She asked again, “Then why are you smiling?”

I looked at Pei Tinglan through the glass.

“Because this time, he really held it in.”

Three months after the Stabilizer’s success, the Pei Family Old Code Case officially went to court.

The families of the previous six Old Anchors all came.

The Old Steward also came.

His hair had turned much whiter; upon seeing Pei Tinglan, he bowed deeply.

Pei Tinglan did not dodge.

Nor did he help him up.

Between them lay a human life, something a simple “I forgive you” could not bridge.

I sat in the witness stand and recounted the sinking at Nangang, the Pei Family marriage alliance, and the events of Full Tide Night.

The judge asked, “Miss Lin, do you believe that Mr. Pei Tinglan participated in illegally controlling you?”

The courtroom fell silent.

Pei Tinglan sat in the respondent’s seat, his expression calm.

He did not look at me.

I knew he was handing the choice back to me.

This time, for real.

I said, “Yes.”

Pei Tinglan’s fingers moved slightly.

I continued, “He concealed the truth about the Anchor, restricted my freedom to leave the island, and once tried to incorporate me into his plans.”

The judge noted it down.

I added, “But he also preserved evidence, prevented me from wearing the Old Ring, and during an uncontrolled High Tide state, he obeyed my command and did not cause further harm.”

Pei Tinglan finally raised his eyes.

I did not look at him.

“Therefore, I believe he bears responsibility, but also took remedial actions. The responsibility is for the law to judge; whether the remediation was effective is for me to judge.”

After the trial, Pei Tinglan waited for me in the corridor.

He asked, “What is your judgment?”

I said, “The observation period is extended.”

“For how long?”

“Depends on your behavior.”

He lowered his head and smiled.

“Miss Lin, you are hard to pursue.”

“You don’t have to pursue.”

“I can’t.”

I raised an eyebrow.

He immediately added, “Not to restrict you, just stating my choice.”

I nodded.

“That’s progress.”

Pei Tinglan looked at me, a faint glimmer of silver in his eyes.

“Does that count as a reward?”

I turned and walked away.

“No.”

He followed, keeping a half-step behind.

“Then I’ll keep working hard.”