Chapter 10: As Long as You're Not Afraid of Exploding, I'll Let You Flirt
Many people got off the bus, about five of them. Apart from three who seemed to be locals, there were also two stylish girls in their twenties, dragging their suitcases. They appeared excited and were chatting animatedly. Their conversation hinted that they might also be students who had come here for volunteer teaching.
However, from time to time, they would steal glances at me and giggle. What did that mean? Being handsome is such a trouble; it attracts too much attention from the opposite sex.
There was a minivan by the roadside, and as soon as people got off the bus, the driver hurried over to pick up passengers. However, the three locals chose not to take the car and left directly.
The two young girls and the driver began to negotiate, seemingly discussing the fare.
I was originally planning to leave when one of the girls suddenly approached me and asked, "Hey, where are you headed?"
I looked at the girl in confusion.
The two girls, one with long hair and a melon-seed face, the other with short hair and a doll-like face, both had good figures. Although their looks were only above average, they exuded a youthful charm that was quite enchanting.
The girl with short hair was the one who asked, and she looked at me expectantly.
I smiled and replied, "I heard about the stories of the old teachers here and learned about the poverty in this area, so I came to take a look and do whatever I can to help."
"Really? That's great! We're also going to the school where the old teacher is and plan to teach there. Hey, if you don't mind, can we go together?" The short-haired girl said excitedly.
What a coincidence, I thought. I glanced at the girl and then at the middle-aged driver with a dark complexion who was trying to pick up passengers. I nodded and said, "Sure, let's go together."
With me joining them, the girls didn't bargain for the fare anymore, and the three of us got into the car together.
After getting in the car, the short-haired girl asked, "Hey, what's your name?"
I replied, "My last name is Zhang, and my given name is Kai. You can call me Kai."
"Zhang Kai, that's a nice name. Then we'll call you Kai-ge. I'm Yun Xiyao, and this is my classmate, Liu Xiaoyue." The short-haired girl, Yun Xiyao, was very familiar.
I nodded to acknowledge Liu Xiaoyue.
"Kai-ge, you don't look very old. Which school are you attending?" Yun Xiyao looked at me with an intense gaze, continuing her questioning.
I twitched the corner of my mouth. If inviting me to join them was because they were afraid of encountering a dishonest driver, now they seemed to be prying into my background. Could it be that this girl has developed feelings for me?
Sigh, I'm naturally good-looking, and after practicing martial arts, my body has been in better shape. My charm underestimated by myself, I bet even a female ghost would want to flirt with me.
But right now, I had no interest in romantic matters. If I hadn't achieved immortality, how could I settle down with a family? Women were obstacles on my path to cultivation.
I looked at the girl and said with a smile, "I haven't attended school."
Huh?
This statement left both girls stunned. How could someone who looked so handsome and refined not be attending school?
I continued, "I'm a Taoist who has been ordained since childhood."
I had originally intended to fabricate this identity to deter the girls, as Taoists had some rules about not getting married. However, when this statement came out, both girls' eyes lit up.
It seemed that I didn't realize that they both had the same thought in their minds: "Heartthrob, Taoist robes, ascetic lifestyle!"
This made me even more intriguing!
"Kai-ge, you're actually a Taoist! That's amazing! What do Taoists usually do? Is it like monks who recite scriptures and eat vegetarian food? Can you do martial arts? I've seen Taoists practicing martial arts on Douyin." Yun Xiyao asked excitedly.
I was speechless. In this day and age, were they even interested in Taoists? I underestimated the power of my good looks. How could I hide it?
"We do a bit of everything. However, we don't eat vegetarian food. Everything in the world follows a natural cycle, and as long as we don't cause unnecessary harm, it's fine," I casually explained.
"Wow, that sounds profound. You really live up to being a Taoist, Kai-ge. What do you usually do?" Yun Xiyao said with admiration.
I chuckled. Profound my foot! This girl is quite straightforward in pursuing me.
"Kai-ge, I saw on Douyin a couple of days ago that there were videos about Ziguang Immortal of Wudang Mountain and the Golden Light soaring into the sky. Is that true? Are there really immortals in this world?" Liu Xiaoyue asked, joining the conversation.
I had originally wanted to deny it, but I thought for a moment and said, "Such matters are not for discussion. It's futile to talk about them. Believe if you will, doubt if you won't. There's no need to dwell on it. But in life, doing good deeds is always beneficial. You're here for volunteer teaching, nurturing the next generation. That's a virtuous act, and there will surely be good karma in your future."
"Hehe, we sneaked here, and people have been gossiping about us behind our backs. But today, after hearing Kai-ge's words, I feel that this trip for volunteer teaching is worthwhile." Yun Xiyao said happily, holding her face in her hands and shamelessly staring at my handsome face.
I glanced sideways. Sneaked here? I wondered why these university students engaged in volunteer teaching didn't have any official support from the local authorities. It seemed to be a personal endeavor. Were they sure the village would accept them?
At this moment, Liu Xiaoyue suddenly whispered, "Kai-ge, something's not right. This isn't the way to the school."
Huh?
This statement caught me off guard, and Yun Xiyao's face turned pale.
"Look, I've been using navigation all along, and this road is taking us in the wrong direction," Liu Xiaoyue said, taking out her phone with Baidu Maps showing the route. However, the minivan was currently deviating from the planned route.
These girls are quite sharp, I thought.
I praised Liu Xiaoyue inwardly and then looked towards the driver in the front seat.
"What's the meaning of taking this longer route, Mr. Driver?" I asked.
"Longer route? Oh, you don't know. The road to Dalishu Village is under construction and has been closed for two months. To get there, we have to take the detour. Don't worry, the fare already includes the cost of the longer route. There won't be any extra charges," the driver explained with a friendly smile.
"But the Baidu Maps show that the road conditions are normal," Liu Xiaoyue said.
"We're in this remote mountain area, and it's a mountain road under construction. Baidu Maps can't always accurately mark everything. Don't worry; I'll make sure to take you to your destination without any extra charges," the driver emphasized.
Liu Xiaoyue was about to say something more, but I stopped her, smiled, and went to sit in the front seat, picking up a red Pi Xiu ornament from the dashboard.
"Mr. Driver, this item is quite nice. Is it made of crystal?" I asked with a smile.
The driver glanced at it and said, "It's just a glass trinket, not worth much."
I extended my hand and squeezed the ornament, and it suddenly shattered into powder, flowing out from between my fingers.
"Indeed, it's made of glass. I thought it was crystal. I'm sorry, Mr. Driver. How much does this cost? I'll compensate you," I said while looking at the driver.
The driver's eyes nearly popped out. What the hell? Even if it's a glass trinket, it shouldn't shatter when squeezed by hand. Is this guy's hand made of iron or something? Is it a hand or a pair of pliers?
Seeing my meaningful expression, the driver felt a chill running down his spine. He cleared his throat and forced an awkward smile. "It's worthless. You don't need to compensate me. Besides, I wanted to get a new one anyway."
"That's embarrassing. We've reached our destination now. The fare is already included. Thank you, Mr. Driver," I said, clapping my hands and closing my eyes to rest, not saying anything more.
The driver didn't dare to say anything either. The sinister thoughts he had harbored earlier had been completely dispelled.
As for the two girls in the back seat, they were in a state of shock.
This abstinent male god is actually a martial arts master! His hand's strength is incredible; they couldn't help but feel uncomfortable in their chests. If he were to squeeze them... it might explode.