Chapter 33: This Place Will Be Popular Soon

Escaping from Di Yutong’s room, Liang Jiyong leaned against the door, gasping for air. It was simply too tormenting.

In the end, he was still a good man!

But was he really? What was the difference between what Di Yutong had just done and that other thing? Liang Jiyong couldn't help but slap himself, unsure if he was frustrated with his own self-deception or his feigned righteousness. He had clearly enjoyed it immensely, yet he still felt like he had been forced into it!

After taking a few deep breaths, he took out his key and opened his door. He closed it, intending to lie down on the bed to calm himself before calling Wanqing. However, his gaze suddenly collided with a woman sitting on his bed.

Such beautiful eyes, blue as the sky. She was currently applying lotion to her long, slender legs. She wasn't wearing a stitch of clothing...

Although he had seen Jiang Lan in a swimsuit at the hot springs earlier, this was completely different. A cute animal flickered through his mind!

"You..."
"I..."

Liang Jiyong spun around abruptly, preparing to open the door and leave, when he suddenly realized something was wrong—this was his room! Behind him came the sound of rustling.

"Are you not going out yet!" Jiang Lan’s voice came.
"Where do you want me to go, big sister? This is my room!"
"I, you... how did you come back? Aren't you, aren't you..."

Jiang Lan wrapped herself in a bath towel and exhaled, gradually calming down. "Alright, you can turn around now!"

Liang Jiyong sat on the sofa opposite the bed. "Why are you here?" he asked in surprise.
"Then where should I be?" Jiang Lan countered.
Liang Jiyong smiled and said nothing.
"You don't think I’m chasing after Chen Puer, do you?"
"I don't know. It looks like it, but then again, it doesn't!" Liang Jiyong was genuinely confused.
"What do you mean by 'it looks like it, but it doesn't'?"
"Originally, your behavior made it seem like you were, but your appearance in my room makes it look like you're chasing me!"
"Go to hell, don't play innocent after getting the upper hand!" Jiang Lan’s face flushed. "I’m talking business with him!"
"What?" Liang Jiyong was somewhat surprised.
"My father’s garment factory does foreign trade. Business was great a few years ago; everything we made sold out. But this year, it’s become increasingly difficult. Several orders were canceled, but now, the raw materials have been bought, and without orders, we dare not produce anything. If we don’t, those materials will just go to waste. Hundreds of workers are waiting for their livelihoods. If we don't get orders soon, my father will probably go bankrupt."
"Oh, so you want to get some orders from Chen Puer!"
"Yes, my father worked with the Chen family before. I’ve met Chen Puer, so I was surprised to see him at the welcome dance. That’s why I wanted to discuss it with him."
"Oh, did he agree?" Liang Jiyong asked.
"This guy looks gentle, but he’s actually not easy to talk to. His father handed the decision-making power to him, and he wants to go to my father’s factory to see the situation first. He’ll arrive at my place tomorrow afternoon!"
"Are you planning to use a beauty trap? Puer is quite good—his family background is great, and he’s reliable!"
"He’s not a good fit. Deep down, he’s a very traditional man who likes women who follow the 'three obediences and four virtues' and focus on managing the household. I also don’t like men who are too calculating."
"I get it. Puer likes a simple, foolish woman, and you like a simple, foolish man. You two are both too smart; if you were together, you'd spend every day trying to figure out what the other was thinking. The mental exhaustion would be too great!"
"You smart men are the most annoying. Why did you come back anyway? Don't tell me nothing is going on with you and Yutong!"
"What could be going on? We’re just good friends, friends who grew up together!" Liang Jiyong said it naturally, but he felt guilty inside.
"Hypocrite. The way you two look at each other isn't pure at all. Or rather, are you playing both sides?"

Liang Jiyong shook his head, sighed, and said helplessly, "The three of us grew up together. They played with me, and I fought for them. Back then, I was stupid and innocent. I liked Wanqing and saw no one else. She didn't like a hotheaded youth; she liked a calm, mature man. Perhaps that’s why I started to change, becoming the person she liked. But when I grew up and Wanqing accepted me, I realized that Yutong had always loved me, and the way she treated me had been ignored by me, just like how I used to treat Wanqing! You seem like a smart woman—from a woman’s perspective, what should I do so I don’t hurt Yutong?"
"Isn't this the typical case of 'eating from the bowl while eyeing what’s in the pot'? Don't make excuses; that’s exactly what it is!"
"I don't know. Maybe there’s some of that. When I went to your school that day, I happened to run into someone confessing to Yutong. I was quite depressed and anxious at the time."
"And then?" Jiang Lan was curious. Yun University was huge, so she didn't know about this.
"That bastard had two of his teeth knocked out by me!"
"Alright, I think you can try playing both sides. After all, there are plenty of men like that now; one more won't make a difference!"
"Impossible. Wanqing is a very sensitive person. If I did that, she would never forgive me!"
"Then between Wanqing and Yutong, you can only pick one. Who do you choose?"
"Wanqing. I’ve already made my choice, but neither Wanqing nor I want to see Yutong hurt!"
"You three are truly pretentious!" Jiang Lan shook her head helplessly.
"Maybe. We are the best of friends. If only we hadn't grown up!"
"Then don't grow up. Pretend you’re all still children. Since all three of you are willing to play the fool, as long as no one pierces this paper window, being happy fools is fine too."
"Happy fools..." Liang Jiyong shook his head helplessly. "Uh, aren't you going back?"
"Back where? My clothes are being washed. You want me to go back in this?"
"I... this is my room!"
"This young lady has requisitioned your bed. I asked just now; there are no rooms left. Or you can go squeeze in with Chen Puer!"
"Don't. I’m not used to sharing a bed with other men. How about we just squeeze together?"
"Just a moment ago you were acting like a lover, and now you’ve exposed your true colors as a lecher!"

"My bed; it’s generous enough that I’m lending you half! My old man reached the 38th parallel back in the day, and I swear to Chairman Mao, I won’t cross the 38th parallel either!"
"I’ve finally seen what it means to be a rogue while acting completely serious!"
"You really can't say that. Being with a beauty like you, it’s hard not to have wicked thoughts!"
"And just a moment ago you were pretending to be a lover?"
"I never said I was a lover. It’s just that Yutong and I grew up together; we’re too familiar, so I’m embarrassed to make a move!"
"I suddenly remembered something classmate Chen Puer said: a giant in words, a dwarf in action. That must be you!"
"Are you saying I’m all talk and no action? Fine, today I’ll let you see whether I’m a giant or a dwarf!" As soon as Liang Jiyong finished speaking, he jumped onto the bed.

Jiang Lan suddenly jumped off the bed! However, Liang Jiyong only took his bag from the bed, pulled out his big mobile phone, and ducked into the bathroom to call Su Wanqing.

Jiang Lan exhaled and muttered, "Dwarf!" Then, she laughed to herself. At least this guy was still a decent gentleman.

Liang Jiyong talked to Su Wanqing for over ten minutes before hanging up, still feeling lingering attachment. Having called Su Wanqing, his heart felt strangely at peace. *Where the heart is at peace, there is home.* His home, his inner harbor, lay with Wanqing!

Liang Jiyong came out of the bathroom. Jiang Lan was lying on her side on the bed, covered by a thin silk quilt. Liang Jiyong took out a book and started studying!

Jiang Lan couldn't sleep; after all, there was a strange man nearby. Yet, for some reason, she wasn't afraid. Could this guy really be that reliable? Was this teacher just a bit stupid? A foolish man? Could he be the kind of foolish man she liked? Jiang Lan quickly shook her head. This guy wasn't stupid at all.

Jiang Lan felt herself drifting off to sleep. Her brain suddenly reminded her that a strange man was still there. So, with half-closed eyes, she looked over and saw that the man was curled up on the sofa, still reading. She then remembered that this was a mountaintop. Although not very high, it was cold at night in the mountains. It seemed the temperature had dropped today.

"Hey..." Jiang Lan said.
Liang Jiyong looked up.
"Come up! You aren't allowed to cross the 38th parallel; otherwise, you bear the consequences!"

Liang Jiyong got up. He was genuinely cold, and his feet were a bit numb. He walked a few steps, stretched his limbs, and sat on the bed. The feeling of warmth returned.
"You’re really diligent; it’s twelve o'clock," Jiang Lan said, glancing at the wall clock.
"This is what you call a prodigal son turning over a new leaf. If I’d been obedient before, I’d at least be at Peking University by now!"
"Bragging. You think Peking University is that easy to get into?" Jiang Lan said with her eyes half-closed.
"In our family, everyone except me is a top student. My brother is a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from Tsinghua, and my sister studied at Peking University. I didn't even pass the college entrance exam; it’s a disgrace to the family!"

Jiang Lan opened her eyes and looked at Liang Jiyong. "Your family’s genes are pretty good!"
"Your family’s genes are good too. Your eyes are especially beautiful. Are they natural?"
"Yes. But since I was little, no one dared to play with me. Their parents said I was a monster and would eat people!"
"Nonsense!"
"Back then, I really hoped to have friends to play with, but when I walked over, other children would run away, and some would call me a monster or a 'blue-eyed freak'!"
"Haha, I bet those boys really regret it now. If a little boy had played with you back then, you’d probably have given yourself to him!"
"Something like that. Now, I’m really annoyed by the boys around me; they’re all so hypocritical!"
"Hypocrisy is just the hope of leaving a better impression; it’s human nature!"
"What about you? What is your disguise?"
"I don't need one. Only men without confidence use lies to dress themselves up. I think I’m quite handsome, and I can fight and make money!"
"Heh, you’re also thick-skinned!"
"True, that’s one of my strengths!"
"Hehehe, I never expected that one day I’d be lying on a bed chatting with a strange man!"
"And we’re hitting it off quite well, without that impulse to swear an oath of brotherhood because we met too late!"
"Sure, we can say we were born on the same year, month, and day, and will die on the same year, month, and day!"
"I don't think we can pull off that brotherhood oath, because we can't figure out who’s older. How about I take a loss and take the trouble to be your older brother?"
"Dream on. I’m definitely older; I was born at two in the morning!"
"Maybe I was born at 12:01!"
"Pfft, only a ghost would believe you!"
"If you don't believe me, you shouldn't have let me into bed. If something happens, don't blame me!"

Jiang Lan said nothing, but she pressed the quilt down and huddled into her own side.
"Hehehe, sleep now. Good night!"
"Good night!"

...

The next morning, when he opened his eyes, a faint, comfortable fragrance wafted toward him, though he couldn't tell what flower it was. Then, Liang Jiyong was surprised to find himself hugging a woman—a woman whose bath towel had come undone!

Early in the morning, with a "pillar reaching the sky," this turn of events made this trip a bit too... Liang Jiyong’s breathing quickened.

Jiang Lan stirred groggily, then an arm wrapped directly around Liang Jiyong’s neck, and half her body pressed against him. Although she was a bit smaller than Yutong, she was certainly supple!

Liang Jiyong really wanted to go for it right then! But Jiang Lan seemed to realize something was wrong and slowly opened her eyes. She was about to scream, but Liang Jiyong reacted quickly and covered her mouth. Otherwise, if Di Yutong or Chen Puer called out, the two of them would never be able to explain themselves.

After a few seconds, feeling Jiang Lan’s emotions stabilize slightly, Liang Jiyong let go.
"Rogue, lecher, liar..." Jiang Lan raised her fist, intending to hit him. But Liang Jiyong grabbed her wrist. "Beauty, your eyes are beautiful, but your vision isn't very good. Take a look first—did I cross the 38th parallel?"

Jiang Lan suddenly realized that she had been the one to crawl over to Liang Jiyong’s side. *Oh my god!*
"You’ve crossed the 30th parallel. Is this a defection or a surrender?"
"You, you... scoundrel..."

Jiang Lan finished speaking, grabbed her bath towel, and ran to the bathroom! Looking at that perfect back and pert buttocks, Liang Jiyong thought to himself that if he went in from behind, it would definitely feel great... *How evil!*

But he had to get up; otherwise, if Di Yutong came over in the morning, it would be a disaster!

Jiang Lan and Liang Jiyong arrived at the restaurant early. The two sat opposite each other, eating in silence. Soon, everyone else got up because they had to leave the mountain by eight o'clock, or they wouldn't reach Jiang Lan’s home by nightfall.

Jiang Lan quickly returned to her normal self. Chen Puer thought Jiang Lan had stayed in a room alone last night, and Di Yutong thought Jiang Lan had been with Chen Puer. In matters like this, no one would ask. Jiang Lan chatted and laughed as usual; Liang Jiyong couldn't help but sigh that women were born to act. But who hadn't won a little gold statue in the theater of life?

...

Entering Red Cloud Ancient Town, Liang Jiyong felt as if he had stepped into a paradise. The antique buildings bore mottled traces of history. Most were well-preserved, though some had been restored or aged, yet everything looked harmonious. Red maple leaves stretched out in the distance, making the ancient town appear as if it were looming within red clouds.

"Wow, Jiang Lan, your home is so beautiful!"
"Yeah, this place is so well-preserved!"
"Is this a tourist spot? There don't seem to be many people!"

Amidst the exclamations, they entered Red Cloud Ancient Town.
"Most of the buildings here are over a hundred years old. A few years ago, during tourism development, some dilapidated ones were restored, making them look tidier than before. But this is the only small attraction nearby, and it’s not worth coming just for this, so there aren't many people. That’s actually quite nice; if there were too many tourists, it would become chaotic and lose its original tranquility," Jiang Lan said, loving the ancient town she lived in.
"The road conditions here are decent; it’s suitable for family inns or agritourism. As the quality of life improves, this place will soon become popular!"
"There are family inns here, but business is bad. Very few people stay here; you can see everything in an hour or two," Jiang Lan shook her head.
"The family inns I’m talking about aren't those small guesthouses, but places that provide tourists with a relaxing experience, just like being at home!"
Zhao Guodong laughed, "Old Liang, I’m afraid that won't work. If people just want to cook and drink tea at home, why would they come here?"
Fang Zhan smiled, "You don't understand. What’s the fun of cooking and drinking tea with your wife at home? Coming here, far from the hustle and bustle, bringing..."
"Bringing what?" Wei Min twisted Fang Zhan’s waist.
"Bringing the wife, kids, and mother-in-law..." Fang Zhan quickly corrected himself!
"Hahahaha!" The group burst into laughter.
"What you’re talking about is the exception. Actually, tourism, to put it plainly, is just going from a place you’re bored of to a place someone else is bored of, spending all the money in your pocket, going back to earn more, and when you have money again, going to another place someone else is bored of..."
"Insightful!" Fang Zhan clapped his hands.
"You’re just a sycophant!" Zhao Guodong laughed.
"Alright, let's go. My home is in the back. This part is for receiving tourists. Actually, the most beautiful place is Red Leaf Valley—that maple forest you see right now. I’ll take you to see it tomorrow; this season is the most beautiful..."

Jiang Lan led the group toward her home. Before they even reached the door, they heard loud, clear mountain songs. It seemed to be some minority folk song; they couldn't understand the words, but the melody was very cheerful!

"Is your family from an ethnic minority?" Liang Jiyong asked.
Jiang Lan said, "Here, four or five ethnic minorities and Han Chinese live together. Now, it’s not very distinct anymore. On the household registration, we’re Han, but we definitely have some minority ancestry. I suspect my eyes are an atavistic phenomenon!"
"Luckily, your atavism went to your eyes. If it were hair, wouldn't you have become a monkey?" Zhao Guodong said without a filter.
Sun Xiaoyue hit him, telling him to talk nonsense. But Jiang Lan’s face turned red, and she unconsciously glanced at Liang Jiyong from the corner of her eye.

And Liang Jiyong seemed to look at her too, because last night, he had discovered Jiang Lan’s little secret—the issue of hair. It wasn't that she was hairy like a monkey, but the opposite: she was completely bare, a little white tiger!

In front of a majestic-looking courtyard stood eight young girls holding black pottery wine jars. They all looked to be seventeen or eighteen, certainly not over twenty. They were wearing beautiful ethnic costumes and silver ornaments. Two of them were particularly beautiful, likely not much worse than Jiang Lan.

"Puer, why do I feel like this setup isn't right? That pottery jar doesn't contain wine, does it?"