Chapter 131: Liu Yi’s Ambiguous Intentions

I glared at Dadi and told him to stop talking nonsense, saying that a woman like Liu Yi would never look twice at guys like us.

Dadi just chuckled and insisted, "Dao, Brother Di says you’re having a run of good luck with the ladies, and you definitely are. If you don't believe me, just wait and see!"

After that, Dadi and I sat side-by-side on the edge of the rooftop, feeling the breeze. It was already May, and the weather had started to turn warm; in fact, catching a night breeze in the evening was quite enjoyable.

"Boss Di," I asked, "how much of the Taoist arts from the Maoshan Secret Records have you mastered?"

Dadi replied that he hadn't learned much, just the technique for conjuring fire. As for the Palm Thunder talisman technique, he could only draw half of it; no matter how hard he tried for days, he couldn't make any progress on the rest. He sighed, remarking that these Taoist arts were truly difficult to practice.

"What, are you thinking of giving up?" I turned my head, looking at his complex and tangled expression, and smiled.

Dadi hurriedly shook his head, saying, "Dao, you know my personality best. Once your brother Di has made up his mind, ten horses couldn't drag me back."

I nodded with satisfaction and said, "Actually, you're doing quite well. It's only been a few days, and you've already mastered the art of conjuring fire from thin air. You should know that many people with less natural talent might not even master this technique in a year, or even a decade."

"As for the Palm Thunder, it’s even more complex and profound. You’ve only been at it for a few days and you can already draw half of it. I think in another month or two, you’ll be able to master it. Many people spend their whole lives without ever learning that talisman technique."

What I said was not flattery; it was the honest truth. Taoist arts aren't necessarily hard, but they certainly aren't simple. Learning this stuff is like studying; effort plays a part, but talent is even more important. Some people with mediocre talent might spend ten years on a skill that a genius could pick up in a month or two. That’s why the major Taoist sects always invest so much effort into cultivating geniuses.

Dadi looked pleased as punch from my praise and then asked, "Dao, how long did it take you to learn the fire-conjuring art back then? How long for the Palm Thunder? Was it longer than it took your big brother here?"

I chuckled. I hadn't originally intended to show off, but seeing Dadi so enthusiastic, I replied, "I didn't even need to learn the fire-conjuring art—I could just do it. As for the Palm Thunder, I only had to look at it once to master it!"

Having said that, I stood up with a feigned air of profundity and headed toward the rooftop entrance. I didn't look back at Dadi’s expression, but I was certain his mouth must have been wide enough to fit a duck egg.

Just as I reached the entrance, Dadi’s voice came from behind me, "Dao, when are you going to introduce me to the Paranormal Investigation Team?"

I pondered for a moment and said, "Wait a little longer. Peng Li hasn't brought in any real experts from the Yin-Yang world to teach them yet. Let’s wait until that happens."

Dadi nodded, asked nothing more, and followed me back to the dormitory.

***

After we returned, we went out to eat with Liu Dong and the others. Since they already knew the secret of my Taoist abilities, I didn't intend to keep hiding it from them. I explained a few things and told them not to spread it around, while also warning them seriously that the incident at the old experimental building was a one-time thing. If there were a next time, I, Wu Dao, wouldn't hold back.

Liu Dong and his friends nodded like chicks pecking at grain. After the experience at the experimental building, they realized the danger of such things. Even without my warning, they wouldn't have dared to have a second time.

After the meal, I called Bai Ruoshuang to ask how she was doing. Her voice on the other end sounded listless, "Mu Yu, what should I do? I feel like throwing up every time I look at food."

I laughed and said, "See if you dare to eat randomly again." I asked where she was and if she wanted me to treat her to hot pot.

At the mention of food, she cursed at me to go to hell, followed by a long silence, and then I heard the sound of a toilet flushing. I hung up the phone with a smile, thinking this girl would definitely learn her lesson.

Shortly after I hung up, my phone rang again. I froze for two seconds when I saw the caller ID. Seeing me stunned, Dadi and the others crowded over. When they realized the caller was Liu Yi, they started jeering, "Dao, what did I tell you? You're having a run of good luck with the ladies! Look, you just hung up on one, and here comes another!"

I frowned. I didn't immediately answer, noticing Jiang Chao to the side. However, Jiang Chao was much more indifferent than I expected. He patted my shoulder and laughed, "Brother, what are you doing? Who doesn't have a few dream lovers in their youth? But a lover is just a lover. I know my own place, and besides, now I only have my Juanjuan in my eyes!"

Well, looking at his lecherous expression, I really wanted to kick him. He clearly wasn't as single-minded as Dadi, who still hadn't moved on from his past trauma. Of course, I didn't care entirely about Jiang Chao’s feelings; even if he didn't mind, it felt weird to me. I had no idea why Liu Yi was calling me again.

In the end, Dadi forcibly pressed the answer button for me. Liu Yi’s voice came through, "Hello, Wu Dao, is that you?"

"Yes, what is it, Liu Yi?"

"Where are you? Have you eaten? Can I treat you to a meal?"

"Oh, I've already eaten."

"Then, let’s go see a movie. I’ve already booked two tickets."

I originally wanted to say I didn't like movies, but she didn't give me a chance to answer. She quickly said she would wait for me at the school gate and hung up.

Internally, I didn't want to get involved with a girl like Liu Yi. Part of it was because of Bai Ruoshuang—even though we didn't have a formal relationship, I couldn't imagine making room for another woman. Plus, Liu Yi and I weren't on the same wavelength, and I didn't want any drama. But perhaps I was overthinking it; she never said she liked me.

Seeing me hesitating, Dadi got annoyed. After a barrage of threats to beat me up if I didn't go, I finally caved and went to the school gate.

When I arrived, I saw Liu Yi waiting in a red BMW X1. Seeing me, she gave me an ambiguous smile and said, "Brother, over here, get in."

I took a deep breath, thinking it wasn't really Liu Yi’s fault for being materialistic; her family was wealthy, and it wasn't strange for her to associate with high-society types.

Once inside, I was hit by an intoxicating fragrance. Liu Yi was dressed quite sexily today—silk stockings and small heels, a low-cut top, and a thin black shrug. She already had a great figure, and this outfit made it hard not to let one's mind wander.

Seeing me stunned, she smiled ambiguously, "Brother, what are you thinking about? Are you bewitched by me?"

I realized I had lost my composure and coughed, saying, "Nothing," before adding a compliment about how beautiful she looked.

"Really?" She seemed very happy, stepped on the gas, and drove away.

She had said she wanted to take me to a movie, but instead, she drove to the parking lot of a hotel.

I realized something was wrong. "Liu Yi, didn't you say we were going to the movies? Why are you driving here?"

She turned to look at me, gave a charming smile, leaned into my ear, and whispered, "Wu Dao, didn't you say I looked beautiful tonight? So, do you want me tonight?"