Chapter 82: Yao Yao (Please Add to Your Favorites)

“Leave? Why do you want to leave? You’re our guest, and it’s us who have been remiss,” the village chief said, fanning his brow with a palm-leaf fan before breaking into a hearty laugh. “Old Li, Old Zhang, the rest of you, hurry back to the village and let everyone know—we have visitors! This is a big event! Everyone, get moving, prepare some good food so we can host our guest properly. We wouldn’t want anyone to say we’re inhospitable.”

“Elder, no, I just…” Yu Daoyi quickly waved his hands, trying to explain.

“Alright then! It’s been ages since anyone visited our village,” the elders nearby exclaimed, getting to their feet and shuffling back to spread the news.

…A friend from afar—what joy! I know, I know, and then everyone gathers together, bricks in hand, aiming for the target’s head and giving it all they’ve got. If one hit isn’t enough, keep swinging.

Mmp.

“Brother Cheng, you’ll get used to it,” Xiao Qian said with a laugh. “Everyone in our village is enthusiastic and hospitable.”

“On meeting the fisherman, they were greatly surprised, asking where he came from. He answered in detail. Then they insisted he return home with them, set out wine, killed a chicken, and prepared a meal.” Yu Daoyi sighed deeply, a sense of helplessness settling over him. He frowned, muttering to himself, feeling even more uneasy inside.

Right now, it was unwise to act rashly without knowing the full situation. If he offended anyone, his chances of leaving would only decrease.

“Oh, right! Brother Cheng, you can stay at my house tonight. My sister will be so happy to have a guest!” Xiao Qian said, excitement bubbling in his voice.

Eat, eat, eat! Sleep, sleep, sleep! Aren’t you all being a bit too enthusiastic? Yu Daoyi thought sourly.

“Come, let me show you where you’ll be staying tonight. You can meet my sister, too.” Xiao Qian grabbed Yu Daoyi’s hand and started off into the distance, waving at the village chief as they left. “Grandpa Chief, we’ll head back first! Call us when it’s time to eat!”

Yu Daoyi glanced back as he was led away. The village chief stood there grinning in his direction, his smile kind and gentle, making it hard not to feel warmly toward him. Yet Yu Daoyi’s doubts only grew deeper.

As he was pulled past rows of houses, villagers poked their heads out at the news, smiling and greeting Yu Daoyi—some gently, some heartily, others with exuberance. In this tranquil village, Yu Daoyi instantly became the center of attention.

Alongside the houses, peach trees stood in neat rows, their blossoms bursting with color. A soft breeze sent petals swirling through the air, creating a breathtaking scene. Yu Daoyi couldn’t help but think that life here might be beautiful indeed.

Suddenly, a chill ran down his spine. When had he started to have such thoughts?

Damn it! Young man, these thoughts are dangerous! Have you forgotten Miss Qiuling’s stunning beauty? Her long, smooth legs? Her budding charms? Although, those charms are still a bit… immature, perhaps not yet fully in bloom…

Wait! That’s not the point! Yu Daoyi, have you forgotten her righteous, passionate iron fist?

No, no, that’s off track again! Without the iron fist, let’s try again. Have you forgotten Song Cheng’s comfortable lap pillow?

Damn! Why am I thinking of that guy now? What’s wrong with my head? Make a note of this in your little notebook—third tally. When I get out of here, I’ll settle the score with him!

“Brother Cheng, look, this is my home!”

Xiao Qian’s voice jolted Yu Daoyi out of his wandering thoughts. He steadied himself and looked ahead.

It was a simple house, with a thriving peach tree in the courtyard. Petals fluttered down in the breeze—there seemed to be no shortage of peach trees in this place. Beneath the tree sat a long bench, and a few chicks pecked at scattered grains nearby.

“Sis! Sis! I’m back!” Xiao Qian shouted toward the house.

“Alright, I heard you!” came a melodious, pleasant voice from inside.

Yu Daoyi looked up as a young girl, just at the age of budding beauty, stepped out. Her features were exquisite, her hair cascading like a waterfall, eyes as clear as spring water, brows as if painted by an artist, and her delicate oval face radiated a quiet elegance.

Curiously, despite the warm afternoon, she was wrapped head to toe in simple roughspun cloth. Yet the modest attire couldn’t hide her graceful figure, and her ethereal beauty was only enhanced by it.

What am I thinking? Why am I even thinking of that violent girl? How foolish! I’m no masochist. There’s a beauty right here before me. Miss, here I come!

Wait—Yu Daoyi! Have you forgotten Qiuling’s righteous fist? A shiver ran through him. There was something strange about this village! It’s not just my own weakness. No, I can’t let myself get lost here!

“So, this is the guest Grandpa Chief mentioned?” The girl’s voice was sweet and gentle, instantly melting Yu Daoyi’s defenses.

“Ahem, such a beautiful young lady. My name is Song Cheng. May I ask your name?” Yu Daoyi coughed, straightened his posture, and flashed his signature charming smile.

“Yao Yao—that’s what everyone calls me,” she replied with a soft laugh. Bathed in sunlight, her smile dazzled, and a foolish grin spread across his face as he gazed at her.

“Sis, sis, Brother Cheng will stay with us tonight! I found him first, so we should be good hosts,” Xiao Qian insisted.

“If Brother Song doesn’t mind, I can give you my room,” Yao Yao said after a brief pause, smiling warmly.

“Give me your room? There’s no need for all that trouble. I’m so skinny, I won’t take up much space. It’s fine if two people share a room,” Yu Daoyi muttered, still grinning foolishly.

“Exactly! No need to trouble yourself, sis. Brother Cheng can just sleep with me,” Xiao Qian chimed in.

Damn little brother! Why are all the little brothers I know so sly? Do I really need a man as a body pillow?

Men—there are plenty of them if I want!

Ugh, what am I even thinking now?

Suddenly, Yao Yao began to cough softly.

“Sis, are you alright?” Xiao Qian asked worriedly, patting her back gently.

“Is something wrong?” Yu Daoyi asked in concern.

“It’s nothing, just an old ailment. I was born with a weak constitution and am sensitive to the cold,” Yao Yao replied with a faint smile.

Seeing her slightly pale face, Yu Daoyi thought to himself that once he found a way back, he could use his spiritual energy to smooth her meridians. Such minor ailments would be quickly cured with spiritual nourishment—a small way to repay their hospitality.

That evening, a full moon rose high, casting its pale light across the village.

In a clearing, the villagers laid out rows of tables, each heaped with delicious food—chicken, duck, fish, and meat—paired with the village’s special peach blossom wine, filling the air with an irresistible aroma.

Seated at the place of honor, Yu Daoyi felt no awkwardness at all. He drank and chatted with the villagers, laughter and warmth flowing freely as if they were all one family. The village rang with cheer and merriment.

Everyone asked about the world outside the village—whether it was like Peach Blossom Village or wholly different. Fortunately, Yu Daoyi was a master of improvisation. He answered their questions with ease, drawing nods of approval and exclamations of enlightenment.

As the toasts continued, Yao Yao sat beside him, gently pouring his wine. The sweet scent of peach blossoms surrounded them, and Yao Yao’s rosy cheeks glowed like ripe apples, tempting one to take a bite.

The villagers joked cheerfully about him and Yao Yao, the laughter never ending. Watching the lovely girl beside him, Yu Daoyi felt himself gradually lost in this place—everything here was so idyllic, so enchanting, it was almost impossible to resist.