Chapter Forty-Four: A Beauty’s Invitation

Looking at Luo Chen, he truly didn’t seem to be lying; it was all her own twisted, evil imagination that had led her astray. Joanna felt so mortified she wished she could simply disappear. If Luo Chen had discovered what she’d just been thinking—such filthy thoughts—it would be humiliating beyond measure.

Luo Chen’s face was bright red; in truth, he wanted to laugh. How could the Minister of the Wind Engine Committee have such an absurdly vivid imagination? But Luo Chen dared not laugh, knowing Joanna must be terribly embarrassed at the moment, so he had to hold it in.

Indeed, Joanna now wished she could find a hole to crawl into; she couldn’t bear to stay here a moment longer.

“From now on, you’re not allowed to laugh in front of me, and you’re not allowed to lick your lips either!”

Leaving these words behind, Joanna stormed off in a huff.

She rushed back to her dormitory as quickly as possible, buried her head under the covers, and reflected that she’d just endured the most humiliating, awkward moment of her life. She wished the earth would swallow her up.

Joanna blamed everything squarely on Luo Chen: “Damn Luo Chen, hateful Luo Chen, what’s he got to laugh about? Licking his lips, too? He’s as much a freak as Shi Feng—no, even more of a freak!”

The door opened—it was Lily, the ice queen beauty, who had followed her back to the dorm. Rarely did Lily smile, but now she was laughing so hard she was doubled over, shaking with mirth and completely losing her composure. Mimicking Joanna’s tone, she said, “‘Of course there’s a problem! Now I’m fantasizing about you because of it!’ Oh, I can’t take it, I’m going to die laughing—my stomach hurts!”

Joanna, face still buried, barked angrily, “Lily, stop laughing!”

“But it really is hilarious!” Lily couldn’t help herself. “Joanna, I never imagined you could be so funny, giggle giggle…”

Joanna suddenly sprang up, pushed Lily onto the bed, and threatened through gritted teeth, “Lily, if you keep laughing, I’ll rape you!”

Lily snorted, “Joanna, with what exactly would you rape me?”

“With this!” Joanna extended her middle finger menacingly.

Now it was Lily’s turn to blush. “Joanna, you’re impossible! You’re practically a female hooligan. And you call Luo Chen a pervert? I’d say you’re the most vulgar and depraved of all!”

Joanna was nearly in tears. “Do you think I wanted this? If it had been you, you’d have misunderstood that kid’s sleazy expression too. I’m doomed, I can never show my face again.”

Lily shrugged. “Oh, what’s the big deal? Only you, me, and Luo Chen know about it, right? As long as none of us talk, who’ll ever find out?”

“Hmm, you’re right. Lily, you won’t tell anyone, will you? Look into my eyes—I’m deadly serious, I’m not joking!”

Lily turned her head coyly. “Well, you never know. Girls can be loose-tongued sometimes. But if you treat me to dinner for a week, my lips might stay sealed.”

Joanna’s eyes widened. “Lily, you’re taking advantage! Extorting me!”

Lily winked. “It’s up to you. Well, do you agree?”

“Fine, deal!” Joanna said at last.

Lily added, “Oh, and let’s invite Luo Chen, too! You’ve beaten him up so many times—he might hold a grudge and accidentally let something slip…”

Joanna shouted, “He wouldn’t dare! Even if you fed him the courage of a leopard, he wouldn’t dare!”

“But what if he blurts something out by accident? As the saying goes, those who take are less bold, those who eat are less sharp. Once you treat him, Luo Chen will be as tight-lipped as a locked bottle. Besides, you did misunderstand him—an apology is only fair.”

Joanna considered for a moment, then stubbornly replied, “Apologize? Never! Fine, I’ll just treat him to two good meals as compensation for all the times I’ve enjoyed beating him up.”

Lily laughed, “That’s much better.”

In truth, Lily knew Luo Chen wasn’t the type to gossip; he’d never dare speak of tonight’s incident. But she insisted on involving him for a reason.

Joanna was her only close friend at the academy, the one she could joke and play with. Before boys, Lily had to maintain a cold facade; many girls kept their distance out of jealousy. So, at Westin Academy, Lily actually had few friends. Yet inside, she had a playful side and loved laughter and bustle. Today she’d been so happy—she hadn’t laughed this much in ages—and she truly wanted to see what other comical drama Joanna and Luo Chen might create together.

The next afternoon, before the martial arts class began, Joanna was the first to arrive at the training arena. When Luo Chen showed up, she immediately pulled him aside and whispered, “Luo Chen, you didn’t tell anyone about last night, did you?”

Luo Chen was puzzled. “What are you talking about?”

He’d been so focused on his cultivation that he hadn’t given the matter much thought. Only when Joanna brought it up did he realize, “Oh, you mean that? No, I haven’t!”

“And Shi Feng didn’t say anything?”

“Nope.”

“Good. Remember, you mustn’t utter a word to anyone—not a soul. Otherwise, I’ll die for you… No, I’ll make you die for me!”

“Don’t worry, Joanna, I won’t gossip,” Luo Chen said with a smile. “But honestly, I never expected you to be so amusing, Joanna. Hehe.”

It was exactly what Lily had said!

“And another thing,” Joanna said sternly, “Tonight, you’re having dinner with us!”

“Huh, dinner with you?”

“Of course—me and Lily!”

“I know, but why…”

Joanna cut him off impatiently, “Don’t ask so many questions! A man shouldn’t be so fussy. You’re acting like a woman. I’m telling you to join us for dinner, so just do it! Settled—don’t leave after martial arts class!”

Though she claimed to be inviting him, Joanna’s tone had nothing “inviting” about it; she didn’t give Luo Chen any chance to refuse, making the decision for him. Luo Chen was left thoroughly exasperated. He’d heard of people being forced into prostitution, but never forced into a meal. Joanna was truly overbearing.

Though her reason for inviting him was unclear, Luo Chen—ever the money-lover—was fond of free dinners. Besides, Joanna seemed unlikely to take no for an answer, so he nodded, “All right, thanks then!”

At five in the afternoon, the sun hung low in the west.

At this hour, a certain spot in Westin Academy was always especially crowded: the dining hall.

After the day’s classes ended, students flocked to the dining hall in droves. The place was packed, especially at the boys’ serving windows, where lines stretched long. The dining hall seemed to favor girls a little more.

While waiting in line, some students chatted to pass the time; those who came alone were bored, but many male students watched the dining hall entrance eagerly, as if expecting something.

When two figures appeared at the door, the boys’ queue suddenly erupted. Conversations stopped, and all eyes turned to the entrance.

“They’re here, they’re here!”

It was Lily and Joanna—the two famed beauties of Westin Academy—who had arrived. They always liked to visit the dining hall as soon as martial arts class ended.

This was why the male students preferred to queue during the busiest time, just to catch a glimpse of the beauties. Their real purpose was not the food, but the sight of the girls.

Usually, seeing one school beauty was rare; seeing both at once was a special treat. Of course, students from the fourth, fifth, and sixth martial arts classes were exceptions, as Lily and Joanna attended martial arts class with them almost every day.

Watching the beauties enjoy their steaming meals was the happiest moment of the day for many male students. But soon, they noticed someone following behind Lily and Joanna—a boy.

And that boy was… Luo Chen!

[Announcement: Power outages have been reported. According to friends, electricity will be out today and tomorrow during the day, resuming at five in the afternoon. The next chapter will be updated after five; evening updates will proceed as normal.]