Chapter 27
The few people on the third floor slept exceptionally well, while the second floor experienced a chaotic night. They slept through until dawn and only then noticed that the rain had finally stopped.
It wasn’t until after breakfast, when people were running back and forth outside, that Guan Zheng, curious, went out to check and finally learned about the landslide on the mountain.
“A landslide?!”
Zhou Fei slammed his hand on the table and stood up angrily. “How serious is this landslide? This damn town is built halfway up a mountain. If we’re not careful, we might lose our lives!”
His anger grew as he spoke, becoming more intense. “Why didn’t anyone alert us about something this serious? If the landslide had been a bit more severe, would we have to wait for the fire brigade to come dig up our bodies?”
“So? What do you want to do about it?”
A calm voice sounded from behind. Zhou Fei instinctively shrank back and, losing his momentum, weakly said, “I just want an explanation.”
Lu Yao walked behind the counter. “What kind of explanation do you want?”
Hearing that there might be something to discuss, Zhou Fei took a bold stance, “Everyone knows how severe the consequences of a landslide in the mountains can be. We’re just guests who don’t understand the situation, but as the owner, shouldn’t you ensure our safety?”
Lu Yao asked, “And then?”
“Then, then what?” Zhou Fei continued assertively, “You should have woken us up last night. It’s one thing if the landslide didn’t hit, but if it had, we would have been asleep and wouldn’t have had a chance to escape.”
Lu Yao glanced at him. “Are you saying it’s my fault for not waking you up last night?”
Zhou Fei wanted to respond with a strong “yes,” but he hesitated and said, “I value my life. Isn’t it reasonable to expect a bit more attention to our safety?”
“Hmm, it’s reasonable.”
Lu Yao looked down and continued typing on the keyboard to edit work emails. “Last night, I was at the landslide site. It’s impossible for me to rush back immediately to wake you up.”
“After the landslide, many people in town rushed to the site right away. We carefully observed the situation and determined it wouldn’t affect the town. Also, there was someone stationed on the mountain all night. If any issues arose, the town would be notified immediately. The reason you weren’t woken up was that we confirmed there was no danger. Does this explanation satisfy you?”
Lu Yao’s response made Zhou Fei, who had been standing tall, slump in defeat.
Looking around at Wang Wenyan and the others, who were watching with a detached attitude, Zhou Fei felt like a fool stirring up trouble, appearing both foolish and inept.
In the end, Zhou Fei could only mutter, “I’m satisfied.”
“Good.” Lu Yao marked the work email as read, closed his notebook, and turned to the counter’s desktop computer. “Now it’s your turn.”
Zhou Fei’s nose flared, and he looked bewildered. “What do you mean, it’s my turn? What does that have to do with me?”
The trio of bystanders, who were about to leave, exchanged glances and reluctantly sat back down behind the screen.
What is group consciousness? They had never understood that.
Lu Yao finally looked up and addressed him. “What did you say in the hallway after I left last night?”
“What could I have said? It was raining so heavily, and I—”
His voice trailed off as Zhou Fei seemed to remember something, his face changing slightly. “I, I, well, I was just—”
He stammered and couldn’t articulate a clear explanation.
“He has a poor memory. Let me help him remember.” Wang Wenyan said, crossing her legs.
“He said it was raining too heavily and that once you went into the mountains, you’d probably never come back.”
Zhou Fei’s face turned green, but Wang Wenyan acted as if she hadn’t seen anything. “He also said you’d likely be trapped in the mountains and wondered if we would have to help find your body if something happened. But he didn’t want to go because it was dirty.”
“I didn’t say anything about finding a body!”
Zhou Fei struggled to refute, “I was just making offhand comments about the weather, just joking. There’s no need to hold me accountable for this, right? Besides, Mr. Lu, you’re back safe and sound, aren’t you?”
“You’re right. If it’s just about this, there’s no need to hold you accountable.”
Lu Yao’s tone was devoid of emotion, but it made Zhou Fei’s heart race, like the calm before a storm.
Zhou Fei asked, “So, is it settled then?”
Lu Yao replied, “However, there is a need to settle the account for frightening others with your baseless remarks.”
Zhou Fei protested, “What nonsense? When did I—”
“If you can’t speak properly, then get out of here!” Lu Yao’s tone became harsh, and the storm was upon them.
Zhou Fei, stiffened by Lu Yao’s glare, felt a chilling pressure, as if he could hardly breathe.
“I’ve paid. I’ve paid for everything.”
His voice trembled, and despite his bluster, he was left with nothing but words. “The platform has consumer protection, and we’re students. You can’t just throw us out.”
Lu Yao responded, “If it weren’t for the fact that you’re students, do you think I’d let you stay here until today?”
Zhou Fei protested, “But I still—”
Lu Yao cut him off, “If you feel I’ve infringed on your rights, fine. You can file a complaint. I’ll pay any fines that result.”
Zhou Fei’s face flushed with frustration. “It’s not just about the fines…”
Lu Yao: “Do you think I’m afraid?”
Zhou Fei was shocked. Before he could respond, Lu Yao pulled up his check-in information. “ID card.”
Zhou Fei stood frozen, and Guan Zheng, thoroughly enjoying the scene, pushed him from behind. “Get your ID card. Didn’t you hear?”
“A friendly reminder, the summer vacation season has already begun.”
Wang Wenyan leaned on Chen Fa, smiling. “I checked last night, and every room in town is fully booked.”
“Zhou Fei, if you check out now, you’ll be instantly replaced by someone else. You won’t find another place to stay. If you don’t want to return empty-handed, you’ll have to find a place 40 kilometers away in another town.”
“Of course, since we’re doing practical work, we won’t wait for you. If you want to graduate smoothly, you’ll need to travel 80 kilometers daily to find us.”
She raised an eyebrow and asked, “Are you sure you still want to check out?”
“I didn’t say I wanted to check out. Stop making things up. When did I say I wanted to check out?”
Zhou Fei’s face turned red with anger, and he was truly scared into silence. “I admit it. It was my fault. I spoke without thinking. Is that enough?”
“Enough for what?”
Lu Yao responded flatly, “Do you think an insincere apology holds any value?”
Zhou Fei asked, “Then… how do you want me to apologize?”
“From now on, don’t speak in front of me.”
Lu Yao’s response was so blunt it felt like a lightning strike to Zhou Fei.
He couldn’t even address Guan Zheng and Wang Wenyan’s barely contained laughter. “But I’m not mute—”
“Yu Le can’t be involved either.”
Lu Yao was done listening. He closed the check-in record page. “From today on, if you say a word in front of me or him, I will throw both you and your luggage out. I mean it. If you don’t believe me, you’re welcome to test it.”
Zhou Fei tried to say something else, but at Lu Yao’s piercing gaze, he immediately fell silent, unable to speak another word.
Guan Zheng couldn’t help but smirk with glee, and Wang Wenyan laughed loudly as she got up and headed towards the backyard. “I never would have thought someone’s mouth could go silent so suddenly~”
Zhou Fei, humiliated, clenched his teeth and walked up the stairs with a stiff jaw.
“Make sure you keep it shut,” Wang Wenyan said, “Mr. Lu is still here. Be careful not to let any words slip.”
Zhou Fei, enraged, shoved past Wang Wenyan and stormed up the stairs. Yu Le, holding Da Huang, was about to find Lu Yao and happened to meet Zhou Fei at the door.
Unlike the previous time when Yu Le was willing to overlook Zhou Fei’s behavior to maintain a semblance of peace, this time he had no such intention.
“Idiot,” Yu Le muttered as he passed by Zhou Fei.
Zhou Fei’s face flushed like a hot pot bottom, but he said nothing, simply stomping up the stairs with suppressed anger.
Yu Le patted Da Huang’s head, thinking it was unusual for Zhou Fei to have turned into a ninja turtle so suddenly.
Seeing there was no more excitement to be had, Wang Wenyan stretched her shoulders and headed upstairs.
Guan Zheng, still thinking about what Lu Yao had said, asked before leaving, “Mr. Lu, you didn’t get hurt in the mountains last night, did you?”
Lu Yao: “No.”
Guan Zheng: “Oh, that’s good. And the landslide?”
Lu Yao: “Not a big issue. Once the weather clears up, people will go up to clean and repair.”
“That makes sense,” Guan Zheng said, “With the high vegetation coverage on the mountain, there shouldn’t be any severe soil erosion issues. It shouldn’t be too bad.”
Guan Zheng smiled. “Thanks for your hard work, Mr. Lu. I’ll head up now. By the way, if you need any help during the cleanup, feel free to call me.”
Lu Yao’s tone was much warmer than it had been with Zhou Fei. “Hmm, thanks.”
Guan Zheng waved and left.
With only two people and one cat left in the hall, Yu Le put Da Huang on the counter and, while scratching the cat’s head, asked with a smile, “Hero, did you teach Zhou Fei a lesson again?”
Lu Yao replied in a laid-back tone, “Yes.”
Yu Le, now quite interested, asked, “Care to elaborate?”
Lu Yao: “Elaborate? It means he won’t be speaking recklessly in front of you anymore.”
“Is it that satisfying?” Yu Le’s eyes lit up. “What about me?”
Lu Yao moved Da Huang’s tail out of the way. “What about you?”
Yu Le: “Can I speak recklessly in front of him?”
Lu Yao replied without hesitation, “Yes.”
Yu Le: “Can I curse at him too?”
Lu Yao: “Yes. If he dares to retort, just come to me.”
Yu Le: “You’ll help me retort?”
“No cursing,” Lu Yao said. “I’ll just throw him out for you.”
Yu Le was delighted. “Forget it, forget it. I’m not as petty as he is. If he doesn’t provoke me, I can’t be bothered with him.”
“Is anyone there?”
The inn’s door was knocked, and a man who appeared to be about Lu Yao’s age, carrying a bamboo basket, stood on the doorstep.
Lu Yao saw him and tidied up the counter. “Yes, come in.”
Yu Le, not knowing the man, looked back curiously.
The man entered with the bamboo basket and, upon seeing Yu Le, showed a clear look of surprise.
“Why are you back so early?” Lu Yao, head down, was sorting things. “Didn’t you say you wouldn’t have a holiday this year?”
The man’s gaze flickered, and his cheeks suddenly turned a bit rosy, looking somewhat awkward. “Oh, I resigned. I’m no longer working at the company.”
“Resigned?” Lu Yao looked up. “Why?”
The man walked closer, but since Yu Le was leaning against the counter, he seemed a bit embarrassed and stood at a distance of two steps, in the corner.
He said, “I didn’t want to be so far from home for a year and a half without returning. My grandparents are getting old, and they need someone capable to take care of them.”
Lu Yao: “So what are you planning to do next?”
“Well, I’ll inherit my grandfather’s craft.”
The man smiled. “I’ve learned most of the bamboo weaving techniques from my grandfather since I was little. Since he doesn’t use the internet or do promotions, I’ll handle it. I may not be able to expand it, but I can at least keep it going.”
Lu Yao nodded. “That’s good.”
“By the way, this is a new pattern my grandfather designed this year. I’m going to use Mr. Lu’s space again.”
He placed the bamboo basket on the counter. Seeing Yu Le’s eyes fixed on it, he awkwardly pushed the basket towards him. “Um, would you like to take a look?”
Yu Le had been staring for a while. “I can look too?”
The man nodded, his face showing an honest and straightforward quality. “It’s meant to be sold here, so of course you can look.”
Yu Le, who always liked something new, let go of Da Huang and uncovered the dark blue cloth covering the basket, revealing a variety of bamboo crafts inside.
“Hey, this…” Yu Le recognized something.
“Made by Grandpa Ge next door,” Lu Yao said. “Just like the bamboo cricket I gave you last time.”
“Yeah, all made by my grandfather. If you like any of them, you can take them. No need to pay,” the man said, scratching his head and quickly looking away from Yu Le and focusing on the basket. “No need to pay.”
Yu Le stopped his hand. “Huh?”
“The faucet in the yard seems to have been left on,” Lu Yao said, tapping the counter.
“Yu Le, can you go check it out?”
