PCJ – Chapter 427 Finding a Place to Swim

“Ah?” Zhang Jiaohua was taken aback upon hearing about the cave’s events from Fat Cat. Six lives had been lost, yet He Shouye brushed it off so casually.

Initially, Zhang Jiaohua planned to inform Luo Changjun and the others about the matter immediately. However, just as he was about to leave, Tang Yan and Chen Cheng stopped him.

“It’s all your fault! I had to shoot several extra scenes today, and I’m exhausted. I need a day off tomorrow. Is there anything fun to do around Meishan? A hot spring would be perfect,” Tang Yan said, ruffling Zhang Jiaohua’s hair several times.

Zhang Jiaohua quickly dodged, clearly displeased. “Don’t mess with my hair! If women keep doing that, I won’t grow tall!”

“Ha! How did I not notice before? You’re such a superstitious little brat!” Tang Yan teased.

“Well, you shouldn’t just touch someone’s head. Men and women should keep their distance,” Zhang Jiaohua retorted.

Tang Yan frowned. “What’s with all this outdated nonsense in your little head?”

Chen Cheng, also exhausted and aching, sighed, “Forget it, let’s just head back to the hotel. I’m beat.”

“I know a place with hot springs. But the water’s so hot, it can cook chicken,” Zhang Jiaohua offered.

“Where is it? Can you take us there?” Tang Yan’s eyes lit up.

“There are hot springs in Meishan?” Chen Cheng was also intrigued.

“It’s quite far. You’ll have to walk for hours, and maybe even camp overnight. One day off won’t be enough,” Zhang Jiaohua said, eyeing the two women as if suggesting they’d better give up.

“Don’t underestimate us! We’re athletes, you know. We often go on outdoor camping trips,” Tang Yan said, flexing her arm to show off her “muscles.”

Zhang Jiaohua smirked, unimpressed. Without even looking, he could tell her hands had never done real labor—how much strength could she have?

“Little brat! Don’t look down on me! I’ve trained, and if you push me, I’ll throw you over my shoulder!” Tang Yan threatened.

Zhang Jiaohua couldn’t help but laugh. “You think Meishan-style martial arts are like your flashy moves?”

Tang Yan grew more annoyed with this brat’s constant disdain. She stepped forward, intending to grab him and spank him. But just as she reached out, Zhang Jiaohua effortlessly caught her hand and lightly pulled. Before she knew it, she was airborne, spinning 360 degrees before being gently placed back on the ground.

“Ah!” Chen Cheng was stunned. She had no idea Zhang Jiaohua possessed such strength.

“You little rascal! How dare you…” Tang Yan was at a loss for words. She had just claimed she’d throw him over her shoulder, only to be bested by a more flawless move.

“Jiaohua, have you trained?” Chen Cheng asked curiously.

“In our village, who doesn’t know a move or two of Meishan martial arts?” Zhang Jiaohua replied dismissively.

“Even if your martial arts are good, we’ve climbed mountains far more treacherous than those around Meizi’ao. I even nearly joined an expedition to Mount Everest!” Tang Yan said.

“The hot spring isn’t on the outskirts like Luoa Ridge. It’s deep in Meishan’s virgin forest. Just walking there takes half a day, and you’d need to camp overnight. A single day won’t cut it,” Zhang Jiaohua shook his head.

“Is there somewhere closer? It doesn’t have to be a hot spring. Just a clean mountain spring where we can swim would do,” Tang Yan suggested.

Zhang Jiaohua suddenly thought of a place: Fallen Star Pool. Ever since the giant python there had been dealt with, the area had been abandoned. Few dared to visit, but the water remained exceptionally clean.

“There is a place. There used to be a big python, but it was killed. The pool has been deserted ever since. The water is very clean, with a depth of dozens of meters in the center, but shallower at the edges. This time of year, there should also be a waterfall flowing into it,” Zhang Jiaohua said.

“Where is it? Take us there! We’re not afraid!” Tang Yan exclaimed excitedly.

Tang Yan and Chen Cheng had come well-prepared, even bringing swimsuits. Hearing about such a perfect swimming spot, they couldn’t wait to go.

After returning to the hotel to grab their swimsuits, they pestered Zhang Jiaohua to take them to Fallen Star Pool. Though Zhang Jiaohua was still uneasy about the cave incident, he decided to go since He Shouye and Long Wuyi were resting at the hotel, exhausted from the ordeal.

Fallen Star Pool was surrounded by wildflowers, resembling a paradise. Upon arrival, Chen Cheng and Tang Yan were mesmerized by the breathtaking scenery.

“This place is amazing! Jiaohua, why didn’t you bring us here sooner?” Tang Yan complained.

“It’s just ordinary,” Zhang Jiaohua said, puzzled. Spots like Fallen Star Pool were common around Meizi’ao. He saw them daily and didn’t think they were anything special. Watching the city folks fuss over flowers like cockscomb and morning glory amused him.

The pool featured a small waterfall, with mountain spring water cascading down rocky cliffs into the pool below, creating crystal-clear ripples. The sound was as melodious as wind chimes.

“This water is so clear! Jiaohua, are we really allowed to bathe here? Will the villagers scold us?” Tang Yan asked, slightly worried.

“Of course not. Why would they? You’re not bathing in the village well. That water’s too cold for bathing anyway,” Zhang Jiaohua reassured her.

At this time of year, the spring-fed pool’s water level had risen, with excess flowing out through low-lying areas.

“Jiaohua, keep watch for us while we change into our swimsuits. No peeking!” Tang Yan warned.

“I won’t! Peeking at women changing clothes gives you styes,” Zhang Jiaohua replied, turning and walking away.

Tang Yan giggled. “Then don’t peek, or you’ll get a stye!”

Zhang Jiaohua climbed up a slope and sat on a rock, muttering to himself, “As if I’d believe that nonsense meant to trick kids.”