PCJ – Chapter 548 Fatty’s Blind Date

Zheng Wendong was in such a hurry that he even forgot to zip up his pants. He dashed to the lakeside and saw a middle-aged man in his forties or fifties standing at the bow of the boat. He called out, “Uncle, may I go on the boat to take a few photos?”

“Of course. You’re not only welcome to take photos, you and your friends can spend the whole day on the boat if you’d like. Our boss has lent this boat to you,” replied Hua Luoqiang, the captain sent by Hua Zhaoyang from the Xiyun Sect.

“It’s been lent to us? Could it be that those celebrity friends arranged this? Haha, they keep surprising us!” Without thinking much, Zheng Wendong excitedly ran aboard.

The boat’s hull was pitch black, making it hard to determine what material it was made of. If it was wood, there were no visible joints; and it didn’t seem like metal either, as metal couldn’t produce such intricate craftsmanship. The boat’s house was painted red, exuding an ancient charm, with detailed and complex designs rarely seen even on old traditional boats. Boats usually prioritized stability over appearance, especially on water—but this vessel looked more like a floating artwork.

“Tsk tsk, I wonder which travel agency owns this. Renting such a boat must’ve cost those celebrities a fortune,” Zheng Wendong muttered as he walked around.

Meanwhile, back at the tent, Wang Yiwei and the logistics crew were busy preparing breakfast. But Zheng Wendong’s early morning bathroom run ruined the plan. If he hadn’t woken early, he wouldn’t have seen the boat, and he wouldn’t have woken everyone up with his shout. Now, everyone had rushed off to the boat.

By the time Wang Yiwei got out, they were already aboard.

“Hey! At least eat breakfast before going out!” he shouted toward the ancient boat drifting away.

“Breakfast is ready on the boat, Brother Wang! Tell the logistics team not to bother!” Chen Haibo shouted back from the boat.

“Don’t bother, my ass! We worked all morning for nothing. And you didn’t even take me along!” Wang Yiwei grumbled as he stomped back to the tent.

“When’s breakfast then?” the head chef asked.

“No need for breakfast. Those brats are all off having fun,” Wang Yiwei said, regretting not leaving earlier to catch the boat.

Everyone was enjoying the beautiful autumn scenery, while Zheng Wendong studied the mysterious boat.

“This boat is so strange. No sail, no oars, yet it moves steadily and quickly across the lake. How is it doing that?” He assumed it was a modern boat dressed in ancient style, but he couldn’t hear any engine noise.

He searched every nook and cranny, from bow to stern, but found no sign of propulsion—no mechanical or manual systems. The more he looked, the more stunned he became. This boat was truly magical.

Zheng Wendong pulled Zhang Jiaohua aside. “Jiaohua, did you really borrow this boat from a friend?”

“Yes,” Zhang Jiaohua nodded.

“When did you meet this friend?” Zheng Wendong asked nervously.

“Not long ago,” Zhang Jiaohua said, glancing at him—clearly catching his deeper meaning.

“You didn’t meet this friend at the Xiyun Reservoir, did you?”

“I did. Just last night,” Zhang Jiaohua replied with a smile.

Zheng Wendong’s legs went weak, and he plopped onto the deck. “We’re doomed! This boat is not normal! Jiaohua, you better get it to dock immediately. Say we need a rest or something. Some classmates are already seasick.”

“This boat is very clean. There’s nothing dirty about it,” Zhang Jiaohua nearly burst out laughing.

“I’m serious! Haven’t you noticed? No rowing, no diesel engine, yet it cruises like nothing. Don’t you find that strange?” Zheng Wendong clutched Zhang Jiaohua’s hand with urgency.

“It is a bit unusual. But Wendong, just keep it to yourself. Don’t tell the others. There are supernatural things in this world—not like in horror stories, but still mysterious. Best if you don’t know too much,” Zhang Jiaohua replied cryptically.

“You… you know what this is?” Zheng Wendong asked in shock.

“Would I let you all on the boat if I didn’t?” Zhang Jiaohua chuckled.

Zheng Wendong sighed deeply. “You should’ve said something earlier. Scared the hell out of me. Can you at least tell me what powers this boat?”

“An array formation. Don’t ask too much—it won’t help you,” Zhang Jiaohua said, cutting off further questions.

Zheng Wendong looked around and muttered, “An array… So those really exist. Zhang Jiaohua is definitely not an ordinary person.”

Meanwhile, Tang Yan, worried that Zhang Jiaohua had spent too much, quickly asked, “Jiaohua, how much does it cost to rent this boat for a day? Let us split the expense.”

“No need to worry. It was a gift from a friend. No charge,” Zhang Jiaohua replied.

“Really?” Tang Yan was skeptical.

“Of course. Relax. Just enjoy today,” Zhang Jiaohua reassured her.

The scenery at Xiyun Reservoir was stunning, and with the boat’s complete facilities, everyone had a great time. By dusk, they returned to their starting point. The film company’s luxury bus was waiting. Tents and equipment were already packed up. Everyone just had to board.

Back in Guluba Hutong, Wu Yuan had returned home early.

“Fatty, business slow today?” Zhang Jiaohua was surprised. Wu Yuan had been getting home late for months.

“When is business ever slow at Koufu Restaurant? These days, if you don’t reserve in advance, you won’t get a table. We’re packed daily!” Wu Yuan said proudly.

“Then why are you back early?”

“I had something to take care of this afternoon. Sister Haoyue asked to meet me,” Wu Yuan blushed, acting all shy.

Zhang Jiaohua didn’t notice his odd behavior and continued, “Why would she call you? Wouldn’t she talk to Zeng Lei instead? Don’t tell me you’re trying to steal Zeng Lei’s girl?”

“Nonsense! I’m not that kind of person. A friend’s girlfriend is off-limits—I’m loyal and righteous!” Wu Yuan thumped the table, full of indignation.

Zhang Jiaohua laughed. “Even if you wanted to, I doubt you could. So, did she really introduce you to a girl?”

Wu Yuan grinned sheepishly—Zhang Jiaohua hit the nail on the head.

“So how’d it go? Don’t tell me she introduced another fatty, and now your house will be ‘fatty squared’!” Zhang Jiaohua joked.

“You’re the one who’d date a fatty!” Wu Yuan rolled his eyes. “She’s actually really pretty.”

“Pretty? And she likes you? Be careful she doesn’t cheat on you,” Zhang Jiaohua teased.

Wu Yuan was so annoyed he wanted to punch him, but knowing he’d lose, he simply stormed off and slammed the door.

Zhang Jiaohua intentionally teased him for acting so smug. Seeing Wu Yuan sulk, he let it go and returned to his room to check on the spirit herbs he had planted in his cultivation space.

Leopard, Fat Monkey, and Fat Cat had already planted them, and they were now lush and thriving—despite only being planted the night before. It seemed like decades had passed in growth.

“Right, I forgot to ask Luo Tianfeng about alchemy recipes last night,” Zhang Jiaohua smacked his forehead. His dream master had taught him only basic processing of herbs, not pill forging.

The Mei Mountain Water Sect didn’t use many herbs, and most of what he inherited focused on cultivation, not alchemy. But he had heard of spiritual pills before.

“Next time I go to Xiyun Reservoir, I should see if the Xiyun Sect has any alchemy manuals.” Suddenly, a thought struck him—where the water and fire intersected, there was a spiritual flame. If he placed a pill furnace there, he could forge pills. But without recipes or manuals, it wasn’t possible yet.

“I must get my hands on an alchemy manual someday,” Zhang Jiaohua vowed.