Chapter 17

Chapter Seventeen: Hypocrisy Unwelcome

This time, Zhu Daodong made a big splash, winning second prize at the city's educational teaching seminar. The seminar set up one first prize, two second prizes, and three third prizes, with four counties, one city, and three districts competing. A total of fifteen papers were selected, and to be among the top three in the city's education system was indeed a rare achievement.

After returning to school, Zhu Daodong handed the award certificate to Liu Tao. This was not only his honor but also the honor of Yuhua County and Shulin Ridge Middle School. However, Liu Tao did not accept the certificate. He told Zhu Daodong, "Now that you are an outstanding teacher in the city, you will certainly be an outstanding teacher in the county and the school. The semester is about to end, and although the county and school outstanding teachers have not yet been selected, you are clearly on the list."

These honorary titles, although they would not bring direct benefits, would be very helpful for future title evaluations. However, Zhu Daodong felt no joy at all. After returning to school, he holed up in his dormitory, reading the "Otolaryngology" book he had bought in the city. But after flipping through the entire book, he found nothing related to his condition.

His ears were sensitive, but they shouldn't hurt as if being pricked by needles for no reason, especially when he heard obviously insincere words.

Hypocrisy? Zhu Daodong had a sudden flash of insight, as if he had figured something out. He didn't even buy alcohol and rushed straight to the Sanqing Taoist Temple.

"Why are you in such a hurry, and you didn't even bring anything?" Daoist Wuming was quite dissatisfied when he saw Zhu Daodong's empty hands.

"I'll let you drink your fill later. First, say a few insincere words to me," Zhu Daodong said nervously.

"Insincere? I never say such things," Daoist Wuming said disdainfully.

"I'll take you to Haozailai for a drink later!" Zhu Daodong dangled the ultimate bait, which had always been Daoist Wuming's wish.

"I really love you. You respect the elderly and love the young, are wise and knowledgeable, well-versed in ancient and modern knowledge, full of talent, and have a vast range of knowledge. You are versatile, far-sighted, insightful, thoughtful, and have a clear vision. You have a deep understanding of the long-term cultivation of people, foresight, and profound insight. You have a clear understanding, are skilled, and have a thorough grasp of things. You are proficient, and your skills are at the peak of perfection. Such a young man is rare these days."

"Stop, stop, stop!"

"What's wrong? I haven't even started. You are bold yet cautious, mature, experienced, and well-versed in the world. You are truly all-knowing, all-seeing, and all-skilled. You know astronomy and geography..."

"Enough, that's enough." Zhu Daodong felt a chill and his eardrums ached terribly. He didn't expect Daoist Wuming to spout such nonsense without even a draft.

"Enough?"

"Enough, really enough. If you keep talking, I'll vomit up my lunch," Zhu Daodong said irritably.

"Alright, let's go now. I've heard a lot about Haozailai. Today, I can finally feast to my heart's content." Daoist Wuming was almost drooling as he spoke.

"Do you know, my ears hurt terribly just now, as if they were being pricked by needles," Zhu Daodong said. He could only discuss such a problem with Daoist Wuming; anyone else would send him straight to a mental hospital.

"You mean you can't tolerate insincere words? When someone says them, your ears hurt terribly?" Daoist Wuming had never heard of such a thing.

"Exactly, but I have to listen specifically; otherwise, it won't affect me," Zhu Daodong said.

"This is a troublesome matter. I think you are a freak. Just let it be. Maybe when you master my Turtle Breath Technique, it will be fine," Daoist Wuming had no special solution.

"I hope so." Zhu Daodong sighed. In today's society, who doesn't speak with a bit of insincerity? Especially in the system, people are full of such talk. He would have a hard time.

"Your problem is solved. Let's go." Daoist Wuming never had worries. If he had nothing to eat or drink, he would use the Turtle Breath Technique. As long as he had a place to sleep, he was content.

"Go where?" Zhu Daodong pretended to be confused.

"To Haozailai, of course. You said it clearly just now." Daoist Wuming was angry when he saw Zhu Daodong trying to back out.

"Did I say that? Even if I did, look at you. I'll go and buy the food instead." Zhu Daodong had no choice in his urgency. He was afraid that Liang Qiao would chase him out with a broom if he brought Daoist Wuming to Haozailai.

"Are you trying to back out? Alright, you are bold yet cautious, mature, experienced, and well-versed in the world. You are truly all-knowing, all-seeing, and all-skilled. You know astronomy and geography..."

"Alright, alright, alright, we'll go now, right away, immediately!" Zhu Daodong felt like Sun Wukong hearing the Tightening Spell, his ears aching terribly.

"Hmph, you are just like Sun Wukong. You won't escape my palm in the future," Daoist Wuming laughed triumphantly.

"You are threatening, intimidating, and a scoundrel!" Zhu Daodong didn't expect the old Taoist to think so quickly and use this to blackmail him.

"Let's go, brat. Misfortune may turn out to be a blessing. Maybe you'll find this a great thing in the future." Daoist Wuming calmed down. Arguing and joking with this young man was a pleasant thing for him now.

When they arrived at Haozailai, Liang Qiao frowned at Daoist Wuming's appearance and the smell he emitted, but quickly put on a smiling face and personally led them to a private room on the second floor. Daoist Wuming looked at Liang Qiao and nodded in satisfaction. This woman might be repulsed, but at least she could be polite to guests, which was rare.

Perhaps he had been a bit rude earlier. After entering the private room, Liang Qiao personally served them, taking the menu and placing it in front of Daoist Wuming.

"Red-braised pork, shredded chicken, steamed meat with rice flour, sweet and sour carp, spicy potato shreds, braised eggplant, and a braised meatball. Also, for cold dishes, let's have braised pig's trotters, two pounds of pig's head meat, one pound of pig's intestine, and one pound of beef. That's it for now; we can order more if it's not enough," Daoist Wuming didn't hesitate, ordering his favorite dishes one by one.

"You have quite an appetite," Zhu Daodong said with his mouth open. The old Taoist ordered mostly meat dishes. Although Haozailai's dishes were expensive, the portions were large. For others, ten people might not finish them.

"Also, eight bottles of Laobai Gan," Daoist Wuming added.

"Eight bottles?" Even Liang Qiao was surprised. In her view, the eight bottles of alcohol were ordered by the Taoist, while the seemingly refined Zhu Daodong probably couldn't drink much. She had run the hotel for several years and had never heard of anyone with such a large capacity.

"Take the leftovers with you. It's this young man who's paying," Daoist Wuming smiled at Liang Qiao and pointed at Zhu Daodong.

Liang Qiao smiled, glanced at the pained Zhu Daodong, and left with a smile.