Chapter 54: An Unexpected Service

Jiang Xue led the team, insisting that everyone had lunch before setting out. It took them nearly two hours to reach Taoyuan County via the highway; the speed wasn’t particularly fast, nor was it slow. However, the journey from Taoyuan County to Donghe Town was much slower. Though it was a county road, the conditions were far from ideal.

The bus rocked and swayed, and when they finally arrived at Donghe Town, it was precisely four o’clock in the afternoon.

“Come on, everyone, perk up!” Jiang Xue grabbed the microphone on the bus, her voice rousing those still dozing off.

“We’re about to reach Donghe Town, a remote little town in Taoyuan County, but it’s not our final destination. Our ultimate goal is Fish Head Village, a place where you’ll create unique memories. For fun, we’ll hike from Donghe Town to Fish Head Village—yes, you’ll walk there.”

Everyone was prepared for this, and after four hours sitting on the bus, their legs were stiff and uncomfortable. The prospect of walking was actually welcome, so no one complained.

Tang Long and Zhang Xiu’e, accompanied by villagers from Fish Head Village, had been waiting at the base camp for a while. When they saw the two luxury buses approaching, Tang Long exclaimed, “They’re here!”

“Yes,” Zhang Xiu’e replied, but as the buses rolled in, her earlier impatience vanished; she became calm and composed, exuding a dignified aura, like a proud peacock. She was every bit the worthy representative of Fish Head Village’s image.

Once the buses stopped, Jiang Xue was the first to step off.

“Chief Tang Long, Sister Xiu’e,” Jiang Xue greeted them with a smile and a handshake. “Mission accomplished—I’ve brought the students. The rest is up to you!”

“Thank you for your hard work,” Zhang Xiu’e smiled and nodded, then turned to Tang Long, whispering, “Will you speak, or shall I?”

As hosts of Fish Head Village, someone had to explain the rules and itinerary. Though this two-day holiday trip was inexpensive—just eighty-eight yuan per person—the village strived to provide the best possible service, hoping everyone would leave satisfied.

“I’ll do it,” Tang Long replied with a smile. He grabbed the electronic megaphone, walked over to the students disembarking from the buses, and called out, “Attention, handsome gentlemen and beautiful ladies, please look over here—focus your gaze on my gesture!”

He made a “no talking” sign, but with so many people, things were still a bit chaotic. Two hundred students—quite a crowd! Tang Long realized this wouldn’t do; with so many, discipline was lacking, and it was easy for people to wander off like sheep.

“Check your surroundings—make sure your boyfriend, girlfriend, best friend, or close companion isn’t missing. If not, stand together. Those from Bus One, follow my instructions and stand to the left in three groups. Those from Bus Two, stand to the right, also in three groups. Quiet now—I’m about to cover the important part, which might determine whether you get into the campsite tonight and whether you have dinner.

This is our starting point. From here, we’ll hike to Fish Head Village, about a two-hour journey. Our villagers will lead the way, and along the route there are twelve supply stations with water and simple food. Please do not wander off into the woods for any reason... of course, if you need to relieve yourselves, do so as you wish, but remember to return to the main road afterward. If you get lost, congratulations—you’ll enjoy a free ‘mountain overnight experience.’ There are plenty of mosquitoes in the hills; they won’t kill you, but they’ll make you miserable.

If you follow my instructions, then congratulations—when you reach the camp, you’ll discover a ‘new secret realm.’ There will be unique lodging, a wild game feast, and tonight’s meal will be the most flavorful of the trip. If I were you, I certainly wouldn’t miss it.

Alright, it’s getting late, so I won’t drag on. Your luggage can be placed in that tent over there; there are sticky notes inside—write your name, stick it to your bag, and it’ll be easier to find later. If you prefer to carry it, that’s fine—the hike isn’t far, and it’s a rare experience for everyone.

Stop—who said you could leave? I haven’t introduced myself yet. Remember, I am Tang Long, the village chief of Fish Head Village. If you run into any trouble these days, come find me. Those handsome fellows at the front, you may go now.”

Tang Long switched off the megaphone and walked back.

Jiang Xue looked at Tang Long with surprise, laughing softly, “Chief Tang Long, I didn’t expect you to be so eloquent!”

“There’s a lot you don’t know about the village chief’s talents,” Tang Long joked.

Zhang Xiu’e, blushing, shot him a look and pulled Jiang Xue aside, saying, “It’s late—let’s head out. You can leave your backpacks in the tent; the village trucks will transport them back.”

“Alright!” Jiang Xue called a few dorm mates, following Zhang Xiu’e as she led the way.

Along the route, besides twelve supply stations, villagers would be stationed in the woods, keeping an eye on these “sheep,” making sure no one wandered off.

“Come, girls, follow me—I’m Zhao Xiaoyue, your local guide from Fish Head Village.”

Xiaoyue was pretty, and the male students were excited, some teasing, “Can we boys follow you too?”

Zhao Xiaoyue glanced at them playfully, “It’s a straight road—if you follow me, do you think I’ll beat you up?”

Laughter erupted. Zhao Xiaoyue was about the same age as the college students, so they quickly bonded.

Tang Long stayed behind with a few others, including Shan Xiu, who was also part of the rear group. They planned to leave half an hour later.

Shan Xiu sat on a chair, tilting her head at Tang Long. She said nothing, only stared at him.

Tang Long rubbed his nose and asked with a wry smile, “Is something wrong with my face? If you want to say something, just ask. Don’t keep staring at me—it’s unsettling.”

Shan Xiu’s gaze flickered. “I’m curious—how did you make Zhang Xiu’e forgive you?”

“I didn’t. She forgave me on her own,” Tang Long shrugged—he wasn’t lying.

Shan Xiu rolled her eyes. “I don’t believe you.”

Tang Long grinned, “Believe what you want. She forgave me herself. Besides, we hardly know each other—why would I lie to you?”

Shan Xiu thought about it. It made sense; Tang Long had no reason to lie. But she still couldn’t figure out why Zhang Xiu’e would forgive him so easily. Something wasn’t right—surely there was some secret between those two.

“Let’s talk about you,” Tang Long changed the subject. “Why would a killer like you come to this remote mountain village?”

He hadn’t found the right moment before, but now they were sitting idly, so he could chat freely.

Shan Xiu hesitated. “Should I tell the truth?”

Tang Long smiled, “If it’s not too difficult, honesty is best.”

Shan Xiu nodded, “I took a contract—to kill you.”

Tang Long froze, frowning slightly. “Someone put a bounty on me?”

“Yes, and it’s not a small sum.” Shan Xiu nodded. She felt five million was a bit much for Tang Long’s life; someone like him, at most, was worth a million.

Tang Long didn’t ask who was behind the bounty—she was a professional, after all, with her own code.

He was curious, “So why didn’t you go through with it?”

Shan Xiu hesitated, “The excuse is that, for Zhang Xiu’e’s sake, I spared you.”

Tang Long smirked, “And the real reason?”

Shan Xiu replied calmly, “I quite like this little mountain village—it’s peaceful. I want to stay here longer. If I kill you, I’ll have to leave, so I chose to abandon the mission and enjoy a few happy days.”

Tang Long believed her.

“Very wise,” Tang Long nodded, smiling. To him, a second-rate assassin like Shan Xiu wasn’t much of a concern.

Legend had it the top-ranked killer, “Blood Demon,” was killed by Tang Long with a single blow to the head.

“I welcome you to stay in Fish Head Village,” Tang Long said warmly.

Shan Xiu was momentarily stunned, then smiled radiantly, as beautiful as a flower.

“Thank you.”

Both found the other quite interesting.

As time passed, Tang Long called Li Ergou and others over, instructing them to take the students’ bags to the camp, then return for the tents and collect the supply stations.

“Be careful not to damage anyone’s luggage,” Tang Long reminded them, then set off with several villagers and Shan Xiu toward Fish Head Village. They were responsible for sweeping the route to ensure no one was left behind.

The supply stations were simple: a table, bottled water, some snacks, disposable cups.

Jiang Xue hadn’t expected Tang Long and Zhang Xiu’e to be so thorough.

Perhaps the first few supply points wouldn’t be needed, but later on, tired or thirsty students would eagerly look forward to them, boosting morale and easing fears of falling behind.

“Sister Xiu’e, honestly, you’ve done better than I imagined,” Jiang Xue said sincerely.

Zhang Xiu’e smiled, “We do our best, but there’s always room for improvement. I hope you and your classmates will be forgiving.”

The two-hour hike wasn’t short, but before six thirty, the front and rear of the group had all arrived at Fish Head Village. Those unable to walk further were picked up by village vehicles.

Tang Long and his group left half an hour later, but walked quickly, almost catching up with the lead group.

“Let’s do a headcount to make sure no one is missing,”

After tallying, everyone breathed easier: two hundred and eight students, not a single one lost.

Zhang Xiu’e grabbed the megaphone, “Now we’ll assign campsites. If you have a medical condition and can’t camp in a tent, come find me—I’ll arrange separate accommodations. Boys and girls, split into two groups. Boys on the opposite side, girls on this side. Two per tent—you can pair up as you wish. To avoid trouble, please, especially couples, show some restraint—after all, you’re surrounded by classmates, and anything too obvious is awkward, you know?”

Her words made many couples blush, but the joke brought everyone closer.

Inside the tents, they prepared fresh bedding, night lights, and insect repellent packs. If anyone felt uncomfortable, village staff were nearby to help.

The restroom was to the west, the bathhouse to the north—separate facilities for men and women, so be careful not to wander into the wrong place. Water in both was carried in by villagers, so please, don’t waste it.

Now, everyone can settle into their tents, rest for about thirty minutes, and then it’s time for dinner!

Looking at the rows of tents set up by the water, Jiang Xue and her classmates were all amazed.