Not Human
The four of them walked out of the coffee shop. The sun was still not very strong. Liu Chang'an's chili sauce was all dried, so the weather could gradually cool down.
In another month or two, it will be a good time to make a special trip to Junsha Love Evening Pavilion. The fiery red maple leaves are all around, and the Mount Lu Academy with its black tiles and white walls is not far away. Whether it is the scenery in front of you or the elegance and poetic stories behind the scenery, you will not be disappointed if you make a special trip to experience it.
Wu Fan looked around. The most eye-catching of the four people were undoubtedly himself and An Nuan. However, what made him very uncomfortable was that, aside from An Nuan, Han Zhizhi didn't seem to be very familiar with Liu Chang'an, but she would look like she was listening attentively to Liu Chang'an when he spoke.
"Where are we going?" Wu Fan asked casually, adopting a "go with the flow" attitude.
An Nuan and Han Zhizhi turned their heads to look at Liu Chang'an.
"Now that you've come to Junsha, of course we must extend our hospitality. Junsha is most renowned not for its natural scenery, but for its cultural history. Junsha's name has remained unchanged for three thousand years. I remember during the Shang Dynasty and Shang dynasties, Junsha belonged to the Yangyue region, a branch of the Baiyue Tribes. During the Spring and Autumn and Warring States Periods, it belonged to the Qianzhong Prefecture of the Chu State. In the Qin Dynasty, Junsha was one of the thirty-six commanderies. Then came the Han Dynasty. Speaking of the Han Dynasty, you should know someone." Liu Chang'an spoke enthusiastically and earnestly. "Let's go, our first stop is the Junsha Museum."
"Wasn't the museum closed for reconstruction?" Han Zhizhi asked in confusion.
"I went there in May and heard it would reopen in November, but the latest news is that it has recently started trial operations, limiting the number of visitors each day." Liu Chang'an pays close attention to this kind of news.
"Since it's limited, can we go in?" Wu Fan wasn't actually interested in the museum at all, but he couldn't show it.
"I successfully booked it last night, for four people," Liu Chang'an told Wu Fan happily.
"Then you'll be in charge of the entire explanation." An Nuan felt that Liu Chang'an was perfectly capable of handling it. "Visiting a museum without a guide is really no different from looking at pictures of artifacts online."
"We went there during our primary and junior high school years, but it closed for reconstruction for several years afterward. I wonder what it looks like now," Han Zhizhi said to Wu Fan with some anticipation.
"Alright, let's go then." Wu Fan seemed quite interested as well, glancing back at Liu Chang'an. This guy actually made a reservation last night... Was he deliberately trying to prank him? When Wu Fan visited relatives or friends in other cities, no one had ever arranged a day trip to a museum right off the bat.
Upon arriving at the museum, visitors enter through the reserved visitor entrance using their ID cards. Inside the vast museum, the number of staff seemed to be roughly equal to the number of visitors.
"I originally said that the person you should get to know when you come to Junsha is Xin Zhui."
Liu Chang'an led the three people into the central exhibition hall on the first floor, where they found the area to pay their respects to Xin Zhui. He pointed and said, "Go and see Lady Xin Zhui's remains first. Her body is intact, her skin is healthy, her hair is still there, her muscles are very elastic, and some of her joints can move. She looks like a living person."
An Nuan glanced at Han Zhizhi, Han Zhizhi glanced at An Nuan, remaining standing still, unmoved by Liu Chang'an's sway.
Wu Fan leaned closer for a look, shuddered, and quickly took several steps back. Was this skinny, bulging-eyed, tongue-out old woman the lifelike figure Liu Chang'an had described?
If Liu Chang'an hadn't said it looked like a living person, Wu Fan really wouldn't have gone to see it... Of course he knew Xin Zhui, he had only seen the reconstruction of Lady Xin Zhui, he never imagined the old lady would be so frightening?
"Oh, there's a sign over there. Viewing the remains of Lady Xin Zhui may cause discomfort to some visitors." Liu Chang'an noticed the sign in time and said to An Nuan and Han Zhizhi, "You've both seen it before, and you don't want to see it a second time, right?"
"No," An Nuan Han Zhizhi said in unison.
"Let me take another look." Liu Chang'an leaned over and waved to Lady Xin Zhui. After all, they had lived in the same era, and he even had an old lady living in his own home. It always brought back some memories and a touch of melancholy.
However, she didn't have much emotion. After all, Liu Chang'an didn't know either Xin Zhui's husband Li Cang, or her son, Li Xi. She just didn't expect that the tomb of the wife of the prime minister of a small Changsha Kingdom could shock the world. Was it because ancient China civilization was too glorious, or because other civilizations were too crude...? Their stories of civilization were well recorded and promoted, but it's a pity that when they encountered something real from China civilization, Liu Chang'an's feelings could never be hidden.
"You even waved at her." An Nuan Liu Chang'an back. Museums are generally educational bases, and elementary school students have been organized to visit them. The appearance of Grandma Xin Zhui is a nightmare that makes countless elementary school students cry.
Liu Chang'an wondered when Zhou Dongdong's school would organize a visit; it would be funny if Zhou Dongdong was so scared she rolled around on the ground.
"In 1972, when Kakuei Tanaka visited China, he asked the Chinese side for Lady Xin Zhui as a state gift... Haha, after the Premier refused, the Japanese became even more wary. The Japanese side then asked for Lady Xin Zhui's hair as a second choice, but that was also refused by the Chinese side." Liu Chang'an recalled some things that Li Hongfang had said. He couldn't believe them entirely, but they seemed to make some sense. Otherwise, the Japan would have no reason for the Prime Minister to personally ask for some hair or body tissue fragments for research.
"The official commentary probably won't cover this," An Nuan sneered. "They really have no self-awareness. Even if the main theme at the time was peace and friendship, making such a request to us, doesn't it remind people of the horrific and inhumane human experiments they conducted decades ago? To hell with it."
Liu Chang'an nodded, not reminding An Nuan to swear.
Because it was a trial operation, there weren't many exhibits actually open to the public. For example, only the silk paintings of several important national treasures were on display, which was a bit of a disappointment. It only took a little over an hour to see all the open areas.
"Liu Chang'an, it seems like you know the origin of every exhibit. Did you spend the whole night doing your homework?" Wu Fan said with a half-smile. Since Liu Chang'an had made a reservation last night, it wasn't impossible for him to do so. This guy really goes to great lengths to show off.
"Is this necessary?" Liu Chang'an smiled, unconcerned.
"There's really no need for that." An Nuan smiled as well. Her boyfriend always showed off effortlessly; why would he need to prepare?
"Everyone has their own expertise, Liu Chang'an just likes these things. Just like you're particularly good at recognizing trendy shoes... although to me they all look pretty much the same." Han Zhizhi sensed that Wu Fan seemed to harbor some hostility towards Liu Chang'an, which was quite inexplicable.
"I see." Wu Fan lowered his voice. "Where should we go later?"
"I don't know yet, let's see what they arrange. Actually, there's not much fun in Junsha." Han Zhizhi glanced at Wu Fan and chuckled, "I don't think you'll come back a second time."
As she spoke, Han Zhizhi ran forward and took An Nuan's hand. Wu Fan watched Han Zhizhi's back and felt a little suspicious. Did she mean that he didn't need to come a second time because of her?
Wu Fan wasn't very interested in Junsha, but he was extremely interested in the girls Junsha. Junsha might not have much to offer, but the girls Junsha were definitely fun.
After lunch, as they passed an arcade, Wu Fan called out to the group.
"You traveled all the way to Junsha just to play at the arcade?" Han Zhizhi said incredulously, even though she could understand that what people played wasn't their main purpose in coming to Junsha.
"Let's go play the dance machine," An Nuan said with great interest. "We haven't played it in ages!"
"Let's go then!"
Han Zhizhi and An Nuan made the decision; Wu Fan the one who proposed it, and Liu Chang'an had no objections.
While jumping around on a dance machine, very few people can actually create a dance-like feeling. However, it can improve motor skills and reaction time. Some girls have a natural sense of rhythm and often attract attention... An Nuan and Han Zhizhi weren't particularly good at it; they weren't especially uninhibited or adept at making their body movements follow the rhythm in a dance-like way. But they were good-looking and had great figures!
An Nuan and Han Zhizhi stopped playing after a while because there were too many onlookers. They came down, panting, and someone was even shouting, "Beautiful ladies, play a little longer!"
After playing for a while, An Nuan went to the restroom, Wu Fan went to the service desk to exchange for game tokens, and Han Zhizhi and Liu Chang'an stood next to the basketball shooting machine and played around with it.
"What do you think of Wu Fan?" Liu Chang'an asked casually.
"You don't seem like the type to enjoy gossip?" Han Zhizhi laughed unexpectedly, somewhat reluctant to answer the question.
"When you were playing the dance machine just now, he was standing in front of you at first, then he went around to the back, understand?" Liu Chang'an would still remind Han Zhizhi, after all, Han Zhizhi was still a very important best friend to An Nuan. For Han Zhizhi's request, she was even willing to plead with Liu Chang'an... This was the only time An Nuan knew that Liu Chang'an was unwilling, but she still came to make a request, asking him to help make some face cream to give away.
"What do you mean? Do you think I'm not pretty?" Han Zhizhi immediately got angry and slammed two basketballs down.
"Why are they all so short-tempered?" Liu Chang'an said calmly. "He was just standing behind you looking at your butt."
"Huh?" Han Zhizhi's cheeks flushed. "Is this guy really that sleazy?"
Actually, girls don't really care if a man shows desire for her body, but it's best if it's not too lewd... Han Zhizhi didn't think Wu Fan's actions were really lewd, but she still had to say it, and she was indeed not very happy.
Our relationship is still very basic, and while there was some goodwill between us, it has diminished somewhat today.
"It's not exactly sleazy, I'm just telling you, he's very experienced. He's reached the point where he's really into women's buttocks... This is usually an observation angle that only experienced men pay attention to." Liu Chang'an casually grabbed two basketball shooting machines from the side and placed them in front of him. "How can this be considered sleazy? It's perfectly normal."
"You mean..." Han Zhizhi realized, a hint of self-mockery and annoyance in her voice, "He's trying to mess with me?"
"Isn't that obvious? If he didn't want to be with you, would he take a high-speed train over a thousand kilometers to play basketball with you?" Liu Chang'an scoffed. "Naive. Are you a believer in pure love?"
"You... I mean... I think... this is too blatant," Han Zhizhi said angrily.
"You mean even if men want it, they should take it step by step, from confessing to holding hands to kissing, rather than revealing their desires right away? Right?" Liu Chang'an nodded understandingly. "That's between An Nuan and me, by the way."
"You really are as annoying as An Nuan said..." Han Zhizhi was both amused and exasperated, and threw a basketball at Liu Chang'an.
Liu Chang'an grabbed it in his hand, then casually tossed it aside; it missed.
"So you were standing behind us the whole time?" Han Zhizhi suddenly realized, "You were standing behind us the entire time, you never even went to the front!"
"Putting everything else aside, your little bottom is pretty good. I guess the doctor pats it a few more times every time you get a shot in your butt," Liu Chang'an commented objectively.
"Liu Chang'an! I'll smash you!" Han Zhizhi was furious and embarrassed. She kept hitting Liu Chang'an's arm with a basketball, making him miss every shot.
What are you doing?
An Nuan walked over, watching Liu Chang'an and Han Zhizhi playfully bickering with a smile. Wu Fan came over with a pile of coins, looking at Liu Chang'an expressionlessly.
"Liu Chang'an said basketballs are prettier than your butt, so I'll teach him a lesson for you!" Han Zhizhi cleverly explained.
"You're asking for it!" An Nuan also came over and punched Liu Chang'an, planning to get jealous of him after everyone left, even though she knew that there was absolutely no way Liu Chang'an and Han Zhizhi could have anything going on.
After joking around for a while, Wu Fan said to Liu Chang'an with a smile, "Let's have a competition and see who scores more points."
Wu Fan pointed at the basketball machine. He observed it for a while and found that Liu Chang'an was basically just throwing the balls randomly. Although Han Zhizhi's playful fighting with him earlier had some distraction, his accuracy was still terrible. Wu Fan, on the other hand, was a professional player in this area.
"Contest?"
Liu Chang'an smiled; there were nine balls in the basketball machine in front of him.
"How about we play something interesting in this competition?" Wu Fan meant betting.
"Let's not?" An Nuan glanced at Han Zhizhi. She rarely thought of a junior from the Affiliated High School, even though a basketball machine and shooting hoops on the court are not the same thing.
"Are you sure you can do it?" Han Zhizhi asked Liu Chang'an, sounding a little unsure.
Although Han Zhizhi's question was a bit silly, Wu Fan was somewhat surprised. Han Zhizhi was doubting Liu Chang'an's abilities, but there was a hint of worry that Liu Chang'an would lose!
Han Zhizhi glanced at Wu Fan. She didn't develop any liking for Liu Chang'an because of this, but she did want Liu Chang'an to embarrass Wu Fan.
Liu Chang'an glared at Han Zhizhi. This little brat actually dared to ask a man if he was good enough; this was practically a provocation.
After saying one sentence, An Nuan took her phone and went to the side to send a message.
Liu Chang'an took his phone out of his pocket and glanced at it.
"Whoever loses, isn't human," Liu Chang'an said after thinking for a moment. Since Wu Fan had proposed the bet, he must be very confident. Liu Chang'an humbly offered a bet that was advantageous to him.
"Fine," Wu Fan said nonchalantly. He only wanted to give Liu Chang'an a blow; he didn't really care about the stakes... because although he also wanted to humiliate Liu Chang'an to his heart's content, that would undoubtedly incur the resentment of An Nuan and Han Zhizhi, making it a losing proposition.
Two people insert coins, nine balls, three minutes. Wu Fan likes to play basketball and is confident in this aspect. After throwing three balls, he glanced at the ball with some confidence, but his eyes suddenly went blank. He hurriedly threw a few more balls and felt that it was unnecessary. Liu Chang'an was holding the ball and throwing it randomly. The speed was so fast that it was dazzling, but every ball went into the hole accurately!
Three minutes, over a thousand minutes...
Wu Fan was certain that if the arcade hadn't been relatively empty at the moment, and the basketball machine hadn't been in such a secluded spot, thunderous applause would have erupted behind Liu Chang'an.
With Liu Chang'an's abilities, he could definitely participate in basketball shooting machine competitions, and challenging the world record wouldn't be impossible.
He just now clearly... Could it be that he was hiding his strength to provoke me into starting a match? This guy is really... really... really infuriating.
"Fine, I admit defeat. I'm not human." Wu Fan spread his hands, admitting defeat openly and honestly. He knew that if he tried to cheat or say something pointless at this point, it would be useless. He wouldn't be able to save face, and he would lose points with the two girls.
"You don't even deserve to be called human?" Liu Chang'an chuckled. "You should be considered human. After all, it's perfectly normal for a human to do something like asking my girlfriend for her WeChat number when she's away alone."
Han Zhizhi's expression changed, and she looked at Wu Fan coldly.
An Nuan stood behind Han Zhizhi, hugging Han Zhizhi's soft waist. She didn't want to say it, but if she didn't, wouldn't she be helping Wu Fan deceive Han Zhizhi?
"I just want to learn more about Zhizhi through An Nuan!" Wu Fan offered what he considered a very suitable reason.
"I've heard this reason many times." Han Zhizhi said helplessly. With a best friend like An Nuan, this kind of thing was unavoidable... But she never thought of giving up her best friend because she would meet a man like this. She never thought of giving up her best friend to prevent this from happening again. She only told herself that it was because of An Nuan that those fickle and greedy guys were eliminated.
"Fine, if that's how you want to think, there's nothing I can do." Wu Fan shrugged. Things had come to this, there was nothing more to say. He'd already booked a room for one night, so he couldn't waste it. Tonight, he'd find a girl to enjoy some fun on the 91st floor. This An Nuan seemed quite innocent, but she was probably quite experienced; otherwise, most girls would believe that excuse. Adding her on WeChat wouldn't be something he'd say to her face.
Liu Chang'an brought up Wu Fan and stuck his head into the basketball shooting machine. Liu Chang'an really didn't mind that he An Nuan for her WeChat number, but he wanted Wu Fan to understand what kind of behavior most people would consider a "non-human" guy.
How dare he call himself not human? He's utterly shameless.
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<DNF Invades Marvel> Author: Lord of Hyperion
The story revolves around Luke, a DNF (Dungeon Fighter Online) enthusiast, who is reborn into the Marvel universe as a 7-year-old elementary school student. He gains access to the DNF system and is instigated by the octopus Lotus to cause trouble.
Luke: I think it would help us spread the glory of the Apostles if we got along well with Tony Stark.
Lotus: Let's blow up Stark Tower!
Luke: The Chitauri have invaded Earth! Let's go help them.
Lotus: Beep, system mission issued: Help the Chitauri destroy the Corner Five building; reward: a National Day gift pack.