Chapter 91: Bullying

“So this time when you go in, you must be very careful. Under no circumstances should you reveal your Taoist techniques in front of outsiders.”

Sima Yan’er’s scissors moved swiftly, quickly trimming Zhang Shouzheng’s long hair short. She then began styling it to make him look more spirited.

“Mm, I understand. Yan’er sister, this Dilong High School is quite strange. Over the past two years, so many deaths have occurred, yet there are still so many students enrolling. Don’t you find that odd?”

Zhang Shouzheng examined himself in the mirror and was quite pleased with his new hairstyle.

“There’s nothing strange about it. Dilong High’s graduation rate is among the highest in Longdu. Besides, it’s considered a noble school. The deaths of those students have all been controlled by the school’s chairman, so the outside world remains unaffected.”

Sima Yan’er spoke calmly, the anger on her face gradually fading.

After asking a few inconsequential questions, Zhang Shouzheng fell silent. Before long, his haircut was complete. His transformation from a young Taoist novice to a handsome youth was striking. He smiled, revealing white teeth, delighted by how attractive he looked with shorter hair. He pursed his lips, recalling what his master once said: outward appearance isn’t important; the heart is what counts. But if both heart and appearance are good, wouldn’t that be even better?

Jiuer walked beside Zhang Shouzheng, while Zhong Zimo trailed behind them, his face darkening with anger. His cold eyes fixed on Zhang Shouzheng as he snorted, “Hmph, you brat, trying to steal my junior sister Jiuer away? You’re in for a rude awakening.”

Soon, he pulled out a phone and dialed a number. After giving a few orders with a sly smile, he hung up.

“Yan’er sister, let’s go to Silver Dragon Mall. My family owns several shops there, and one of them has this year’s latest autumn collection—perfect for you and Jiuer.”

Zhong Zimo pocketed his phone and followed with a smile.

“Silver Dragon Mall? That’s a huge mall with all the famous brands. I rarely go there,” Sima Yan’er said with some surprise, aware of Zhong Zimo’s father’s high standing in Longdu but not expecting Zhong Zimo to have shops in such a place filled with luxury goods.

“No problem. Wherever we go today, Yan’er sister and Jiuer can pick whatever they like. I’ve told the shop owner—it’s all free.”

Zhong Zimo looked quite proud, his gaze provocatively fixed on Zhang Shouzheng. He knew Zhang’s background well—the Qinglong sect had long declined and wasn’t even part of Tiandao Sect anymore. Zhang was from some remote mountain village and had never seen the world. Zhong Zimo intended to humiliate him and make him realize his place so he would leave Jiuer alone. But Zhang Shouzheng seemed to ignore his words, continuing to chat with Jiuer, which made Zhong Zimo tremble with fury.

Upon arriving at Silver Dragon Mall, Zhong Zimo immediately led Jiuer and Sima Yan’er into a boutique, then smiled and turned to Zhang Shouzheng. “Zhang Shouzheng, this place is all women’s clothes. Let me take you to the men’s section.”

“Good idea. Zimo knows his way around here. Shouzheng, go with him but don’t get lost. Zimo, don’t lose Shouzheng.”

Sima Yan’er held a shawl and smiled faintly. Jiang Litian had told her that her junior brother was seriously directionally challenged, hence her caution. She was clearly unaware of Zhong Zimo’s true intentions. Zhang Shouzheng didn’t pay much attention either.

Soon, Zhong Zimo brought him to a clothing store. He subtly winked at the owner, who then personally introduced clothes to Zhang and ushered him to the fitting room. After trying on some garments, Zhang was quite satisfied, but when he saw the price, he was stunned.

Over a thousand yuan for a thin shirt? That was outrageously expensive, almost making his jaw drop. He immediately decided to change back and quickly left the overpriced store. His original Taoist robe, patched up by his master back home, had cost less than ten yuan.

After changing back, Zhang Shouzheng quietly said to Zhong Zimo, “Let’s go.”

“Wait, customer! The shirt you just tried has a problem. Look here at the cuff—it’s torn. It was intact when you brought it in. Would you like to pay partial compensation or buy the shirt?”

The store owner caught up to Zhang, pointing angrily at the damage.

“I just tried it on, it wasn’t torn before. How did this happen now...?”

Zhang Shouzheng felt overwhelmed, unsure what to do. After a moment’s thought, he said, “How about I call a friend to come with me, then I’ll pay?”

“No. How do I know you won’t use this as an excuse to run off? I’ll call the police.”

The owner glared coldly, grabbing Zhang to prevent him from leaving. Zhong Zimo chuckled nearby, but when Zhang looked at him, he quickly stopped and said awkwardly, “I don’t have any money on me either.”

“You were exchanging glances with the owner earlier. You two know each other, don’t you?”

Zhang Shouzheng snorted lightly, breaking free from the owner’s grip and glared coldly at Zhong Zimo.

“Yes, we know each other. But you damaged the clothes—I can’t help that. This has to follow store rules. However, if you agree to one condition, I can convince the owner not to pursue this and even give you the shirt for free.”

Zhong Zimo smiled wickedly. Since Zhang had seen through the ruse, there was no point hiding it. He didn’t care if Zhang told Jiang Litian or Sima Yan’er, and certainly wouldn’t tell Jiuer—such knowledge would only make them look down on Zhang more.

“Speak. What’s the condition?”

Zhang clenched his teeth, anger flashing in his eyes. He couldn’t understand why Zhong Zimo treated him this way; they had only met a few times.

“Leave Jiuer alone. Jiuer is mine. You’re not worthy.”

Zhong Zimo leaned close, lips curling like a sovereign issuing orders to his subjects.

“Jiuer can be with whomever she likes. No one else has a say. But if you want to say anything to me, I have two words for you: don’t even think about it!”

Zhang Shouzheng stared coldly at Zhong Zimo, showing no trace of fear.

“Oh? Is that so? Then you handle this yourself.”

Zhong Zimo sat back on the store’s sofa, legs crossed, looking like a spectator enjoying a show. Soon, a crowd gathered, whispering and pointing at Zhang Shouzheng, making him flush with embarrassment as if he wanted to disappear underground.

Just then, a tall figure pushed through the crowd, buzzing as he said, “Young master, you’re here! You really made me search high and low. If the master finds out I lost you, I won’t have a good time.”