Chapter 73: What's So Special About a Skirt? - I Forged Them in Darkness, and They Buried Me in It

Chapter 73: What's So Special About a Skirt? Shao Ren called out several more times, but seeing that Chen An remained unmoved, he awkwardly scratched his head and headed off with the other two. After they left, Chen An got up and walked out of the courtyard. The cool evening breeze was pleasing to the senses. Mount Longhu was vast—not merely a single mountain as most would imagine, but a continuous range like Qingcheng Mountain. Accommodating merely a few hundred people was effortless. Chen An's dormitory was located on a mountainside closest to the outside world. He stood on the path, surrounded by patches of greenery, trash bins, and signposts everywhere. It was thoroughly modern. Presumably, the planning had been in place for a while, but it was only now officially in use. Chen An continued inward along the path. Occasionally, people passed him by, and amidst the coming and going, he could always hear their exclamations of wonder at the surrounding scenery. The clouds drifted ethereally, offering a lofty view. The newly admitted freshmen had never before witnessed such a magnificent scene. As he walked, Chen An suddenly recalled something. He... seemed to not know where Luo Cong An lived. Perhaps it was a matter of mindset or just his natural disposition. Chen An did many things quite spontaneously nowadays. For instance, deciding to find Luo Cong An to ask a few questions was a whimsical notion. Having not planned ahead, he naturally hadn't asked for her address beforehand. So, what to do now? Chen An stood at a crossroads, a bit perplexed. Someone nearby caught sight of his dazed look and let out a barely suppressed chuckle. Chen An looked over—it was a stylishly dressed, provocatively dolled-up girl. Her hair was the trendy large curls, with a ring of eyeshadow, and she wore a uniform short skirt. For those unaware, they might have thought this was a regular university, not some sacred land of immortal cultivation. The mountain breeze was not gentle, especially as evening approached, carrying a chill. In such conditions, only a brave soul would step out in a short skirt. The long legs beneath her skirt occasionally drew glances from passersby. Seeing Chen An look her way, the girl's face showed no shyness; instead, she boldly puffed out her chest and strode forward. Her eyes fixed intently on Chen An, like a hunter spotting prey. As she approached, she casually twirled her hair, a tactic well-practiced for enticing naive young men. Evidently, she assumed Chen An was one such naive young man. The kind of dazed-looking boy that begged to be teased. "So, you like looking at big sister's legs that much?" Wang Jing Rou spoke playfully, taking the initiative. She knew well how to seize the mentality of such innocent young men. Unlike the aloofness employed against sycophants, with this sort, if you played too cool and aloof, the boy would most likely retreat. That’s why Wang Jing Rou chose to strike first. Sometimes being a bit bolder could actually earn more favor. Though she wouldn't use this tactic on just anyone, the boy she happened upon today seemed to fit her taste perfectly. Otherwise, Wang Jing Rou would likely have remained reserved. After all, when making the first move, the initiator naturally took on a more passive role. Chen An didn’t avert his gaze, simply saying, “I wasn’t looking at the legs.” Wang Jing Rou paused momentarily, then smiled, though it was a smile more of annoyance than amusement. “I thought you were an innocent young kid, but your skill at lying without batting an eye is top notch.” Wang Jing Rou scoffed, “If you weren't looking at the legs, then what were you looking at?” Even though she felt she had already “exposed him,”   Chen An’s expression remained calm, showing no signs of embarrassment. He merely answered honestly, “I was looking at your skirt.” Skirt? Wang Jing Rou’s smile froze; she was a bit puzzled. “What’s so special about a skirt?” She looked down, spun around, but found nothing unusual. Just then, a gust of wind blew past, lifting the corner of her skirt. With a gasp, the girl hurriedly pressed down her unruly skirt. Chen An raised an eyebrow. “Because I wanted to see if the anti-gravity skirts from anime exist in reality.” Wang Jing Rou’s cheeks turned a faint red. Even though she prided herself on having ensnared countless guys, the scenario she’d just experienced was still rather advanced for her as an eighteen-year-old. She glared, half-embarrassed, half-annoyed at Chen An. “Pah! You pervert!” Unbothered, Chen An simply lifted his foot, preparing to bypass her. Wang Jing Rou called out to him. “Hey, you’re so weird. I said such things to you, and you’re not even mad?” Chen An paused, “Why should I be mad?” Hearing this, Wang Jing Rou fumbled for words, feeling a little abashed, “I mean, I called you a pervert... It wasn’t really what I meant, just slipped out…” Chen An patiently waited for her to finish, then smiled, “If every time someone comes along and says a thing or two, you let their words impact you and feel things like inferiority or anger, wouldn’t that be too tiring to live like that?” Wang Jing Rou was momentarily speechless, somewhat displeased, yet unable to muster a retort. Because it felt as if she had been reduced to a mere insignificant person. Even if that might be partly true... Wang Jing Rou shook her head, unwilling to dwell on it. She was here to strike up a conversation, not to discuss philosophical issues. A cunning glint flashed in Wang Jing Rou’s eyes as she changed the subject, “I saw you standing at this intersection for quite some time. You must not know which way to go, right?” As new students in a completely unfamiliar environment, not knowing your way around was entirely normal. She chuckled, pointing ahead of Chen An. “Let me guess, are you planning to go to the cafeteria?” Chen An shook his head. Wang Jing Rou was taken aback; she scrutinized Chen An again before earnestly saying, “Whatever you’re up to, this path definitely doesn’t lead there.” These words piqued Chen An’s interest; he turned to her, “Why not?” “Because this road leads to the back mountain, where the Dao masters of Mount Longhu reside for cultivation.” “Moreover, it’s the accommodation for some senior teachers and high-ranking officials, strictly off-limits to students.” Wang Jing Rou finished in one breath, placing her hands on her hips like she was waiting to be praised. Obligingly, Chen An droned, “Impressive, I wouldn’t have thought you knew so much.” He then pivoted the conversation, “But I didn’t see any ‘No Entry’ signs, nor anyone guarding it.” Wang Jing Rou chuckled, “There are plenty who think just like you.” “You think no one’s tried sneaking in before?” She revealed a mischievous grin, “There’s actually a true formation along this path. Without a Dao master leading us, ordinary people like us who go in can only…” Wang Jing Rou’s words trailed off. Because she saw that the handsome young man had already stepped onto the path.