Chapter Thirty-Four: Martial Arts Duel

  The store was closed, and Lu Qi walked ahead with a large bag of fabric. I and Qiao Hui followed behind, hand in hand. Because my foot still hurt a bit, we walked slowly, with Qiao Hui supporting me on one side. We strolled through the vegetable fields, crossed the Double Wood Bridge, and walked along the road home. My mood was exceptionally pleasant, and I hummed a light tune of "Country Road", Qiao Hui joined in, and Lu Qi smiled slightly as he listened.

  Unconsciously, the sunset has fallen to the west, the mountains are quiet, and the birds are chirping softly. In the distance, the village is rising with wisps of smoke, and the nearby rice fields are shining with golden light in the fading sunlight, everything is so serene and beautiful. As long as you walk through the mountain pass ahead, you can see the elementary school in your hometown. There aren't many people on the road, occasionally one or two are also hurrying home.

  "Hey, there are two little girls up ahead, let's hurry and catch up to them." A discordant voice shattered the peace. "Haha, boss is getting restless, come on, let's go see if these chicks are pretty or not?" The discordant voices grew louder.

  My heart skipped a beat, oh no, I've encountered a pervert. I called out softly: "Lu Qi, wait up." Lu Qi heard my call and stopped mysteriously, asking: "What's wrong, does your foot hurt?" I shook my head and gestured for him to look behind us. He glanced back and said nonchalantly: "Don't worry, I'm here." Cui Hua grabbed me tightly, looking anxious: "It looks like there are several people, what should we do?" I patted her hand reassuringly: "Don't worry, he's here. Didn't you know he's the class bully? Let's see his skills in action!" She still looked worried: "What if he can't win?" I chuckled lightly: "Have you forgotten? There's also me, your master!"

  As they spoke, the few people walked up to us. "Huh? How is there still a kid? You little brat, you're quite lucky! One person brings... Recognize your own good and scram, don't ruin my good deed." I gave them a cold glance, a group of four people, each wearing a floral shirt, bell-bottom pants, and a lion's mane hairstyle - wasn't this the most fashionable attire in that era? However, people who dress like this at this time are definitely not 100% good people, but rather second-rate rascals who idle about all day. This lion-haired guy was probably around twenty years old, with a cigarette in his mouth, taking a drag and then spitting it out, probably trying to blow smoke rings but failing, that pretentious suave look made me unable to hold back my laughter, and I burst out laughing.

  "Hey, little sister, are you happy to see your brother coming?" The lion-headed man said drowsily, "Come on, come over and let me give you a kiss." "Boss, this one is not bad either, just a bit flat-chested," A small-bearded, rat-eyed man with a lewd expression said, making people feel disgusted. He then hastily prepared to take action.

  Lu Qi's eyes narrowed, his gaze turned cold, and with a swift kick, he sent Xiao Huzi tumbling to the ground. Xiao Huzi cried out in pain, "Ah yo! Ah yo!" The Lion Head was enraged, shouting loudly: "Damn it, you dare hit me? Don't want to live anymore? Brothers, come on, let's teach this kid a lesson and cripple him!"

  The two tall men behind the lion head came over, rubbing their fists and palms. Lu Qi stood still, waiting for them. I protected Qiu Hui by the side of the road, my eyes fixed tightly on the two of them. It was clear that these two were the real deal, their movements perfectly coordinated. Lu Qi couldn't gain the upper hand at first. Just then, the lion head took advantage of the situation and snuck up to me, stretching out his hands to grab me. I quickly pushed Qiu Hui away and with a swift move, threw the guy to the ground. At the same time, the little mustache also got up from the ground and approached us.

  I took a glance at Lu Qi, seeing that he seemed somewhat anxious. I knew he was worried about us, so I shouted loudly: "Don't worry about us, these two are a bit of trouble, you need to calm down and find an opening."

  After hearing my words, Lu Qi quickly glanced at the lion head on the ground and a look of surprise appeared on his face. It's true, he hadn't seen my skills before, so it was natural to be surprised. But after being surprised, he felt at ease and finally settled down with them, punching and kicking each other in high spirits.

  "Let me go." Chou Hui's voice. Oh no, I was too busy looking at Lu Qi and forgot about those two guys. I quickly turned around and saw that the little mustache guy was grabbing Chou Hui's hand and trying to hug her. What a shameless thing to do! I swiftly moved behind him, lifted my foot and kicked him, sending him tumbling to the ground with a thud. Chou Hui took advantage of the distraction to break free, and I grabbed her hand: "Scared? Stick close to me."

  Perhaps our situation affected those two tall guys, looking at their busy and flustered appearance, Lu Qi solved it in three moves.

  Looking at the four people rolling on the ground, I advised them kindly: "You are also born and raised by your parents, right? Look at your appearance, neither human nor ghost. Can you afford to be born and raised by your parents? Today, I'll teach you a lesson, remember it! If we meet again, it won't be so simple. Hmph!!"

  The lesson is over, I pulled Chou Yi and Lu Qi along with me as we walked away.

  Not even a few steps later, "Ah!" It hurts! Why does my foot hurt even more? Lu Qi asked urgently: "What's wrong?" Qiao Hui suddenly realized: "I know, you just kicked that bad guy with your right foot, and you must have hurt it again." As the sky slowly darkened, Lu Qi said: "I'll carry you on my back." I was taken aback, stuttering: "Carry? Carry me? You?" He handed the bag in his hand to Qiao Hui, walked in front of me, squatted down and ordered: "Hurry up! Get on! You don't want to still be out when it's dark, do you?" I looked at Qiao Hui, she nodded at me, and I reluctantly leaned against him.

  "Hold on tight!" He suddenly stood up, and I instinctively wrapped my arms around his neck. He chuckled softly and strode forward with me on his back.

  "How many more surprises do you have for me?" he asked as he walked, "You can actually fight, I really didn't expect that!" He exclaimed. I chuckled lightly: "There are many unexpected things, don't bother thinking about it, or you'll exhaust yourself!" "I'm not afraid of exhausting myself. What I said was serious." I could hear the determination in his tone. What did he say seriously? Was it what he said in the store 'to protect me for a lifetime'? I was a bit confused. "When we get back, use hot water to apply a compress," His concerned voice moved me, "And if it's still not better tomorrow, don't go to school, have Qiao Hui ask the teacher for a leave of absence!"