"One room?" Tang San frowned slightly. Having lived two lives, he didn't feel much about sharing a bed with Xiao Wu when they were younger in this life, but now they both gradually had adult bodies. He remembered very clearly the saying about the proper distance between men and women.
The attendant emphasized, "Yes, just one. But don't worry, our rooms are all very spacious and fully equipped—more than enough for two." As he spoke, he gave Tang San a knowing look that was all about implication. Of course, Tang San didn't get it.
Xiao Wu said casually, "Then one room it is. Back in Nuoding, weren't we always in the same dorm room? What's the big deal? It'll even save some money for pretty clothes."
Tang San shook his head helplessly. He wasn't a stubborn person. He could just sleep on the floor. At night, he usually cultivated anyway; that was the best kind of sleep.
"Alright then, please check us in for that room."
Just as the attendant was about to process the paperwork, an abrupt voice interrupted him.
"I believe that room should be mine."
Tang San and Xiao Wu turned around simultaneously to look. Three people had appeared behind them, walking toward the counter.
The trio consisted of one man and two women. The two girls were dressed showily, looking to be about seventeen or eighteen, tall and slender—even a bit taller than Xiao Wu. What was most surprising was that their features were absolutely identical; they were twin sisters.
However, Tang San's gaze didn't land on the two stunning beauties. What caught his attention was the man walking in the center.
He was about one point eight meters tall, half a head taller than Tang San. He looked young, perhaps even a bit younger than the two girls behind him. He had broad shoulders, his handsome face carrying a touch of resolute strength, and a mane of golden hair that fell straight down his back, nearly reaching his waist. It wasn't curly but hung smooth and straight.
Most striking were his eyes—a pair of uncanny eyes. Both eyes actually had double pupils. Within their deep blue irises, the gaze was cold, a chill that emanated from the depths of his heart. Between half-opened lids, a sinister light flickered. One glance from him felt like being cut by a sharp blade.
An extremely handsome face paired with such eyes—this kind of man would be the center of attention anywhere.
He's strong. That was Tang San's first thought upon seeing him.
The twin girls each held one of the double-pupiled man's arms. He ignored Tang San, and when his gaze swept over Xiao Wu, a strange light flashed briefly in his eyes, though it vanished in an instant.
Walking up to the counter and looking at the attendant, the young man said, "You're new here, aren't you? Don't you know a room is always kept for me?"
The attendant froze for a moment and ventured, "And you are...?"
The double-pupiled man said impatiently, "Go get your manager."
Meeting the man's gaze, a chill ran through the attendant's heart. He scurried to the back to summon his superior.
Tang San said calmly, "This big brother, it seems we were here first."
The double-pupiled man didn't even turn his head. He just replied coldly, "And so what?" He had never had the habit of explaining himself to others.
Tang San was fairly mild-tempered, but Xiao Wu was not one to be easily bullied. She flashed to Tang San's side. "Nothing special. We're telling you to get lost."
The double-pupiled man finally turned around. His cold, sinister gaze fell upon Xiao Wu. He nodded. "Very good. It's been a long time since anyone dared speak to me like that. You both have Soul Power fluctuations—you must be Soul Masters. Then, come at me together. If you beat me, I'll leave immediately. Otherwise, I'll ask you to demonstrate the word 'roll.'"
Hearing his words, the twin girls beside him giggled, showing no concern at all. Obediently, they released his arms and stepped aside.
Just then, the previous attendant had returned with a middle-aged man from the back. The manager had obviously heard the exchange between the double-pupiled man, Tang San, and Xiao Wu. His face was anxious. "Let's talk this out, let's talk this out. Please, no fighting."
The double-pupiled man glanced at him sideways. "Manager Wang, you're getting better and better at running business these days, aren't you?"
Manager Wang wiped the sweat from his forehead and smiled apologetically. "Young Master Dai, please don't say that. It's the staff's fault. This kid just started yesterday and doesn't know the rules. I'm sorry, I'm truly sorry. I'll arrange a room for you immediately."
Saying this, he turned to Tang San and Xiao Wu, his face full of apology. "I'm very sorry, guests. That room was reserved by Young Master Dai. Please choose another inn."
If it were up to Tang San's nature, he would have yielded. There were plenty of inns; he didn't care about switching. But Xiao Wu was the type to love stirring up trouble; she wouldn't concede that easily.
"We're not giving it up. So what? Snobs looking down on people. Don't think you can bully us just because we're young."
Young Master Dai snorted coldly. "Even if you wanted to, it wouldn't be that easy. You insulted me—leaving now isn't an option."
"Young Master Dai, Young Master Dai, you..." Manager Wang was desperate, his expression pleading.
A sharp, menacing light flashed in Young Master Dai's eyes. "Enough talk. Any losses are on me."
Having been the big sister at Nuoding Academy for so long, Xiao Wu couldn't stand that arrogant look. She was about to rush forward and fight.
Tang San grabbed Xiao Wu's shoulder. "Let me handle this."
Xiao Wu said unhappily, "Why? I'll do it myself. I'll beat him so badly his own mother won't recognize him."
Tang San frowned. "You're a girl; watch your language. Forgot what I said before? I'll always protect you. This is a matter between men."
He wouldn't let Xiao Wu fight partly because he sensed the opponent's strength and feared she might get hurt, and partly because if they were to lose, he'd rather suffer the humiliation himself than let Xiao Wu be insulted by the other party.
(End of Chapter)