Chapter 286 - 285: The Hospitable Teacher Tang

Chapter 286: Chapter 285: The Hospitable Teacher Tang

This much enthusiasm...

Shi Tiexin wasn’t quite used to it.

Usually, it was the young masters like Si Chongtian who enjoyed this kind of treatment. An orphan like him wouldn’t even qualify to be part of the scenery. But today, Teacher Tang, a complete stranger he’d never met before, was being abnormally enthusiastic.

But as he thought it over, he couldn’t see anything about himself that would be worth someone’s attention. He had no money and no power, and he certainly wasn’t some drop-dead gorgeous young idol. There should be no profit for this greasy Old Tang to gain from him.

’So... am I judging a gentleman by my own petty standards? Is it possible that greasy Old Tang is only greasy on the outside, and on the inside, he’s actually a warm and open-hearted good person?’

He glanced at Teacher Tang beside him. ’Could a soul like that Gou Danzi, Si Chongtian, really be living underneath this greasy exterior you could almost wring oil from?’

The mere thought of it felt incredibly jarring to Shi Tiexin.

"By the way, young man, do you have any Gang Contribution left?" Teacher Tang suddenly asked.

"Gang Contribution?"

Shi Tiexin couldn’t help but wonder. ’Is this old fox trying to demand Gang Contribution as a fee for guiding me?’

If that was the case, Shi Tiexin could understand and accept it. He was very used to the rhythm of "you get what you pay for."

"Not at the moment," Shi Tiexin answered honestly. "I used it all on housing yesterday. If you need some..."

However, Teacher Tang didn’t look like he was trying to ask for Gang Contribution at all.

"Me? What would I need it for! What kind of person do you take me for? I’m thinking about *you*!" Teacher Tang said, somewhat indignantly, his expression souring.

Shi Tiexin quickly apologized. "Sorry, sorry, I misspoke."

Teacher Tang took a couple of deep breaths, then his smiling expression returned, his tone gentle once more. "Young man, our gang also does business with its own members for transportation. If you want to buy a bicycle, exchanging Gang Contribution for one is your best option. The price is much better than the market rate, and the quality is guaranteed."

"I see." Shi Tiexin went along with the conversation. "Unfortunately, I don’t have any Gang Contribution left."

Teacher Tang spoke like a kind neighborhood uncle offering aid. "Young man, if you’re in a tough spot, I can lend you some to start. Just pay me back after you get through this period."

’Holy shit!’

Shi Tiexin was genuinely stunned.

’Lending money? That’s fundamentally different from just offering a few words of advice.’

’Why are the old slickers in Jingtuan so different from everywhere else? Not only did he not fawn on the powerful and trample the weak, not only did he not try to assert his dominance over a newcomer, but he’s even offering to lend me money right after we met? What a goddamn waste of that perfectly sleazy exterior of yours!’

Shi Tiexin hurriedly refused. "How could I possibly accept? Please don’t trouble yourself, Teacher Tang. I have some savings, I can just buy a cheap one from the market to make do."

"But you’d be getting the short end of the stick! Just look at this exchange chart. My heavens, it’s so much more expensive to buy one outside!"

"No, no, it’s fine. I’ll just get a cheap one to get by for now."

Teacher Tang seemed dead set on lending money to Shi Tiexin, while Shi Tiexin politely and repeatedly refused. In the end, Teacher Tang had no choice but to withdraw his Divine Abilities.

"Fine, then. If you want to take a loss, that’s your business." Teacher Tang looked a little displeased. It was clear Shi Tiexin’s refusal had made him unhappy.

But he quickly returned to his previous smiling demeanor. "How about this? I’ll recommend a few models for you, at various price points. They’re all durable, easy to use, and a great bang for your buck."

"Okay, I’ll have to trouble you then, Teacher Tang."

"It’s no trouble at all, no trouble!" Teacher Tang clapped Shi Tiexin on the shoulder. "Do you know why everyone calls me Teacher Tang? It’s because I just... love... to... be... a teacher!"

Hmm...

’Even though the reason sounded like complete nonsense, after thinking it over, he really couldn’t come up with any other explanation.’

Shi Tiexin took another hard look at himself and suddenly felt a little ashamed. ’My thoughts are too dark. I’m always assuming the worst of people.’

’Maybe it’s because of everything I’ve been through since I was a kid, I’m just slapping labels on people.’

’Maybe it’s because what I saw in the last world-line was so grim that now I see everyone through colored glasses.’

’I can’t go on like this. I need to reflect on myself.’

He took another look at the "teacher-loving" Teacher Tang beside him. ’Can I really not see "sincerity" and "enthusiasm" in those eyes? Can’t I find a trace of "kindness" on those cheeks, or a hint of "gentleness" hidden on his forehead?’

Hmmmm...

’Nope, definitely can’t find them...’

’Still, I can’t just decide he has bad intentions just because he looks greasy.’

The man had come over to guide him with nothing but good intentions, and here he was, endlessly bad-mouthing him in his head. Shi Tiexin did some deep soul-searching and felt he was being completely unreasonable. So he rallied his spirits and tried to interact with Teacher Tang with a fresh perspective.

And Teacher Tang really was great.

He took Shi Tiexin to the front desk to get his uniform—

The girl at the front desk: "Teacher Tang? Did the sun rise in the west today? Why are you being so warm to a new guy?"

Teacher Tang turned his head to Shi Tiexin. "Haha, don’t mind her. I’m an approachable guy, so everyone loves to joke with me."

He took Shi Tiexin to the bike shop to buy a bicycle—

The bike shop owner: "Old Tang, what the hell? You’re not tricking someone into a sale for a kickback today? Is this your relative?"

Teacher Tang once again turned his head to Shi Tiexin. "Don’t mind him, don’t mind him! He likes to joke with me, just joking!"

He then helped Shi Tiexin install the client for accepting and completing orders, and taught him how to use it. Even though Shi Tiexin got it on the first try, Teacher Tang still carefully went over it three times.

A few young gang members passed by, stealing glances in their direction and muttering something. Their voices were too low to hear clearly, but at least this time Teacher Tang didn’t have to force a smile and explain anything.

All in all, the warm and hospitable Teacher Tang helped Shi Tiexin take care of all the major and minor things required for joining the gang, far faster than if Shi Tiexin had been fumbling around on his own.

"Young man, if there’s anything else you need, just say the word!"

"No, no, it’s fine! You’ve been too much trouble already, Teacher Tang, I feel bad. Once I make some money in a couple of days, I’ll treat you to a meal."

"Hahaha, no need to be so polite! I, Old Tang, don’t ask for anything in return when I help people. I’m just a naturally warm, hospitable guy who loves to teach!"

Teacher Tang guided Shi Tiexin until he learned how to accept and complete orders, then saw him off as he pedaled his bike out of the Jingtuan compound and set off on his brand-new delivery journey.

Teacher Tang waved from behind, his face gleaming with a greasy smile.

The moment Shi Tiexin turned a corner and his figure vanished down the long street, the warm and hospitable expression on Tang’s face instantly disappeared.

"What a fucking pain in the ass!" All traces of righteousness vanished from Teacher Tang’s face. He spat viciously on the ground, then glanced around cautiously, as if afraid of something.

After a moment, there was no movement. Only then did Teacher Tang let out a breath of relief.

He looked again in the direction Shi Tiexin had left, a strange glint in his small eyes. "This kid seems pretty wary. I’ll have to adjust my strategy. But, hmph, no matter how cunning you are, you’ll still end up drinking my foot-washing water. You think the Jing Tuan Outer Sect is that easy to get by in? Sooner or later, you’ll come crawling back to me for help. We’ll see how I break you down, bit by bit, then!"