Are You Silly or What

As a high-energy DJ track started blasting, the previously tense atmosphere instantly dissipated, and everyone rose to their feet, swaying to the beat.

Liu Bo grabbed Ji Bo’s arm, pulling him to the center of the grassy field, where the two of them began headbanging wildly.

"Let’s get hyped!!"

"Is this what it feels like to go wild dancing outdoors? Even better than the clubs!!" Ji Bo shouted excitedly.

Zhang Ziming leaned in closer and chuckled softly. "Nah, clubs are still more fun. The vibe here might be better, but nothing beats the sheer energy of a packed club—flashing lights, beautiful people everywhere. You know what I mean?"

Ji Bo rolled his eyes and shot Zhang Ziming a knowing look. "Damn, Ziming, sounds like you’re a regular at all the hottest nightspots."

"Shh, keep it down," Zhang Ziming whispered. "I’m just saying—I mostly go to appreciate the scenery. I wouldn’t dare actually do anything wild."

"Really?" Ji Bo blinked skeptically.

"Absolutely. Next time we’re in Shanghai or Hangzhou, I’ll take you out. Their nightlife is on another level compared to Haicheng."

He glanced toward Shen Yixue, who was standing a few meters away, then added, "Let me put it this way—the top clubs in Haicheng get old after a couple visits. But in Shanghai and Hangzhou? Pure magic. The girls there… well, you’ll see for yourself when we go."

Ji Bo grinned. "You better not be messing with me, man."

"Why would I? We’ll bring Meng Wenzhou and the others too. A boys’ night out."

"Deal. You’re paying."

"Fine by me! It’s no big deal."

Just then, Su Yang and Meng Wenzhou walked over. "What’s all the whispering about?"

"Ziming just promised to treat us to a night out in Shanghai," Ji Bo announced.

"Oh?" Meng Wenzhou raised an eyebrow and smirked at Zhang Ziming. "Finally feeling generous, huh?"

"Come on, I’ve always been generous! Besides, a night out doesn’t cost that much. I can handle it."

Su Yang chuckled under his breath. "Sure, but you’ve got some nerve talking about this with Yixue right there."

"What’s the big deal? She goes out too. We’re just drinking and dancing—nothing shady. All aboveboard, right?" Zhang Ziming grinned at the group.

"Yeah, yeah. We’ll hold you to it," Meng Wenzhou said, clapping Zhang Ziming on the shoulder.

"No problem."

......

By 11:30 PM, the outdoor dance party had wound down, and everyone settled into small groups, chatting.

After a long day, fatigue was starting to show. Lu Yun yawned repeatedly before turning to Tang Ziyun. "I’m exhausted. You ready to call it a night?"

"Same. Let’s wrap up for today."

"Alright, bedtime it is."

The two stood and glanced at the others, who were still deep in conversation.

"We’re heading to sleep. You guys not turning in yet?"

Pan Ning looked up at Tang Ziyun, then at the rest. "Let’s all get some rest. It’s late, and we’ve got an early start tomorrow."

"Fair enough. Lights out," Su Yang agreed, standing up.

"Wait, though—how are we supposed to wash up out here?" Ji Bo scanned the surroundings.

"Are you stupid?" Liu Bo scoffed. "There’s a whole river right there. What else would we use?"

"River water? Seriously?"

"What, you expecting a five-star bathroom? We didn’t bring extra water, and we need the bottled stuff for drinking tomorrow."

"But won’t the river smell fishy? I don’t wanna go to bed reeking like a seafood market."

Liu Bo rolled his eyes. "Man, you’re spoiled. This is one of the cleanest rivers I’ve ever seen—no way it’s got a fishy stink."

He walked to the riverbank, crouched down, and scooped a handful of icy water onto his face.

"Whoa!!! Freezing—but so refreshing! Come try it. This water’s clean enough to drink."

"Yeah?" Ji Bo jogged over and tentatively dipped his hands in.

"Huh. You’re right. No weird smell at all. Nice, let’s do this."

"Everyone, come wash up. Then we sleep," Liu Bo called out.

"Coming!"

Liu Bo stood and grinned at the approaching girls. "Hurry up—after you’re done, I’m taking a dip."

"Wait, what?" Ji Bo’s eyes widened. "Dude, that water’s freezing! You’ll catch a cold."

"With a body like mine? No chance."

"Meng Wenzhou, Su Yang—you guys wanna join me?" Liu Bo grinned at them.

Meng Wenzhou shot him a look. "Hard pass. You do you. I’d rather be cozy in my tent than freeze my ass off in a river at night."

Su Yang shook his head. "I’ll pass too. Just a quick rinse for me."

"Suit yourselves. I’ll wait till you’re all done."

Soon, everyone had finished washing up and retreated to their tents.

Only Su Yang and Liu Bo remained outside, the lively chatter replaced by silence.

Su Yang lit a cigarette. "That water’s seriously cold. You sure about this?"

Liu Bo stripped down, grinning. "No worries. I’m built tough—don’t let the belly fool you."

Su Yang smirked to himself. This guy’s got a combat rating of 72. He’ll be fine.

"Alright. I’ll finish this smoke and hit the sack."

"Cool." Liu Bo stepped barefoot into the shallow river, shivering.

"Damn!! That’s cold."

"What kind of weirdo goes for a midnight swim in the wild?"

Liu Bo waded deeper, then glanced back. "Su Yang, you wouldn’t get it. Back when I was in the military, there was a stream near our base. We’d go swimming there to unwind. Just trying to relive those days."

Su Yang sat on the bank, nodding. "Didn’t peg you for the nostalgic type."

"Hey, those were good times."

"Why’d you leave the army?"

"Just… lost the drive. Hard to explain. Wanted to come home."

"Regrets?"

Liu Bo chuckled. "Nah. It’s just something to look back on when I’m bored. No point dwelling."

"True. People change. As long as you followed your gut and don’t regret it, that’s what matters."

Liu Bo plopped down into the water and raised a thumbs-up. "Well said!"

Su Yang shook his head with a smile. "Alright, enough of this. I'm heading into the tent first. You should hurry up too—don’t forget to turn off that big light later."

"Got it."