The Monkey Chosen by Fate, Your King Has Returned

As Director Yi finished speaking,

Tang Yimian walked straight up to him.

Lin Yu glanced over.

Sigh.

The plight of the working class played out once again.

When you're under someone else's thumb, no matter the reason, failing to get the job done means your first move should always be an apology...

"Director Yi, an injury is no small matter," Tang Yimian said.

"Xinran didn’t mean to get hurt. I think the priority should be treating her wound first."

"If we lose a group leader because of this injury, that would be the real irresponsibility toward the summer camp."

Director Yi frowned. "..."

Tang Yimian’s tone wasn’t forceful, but her words made Lin Yu look at her in a new light.

So…

The senior student actually had a bold side to her?

After a moment of silence, Director Yi shifted gears.

"Teacher Tang, I think you make a very good point."

"But shouldn’t you have reported the delay to me first?"

Tang Yimian instantly deflated, like an immortal stripped of their divine bones, and quickly apologized.

"I’m sorry, I’m sorry! That really should’ve been reported—it was an oversight on my part."

"Director Yi, the situation was just so sudden, I didn’t have time to think it through."

"We’ll handle it right away and take the students into the park now!"

Lin Yu: "..."

So much for that brief moment of boldness.

For a second, he thought Teacher Tang had actually stood her ground.

Director Yi’s gaze swept over Lin Yu and Maomao, their red vests making their roles obvious.

With an air of authority, he pointed at them.

"You two, what’s-your-names, you’ve worked hard too."

"Good for young people to get some exercise. Hurry up and help get the group in order."

Lin Yu responded with a calm smile.

He wasn’t some overly sensitive prince who’d explode at the slightest provocation.

But this esteemed school leader, so busy with his "pressing duties," couldn’t even bother to ask his name.

Yet somehow, he’d found the time to bring his family along for a free trip.

Fine, fine.

What else could he do?

Wish Director Yi a "smooth" journey through Monkey Mountain, then.

…

Under Director Yi’s urging,

the elementary school group quickly formed up and marched toward Monkey Mountain.

Tang Yimian took the lead at the front, guiding the way.

Fang Xinran stayed in the middle, keeping track of the headcount.

Lin Yu and Maomao brought up the rear, making sure no one fell behind.

From the parking lot to Monkey Mountain,

they passed through multiple attractions—Peacock Garden, Horse Ranch, Deer Park, and more.

Every now and then,

the group would pause for photos.

Tang Yimian, having done thorough research beforehand, patiently explained the unique features of each area.

Not just a group leader, but also a tour guide—no easy task.

After about twenty minutes of walking,

they arrived at a stone staircase.

"ZhiZhi~"

"Yiya~"

"AoAo~"

"..."

A cacophony of animal calls—some excited, some agitated—drifted down from the modest rocky hill ahead.

All these strange noises came from the same creature… monkeys!

Perennial champions of "China’s Most Annoying Animals" rankings,

there was something about them—

Lin Yu hadn’t even seen them yet, but just hearing their voices gave him an inexplicable sense of familiarity.

It’s back.

He could feel it all coming back…

He glanced at Maomao beside him and warned,

"Don’t wander off."

Maomao adjusted her little backpack and replied,

"Mm, I won’t. I’m not a kid."

According to the plan Lin Yu and Tang Yimian had made earlier,

she would lead the group alone for the first half of the tour.

Once they reached Monkey Mountain,

Lin Yu, as the only male staff member, would move to the front.

This was to prevent any sudden attacks, bag-snatching, or intimidation from the feisty monkeys that might scare the kids.

"Everyone, Monkey Mountain is just ahead," Tang Yimian announced.

"Our destination is the ‘Water Curtain Cave’ at the summit, where Teacher Fang and I will take group photos for everyone."

"While exploring, walk in pairs along one side of the path."

"Stay away from the railings, and don’t try to touch the monkeys."

"They’re easily agitated and might accidentally hurt you."

"..."

As Lin Yu moved to the front, Tang Yimian was still briefing the students—likely for another two or three minutes.

He climbed a short way up.

Even at the base of the hill, he could already spot a few scattered monkeys.

One perched on the railing,

having just discarded a half-eaten orange, was now cradling a golden banana in its arms.

Who knew if it was stolen or given by a tourist?

Didn’t matter.

Lin Yu stepped closer and casually remarked,

"Lucky you. You’ll do."

The monkey, mid-bite, froze and stared at Lin Yu in shock.

Its beady eyes brimmed with disbelief, as if thinking:

He speaks monkey?!

"Yiya?" it squeaked in confusion.

Lin Yu couldn’t understand its chatter, of course.

As long as it understood him, that was enough.

"Can’t hear you—did you skip breakfast?"

"You just ate an orange, didn’t you?"

"Speak the fck up!!"

The little monkey’s spirit ignited instantly.

It planted its feet firmly on the railing, straightened its posture, and belted out:

"AoAo!!"

Though it had no clue what dialect this "Terrifying Upright Ape King" was using,

something about his voice commanded respect!

After its shout, the monkey even politely offered its banana forward:

Here, boss, you eat!

Lin Yu clasped his hands behind his back, confirming that Tang Yimian was still talking below.

With a solemn tone, he declared:

"During the Heavenly War, I fought 100,000 celestial soldiers for three days and nights—rivers of blood flowed!"

"From the South Heaven Gate… to West Convenience Gate, East Straight Gate, West Straight Gate, Wide Peace Gate, Revival Gate… all the way to Penglai East Road."

"Hah! And yet? They couldn’t kill me… just sealed my powers."

"Now, I have a mission for you."

"Tell your monkey brethren: Your Great Sage has returned."

"Gather at the big locust tree halfway up the mountain and wait for me."

"Today… we’ve got a damn battle to fight!"

The little monkey’s chest heaved, its breath quickening…

After wasting its life in this tiny tourist trap, it had resigned itself to mediocrity.

But now…

At the foot of the mountain, their "King" had arrived!

It had always suspected… that humans’ Journey to the West was a fcking biography!

And now, destiny had come knocking!

In the next moment,

the monkey scrambled up the hill at breakneck speed.

Soon,

"Yiya ya…"

"AoAoAo!!"

"..."

The hillside erupted with its shrill cries—

a mix of excitement, awe, and sheer exhilaration.