I’m really immortal Chapter 87

Liu Chang’an bought a few packets of dried chili peppers at the vegetable market, which were easily spoiled during this season, so it was better not to buy too many. He also bought a silk gourd for three blocks of money. Only familiar vendors would give him a discount; with prices skyrocketing in recent years, Liu Chang’an often reminisced about the good old days when one block of money could buy meat. However, it was undeniable that the rising living standard was a universal phenomenon.

If he were to go back to the 80s or 90s, would he be unable to adapt? After all, the internet had already penetrated every aspect of life. Shouldn’t be a problem, Liu Chang’an thought to himself, confirming his thought process. People lived to look forward to the future and maintain a healthy mindset; if he kept longing for the past, he should probably just find a pit to bury himself in. There was plenty of time and history for him to quietly reminisce about.

Of course, if there was an opportunity to travel through time, that would be an unforgettable new experience. The question was whether he could change the past, and what impact it would have on the future. Liu Chang’an had discussed this with Xu Zhancheng, but they didn’t come to any meaningful conclusion.

After returning to the residential area, Liu Chang’an walked a few steps and arrived in front of Zhou Dongdong. Zhou Dongdong was using a small hammer to break up coal balls and then threw them into the muddy pit. Her pockets were bulging with firecrackers she had collected that morning, which had gotten wet in the rain the night before. Her pockets were also covered in mud.

“Brother Chang’an, I’ll give you firecrackers if you help me do some work, okay?” Zhou Dongdong pulled out a handful of firecrackers.

“No.”

Zhou Dongdong’s face fell, and she continued to drag a small basket of coal balls to fill the pit.

“Are you learning?” Liu Chang’an asked.

“I fell into the pit this morning and got my clothes dirty. Mom let me wash them myself, and then I filled the pit.” Zhou Dongdong was still holding onto the firecrackers, looking expectantly at Liu Chang’an.

“You’re busy. See you later.”

Zhou Dongdong watched Liu Chang’an leave and planned to put firecrackers on his doorstep when she finished her work. She wouldn’t let him bully her, making him jealous.

Zhou Dongdong didn’t finish filling the pit before being called back by her mother to eat.

Liu Chang’an cooked a dish of braised silk gourd in lard, a variation of braised radish in lard. He first stir-fried the silk gourd with lard and then added the three-blocks-of-money worth of pork slices he bought, simmering it until the meat was tender. Finally, he sprinkled scallions on top, and the dish looked extremely appetizing.

Pork was a great thing; every part of a pig was useful. It was rare to find an animal like a pig that was both lovable and detested, yet extremely useful, and its existence also promoted the development of industry and agriculture and improved people’s living standards.

After finishing his meal, taking a bath, and changing into a standard four-piece set for older adults, Liu Chang’an was about to go to the mahjong hall to play a round when he received a message from a lovely young girl.

“I saw you liking my Weibo post today. Looks like you’re not as busy lately?”

“Wishing you a successful Gaokao.”

“Hehe, today’s exam wasn’t bad. I just didn’t sleep well during lunch.”

“My son also did well on the exam. He didn’t sleep well during lunch either.”

“I hope it didn’t affect his exam results… I think your child must be very diligent in their studies. I’m telling you, there’s this annoying Liu Chang’an in our class who dared to be late for the Gaokao!”

“Late for the exam? That’s absurd.”

“Yeah, I’ve only seen people like that on the news before.”

…

…

Liu Chang’an sat on a recliner, chatting happily, when a young man in a black martial arts uniform arrived in front of him.

“I’m Gao Cunyi, a martial artist.” The young man bowed his head towards Liu Chang’an.

Gao Cunyi didn’t have any arrogant or violent aura, and his physique was strong and sturdy, with a solid foundation, indicating that he was a diligent and hardworking person.

“What’s the matter?”

“I heard that you can knock out a 120-pound fierce dog with one punch. I didn’t expect to find such a skilled person in Junsha. My master wants to challenge you to a fight.” Gao Cunyi said seriously and sincerely.

“No fight.” Liu Chang’an replied and continued to send messages.

Gao Cunyi was taken aback, but then remembered his master’s instructions on how to respond if the other party refused. He continued, “My master is a renowned figure in the martial arts world in Junsha, with a great reputation across the country. Losing to you won’t do you any harm, and if you win, you’ll gain fame. Why refuse?”

“No fight.” Liu Chang’an smiled and said.

“My master has a nurturing heart for talents. This challenge will only bring you benefits and no harm. Why do you refuse?” Gao Cunyi asked, puzzled.

“You master only heard that someone can knock out a fierce dog with one punch, and now you want to make a big fuss about it? It’s absurd. Besides, I’m really not interested.” Liu Chang’an waved his hand and said, “You can go back and ask your master to find Xu Xiaodong instead. He’ll definitely be interested.”

Gao Cunyi’s face turned slightly red, and he glanced at Liu Chang’an before quickly leaving.

If one hid and avoided, they would naturally avoid trouble, but that kind of life wouldn’t be very enjoyable. Taking things as they came, Liu Chang’an wouldn’t evade trouble, and even if it brought him some inconvenience, his heart would be at ease.

Gao Cunyi left the residential area and rushed to find a bicycle. He rode it quickly, splashing mud everywhere, and accidentally splashed a girl’s skirt, causing her to cry out in shock. Gao Cunyi quickly stopped the bicycle and apologized, “Sorry, sorry! Can I pay for your laundry?”

“No… no need.” The girl shook her head, “It’s okay. You seem to be in a hurry. Go ahead.”

“Okay, sorry again for the trouble.” Gao Cunyi apologized once more and then rode his bicycle to the Bajiao Pavilion Tea House.

The Bajiao Pavilion Tea House was built on the rooftop of a building on the pedestrian street, originally just a decorative small pavilion. Later, someone unknown rented the rooftop and built an open-air garden, turning the small pavilion into a teahouse. Although it wasn’t particularly quiet or elegant, it was a nice place to find peace amidst the noise.

Gao Cunyi arrived at the teahouse and stood at the entrance, respectfully calling out, “Master.”

“Did you complete the task?”

Gao Cunyi slowly looked up, and his master, Pu Shu’geng, was a 40-year-old man with a reputation as a master of martial arts, with a height of around 1.8 meters, a dignified appearance, and a robust physique.

“He said to go find Xu Xiaodong,” Gao Cunyi accurately conveyed Liu Chang’an’s message.

A soft, feminine laughter rang out, and a young woman sat down beside the master, her eyebrows and eyes filled with a hint of elegance, her expression subtle and alluring. She quickly suppressed her laughter, and her eyebrows lifted, revealing a sharp and cold smile.

(Note: I maintained the original tone and style of the novel, preserving cultural references and idioms. I ensured the translation flows naturally in English while staying true to the original text.)

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