POV: Natalie Park
I know now that I’m not a good liar. Just trying to trick someone into giving me a little information has taken me halfway around the world, and I still don't even know how to start. In the end, it turned out that I was the one being sexually harassed by her instead.
“Thump-thump!”
The young girl turned around while twisting her body. Her bursting chest pushed against her shirt until it looked like it could explode. I could only hold my breath, wondering what else was coming...
“It’s okay, I’ll give you a chance to think, Park Unnie! You still haven't told me, what kind of work do you do?”
“Phew!...” What a relief... “I work at Isaiah Biotech—that building with the Leviathan snake wrapped around it. I’m the Deputy Director of the Comparative Genetics Department. I’ve been working there for over two years now.”
I didn’t really want to mention it, so I feigned interest by looking up at the jungle mynas chirping noisily in the large peacock flower tree, pretending to be interested in the cars on the road. I still couldn't find a way to bring up the question.
“Wow! A Deputy Director while you're still so young? Hey! They say researchers are all incredibly smart, is that true?”
“People like us are cursed... we don't know how to think like others. The work we do doesn't develop survival skills or life skills at all. Some people even look like their sanity is overflowing—acting dazed, eccentric, or just plain weird. I don't really know how to do much; I can't even cook rice properly. Just think of it simply: my free time is spent reading books. I’m only good at what’s in the textbooks.” I confessed the truth. My outward appearance might make me look smart because the environment supports it.
In reality, I just have more research experience than the average person. I still have so much to learn about other aspects of life. My private social circle is so narrow that it makes me selfish. I didn't want to talk about that stuff anymore, so I decided to steer the conversation toward the question that was bothering me...
"I'm going to Chongqing too. You invited me yesterday, remember? Er... um... at the slope where the bicycles stopped this morning. What was the trouble about?" I wasted so much time taking a detour before finally getting to the point.
I feigned indifference, turning my face toward the tent to cover my tracks, but inside, I was dying to know about that bald man and the red car—my chest felt like it was about to burst with curiosity.
"I'm so glad we're going together." She beamed, reaching out to grab both my shoulders and staring into my eyes with a squint...
"Unnie, did you see when they were searching us?" The Queencard gave a devious smirk and nodded slowly.
Thump-thump! My intuition started to go bad. I felt like something terrible was about to happen...
"Tell me right now. What kind of trouble do you have with them? I’m certain they’re looking for someone. And that someone... is probably this person!" She grabbed my arm, making me jump.
"Ngah!.." I was clumsy, avoiding her gaze. I couldn't even manage to hide my reaction. The thing I’m worst at is... lying.
But I couldn't tell the truth. What could I say to make her stop being suspicious...?
“Nooo! How could I possibly know that bald man?” I looked away, waving my hands in denial while guilt practically dripped off me in heaps.
She tilted my chin up and smiled triumphantly... “Aha!... You even know he’s bald.”
“Oh... er...” What do I do? What now? Am I going to get caught?
“Tell me right now!.. If Unnie doesn’t tell me, I won't tell you either.” She’s playing the negotiation game now.
Oh... from thinking I was going to use her, I’ve become the one being cornered instead. My head is throbbing.
“Really! I’m not lying at all.” Driven to desperation for an excuse, I reached out to stroke her arm gently, hoping it might save me.
“Unnie, look at this first!” She grabbed her phone, pressed a few things, and handed it to me.
“What is it? Who is this?” I took it to look. Just a glance out of the corner of my eye and I knew exactly who it was, but I pretended not to know and refused to fall for the trap.
“I don’t know him.” I quickly handed the phone back, rushing to change the subject... “Pai Pai! How many hours does it take to cycle 100 kilometers? And did you bring any friends along today?” I quickly steered into another lane, trying to cover my tracks.
“If we go at a steady pace, it takes about 5 hours. If we really go for it, we can do 3 hours easily. I came alone for this trip, but I’ve seen all these faces before.”
“Phew!” I felt relieved once again. Talking to this girl feels like being cornered all the time.
I hurried to feed her more questions. Whatever I could think of, I threw it at her first, desperately trying to divert her attention.
...“Isn't your boyfriend coming along?”
“If I had a boyfriend, would I be asking Unnie to be my girlfriend?” She stroked my cheek again.
“Oh...” Every time I ask a question, I end up losing ground.
“Is it a deal? Should we try dating?”
“Huh!” Oh, crap! I shouldn't have asked.
“You’re blushing...” She smiled shyly, twisting her body in a cute, bashful way. Is she actually hitting on me right now?
I’m just shocked. I’ve never really had a partner before, but I don't think of her that way. As soon as we hit Chongqing, I’m out of here... I’d better just wing it to survive for now.
“I don't know. I’ve never had a boyfriend or girlfriend. What am I supposed to do?” I had to avoid her sweet, lingering gaze.
Since we met, she’s been making moves on me constantly. One minute she’s rubbing my leg, then grabbing me, then hugging me... this and that. It’s giving me goosebumps.
“You don't have to do anything! Just be with me, go on trips together, talk to me. Mamma said that two women together is great because there are no kids to worry about.” She leaned her face in close; I could smell a fragrance that was intoxicating.
“Thump-thump! Thump-thump!” My heart started racing again.
I secretly thought to myself... Does this girl need medication? Is there something wrong with her? She’s rambling on and on. But it’s making my skin crawl. This flickering, racing heart feeling—what on earth does it mean?
I’m feeling strange. I’d better run. I threw out a life-or-death question first...
“Have you been vaccinated against White Silence yet? I saw the authorities announced a round of vaccinations at the City Hall once already.” I quickly backed away. /I thought to myself... hopefully, she’s forgotten about that bald man by now./
“I haven't been vaccinated yet. I’m waiting for the next round; this round is for the elderly to go first. I want this pandemic to be over soon; the villagers are so terrified. Did you see it while we were cycling? Every roadside tent had people queuing up for the vaccine, lines stretching for kilometers. It’s lucky we got Tame 30
But my heart shattered; I felt a profound sense of pity for her. I didn’t know how to act, and the guilt in my heart surged so violently I wanted to walk away from this spot. I thought about it and couldn't find a way out.
Her clear voice pulled my senses back...
“Unnie, do you see that road?” I looked where her slender hand was pointing. All around us were magnificent, towering mountains piercing the sky. The complex, overlapping peaks and the clear, cloudless sky couldn't do anything to ease my mind.
She pointed toward a distant peak to the north... The more I saw her inviting me with that sincere smile, the more it felt like being stabbed with a sharpened iron rod...
“Wudang Mountain. Have you ever watched those Chinese martial arts movies? This is it!... the legendary Wudang. There’s a temple up there. If we cycle a bit further, we’ll find the way up. I’ll take you there for a visit someday.”
“..............”
The bright smile she has today will disappear before long. It makes my heart ache even more. I feel a sense of loss for the dreams she’s so determined to reach, and I feel an indescribable sense of happiness and comfort being near her.
“Sigh!” I feel so suffocated.
“What is it?” She noticed even the smallest detail of my reaction.
“Uh... it’s nothing.” The more I saw her sincere smile, the more profound pity I felt for her.
“And have you been vaccinated yet, Unnie? You probably have, right? Being in that industry and all.” She asked and answered the question all by herself.
“Yes, I have.”
I thought about the events that were about to unfold in the days ahead, and a lump formed in my throat. This world is about to change in a way it can never return from. The deadly virus is entering human bodies without them even knowing, and fear is making people surrender willingly.
I quickly shook my head to cast these thoughts away and changed the subject...
Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author's preferred platform and support their work!
“How do you take care of yourself? Your figure is perfect. Come a bit closer.” I couldn't help but admire her physique; her curves were so well-proportioned, as if meticulously crafted by a sculptor.
“Whoosh!...” A sudden gust of wind lashed out, kicking up a cloud of dust that forced both of us to cover our faces with our hands.
She stood up, facing me, and spun around to show off her figure with confidence. That bright beauty, combined with her self-assured manner and clever speech, might be the gifts nature bestowed upon her to fulfill her dreams. It’s truly enviable.
“Unnie, you like it, don’t you?” Her bright, friendly, and affectionate personality made everyone around her feel happy too.
This girl with the slender waist, flared hips, and firm, rounded buttocks tightly encased in her skin-tight pants... everything that should curve was curved, and every contour was perfectly proportioned, like a young doe prancing about.
“What do I have to do to have a body like this?” I absentmindedly stroked her narrow waist without realizing it. The refreshing scent of the beautiful girl’s sweat was intoxicating. My hand slid down to her shapely, curved hips and glided along her slender legs. The attraction was so immense that even someone of the same sex found themselves swallowing hard.
“Unnie! Look at this first.” Suddenly, she pulled the hem of her T-shirt up, rolling it to just beneath her bursting chest to reveal smooth, white, subtle abdominal muscles.
“Wow! Perfect.” My eyes were caught by a sexy, thin belly chain. I glanced upward and collided with those large, round headlights.
Driven by an irresistible attraction, I lost myself and poked at them as if hypnotized... “And these? Did you use padding? They're so firm.”
I don't know what possessed me, but my traitorous hand reached out and grabbed her breast. It was firm and bouncy against my palm.
She gave a bashful smile and swayed away... “They’re the real deal! D-cup!” It seemed she was actually shy and not as bold as she appeared.
Suddenly, she spun back around and thrust her chest toward me. “They’re huge, right? Here! You can grab them!”
I jumped in shock... “That’s enough!” I snapped back to my senses and hurriedly pulled her shirt back down.
“Aren’t you going to regret it?” She teased, swaying her chest provocatively, but her face was flushed deep red like someone who was acting brave despite being afraid.
Look at her! Such a naughty face. This crazy girl gave me such a shock. My heart is pounding, and I feel strange—a sense of overwhelming happiness is welling up for reasons I don't understand.
“If you grab them... you’ll be the very first one, you know.” She kept making that playful face at me. Her chest is so impressive; when I glance at my own, I look like a kindergartner in comparison. I’ve lost this round completely.
Watching Pai Pai’s personality and gestures is so captivating that I forgot death is waiting for us. Deciding to go with her was definitely the right choice. As for that bald man, she didn't ask about him again, and I think they probably won't show up anymore.
She turned toward the service tent. “I’ll go get some food for us.”
I watched her walk away and felt much more at ease. She is so kind and attentive, yet my heart remains heavy with the weight of the secret I must keep hidden.
“....................” As I sat there lost in thought, I suddenly jumped in total shock.
“Unnie!...” A high-pitched scream pierced my ears. Pai Pai came running back, shaking me with a face full of terror. Her trembling hand pointed back toward the main highway.
“Unnie! Run! Hurry! I saw that red car from this morning—it’s coming around that curve now! Quick, run! Oh my god, oh my god! What do we do? What do we do?!” She stared fixedly at the road, paralyzed with fear, her body shaking, eyes wide, and her legs frantically pacing in place.
“Aieee!....” My entire body went ice-cold. It felt like all the blood in my veins drained down to my feet, leaving me weightless as fear gripped my heart.
I didn't have time to think much, and the first thing that came to mind…
“Bicycles! Bicycles!” Adrenaline surged, screaming that there was no time left. As soon as I scrambled up, I ran toward the bikes, looking around frantically. Where? Where? Where? Where are the bikes? There! Over there!
My brain was a muddled mess—clumsy, panicked, asking and answering my own questions. After only a few steps, I tripped over my own feet and fell flat. I scrambled, my legs spinning in the dirt and kicking up a cloud of dust, crawling on all fours, trying to get back up and run to the bikes parked just a few paces away… it was right there.
My "old friend" mantra spilled out of my mouth without a second thought...
“Structures and components of animal cells... 1. Cell membrane, a thin membrane composed of proteins and lipids. It functions to maintain the cell's shape and controls the passage of certain substances such as water, air, and various solutions.”
I clutched my backpack in a panic, crawling toward the bicycle while my mouth continued to mutter the words.
“...................” Huh? Why does this feel strange? Where is that laughter coming from?
“Ha! Ha! Ha! Caught the culprit!” Pai Pai roared with laughter.
“Aigoo...” I’m so embarrassed. Was I just tricked?
She stood there clapping and jumping around, making a naughty face to tease me. Curious eyes watched from every direction; other racers couldn't help but turn to look. Dust was scattered all over my head. I was so embarrassed I wanted to dig a hole and hide in the ground.
“Were you scared? Your face is so pale! Let me see your face—what were you muttering to yourself?” She stepped closer and reached out to tilt my chin up.
I sat there buried in the dust on the ground like a defeated boxer who’d just taken a knockout punch. I was so frustrated; she had tricked me completely. “Don't ever play like this again. I was terrified.”
“If Unnie had just talked to me nicely, I wouldn't have had to use this method. Why did Unnie act shiftily first?” She even had the nerve to reprimand me. My arms and legs were aching all over. Just my luck.
“Are you having a lot of fun?” I wanted to be angry, but I couldn't bring myself to be, because my lie was so clumsy that I got caught on my own.
“Park Unnie, can we open our hearts and talk about the truth now? I’ve shown you my sincerity, but Unnie still hasn't opened up. I know, you know.” She reached out her hand to pull me up and helped brush off the dust and leaves clinging to my body. I felt like she was herding me into a pen like a pig.
“What are you talking about? There’s nothing,” I said, still lying relentlessly. This is the only way I can protect the secret.
She sat there smiling, looking at me while shaking her head and pursing her lips... “You want to test me, don't you? I know there must be something important in that backpack. Otherwise, Unnie wouldn't be this protective of it.”
She smirked again, a sinister aura spreading out and overshadowing her bright glow.
I felt my face flush hot. What did she mean by that? I have a bad feeling; what is she going to pull next? I looked around, scanning left and right, but saw nothing suspicious. Still, my heart remained wary of this wicked girl.
I clutched my backpack tightly and tilted my head to whisper... "Some things just aren't suited for certain people. It's better you don't know."
“Unnie! If you see me as a sister, then just tell me. I promise I won't tell anyone. If anything happens, I might be able to help somehow.” She spoke with a warm tone, leading me by the hand back to sit under the same Yang Na tree.
I sat still, weighing my options for a moment, then made a decision... “I want to tell you, but let’s put a pin in this matter for now.” I looked for a way to steer away from this conversation.
She’s a lovely person, but it would be better if she didn't know anything. The rest of her life would be happier. Someone who knows the date of their own death in advance would lose the joy of their final days.
“Is it making you uncomfortable? Suit yourself!... If you won't tell, you won't tell.” She didn't pester me. I could finally breathe a little easier. If she could be this reasonable, she might actually be worth being friends with.
She let go of my hand and stood up, twisting her body back and forth to relieve the stiffness. Then, she turned toward the service tent, waving at the group of racers resting there, and cupped her hands around her mouth...
“Everyooone! I have something to tell you! This woman here...” Suddenly, she shouted at the top of her lungs, waving to get everyone’s attention while pointing right at me.
“Aigoo... Calm down, girl! Calm down! Don’t be stubborn!” I panicked and grabbed her arm, trying to pull her back.
“Last chance,” she said, sitting cross-legged with a triumphant smirk. Her posture was like an Empress to whom I had no choice but to surrender.
“I’ll tell you! Fine, I’ll tell you.” I had run out of ways to bargain with this girl. I thought to myself that telling her probably wouldn't hurt.
This matter was far beyond what an average person could understand, but a clever girl like Pai Pai should be able to grasp it easily. Today, she had taught me a lesson indirectly: I might be smart in one place, but I am very foolish in another. While I told the story—from the moment I escaped the building to the matter of the vaccine that was deceiving the entire world—her facial expressions shifted through many forms: shock, stress, anxiety, suspicion, and confusion. Her eyebrows remained knitted the entire time she sat listening until I finished.
She scowled, her lips pursed in a pout... “With something this terrifying, you should have tried to stop me from getting vaccinated. Did you really intend to just let me die like that?”
Her face was thunderous as she turned her back to me. I lunged forward to wrap my arms around her neck to comfort her...
“I’m sorry. I didn’t know what to do either.” Inside, I was worried that she would be angry and cut ties with me completely.
But on the contrary, she turned back with a broad smile... “Now we’re partners. If you ever abandon me, I’ll tell everyone.” She smiled so widely her cheeks puffed up, her eyes bright.
“You’re so wicked, you stubborn brat.”
“I promise I won't tell anyone. Because even if I did, no one would believe me. If I went around trying to stop them from getting vaccinated, I’d be the one who died first from getting stomped on.”
“Yeah.” She had a point.
“I’ll go get some water first. Your outfit is completely filthy; I’ll clean you up,” she said before turning her back and walking away.
But my ears caught her muttering under her breath... “Is she dazed or what? I don't even know if she’s tricking me. She was just chanting something weird a moment ago.”
I wanted to shout at her back, But whatever... everyone thinks I’m crazy anyway.
She returned with a wet cloth, managing to wipe me down and clean me up, though she kept sneakily caressing me until I had to twist my body away.
“Where did Unnie sleep last night? You smell so good.” Her hand brushed past my chest again.
“Pang Long Village.”
“Unnie slept alone? Weren't you afraid of ghosts?”
“Ghosts aren't real. If you believe in or fear ghosts, you can't be a good scientist. I don't even have a religion.”
“Huh... you can survive without a religion? Isn't that strange?” She was so skeptical her eyebrows knitted together.
I answered in my head:
“And what about you? What religion do you follow?” I threw the question back at her for a change. I was tired of being herded into answering all the time.
“Uh!... If I’m being honest, it’s a few things combined. Taoism, Confucianism, and Mahayana Buddhism. I can’t really tell which is which, but they all blend into our way of life,” she answered with a bright, satisfied smile.
“So you worship everything? Just as long as it’s a statue, you’ll bow to it—is that how it is?” I wasn't being disrespectful; faith is a good thing.
“That’s exactly it! Ha! Ha! Ha!” the young girl laughed heartily.
“Did you choose them yourself, or did the school force you?” I’ve wondered about this for a long time. Out of all the people who follow a religion, how many actually have the chance to study, compare, and choose before making a decision? Most are just forced into it or follow along with what’s been done before.
“I didn't choose anything. I just follow the adults.” She didn't seem bothered by it at all, likely just like any other believer... “Then why don't you have a religion, Unnie?” She fired back a question I didn't really want to answer.
“It’s a matter of belief. Whoever believes in something follows that. I see it as a personal right. Once you're grown up, you can believe in whatever you want.” I don't like talking about this much because of my bad experiences.
In the past, when people asked and I said I had none, I’d be criticized in all sorts of ways. Then they’d try to force me to join their religion. I just don't understand... are people without a religion not human or something?
“You can really just have no religion?” Her brow furrowed, her face looking puzzled.
“Communism doesn't want us to believe in it either, does it?” I believe more in principles of cause and effect, in things that can be proven and touched. It might be a little lonely sometimes not being a member of a religious group, but this world has plenty of other interesting things to offer...
She moved as if to speak, but I quickly covered her mouth with my hand... “Enough! Let’s not talk too much about this. You weren't even born yet anyway; let’s talk about something else, okay?” I cut it short to avoid a conversation that would only lead to problems.
“So, what’s the plan from here? Can I tag along? At least two heads are better than one, right?”
I thought she was right. Even a genius like me had been cooked until tender by her acting performance... “There is no plan! Weren't you here for a bicycle race? Go win it. The prize money is 10,000 Yuan.”
I thought that from here on out, nothing else would happen. Those guys probably wouldn't follow us anymore. Once we reached Chongqing, I could find a flight out of China, and we wouldn't have to see each other again.
“Everyone... get ready! It’s time to move out!” The shout to gather rang out once more.
She came over and wrapped her arm around my waist, affectionately leading me back to the bicycles. The cycling team had to ride another 120 kilometers to reach the overnight stop, which would likely take another 5 to 6 hours.
But...
I really shouldn't have chosen to escape on a bicycle... my ass hurts like hell.
**********************************
