Chapter 129: Chapter 129: In the Blink of a Smile

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Translator: 549690339

Throughout their journey, both of them were incredibly happy.

Although Yang Qingyin had always enjoyed traveling, she usually did so alone, as she didn’t like to travel with companions.

It wasn’t that she was aloof, but rather that she didn’t have friends who made her feel completely at ease. She would rather travel alone than with relatives or friends with whom she felt only a lukewarm relationship.

Of course, she was also quite proud and had high standards for her travel companions; she would rather go solo than settle for less.

For the first time in many years, she felt fully relaxed. During the time she spent with Luo Ziling before and the traveling they did together, she felt harmony and warmth, and a sense of ease and happiness that couldn’t be put into words.

She liked that feeling, otherwise, she wouldn’t have so readily agreed to travel with him.

Even though she had known Luo Ziling for only a few days, she didn’t feel any strangeness at all, as if he were an old friend she had known for many years.

From the first glance, she thought this shyly smiling young man seemed very friendly and trustworthy.

Upon their first meeting, she even had the feeling of “strangers at first, friends at old.”

His bashful smile and eyes as clear as a mountain spring touched her, usually unflappable, ever so slightly.

With more interactions, she felt even better. She sensed sincerity and openness in Luo Ziling, but what was most important was that special feeling that couldn’t be explained with words.

It was the feeling she had been waiting for twenty-one years, always hoping to meet someone with whom she would feel an instant familiarity, without the slightest sense of strangeness. Unexpectedly, she met such a person in her sophomore year of college.

In the exchange of glances, she felt she could sense his inner thoughts without any barriers.

Previously, she rarely smiled, although she knew she looked beautiful when she did, captivating many people, but she just didn’t like to smile.

However, in front of Luo Ziling, she always wanted to smile. She couldn’t explain why, but she just wanted to show her brightest smile in front of him.

She liked seeing Luo Ziling’s shy and clear smile even more; when she saw his face ripple with laughter, she really felt very good inside, even a bit intoxicated.

Life suddenly turned more beautiful, and she became more joyful.

The only disappointment today was the weather.

The sky was shrouded with a layer of gray haze, possibly a harbinger of an approaching sandstorm, which made people feel depressed. The whole world seemed dim and blurry; landscapes in the distance were hidden in the dust and mist, and the beautiful hues of Summer Palace couldn’t be fully appreciated. Even standing at a high point in the “Paintings within Paintings” scenic area, looking at the scenery of Kunming Lake, didn’t give her the feeling of wandering in a painting as she had imagined, which greatly disappointed Yang Qingyin!

The photos taken were also shrouded in gray.

But the two of them still took many photos with their mobile phones.

Normally, Yang Qingyin didn’t like taking photos, and even when traveling, she would only take pictures of landscapes.

But in front of Luo Ziling, she was willing to reveal her most beautiful side, to be captured in the camera, even agreeing to take photos together with him.

Today, she wore her favorite dress, intending to preserve her most beautiful self in the memories of the day.

Hand in hand, the two walked past Qingyan Street, Jinsu Yunyan, Banbi Bridge, and ahead was the Gengzhitu Scenic Area.

This scenic area was redeveloped and built after 2003, with a strong flavor of the South. The highlight is the twenty-four rubbings of farming pictures and twenty-eight rubbings of weaving pictures that showcase classic snapshots of the rural life of Chinese men farming and women weaving.

“Actually, in the ancient times of the small-scale farming economy, men ploughed and women wove. Although life was simple, it tasted pretty good as long as the husband and wife were harmonious,” Yang Qingyin couldn’t help but reflect while visiting the Gengzhitu Scenic Area, “I used to think that if I ever grew lazy, I would retreat to such a place, with a field, a thatched cottage to sit in, a courtyard to call my own. Every morning after waking up, I’d wander through the fields, touch the morning dew, pick a few flowers, cook my favorite food, play some music, have a cup of tea, read a book, and when sleepy, nap with the scent of flowers around me. Such a satisfying life.”

“Sigh, I’ve lived that kind of life for many years,” Luo Ziling chuckled wryly after listening, “It’s just that, in addition to what you said, I had one more task—gathering herbs. It gets boring over time, especially when my grandfather went out to treat people, leaving me alone at home. Thankfully, we had satellite TV. Otherwise, it would’ve felt totally cut off from the world.”

“If you had a companion, you wouldn’t find it boring—an age-appropriate companion,” Yang Qingyin said, then realizing her daring statement, she couldn’t help but blush.

Luo Ziling also immediately grasped the implication of Yang Qingyin’s words and chuckled, “If you like that kind of life, choose a holiday, and I’ll take you to the Northwest for a taste. Our little village might be remote, but the scenery is heavenly. It’s a shame I didn’t have a camera or mobile phone to take photos. But I really dare guarantee that one glance and you’ll fall in love with the place.”

“You’ve tempted me,” Yang Qingyin said with a playful glance at Luo Ziling, “I really want to go see the scenery there right now.”

“Unfortunately, the roads are blocked by heavy snow during winter vacation, so it’s inaccessible. Otherwise, I could take you there during the holiday,” Luo Ziling said with a tinge of regret, then tentatively asked, “How about next summer vacation?”

“Didn’t you already invite me a few days ago? We even pinky promised just now,” Yang Qingyin tilted her head and looked at Luo Ziling with mischief, “You didn’t forget already, did you?”

“How could I forget?” Luo Ziling scratched his head awkwardly.

Yang Qingyin then revealed a sweet smile again and playfully chided, “Just don’t trick me into going and sell me off!”

“How could I?” Luo Ziling quickly shook his head, “If you like the place, I’m willing to stay there with you for a while.”

After saying this, he added solemnly, “You want to experience the men-farming-women-weaving life, right? I’ll accompany you!”

“You’re taking advantage of me again,” Yang Qingyin said, biting her lip and looking at Luo Ziling with a smile filled with tenderness.

“How am I taking advantage of you?” Luo Ziling feigned ignorance.

Yang Qingyin gave Luo Ziling a sideways glance and pouted slightly, “I can’t weave, and can you even farm?”

“I can hunt and cook a great meal!” Luo Ziling said proudly, “My cooking skills are self-taught; my grandfather didn’t teach me!”

“What else can you do?” Yang Qingyin asked spontaneously, then quickly added, “Other than what you’ve already let me know!”

After thinking for a bit, Luo Ziling said with pride, “I once climbed to the highest peak of the Tianshan Mountains!”

Yang Qingyin was amazed, “If I’m not mistaken, the highest peak of the Tianshan Mountains is over seven thousand meters, right?”

“Yes,” Luo Ziling nodded, “And I did a round trip in one day, even picking a few Tianshan Saussureas along the way!”

“Really?”

“How about I give you one?”

“Ah, for real?” Yang Qingyin still looked astonished.

“After I check and treat you later, I’ll give you a genuine Tianshan Saussurea. Add it to tea or porridge; those minor ailments in your body will vanish quickly!”

“Then I’ll thank you in advance!” Yang Qingyin did not refuse.

The two exchanged smiles with everything understood without words.