Chapter 54 – Trip to Lijiang (Extra 3, Part 6)
Novel t.i.tle: 一生之计在于春 (Spring is the Plan of Life)
Author：御小凡 (Yu Xiaofan)
Translator: K (@kin0monogatari)
Protagonists: 姚锦夕 (Yao Jinxi -MC), 吴洋 (Wu Yang -ML)
*Please read at knoxt.s.p.a.ce, the original site of translation. TQ*
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Anyway, he had no intention of going out for the whole afternoon.
The next day, they had to continue their journey so the two of them were sensible about it. They had a hearty meal in the afternoon and went to bed quietly at night, not adding too much strain to Yao Jinxi’s already fatigued muscles.
Resting up was essential to tackle the upcoming nearly three hundred kilometres of road. However, the road from Lugu Lake to Lijiang was much smoother than before. It took less than a day. Wu Yang let Yao Jinxi sleep until almost noon before he leisurely went to have the local specialty which is grilled fish.
Next to the hotel was a semi-open-air grilled fish restaurant with wooden tables and chairs which were a bit on the short side. Yao Jinxi chose a seat on the outer side as he said, “We’ll be driving later, so no alcohol. How about some soy milk?”
Wu Yang went along with whatever Yao Jinxi decided. After choosing the dishes, the owner and waitstaff were too busy to attend to them, so Wu Yang got up and went to place the order himself.
Sitting alone, Yao Jinxi looked around, feeling bored. Accidentally, he made eye contact with the girl next to him.
Girl: “…”
Yao Jinxi: “…”
Turns out, she was someone he knew.
Well, not exactly someone he knew. She was the neighbour from next door who accidentally witnessed him and Wu Yang in action yesterday.
The girl smiled awkwardly. It was as if she felt it would be unfriendly not to say anything after witnessing what they did. She ventured with a cliché, “Here for a trip, huh?”
With only clichés to respond, Yao Jinxi replied, “Yeah. You too?”
The girl’s companion, who’s also a young girl, was surprised, “Ah?! Zhou Ling, you know him?”
“Well… They were staying next to us,” Zhou Ling didn’t say much. Her seemingly cheerful companion, however, was excited, “That’s fate! Where are you guys from?”
Appearing unaware of what Zhou Ling have witnessed, Yao Jinxi politely replied, “City C.”
Excitedly, the girl exclaimed, “Us too! Are you planning to go to Lijiang?”
This tourist route was very popular. It was rare for people to visit Lugu Lake without heading to Lijiang afterward. Yao Jinxi wasn’t surprised by her question, “Yeah. Since we’re here, we plan to go.”
“Yeah. Otherwise, it would be a pity. Aren’t you supposed to be at work now?” They both had backpacks beside them and they looked youthful, “Our exams this semester ended early. So we went for a trip early. It’s more comfortable with fewer people around.”
Yao Jinxi chuckled. He was unsure whether the girl was naive about the hardships of the world or if she harboured some romantic expectations for unexpected encounters during the journey. It was a completely casual and unguarded rhythm, lacking any sense of precaution.
Zhou Ling looked somewhat helpless but didn’t know how to interject. “It’s good to get out more when you’re a student. Are you both from City C? Or are you only studying in City C?” Yao Jinxi asked.
In Yao Jinxi’s eyes, they were just young girls. So he didn’t find them annoying.
Upon receiving his response, the girl became even more spirited, “I am a student. She isn’t. We were cla.s.smates from City C University.”
“Oh, City C University. That’s impressive,” Yao Jinxi commented. As he spoke, Wu Yang returned and sat down. He looked curious about how Yao Jinxi ended up chatting with the girls at the adjacent table.
“Fortunately, it’s quite okay. I was quite frustrated during my senior year. But getting into university didn’t necessarily make things much easier. Oh, by the way, I’m w.a.n.g Juan. And you?” w.a.n.g Juan scrutinised Wu Yang for a moment but quickly shifted her attention back to Yao Jinxi. Her eyes filled with antic.i.p.ation.
This girl is so straightforward, Yao Jinxi thought. Would she ask for my phone number right away? He glanced at Wu Yang, who seemed to find it more amusing than feeling jealous. After all, w.a.n.g Juan lacked the charm to be intimidating and dealing with her was more like dealing with an innocent joke.
Well, meeting people is fate, Yao Jinxi thought. He restrained himself and replied, “I’m Yao Jinxi.”
w.a.n.g Juan was about to say something more. But Zhou Ling interrupted, “Let’s go. We might miss the bus.”
“Lugu Lake to Lijiang only has two buses in the morning,” w.a.n.g Juan realised, “Oh, right, these tickets can’t be refunded. Are you not leaving today?”
The second half of her sentence was directed at Yao Jinxi. “We drove here ourselves,” Yao Jinxi answered. w.a.n.g Juan’s face revealed a touch of envy, “That’s so nice…”
Wu Yang calmly continued the conversation, “It’s 11:40. Aren’t you in a hurry?”
“Let’s go.” Zhou Ling stood up first and glanced quickly at Wu Yang and Yao Jinxi. She handed her bag to w.a.n.g Juan and left in haste. w.a.n.g Juan slung her bag over her shoulder and waved with a bright smile, “If we are destined, I’ll see you in Lijiang. Goodbye!”
“Goodbye,” Yao Jinxi smiled at Wu Yang after the two girls walked away. “Today’s girls are really lively,” he commented as he turned to Wu Yang. Wu Yang’s eyes carried a teasing look, “Do you appreciate that?” Innocently raising his hands, Yao Jinxi picked up a wooden teacup and took a sip of tea. “I appreciate more the type that looks calm but can directly sweep people away.”
This comment visibly pleased Wu Yang. His half-smiling, slightly squinted eyes resembled an elegant and alert cat, who now thoroughly enjoyed being stroked.
Yao Jinxi couldn’t help but agree with the evaluation that ‘Xia Ruonan is very good at grasping the key points.’
Grilling fish took some time. And when it was finally served after more than ten minutes, it tasted really good. Seeing that Yao Jinxi liked the dried grilled fish, Wu Yang even took the initiative to pack a few skewers for him to nibble on during their journey.
Last night, there was rainfall. It led to a clear and cloudless sky today, with the sun shining brightly. The road surface has dried up from the moisture, eliminating any safety concerns. Surprisingly, there is no hint of dry heat in the air, making this journey quite pleasant.
One of the best aspects of travelling together is that it never feels boring. Yao Jinxi, munching on dried fish, engages in conversation with Wu Yang. Outside the window, the scenery remains unchanged. The field of vision is nothing but an endless road, as if it stretches on forever.
After finishing the dried fish, Yao Jinxi switches to sugar-coated biscuits, swallowing the food in his mouth. “What about that project? The one in Shanghai?” he asks.
“Only the first batch can make big profits. Following someone else’s path will only yield small gains and be both laborious and unrewarding. What’s the point?” Wu Yang shifts the topic, “Besides, I want to spend time with you. Time is precious, you know.”
Upon hearing such remarks, Yao Jinxi was almost caught off guard and almost swallowed a fishbone. He said with mixed emotions, “I just wanted you to take some time to rest. But you’re so dedicated to me that I feel a bit embarra.s.sed.”
Although the wording carried a somewhat teasing tone, his tone was one of utmost seriousness. He believed that Wu Yang understood his sincerity.
Wu Yang, of course, understood what Yao Jinxi was talking about. At only 34 years old, in the case of other men, it would be the perfect time to confidently embark on a great career. However, he was already living as if he had retired, peacefully spending time in the eyes of others.
“Do you like it that way?” Wu Yang asked as he gripped the steering wheel. “Or I can start a company, go public, become one of the top companies nationwide. I might even be named one of the top ten young entrepreneurs by then? I’m thinking, if everything goes smoothly, I should be able to achieve that around the age of 50.”
Yao Jinxi clicked his tongue, “You really are shamelessly boastful.”
“Seriously, I’m not joking.” Wu Yang reached out and touched Yao Jinxi’s cheek. He pinched it and withdrew his hand before Yao Jinxi could comment. He said, “If you want it, I’ll make it happen for you.” With a sigh, Yao Jinxi said, “Why is it always for me?”
“I feel like I’ve failed in life,” Wu Yang exaggeratedly sighed, “How come after all these years, I haven’t been able to make you understand what matters most to me yet?”
Yao Jinxi turned his head towards him and raised his eyebrows, “Are you going to pull out another flirt again? Come on, I’m waiting.”
This reaction amused Wu Yang. He reached out to pinch his cheek again but was evaded by Yao Jinxi. “To be honest, I’ve never had any great ambitions. What’s the point of having great ambitions? I shamelessly have everything I need. But how can you define when money is ‘enough’? As long as I don’t have to think about cutting corners for anything I want to buy then it’s good enough. Besides, my lack of ambition is probably because of your simple and contented lifestyle.”
Yao Jinxi propped his chin with one hand while the other index finger pressed against Wu Yang’s cheek. He stopped him from instinctively turning his head. “You’ve turned the conversation back to being about me again. What’s it to me?”
“If you love to spend lavishly, then I’ll just have to work hard to earn money.” Wu Yang’s gaze remained fixed ahead but he slightly turned his head. His lips brushed against Yao Jinxi’s fingertips, tasting the sweetness of sugar frosting on them. “Because you are my ambition.”
“Do you know?” Yao Jinxi, feeling somewhat helpless, used his fingertips to gently stroke Wu Yang’s lightly coloured lips, “Even though I’ve heard you say such things many times, every time you say them, I can’t help but want to kiss you.”
Wu Yang smirked, “Very well. Please continue to feel that way.”
Smiling and shaking his head, Yao Jinxi withdrew his hand and continued to munch on the cookies.
Not all parts of Lijiang exuded an ancient charm. Besides the ancient town, there were areas that displayed a modern urban appearance. Lijiang’s elevation was higher than that of Lugu Lake, with bright evening stars scattered across the night sky.
Self-driving was convenient. But finding a place to park was troublesome, especially since motor vehicles were prohibited from entering the ancient town of Lijiang. Fortunately, it wasn’t the peak tourist season. So parking s.p.a.ces were not as scarce. After finding a place to park on the outskirts, the two of them took their luggage and walked into the ancient town of Lijiang.
They temporarily didn’t have the energy to appreciate the buildings illuminated by red lanterns. So they hurriedly walked on the streets paved with red cobblestones to reach Sifang Street. There, they checked into the inn that Wu Yang had booked in advance.
The inn, as delicately intricate as a quadrangle courtyard, was constructed of wood. In the small courtyard, guests could be seen sitting, enjoying some drinks, and pa.s.sing the warm night of Lijiang.
“Lijiang’s night view is very beautiful.” Guided by young women dressed in Naxi attire, they ascended the wooden stairs to the entrance of a duplex room. This building’s height surpa.s.sed the surrounding structures, overlooking other rooftops. She smiled and introduced, “But from here, you can see the panoramic view of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and the ancient city. The scenery in the morning is also quite impressive.
“Thank you.” Wu Yang asked her a few more questions before turning to see Yao Jinxi ascending to the second floor.
After closing the door, Wu Yang also ascended to the second floor. Unlike the various antique furnishings on the first floor, the design of this floor was quite simple. A large bed occupied a significant portion of the s.p.a.ce, next to a Chinese-style window framed with a whole gla.s.s side. It offered an un.o.bstructed view of the balcony outside, where bamboo tables and chairs were neatly arranged.
As the Naxi girl had described, this place offered a panoramic view. Yao Jinxi looked at the ancient city, where shadows and red lights intertwined into a sea of lights. He said, “I’m truly moved by this scenery.”
“Weren’t you moved by everything you see all the way here?” Wu Yang laughed, placing his bag in the cabinet beside the bed. “Let’s go out. We haven’t had dinner yet.”
Truly letting go of the rush of travel, Yao Jinxi understood why so many people were willing to come all the way here, visiting this city blessed by time. It was like entering a dream. A dream filled with crimson shadows and flowing waters. It was as if it were the city’s murmurs that accompanied every pa.s.serby as they pa.s.sed the lanterns, pa.s.sed the small bridges, pa.s.sed the others, and pa.s.sed oneself.
In such a place and moment, they couldn’t bring themselves to take photos. They followed the bustling crowd, slowly moving along the streets. Standing at the crossroads and looking up, the layers of eaves extended continuously to the boundary between earth and sky. It left one seemingly unaware of where they were or what their purpose was.
After having dinner at a restaurant near the large water wheel, they strolled back into the streets, never expecting to encounter familiar faces there.
“Hey, hey, hey!” A girl’s excited voice rang out, swiftly approaching. When it reached them, Yao Jinxi realised that it was directed at him.
“I knew it! We would definitely run into each other again.” w.a.n.g Juan, dragging Zhou Ling, quickly walked up to them. “Oh, what a coincidence!”
“Yeah. What a coincidence,” Yao Jinxi smiled noncommittally and nodded at Zhou Ling, “Did you just arrive here too?”
Zhou Ling was about to speak but was preempted by w.a.n.g Juan, “Yeah. We just got here! Where are you guys staying?”
Yao Jinxi remained silent. It was Wu Yang who responded, “Over by Sifang Street.”
w.a.n.g Juan frowned, “That’s quite far from us.”
The other three guessed that she was about to suggest a joint outing. Zhou Ling couldn’t stand watching the girl being overly naive and irritating. So she said, “Are you guys here for your honeymoon?” Yao Jinxi burst into laughter while Wu Yang answered her with a smile, “That’s not entirely wrong. But saying it’s for our anniversary might be more accurate, right?”
Ignoring him, Yao Jinxi said to Zhou Ling, “It’s not that significant. We just wanted to get out and explore the world.”
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*Translator’s Note: I have not proofread my work. Pardon me for any mistakes. -K
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Next update: 2023.12.04
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