Chapter 34: Exclusively published on Jinjiang Literature City.

Chapter 34: Exclusively published on Jinjiang Literature City.

Ying Li felt a cold dread. Why, of all people, did it have to be Qi Xie? His luck was truly rotten lately.

Biting his lip, when he raised his eyes, he couldn't dodge in time and met Qi Xie's gaze directly. Those eyes, deeper than ink and undisturbed by any ripple, made the air around Ying Li feel blistering and thin. He hastily averted his eyes.

Once the teams were set, the staff began handing out life jackets.

Beyond the caution tape, a large crowd had gathered to watch their competition, many snapping photos with their phones. Ying Li felt a tad uneasy, fumbling with his life jacket.

Suddenly, Qi Xie remarked, "Can't even dress properly now?"

Ying Li was taken aback.

Qi Xie reached out to adjust Ying Li's life jacket collar, "It's on backward."

Upon glancing down, Ying Li realized he had put his shirt on inside out. Flushing with embarrassment, he quickly corrected it.

[Such a dazed and confused baby is so adorable.]

[Captain, instead of dressing properly yourself, you're too focused on others.]

[The captain is so fierce (sarcastic emoji).]

Once they donned their life jackets, the coach hired by the production team began instructing them on the proper techniques.

Kayaks are lighter than regular boats, bobbing on the water surface, making it easy for novices to capsize. Ying Li felt insecure sitting in one, and when Qi Xie climbed in, the kayak sank noticeably deeper, barely maintaining direction.

Ying Li felt a strong heat source pressing against his back. He shuddered, causing the kayak to tremble slightly.

The boat's cabin was naturally small, so being close was expected. Perhaps he was overthinking. Moreover, with cameras around, Qi Xie wouldn't likely make any inappropriate moves.

It wasn't until a scalding hand pressed against his waist, that patch of skin felt like it was on fire. Fragmented images flashed in his mind, leaving Ying Li breathless and filled with unease.

A cool breath brushed against his neck, "Did you take a shower when you got back?"

Ying Li's pupils contracted sharply, gripping the paddle tightly, his voice muffled, "Yes, I did."

Sweating so much, so dirty, how could he not have showered?

The cameraman boarded the boat, and the hand on Ying Li's waist, seemingly considerate of the camera's presence, swiftly withdrew. The burning sensation on Ying Li's skin eased, making the earlier incident feel like a mere illusion. However, the watchful eyes behind him were hard to ignore.

The act of kayaking, though it appears simple, is quite intricate. Learning the basics to paddle properly in a short time is commendable.

During the official competition, Shen Yao deliberately went easy on them, exerting only 40% of his strength, looking as relaxed as if he were playing. Song Ji Mo pointedly said, "You're making it too obvious that you're holding back."

Shen Yao, twirling his paddle, replied, "Do you want to take the cable car?"

Song Ji Mo: "Of course. Don't you?"

Of course, Shen Yao did. Climbing such a tall mountain would undoubtedly be exhausting. Most people couldn't handle it. Ying Li would probably want to take the cable car too. But there were only two cable car tickets for the entire journey. He could forgo it, but Ying Li must ride.

He wanted Ying Li to come in first.

They had paddled quite a distance when, glancing back, they saw Xie Wen Shi and Bian Qiao spinning in circles at the starting point. Ying Li and Qi Xie were less than two meters behind them, their coordination surprisingly in sync. They were about to overtake them.

Shen Yao cursed under his breath, "Damn it."

Qi Xie's movements were clearly practiced. He consistently guided Ying Li's rhythm. Having remained silent during their practice, he now revealed his true abilities. Their team was indeed full of hidden talents, each more cunning than the next.

Shen Yao's competitive spirit was instantly ignited. Thinking from another perspective, if he took first place, he could give the ticket to Ying Li. With that, he rolled up his sleeves, muscles bulging on his arm. His current aggressive rowing style was in stark contrast to his gentle strokes earlier.

[Men and their competitive nature.]

[Lock it in, lock it in, guess who's in the lead.]

[I bet on Da Yao; he was awesome back in the day! Even participated in the provincial sports meet.]

[The captain isn't too shabby either, but the nanny seems to be holding them back. But they might still have a shot!]

[Let the race begin!]

The two boats raced as if competing, narrowing the gap between them. The water splashed higher with each paddle stroke. Shen Yao, gritting his teeth, rowed with determination. He reached the shore a meter ahead of Ying Li's team. Catching his breath heavily by the boat's side, he watched them with a rare provocative look in his eyes.

"Captain, you're quite impressive."

The hair on Qi Xie's forehead was damp, his breathing slightly unsteady, but his indifferent gaze remained unchanged.

"So are you."

Shen Yao hadn't expected Qi Xie to respond. And there was something odd about Qi Xie's tone — it wasn't exactly a compliment, yet there was an inexplicable hint of animosity. It just didn’t sound like kind words.

The water resistance was significant. It being Ying Li's first time kayaking, he relied on sheer strength rather than technique. His arms felt tired and weak. When he disembarked, his legs felt like they were standing on sponges, barely able to hold him up.

Shen Yao gave him a hand, complimenting with a smile, "You did pretty well for your first time."

"Thank you." Ying Li grudgingly accepted his kind encouragement.

Song Ji Mo handed him a piece of paper, "You're sweating a lot. Wipe it off."

Ying Li's hand trembled slightly as he took it, wiping the sweat off his forehead before turning to find a trash bin.

Song Ji Mo kindly offered, "Give it to me; I'll dispose of it for you."

Ying Li replied, "Thank you for the trouble."

Song Ji Mo briefly stepped out of the camera's view, and the cameraman didn't follow him. Reaching the trash bin, what was intended to be discarded as a crumpled paper, Song Ji Mo discreetly slid into his pocket.

While Xie Wen Shi and his team were still struggling in the lake, Li Chang Hong directly had a rescue boat pull them in. Xie Wen Shi felt embarrassed, his face flushing bright red.

Shen Yao's team came first, securing tickets for the full cable car journey, while Ying Li and Qi Xie received half-way tickets. Xie Wen Shi and Bian Qiao had to hike up the mountain.

Ying Li's legs still felt wobbly, so he took a moment to rest on a stool provided by the production team.

Shen Yao held his ticket and approached, saying, "Ying Li, let's swap."

Ying Li was taken aback, "I have a half-way ticket."

A smirk appeared on Shen Yao's lips, "I know."

Song Ji Mo also inquired, "Director, is it possible to swap?"

Li Chang Hong was even more surprised, "Why? Didn't everyone just say they wanted to take the cable car?"

"Taking the cable car the whole way is so uninteresting. Hiking a bit can also serve as good exercise," Shen Yao replied, revealing a broad grin, "Can we swap?"

With a sulking face, Xie Wen Shi chimed in, "If that's the case, have pity on me. I'll swap with you."

Shen Yao playfully looked at him, "Want to swap with me?"

Xie Wen Shi nodded frantically.

Shen Yao gently uttered two words, "No way."

Xie Wen Shi glared at him so hard, it looked like his eyes might roll back in his head, "Then why would you swap with Little Brother Li and not the captain?"

Song Ji Mo stroked his chin, amused by this cunning attempt to drive a wedge.

Xie Wen Shi's words struck a chord, and everyone turned their heads to stare at Shen Yao. Caught off guard, Shen Yao tried to find the right words, "There's no particular reason. Climbing is tiring, and Ying Li, with his slender frame, I just didn’t want to see him suffer."

Touching his nose sheepishly, he added, "The captain is in great shape. He jogs daily and can ascend eighteen floors without even panting. Why would I swap with him?"

Li Chang Hong posed the question to Song Ji Mo, "Do you also want to swap with Ying Li?"

Song Ji Mo replied with a smile, "Not really."

"Ah, always taking advantage until the crucial moment, then prioritizing oneself," Shen Yao genuinely looked down on Song Ji Mo.

He glanced at Song Ji Mo and noticed his unsettling smile. A chill ran down his spine and his cheerful expression faded.

Damn! If he swapped with Ying Li, wouldn't that mean Song Ji Mo could ride the cable car with Ying Li? What a clever scheme!

Shen Yao, with eyes that seemed to see through everything, said, "Nevermind the swap, I'll take the half-way trip with the captain."

"One moment you're swapping, the next you're not. Are you toying around?" Li Chang Hong cast a glance at them and firmly declared, "Rules are rules. If you keep this up, the previous segment becomes pointless. Stick to the rules."

No one spoke after that. The staff distributed a map with five checkpoints to everyone. Xie Wen Shi, seeing the winding paths on the map, felt weak in the knees, "Director, do you really have to be this cruel?"

Li Chang Hong, hiding behind the camera, retorted, "I'm heartless."

Xie Wen Shi, with tear-filled eyes, implored, "Climbing up there is going to kill our legs, isn't there any room for negotiation?"

Ying Li scrutinized the map, quickly devising several walking strategies: "This route to Qingyin Pavilion is the shortest and not so steep. Further on, there's a path leading to the Wucia Pond... The observation deck is at the very top and it's steep. Can we skip it if there's no checkpoint?"

Li Chang Hong replied, "You can, but the view from the observation deck is splendid. I'd recommend visiting it."

Upon hearing this, Song Ji Mo turned to Ying Li, "Have you been here before?"

Ying Li, still engrossed in the map, nodded, "Yes, I visited with my roommates."

Song Ji Mo pondered silently, "With that roommate surnamed Yang?"

Coming back to the present, Ying Li replied, "Other roommates were there too."

During their first year, they had explored all the attractions around Nancheng, but after two roommates moved out, they rarely hung out together.

"You can follow this route; it's quite time-efficient."

Ying Li quickly mapped out the shortest route for them, potentially saving an hour. Xie Wen Shi was deeply grateful.

At the base of the mountain, the three groups split up. Li Chang Hong asked Ying Li if they chose the upper or lower half.

After a moment's contemplation, Ying Li said, "The upper half. The further up the mountain, the steeper it becomes."

After saying this, he felt a bit guilty for deciding on his own. He rubbed his trouser seam with his fingers and whispered, "Is that alright?"

Qi Xie responded with his usual cold expression, simply grunting in acknowledgment. Realizing his tone might've been too harsh, he added, "As you wish."

"Oh," the injured finger of Ying Li tingled.

The starting point of the cableway's first half is halfway up the mountain, a forty-minute climb. The mountain path is narrow and winding, with many hiking enthusiasts along the way. Occasionally, they'd bump into a fan or two asking for a photo.

Qi Xie remained silent, and Ying Li didn't try to strike up a conversation. Initially, the silence felt awkward, but as they climbed, Ying Li was too preoccupied by the physical exertion to mind.

His knee throbbed in pain, feeling numb and sore. Every step caused it to quiver. Sweat soaked his hair and trickled sinuously down to his jaw, disappearing into the collar of his pristine white shirt.

Further ahead, there was a pavilion named "Qingliang Pavilion." Ying Li's breathing grew more labored, and he yearned to rest. However, seeing Qi Xie moving effortlessly, he held back.

The sound of flowing water became clearer, a cool breeze greeted them, signaling their arrival at Qingliang Pavilion.

As Ying Li persevered, supporting his aching knee, Qi Xie suddenly stopped and turned to say, "I'm tired."

The cameraman was even more exhausted. Carrying a twenty-kilo camera while accompanying them up the mountain, he was nearly out of breath.

Ying Li's eyes sparkled, suggesting, "Shall we take a break?"

"Mhm."

They rested at Qingliang Pavilion.

The pavilion was built on the edge of a cliff, behind it was a waterfall. Due to the rain a couple of days ago, the waterfall was roaring, its water tumbling into the pool below, sending ripples and splashes throughout the serene woods.

The mist from the waterfall refracted sunlight, forming a dazzling rainbow.

Ying Li couldn't help but exclaim, "It's beautiful."

The back of his shirt was soaked in sweat. As he leaned over the pavilion's edge, gazing at the rainbow with half his body bathed in sunlight, he looked like a sprite made of light.

The cameraman captured this picturesque moment.

Beautiful mountains, beautiful waters, but nothing compared to the beauty of the person.

Savoring the moment's essence, Qi Xie averted his gaze.

"I'll scout ahead," Qi Xie rose to his feet, then instructed the cameraman, "No need to follow."

The cameraman was more than happy to oblige.

Ying Li sat in the pavilion to rest. The cameraman didn't film him anymore. After capturing a few shots of him, he turned to the scenic views, as their primary mission was to promote the Fenghuang Mountain scenic area.

The solemn, grand chimes of an ancient bell resonated throughout the forest, startling the birds into flight, with leaves rustling in response.

Ying Li sat rubbing his legs, recalling a Taoist temple ahead. He wondered if he could pay it a visit later.

Qi Xie returned shortly after. They rested for five minutes before setting off again.

From a distance, Ying Li caught the unique scent of incense emanating from the Taoist temple. Hesitating a moment, he inquired, "There's a temple up ahead. May I pay my respects? It's close to the cable car station. I can go alone if necessary."

It was the first time today Ying Li had spoken so much in one go. Qi Xie looked at him, questioning, "You believe in this?"

Fidgeting with the hem of his shirt, Ying Li said uneasily, "Well, since we're already here..."

[Hahaha! Such a typical Chinese sentiment: "Since we're here..."]

[Seeing a temple and resisting the urge to pray is like spotting money on the ground and not picking it up!]

[One moment: I don't believe in ghosts and gods. The next: May Buddha bless me!]

[Pray, one must! I wish to pay my respects to every deity.]

[Even if one dislikes climbing, the mention of a temple would motivate them to climb the next day.]

The production crew had previously negotiated with the scenic spot. As long as they didn't disrupt the regular visitors' rituals, they were permitted to film.

This Taoist temple,

has ancient origins

and enjoys great reverence. When they entered, there were tourists lighting incense sticks. In the courtyard stood a millennia-old ginkgo tree adorned with peace locks and wish ribbons. It's believed the higher you hang them, the greater the chances deities in the heavens will notice your wishes.

Inside the main hall, statues of the Three Pure Ones were enshrined. The air was filled with the ethereal fragrance of sandalwood. Ying Li loved this scent. Taking a deep breath, his restless heart found peace.

The screen was flooded with wish-making comments.

[I vow to be vegetarian for three days; may the Three Pure Ones bless me to pass all my exams.]

[May one succeed in postgraduate entrance exams and civil service exams.]

[May wealth and fortune come from all directions, and may luck flow similarly.]

Ying Li procured three sticks of incense from the Taoist priest inside the temple. He knelt on the cushion, brought his palms together, and devoutly made three wishes.

He wished for Ying Tao's speedy recovery, for his parents to remain healthy, and for all kind-hearted souls in the world to live in peace and happiness.

After offering the incense, with other visitors still inside the hall, Ying Li made a swift exit.

In the courtyard, the ginkgo leaves fluttered down in abundance. Qi Xie stood beneath the ginkgo tree, sunlight streaming through the dappled branches, casting a warm golden hue on his lashes.

The wish ribbons on the tree rustled in the wind, creating a soft, whistling sound.

With his heart beating faster than usual, Ying Li descended the steps and asked him, "Aren't you praying?"

Qi Xie turned, his eyes deep and inscrutable, "I don't believe in it."

Nodding, Ying Li assumed Qi Xie had come to pay his respects as well, "I've finished my prayers. Let's go."

Beyond the temple, just a short walk ahead, they could take the cable car. After getting their tickets checked, the two quickly ascended on the cable car, reaching the mountain's peak.

In the distance, mountains stretched endlessly, with clouds crawling beneath their feet, revealing an unobstructed view of the entire city.

Shen Yao and Song Ji Mo had arrived at the viewing platform early and waved at them upon seeing them approach, "Ying Li, Captain, over here!"

Quickening his pace, Ying Li responded, "We're here."

Qi Xie followed with hands in his pockets.

There was a hint of sweat on Ying Li's forehead, and the wind playfully ruffled his hair, giving him a childlike appearance, "You guys made it up here too?"

"Indeed. The director insisted the view up here was spectacular and that we had to see it," Shen Yao remarked, "I'm glad we came. It's genuinely beautiful, and we bumped into you."

Ying Li mentioned, "The director sent us up here too."

"Feeling tired? Have some water," Song Ji Mo unscrewed a water bottle, handing one to Ying Li and another to Qi Xie behind him.

Taking a sip, Ying Li moistened his dry lips, "It's okay. We took breaks in between."

“help …”

Faint cries for help emanated from behind. When Xie Wen Shi and his group finally reached the top, they found a particularly steep path leading to the observation deck. Xie Wen Shi had to scramble up using both his hands and feet, his legs trembling from the exertion.

Bian Qiao followed closely behind him, his face drenched in sweat, but his eyes shimmered with excitement.

A young, innocent voice chimed, "Mom, look over there!"

A vast, undulating sea of clouds churned before them, and the sun, previously concealed by the clouds, now broke through. For a moment, the sky was awash with the brilliance of the crimson sun, casting a myriad of radiant hues. All the hardships and patience of the journey seemed worth it for this sight.

The observation deck was teeming with other tourists, all awestruck by the breathtaking view.

Ying Li had ascended this mountain many times before, but this experience felt different. Basking in the glorious sunlight, he felt an overwhelming urge to cry.

Shen Yao turned to look at him, noticing the hint of tears in his eyes. His heart raced, and with a slight quiver in his voice, he remarked, "It's breathtaking, isn't it?"

"Yes."

Ying Li's gaze remained fixed on the horizon, his eyes misted over with emotion.

Ying Li was truly a sentimental soul.

Shen Yao stopped looking at Ying Li, but his heart still surged with emotion. He mumbled, "Back in my hometown, there are even taller mountains with great views..."

He hoped to take Ying Li there someday.

If only Ying Li weren't camera-shy, Shen Yao would've loved to capture him in a photograph, one at every location – no, numerous photographs – to preserve every beautiful moment.

Qi Xie looked at him too, droplets clinging to his lashes, his eyes reflecting a hint of warmth for the first time.

Song Ji Mo spoke softly, "There's a stall selling wish plaques over there. Want to check it out?"

The wish plaques were made of wood, and the owner could inscribe messages on them. Rumor had it that the seller was once a carver, but with the diminishing demand for seals, he changed professions to sell inscribed wish plaques on the mountain.

Shen Yao approached the stall, inquiring, "How much for one, boss?"

The stall owner, eyes crinkling in a smile, replied, "Handsome young man, it's five for one. Our wish plaques are very effective; I guarantee your wishes will come true."

Shen Yao asked the others, "Anyone else wants one?"

Song Ji Mo said, "There's nothing I wish for."

Bian Qiao: "No need."

Xie Wen Shi pondered for a moment: "I suppose I don't have anything specific to wish for either."

The captain didn't need to ask, but he turned to Ying Li: "Don't you have a wish?"

Ying Li shook his head, a faint smile on his face: "I've already made a wish at the temple below. To wish again would be too greedy."

"There's a temple below?" Xie Wen Shi didn't notice it when they arrived. "What did you wish for, Brother Li?"

Shen Yao told Ying Li: "Don't mention it. If you say it out loud, it might not come true."

The dimples on Ying Li's cheeks deepened: "Alright, it's a secret."

Shen Yao raised an eyebrow, "None of you are wishing? Then I will make one."

Just as Shen Yao was about to write his wish, a camera was pointed at him. He covered it with his hand, "Let's not film this, okay?"

The cameraman gave an OK gesture and moved on to film someone else.

Shen Yao wasn't even sure what he wished for, but he desperately wanted to make one.

They were all leaning on the railing, admiring the view when Ying Li suddenly turned around. It seemed he was on the verge of tears; his reddened nose made him look even more adorable.

Shen Yao thought for a moment and wrote two lines: "I hope Sister Ying Li recovers from her illness soon and that she stays happy every day."

When he handed it over to the shop owner, the man adjusted his glasses to look at him, "Is this for your beloved? You seem quite passionate."

Shen Yao's heart raced, he quickly replied, "No, just a close friend."

The shop owner gave him a knowing look.

After a few minutes, the engraving was done.

"It's ready. Hang it up."

Shen Yao looked pleased and pointed to a tall and straight pine tree in the distance, asking the shop owner, "Can I hang it on that tree?"

Shop owner: "Of course, as long as you can climb up there, feel free to hang it."

The pine tree was towering, with many wish plaques clustered at the bottom.

Shen Yao gripped the trunk, gave a boost with his feet, and zoomed up in an instant. Li Changhong was horrified: "Shen Yao, what are you doing? Come down now!"

When Ying Li turned around, he saw Shen Yao climbing the tree, even bending a thick branch with his weight. It sent shivers down his spine: "Be careful!"

"Don't worry, I was born in the year of the Monkey."

Shen Yao grinned at him, his eyes even more luminous than usual.

He intended to hang it at the very top so that the heavens could see his wish immediately.

Author's note:

Shen Yao: How do I deal with feelings for a close friend?!