"Youth, once again, sprawled drunkenly into—its arms of obscurity, squandering time with laughter, that generous gathering and parting..."
Jiang Chen hummed to the song, carefree.
His mood matched the skies of the moment.
A carefree little immortal.
The morning’s bright sunshine poured through the open car window onto his face, extra warm.
No scenario of the police coming to ’invite him for tea’ happened. He had slept through the night in his hotel unscathed after injuring someone and running out on his bill at the tavern.
To this, Jiang Chen showed no surprise.
For someone who could summon a Colonel with a flick of his wrist, such calmness couldn’t be more normal.
Bloody Guanyin didn’t find him too noisy either, she drove the car southward, gradually leaving the jurisdiction of Jin Guan City.
Although he seemed relaxed and comfortable on the surface, Jiang Chen’s mind kept pondering what agenda she might be harboring this time.
He thought that he should be heading back to East Sea today.
But, at this moment, Jiang Chen naturally stopped worrying that this esteemed Bloody Guanyin might harbor any malicious intentions towards him.
If his bold impudence from the day before had not provoked her, then he and this renowned and extraordinary woman should by now truly be considered friends.
"How about I drive for a while?"
Seeing they had been on the road for two hours, Jiang Chen spoke up, ever the gentleman.
Lan Peizhi’s response was unsurprising.
"Where are we heading?"
Jiang Chen asked in a timely manner.
"What did you come to Jin Guan for?"
Lan Peizhi responded with a question that didn’t answer his question. Unlike some people who grew conceited from a bit of success, acting recklessly without anyone to check them, she didn’t do that. She drove steadily, methodically.
Of course, it was for...
Jiang Chen was momentarily taken aback by her question, then rapidly caught on, smiling nonchalantly, "Tourism, you know."
Lan Peizhi fell silent.
Jiang Chen caught her subtle drift at once. Looking at her unaffected beauty, inside he could hardly believe it.
Could Lan Peizhi actually want to join him in enjoying the mountains and rivers?
Could she harbor such refinement?
He was a bit flattered.
Yet, it seemed his guess was confirmed.
After driving for nearly three hours, the BMW passed through a small town before stopping at the foot of a mountain.
Here, human presence was sparse, and the mountain itself was not particularly grand. The only noteworthy feature might be the maple forest that covered the mountain, except that this season was not when the leaves turned red, so it frankly could not be called a beautiful scene, nor did it have any connection to a famous historical site.
When he got out of the car, Jiang Chen was extremely puzzled. There were countless nice places in Jin Guan City; if it was just for sightseeing, why would Lan Peizhi drive all the way out to this decrepit mountain?
He had already checked their location with the navigation system, yet found no name labeling it.
This small, hump-like hill was so lackluster it didn’t even have a proper name.
Jiang Chen felt both curious and puzzled. Instinctively, he surveyed his surroundings and was surprised to discover that in such a remote place, there was actually a tavern in operation.
It seemed true enough.
The tavern at the foot of the mountain added a touch of immortality to the mountain. It had a mysterious air, and its appearance fit very well with period dramas. Its name was no different.
Lan Peizhi walked straight towards the tavern.
Jiang Chen, filled with curiosity, quickly followed.
The tavern was two stories: the first floor had square tables neatly arranged, while the second likely had accommodations.
From the inside out, its decor was crafted to imitate period drama scenes. Unknown to visitors, they might think they had stumbled into some kind of film set.
"What will the two guests have?"
The most impressive thing was that even the waitstaff was dressed in period costume, wearing coarse linen clothes and simple hats, using age-old terms of address that gave off an air of having traveled through time.
Jiang Chen marveled in appreciation.
Lan Peizhi didn’t seem out of place; it appeared she wasn’t here for the first time, and she was even familiar with the menu. Without looking, she casually ordered several dishes and a pot of liquor.
This esteemed Bloody Guanyin seemed to really enjoy drinking. At least so far, whenever Jiang Chen had meals with her, she always drank, genuinely embodying the saying "no wine, no cheer."
"Alright then, please wait a moment," the server said.
Watching the shop assistant call out and turn away, Jiang Chen couldn’t help but chuckle and turned to look at Lan Peizhi.
"Is this a newly developed scenic spot?"
"It has been here since before you were born."
Jiang Chen was taken aback, then couldn’t resist asking, "Then why can’t it be found online? It doesn’t even have a name."
Lan Peizhi didn’t answer.
With her not responding, Jiang Chen didn’t press further with incessant questioning, but instead looked casually around.
You can imagine the business for a shop located here.
At this time, it was only natural that they were the only customers in the place, which seemed quite desolate.
"Here comes the liquor."
While the dishes needed time, the wine was served swiftly.
A very delicate white jade pot, similar to something used in filming.
This establishment’s attention to detail was impeccable.
"Drink up, the liquor here won’t get you drunk," Lan Peizhi said, picking up the pot and pouring wine for Jiang Chen herself.
Jiang Chen, no stranger to such treatment, accepted it with ease. After all, he had even met her parents; there was no need to be shy. Once Lan Peizhi finished pouring, he tentatively picked up his cup and took a sip.
Upon entry, the flavor filled his mouth with a refreshing fragrance.
It was vastly different from ordinary white liquor.
He couldn’t help but finish it in one go, finding it wonderfully satisfying.
"What kind of wine is this?"
"Songhua brew," she replied.
Lan Peizhi usually drank her spirits heartily, but now she only took small sips.
Jiang Chen poured himself another cup, murmuring, "I should take a few bottles back with me."
At that moment, some noise came from the entrance of the otherwise empty Yijian Guesthouse.