Driving away, we reluctantly left Shuangxin Valley.
Yes, let's settle on the name Shuangxin Valley, as Lu Yumei said!
The Big Lao RV, still outstanding and powerful in its off-road capabilities, climbed the rocky gentle slope, which was actually over seven hundred meters long. The rough road conditions didn't pose any challenge, and it was as if the vehicle was traversing flat ground, effortlessly. The slope length tested was measured using the smartphone's distance meter.
The RV climbed steadily, its power, balance, and suspension all top-notch. Lu Yumei couldn't help but praise, "Zhizhong, your car is really great! It climbs hills and negotiates obstacles so smoothly."
"Isn't it supposed to be holding a pearl in one's mouth, moving with ease?"
Liu Zhizhong joked with all seriousness.
Lu Yumei couldn't help but laugh with a snort, "Silly boy, that's such an old joke."
"Mhm, it takes decades of 'brain formation' to do something that heavy in taste..."
Amidst her hearty laughter, Lu Yumei added, "Before, you thought my car was good, right? But now your own car is even better."
"Mrs. Lu's car is still great, and I really enjoy driving it."
"Of course, my big Q7 isn't just for show. But later, can I drive your car too?"
"Sure, Mrs. Lu. If you want to drive my car, feel free to do so anytime. You can even start now, come on!"
"No, no... let's not! With these road conditions, it wouldn't be good if I damaged it. You should keep driving, you're better at it. We're still climbing, and I can't do it, but you can!"
Such a lifelike, interesting exchange, without any sophistication!
In a short while, the RV reached the summit, and Lu Yumei couldn't help but look back wistfully.
Liu Zhizhong, understanding as he was, stopped the vehicle to let her take more photos, and he took some himself as backups.
Of course, Liu Zhizhong knew that Lu Yumei's photos and videos were only shared with family, like Zhao Han and Lu Yuqing.
Lu Yumei didn't post on social networks nor on short video platforms like Douyin, which was rather unusual for a woman her age. Perhaps some women like to post such things with intentions of showing off and seeking attention.
But does a woman like Lu Yumei need to do that? No, the most eligible widow in Yangzhou, she has her own popularity and charm, which is undoubtedly a sign of self-confidence.
Then, they started their journey home once more. By the time they finished the small branched dirt roads, their RV had practically paved new paths.
Entering the main dirt roads, then cement roads, and finally the main areas of the scenic spot, it was still bustling with tourists seeking respite from the heat.
Liu Zhizhong was in no rush, stopping and going with Lu Yumei, taking a different route directly to the main gate of the scenic area.
Thus, it was near dusk when the two finally left the spot.
Though Lu Yumei was a bit tired from the day's sightseeing, her spirits were still high.
Liu Zhizhong drove straight back to Yangzhou, his mind preoccupied with other matters.
However, not long after they got on the highway, a sudden torrential downpour struck.
The weather this year was erratic, with summer floods being highly unpredictable, often descending without warning, defying weather forecasts.
On the highway, the windshield wipers seemed about to fly off from the heavy rain. Although the Big Lao's automatic anticipatory driving system was very strong, it was still not altogether safe.
Many vehicles were creeping along at a snail's pace, exiting the highway early or seeking shelter in service areas.
At that moment, Lu Yumei checked the weather forecast and sighed, "Zhizhong, this rain is going to last until tomorrow afternoon! Should we pull into a service area?"
"Sure, we have plenty of food in the car, it'll be fine!" Liu Zhizhong said casually as he skillfully navigated the vehicle toward a service area 15 kilometers ahead.
By then, both the provincial traffic management system and the meteorological station had issued storm warnings. Obviously, the warning was moot at that point, and it could be taken as a gentle reminder.
The information displayed heavy rainfall lasting 72 hours in eastern and southeastern Hu Yang Province, with 6 highways closed—entry forbidden, exit only. Chapters fırst released on 𝘯𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭•𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙚•𝕟𝕖𝕥
The authorities hoped the public would travel with caution, avoid highways, exit them as soon as possible, or park near service areas to take shelter.
The fifteen kilometer stretch on the highway, crawling with slow-moving vehicles, took quite a while.
It took Liu Zhizhong almost half an hour to reach a small service area.
This service area belonged to a small county and was indeed quite small.
However, by then, the service area was crammed with cars.
Liu Zhizhong searched for a while before finding a spot behind the gas station on a patch of ground, which was not originally meant for parking but was a grassy green space.
With no other choice— the service area was already overwhelmed, and cars had started to park on the greenery—Liu Zhizhong drove on and parked on the green space. Then, he performed a series of maneuvers that wowed everyone.
Except for extending the awning, he transformed and expanded the rest of the RV's sections.
Not far off, an intrigued child exclaimed, "Wow, look, Mom, Dad, look, it's a transforming robot~~~"
Indeed, with rain forecasted to last that long, Liu Zhizhong naturally set up the RV's transformation, preparing to wait out the entire storm with his mother-in-law.
He wanted to put up the awning as well, but considering the need for space for other vehicles, he decided against it.
And this torrential downpour truly made the service area's business boom.
By nine o'clock at night, the supermarket in the service area was completely swept clean by panicking buyers, leaving virtually no supplies behind.
Initially, the service area was designed to provide convenient snacks and water for travelers.
Even the sausage vendor in the service area sold out with nothing left, as fresh supplies couldn't be brought in due to the heavy rain.
Liu Zhizhong was unaffected, enjoying a sumptuous dinner in the extended RV and even sharing it with Lu Yumei.
Since no other vehicles were coming, the grassy area next to Liu Zhizhong remained empty. He simply extended the awning, turned on the lights, including ambient ones, making a grand scene that drew envious looks from many.
Under the awning, the two could eat gourmet food, drink fine wine, and watch the heavy rain, feeling completely at ease.
However, when it was time to sleep at night, that's when problems arose...