Chapter 102: Outshone

“Just unload them here. We’ll arrange transportation to take them home later,” Shen Yanming said.

The delivery workers nodded and carried the crates into the warehouse. 

Bi Qiao’an followed Shen Yanming to inspect the goods, surprised to find an assortment of canned meats, smoked meats, jerky, and shredded pork. Along with the meat, there were also fresh and dried fruits.

After confirming everything was in order, Shen Yanming locked the warehouse and drove the delivery truck straight back to Qingli Mountain. By the time they returned, it was past 4 a.m.

Instead of going back to their tent, Shen Yanming suggested watching the sunrise with Bi Qiao’an. The sunrise at Qingli Mountain was quite famous. While the mountain trails were usually illuminated during holidays, there was no one around at this early hour—only complete tranquility. 

Curious, Bi Qiao’an asked Shen Yanming on the way, “When did you buy all those supplies?”

“The very first day we arrived. I noticed the restaurant didn’t lack meat, so I asked around.”

Bi Qiao’an nodded. “But wasn’t the plan to go fruit picking and then buy meat from the farm on the last day?”

Shen Yanming smiled, squeezing her hand. “With over ten thousand people, what if we couldn’t get any by then? We have a little crybaby at home, after all.”

“Alright, I suppose my husband is as far-sighted as always.”

The advantage of night hiking was the lack of heat, and the exertion helped dispel the night chill. The downside was the need for extra caution at all times. Shen Yanming and Bi Qiao’an took their time, reaching the summit only after 5 a.m.

Soon, the horizon began to brighten as the first hints of dawn emerged, with a few stars still twinkling in the western sky. The mountain breeze tousled Bi Qiao’an’s hair as sunlight gradually touched her serene, smiling face. Watching her by his side, Shen Yanming felt a beautiful stillness in the moment. 

“Quick, take my picture!” Bi Qiao’an grinned at Shen Yanming.

He nodded, carefully composing countless lovely shots of Bi Qiao’an, each one rivaling professional photography with the rising sun as a backdrop.

After a while, Bi Qiao’an pulled Shen Yanming in for some selfies. Shen Yanming indulged her, making silly faces until she wanted a photo of them kissing. He initially just puckered up, but then the shameless guy went for a full-on kiss instead.

Bi Qiao’an pushed against his chest, but he stood firm. Putting his phone away, Shen Yanming pulled Bi Qiao’an into a deep kiss. 

Long after they parted, a flush still tinted Bi Qiao’an’s cheeks as she glared at him. “You big meanie!”

Shen Yanming looked at her with adoration. “Don’t like it? What can I do when I’m so in love with you, my little mischief-maker? I’m only mean to you.”

Bi Qiao’an couldn’t help but smile back. What could she do but indulge him? Hehe!

The sun had fully risen, bringing warmth to the summit. Bi Qiao’an took out some buns and soy milk from her bag, and they enjoyed an early breakfast basking in the sunlight.

After eating, Shen Yanming received a call. “Yanming, where did you go? I woke up and you were nowhere to be seen,” Ji Kangyong said.

“At the summit. Took Qiao’an for a late-night hike to watch the sunrise,” Shen Yanming replied with a smile.

Ji Kangyong put the call on speaker, allowing Li Zhaozhao to overhear. Li Zhaozhao immediately exploded, “Dammit, Old Shen! You’ve gone too far! Watching the sunrise without inviting your buddies? When will you two lovebirds take a break and stop ditching us? Not cool!”

Shen Yanming stifled a laugh behind his hand. “If I did, the sun would’ve already outshone you guys.”

Li Zhaozhao remained speechless.

“Well, are you coming? If so, I’ll wait here,” Shen Yanming said.  

“We’re coming, just you wait!” Li Zhaozhao hung up and dragged Ji Kangyong toward the mountain trail.

“Wait, let’s take the cable car. Hiking will take over an hour,” Ji Kangyong reminded him, pulling Li Zhaozhao back.

“Then Shen Yanming can wait a couple of hours.” Li Zhaozhao headed for the trail, not looking back.

‘I’m not worried about making Shen Yanming wait,’ Ji Kangyong thought. ‘I’m worried you’ll be too exhausted to keep going halfway up!’

With no choice, Ji Kangyong followed.

Many early risers were out and about. The Qingli Mountain hotel had already set up stalls on the lawn, selling buns, tofu pudding, and fritters.

After freshening up, Li Yueya set her sights on Ji Kangyong. She wanted to approach him but felt too shy. Seeing Ji Kangyong follow Li Zhaozhao up the trail, she grew anxious. She wished to catch up but also worried about leaving her parents.

Li Yueya’s mother had already noticed her daughter’s interest. She had discreetly asked Shen Yanming about Ji Kangyong and was quite satisfied—only uncertain if the two youngsters were fated.

Observing Li Yueya’s hesitation, her mother spoke up, “Honey, the early morning sun isn’t too harsh. Why don’t we hike Qingli Mountain?”

Li Yueya’s father missed the hint, replying, “Sure, we’ve been here for days without hiking yet. I feel like we haven’t truly experienced this trip. Let’s head out once you’re ready.”

Hearing her parents, Li Yueya beamed. Her mother nudged her. “Go on, buy your dad some breakfast. We’ll eat it at the summit.”

Li Yueya nodded excitedly and rushed to the bun stall. Thinking Ji Kangyong likely hadn’t eaten, she bought enough for five people.

Li Yueya’s mother’s suggestion inspired many others, prompting Yu Shui’s group to also hike the mountain.  

The youngsters headed straight for the trail, food in hand, while the older folks took the cable car instead.

After hanging up, Shen Yanming and Bi Qiao’an ventured to the summit waterfall. Bi Qiao’an whipped out her phone, effortlessly capturing the breathtaking, crowd-free scenery—a truly serene moment. Unable to resist, she even recorded a short video to share on social media.

Seated by the falls, Bi Qiao’an interacted with her online followers while Shen Yanming captured her from perfect angles. If her phone stored landscapes, his stored memories of her.

Over an hour later, Shen Yanming was joined by Ji Kangyong and Yu Shui’s groups.

“Where’s Li Zhaozhao?” Shen Yanming asked, triple-checking after not seeing him.

Before Ji Kangyong could respond, Yu Shui burst out laughing. After all that tough talk, the guy had stubbornly refused to continue halfway up the mountain. His physique had slimmed down, but his stamina remained as limited as when he was overweight. No, perhaps it was slightly better than when he weighed 200 pounds, since at least he made it halfway this time.

As Ji Kangyong explained, he recalled the image of Li Zhaozhao clinging to his back, insisting on a piggyback ride. If the others hadn’t witnessed it, Ji Kangyong wouldn’t have known what to do with him.

Finally, Li Zhaozhao sat tearfully in a halfway pavilion, waving farewell. He told Ji Kangyong to come back for him soon.

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