Though Zhang Xinxin thought she was hiding well, Li Jing and He Mo both noticed her right away.
Honestly, in the quiet morning with few people around, given Zhang Xinxin's outfit and looks, it was hard for Li Jing not to notice her.
"Stop hiding, we've already seen you."
Li Jing couldn't help but shake his head helplessly when he saw Zhang Xinxin's proud bust peeking out from behind the tree trunk.
Zhang Xinxin, surprised upon hearing this, simply stopped hiding and walked out boldly saying, "Brother Jing, why are you here again?"
This seemingly casual remark was actually quite sour and almost made their teeth ache with jealousy.
Especially since Zhang Xinxin's eyes were fixed on He Mo as she spoke, never leaving her for a second.
She stared at her warily and questioned, "Why are you with my Brother Jing early in the morning?"
Seeing Zhang Xinxin like this, Li Jing was about to say a few words.
But He Mo calmly spoke first: "Your Brother Jing tried to chat me up, but I turned him down. Now he's embarrassed, and you just happened to come."
Li Jing was a bit dumbfounded upon hearing this: "??"
Zhang Xinxin was even more stunned, totally not expecting such a response.
But as her expression quickly changed, she then showed a cheerful smile again, stepped forward to hold onto Li Jing, and comforted him with a pouting face, "Brother Jing, don't bother with women like her, let's go hiking today. I've already prepared water and snacks!"
Seeing Zhang Xinxin, who was still angry just a moment ago, suddenly calm down, Li Jing was still somewhat confused.
Until he noticed He Mo secretly winking at him, he suddenly realized the reason behind it, and couldn't help but admire this woman's cleverness.
The reason He Mo said that was because she knew Zhang Xinxin definitely wouldn't blame Li Jing for trying to chat her up. Instead, He Mo simultaneously showed her lack of interest in Li Jing, resolving Zhang Xinxin's main concern, which turned her anger into joy, as if everything was fine.
Glancing back into the shop at He Mo who was still tidying things up, Li Jing secretly marveled...
This woman is indeed not as simple and pure as she appears. At least Zhang Xinxin and she are not on the same level, as Zhang Xinxin's mind seems ridiculously straightforward.
Thinking this, Li Jing glanced at Zhang Xinxin beside him, who was still smiling foolishly, his gaze lowered, landing on her prominent assets, and he secretly thought:
Has this girl poured all her nutrition into her figure?
No wonder they say 'big chest, little brain', it's really true.
...
After finishing her morning drawings, due to the hot weather, He Mo usually packs up and returns home before the temperature rises.
Though it's called home, it's actually just a house He Mo rented in the ancient town.
The landlord is a local middle-aged woman, honest and generous, who rented her two-story home to He Mo at a low price, giving He Mo a stable place to live here.
"Xiaohu, are you done with your paintings this morning and back?"
The middle-aged woman in earthy-toned coarse clothing happened to walk out from the yard and, seeing He Mo's expression, couldn't help but say somewhat surprised, "Xiaohu, you seem in a good mood today, did you paint something beautiful?"
Upon hearing this, the usually calm He Mo, carrying her paint box, was taken aback, only then realizing her mood today was indeed more cheerful and relaxed compared to before.
What's going on, could it be because of that guy?
Thinking of this, the image of Li Jing with his carefree demeanor appeared in He Mo's mind again, and she secretly thought:
That guy is really unique.
Most importantly, He Mo found him very sincere, straightforward, his words naturally spontaneous, not purposefully opposing, nor deliberately agreeing, just naturally speaking his mind.
Such a demeanor even influenced He Mo, easing the anxiety about her future within her heart, making her feel more calm and comfortable.
He's quite nice, if he were a local, maybe they could have become friends, but judging by his demeanor, it's likely he'll leave after the hike.
Thinking of this, He Mo shook her head again and entered the yard alone.
Watching He Mo's expressions change constantly from the side, the landlady blinked, surprised at how the usually calm He Mo seemed to have so many emotional fluctuations today, perhaps she encountered a man she likes?
By the way, the son from the Liu Family seems to fancy this girl, but given Xiaohu's conditions, the Liu Family's son is really like a toad trying to eat swan meat.
I wonder what kind of man could attract Xiaohu, he must be quite impressive...
...
Coming out of the ancient town, Li Jing and his companion prepared to climb Hu Jun Mountain as planned.
The ancient town was situated at the foot of Hu Jun Mountain, only a few hundred meters away from the main entrance to the mountain.
Following the surrounding tourists, the two quickly found the tourist center at the base of Hu Jun Mountain.
Compared to popular online celebrity spots, Hu Jun Mountain had far fewer visitors, mostly residents from nearby cities who came for a self-drive tour.
Li Jing gazed around and noticed that sixty percent of the surrounding tourists were families with children, while the rest were mostly couples or small friend groups.
In front of the main entrance to Hu Jun Mountain was a huge plaza, with flower beds and an unopened fountain.
Dozens of meters further was a grand archway made of stone, carved with several giant mythical beasts, exuding a majestic aura.
Zhang Xinxin, familiar with the area, led Li Jing into the scenic area while explaining and heading towards the mountain steps.
"Brother Jing, there are a lot of steps on this mountain, you know. It's said that if you climb all the steps and make a wish at the top, it will come true!"
Seeing her excited and happy demeanor, Li Jing also smiled, walking leisurely up the steps, taking in the scenery of the mountain.
The mountain path was winding, and the scenery was beautiful.
The stone-paved road up the mountain bore the marks left by the passage of time, with occasional wildflowers sprouting from the cracks, exuding a vibrant life force.
Towering trees lined the path, with lush foliage forming a continuous green canopy over the tourists' heads. Even though the outdoor sunlight was glaring and hot, only scattered beams of light penetrated through the leaves.
As the cool breeze blew over the mountain, climbers even felt a bit refreshed.
"Indeed, a mountain with such lush vegetation is a perfect summer retreat."
Li Jing felt the breeze on his face and couldn't help but take a deep breath, filling his lungs with the fresh scent of earth, as if cleansing them.
Beside him, Zhang Xinxin saw this and imitated him, taking a deep breath and immediately feeling extremely comfortable.
For some reason, ever since traveling with Li Jing, Zhang Xinxin felt much more relaxed and joyful, free from anxiety and worries, simply enjoying the pleasures of travel.
Even the restlessness and arrogance she had developed living in a big city had diminished significantly.
She could vaguely sense that it wasn't the ancient town or the mountain climb, but the constant relaxed aura Li Jing exuded that influenced her.
Because of this, Zhang Xinxin felt more and more that traveling with him was an incredibly right decision.
With this thought, she felt a face of contentment and happiness as she clung to Li Jing's arm, pressing close and seemingly wanting to keep that moment forever.
Feeling the soft pressure on his arm, Li Jing turned to see Zhang Xinxin's happy face and couldn't help but smile, continuing on with her.
Hu Jun Mountain, though not as steep as the famous mountains, was not low either.
The two stopped and walked, taking most of the day until they reached the top at dusk.
By this time, the large group of climbers had dwindled to just the two of them.
Upon reaching the summit platform, an indescribable sense of achievement and joy surged in Li Jing's heart.
Standing at the height, the breeze brushing his face seemed to blow away all fatigue and worries. Looking into the distance, the mountains rolled and undulated, with mist swirling between them like elegant veils, akin to a fairyland.
Beside him, though Zhang Xinxin's body was somewhat tired, her spirits were high. Climbing to the top together with Li Jing gave her an indescribable sense of satisfaction and happiness.
"Brother Jing, look quickly, there's the sunset!!"
At that moment, Zhang Xinxin suddenly raised her hand excitedly, pointing westward in awe, "So beautiful, the entire sky is red!"
Li Jing turned to look, his pupils trembling slightly, witnessing a red sun setting, painting the sky into a sea of red, a breathtaking sight.
The colors in the sky shifted from light to deep, from soft pale yellow to vibrant orange-red, and then to a deep purplish-red, layered like a dream. The sunset spread across the sky like magnificent brocade, varied in shape and exquisitely spectacular.
Moved by the dreamlike romantic scene, Li Jing felt a myriad of emotions welling up inside him.
Suddenly, he felt himself being pulled, and as he turned, he saw Zhang Xinxin melt into his arms like a stream, her red lips meeting his, pressing tightly against his mouth.
Li Jing startled, feeling the softness in his embrace, and in the romantic afterglow of the sunset, he held her tightly, responding to her fiery passion.
At this moment, it seemed like the world only consisted of the two of them, their lips locked in a passionate embrace, entwined like flames burning with intense fervor.
Zhang Xinxin's kiss was hot and deep, each touch conveying endless love and longing. Their hands roamed over each other, heartbeats intertwined, playing a melody of fervent romance.
The surrounding air also seemed infected by the mood, turning hot and ambiguous. In this moment, they forgot everything, immersing themselves in this sunset world of emotions and desires, letting them flow freely.