The mountain path was damp with morning mist. Li Xu walked along the gravel trail for about half an hour before finally reaching a three-meter-wide asphalt mountain road.
The occasional passing vehicle brought a touch of human life to the silent mountain forest.
He stood by the roadside, stuck out his thumb, and tried to hitch a ride.
After half an hour of waiting, an old, beat-up Wuling Hongguang minivan slowly pulled to a stop in front of him.
The window rolled down, revealing a dark, honest-looking face.
"Where you headed, young man?" the driver asked in a thick, local accent.
"Jiushui Town. Would it be convenient to get a ride?" Li Xu quickly replied.
"Hop in!" The driver grinned, revealing a set of neat teeth. "It's on my way."
Li Xu thanked him and got in, noticing several bamboo baskets piled in the back. They were filled with fresh mushrooms, exuding the clean fragrance of earth and plants.
"Foraged from the mountains?" Li Xu asked casually.
