Chapter Eighty-Four: Ascending the Mountain

Night in the capital was hardly any different from day—just as lively, just as noisy. Neon lights of every hue flickered and danced, the roads were choked with endless streams of traffic, and shopfronts bustled with business as usual. Countless young people lingered in bars and dance halls, living lives steeped in indulgence and glamour. The fast pace of life undoubtedly propelled society forward and improved the quality of living, but in such circumstances, who could truly quiet their heart and soothe their own restless spirit?

Far away, in the distant Snow Village, night had already settled in. The countryside’s darkness was tranquil—so silent that one could hear the beat of one’s own heart. Here, there were no raucous engines or dazzling neon. At night, only the starlight above and the bright, gentle moon offered any illumination.

When Xiao Lin laid eyes on the old house where he’d lived as a child, he gaped in astonishment. It looked exactly as it had when he’d left: walls of mossy stone, a heavy wooden gate, and the big, blue vat in the courtyard still brimming with clean water, just as it had been when he used it for bathing as a boy. Dried meats and garlic still hung under the eaves. How could it be so unchanged from the day he left? He turned to Er Pang, who explained, “There’s always someone who comes to sweep and tidy up every day. Your family will always be part of Snow Village. Even though you left, everyone here still remembers you.” Er Pang’s words filled Xiao Lin with emotion.

Later, they enjoyed a hearty farmhouse meal. The pure, organic produce and wild mountain chickens and rabbits were a revelation to four people used to the delicacies of city life. Everyone ate until they were utterly stuffed, unable to stop themselves from belching contentedly. After dinner, the villagers gradually took their leave, giving Xiao Lin and his companions, weary from the long journey, a chance to rest. Xiao Lin arranged with Er Pang to go up the mountain the next morning. That night, each had their own room, and the quilts—fresh, new, and brought from villagers’ homes—were filled with pure cotton. Wrapped under their covers, they felt warmth and the scent of sunshine itself. They all slept deeply, not waking until morning. One of life’s greatest pleasures is to count money until your hands cramp and sleep until you wake naturally; truly, a good night’s sleep is a happiness in itself.

“Ah, the air here is so fresh,” Xiao Lin exclaimed, stretching lazily in the courtyard the next morning, taking a deep, satisfying breath and beginning to loosen his limbs. Before long, Wang Yuqing and the others rose as well.

“Hey, look—is that the village dawn?” Wang Yuqing pointed to the sky, her face alight with delight.

On a distant hill, a brilliant morning glow painted half the sky red, a slender crescent moon still hanging high above. A flock of early-rising sparrows fluttered noisily over the village.

“It’s beautiful,” even Tan Linlin, who usually cared little for scenery, couldn’t help but sigh in admiration.

As they all stood, entranced by the enchanting sunrise, Granny Xiao emerged. Seeing the young ones standing in the courtyard, gazing blankly at the sky, she called out with a smile, “Come on now, let’s go have breakfast at Er Pang’s house.”

“Alright, Granny, you go ahead. We’ll be right there,” Wang Yuqing replied with a smile.

“Don’t dawdle, then,” Granny Xiao said, shaking her head before setting off.

“Hey, Xiao Lin, where do we wash up? I haven’t even brushed my teeth yet,” Wang Yuqing asked, tugging at Xiao Lin’s sleeve once Granny was out of earshot.

Xu Tong and Tan Linlin were looking at Xiao Lin as well. “I looked around earlier and didn’t see any running water. We can’t possibly wash our faces with snow, can we?” For city dwellers, eating breakfast without washing up was unthinkable.

Xiao Lin chuckled and pointed mysteriously at a nearby hand pump. “There’s your water source.”

The three followed his gesture, eyeing the dark, iron contraption with confusion. Xiao Lin strode over, rolled up his sleeves, grabbed the handle, and pumped vigorously. Soon, clear water gushed forth and he caught it in a basin, splashing it onto his face. When he finished, he found the others staring at him in astonishment.

“What’s wrong?”

“Xiao Lin, isn’t that water cold?” Wang Yuqing reached out to touch his cheek, felt a chill, and quickly withdrew her hand.

Xiao Lin couldn’t help but laugh. “It’s groundwater—warm in winter, icy in summer. Try it for yourselves if you don’t believe me.”

After Tan Linlin gave it a try and confirmed the water was indeed warm, everyone washed up and followed Xiao Lin to Er Pang’s house for breakfast.

Breakfast was simple: a pot of soft millet porridge and several plates of fresh greens. One dish of pickled shredded radish, sweet and tangy, particularly delighted Wang Yuqing.

At noon, they packed some food and supplies and set off with Er Pang to climb the small hill behind the village, planning to picnic there. The mountain was rich in wild ingredients—perfect for an outdoor cookout. Er Pang brought along a hunting dog and carved each of them a wooden stick. Then, they headed for the hill, which was the smallest among several in the area. A winding path led up to the summit, and hand in hand, they began their ascent. In winter, the hill was rather desolate: yellow-green grass peeped from beneath patches of lingering snow, rocky outcrops jutted here and there, and dry brush colored the slopes. Occasionally, a wild mountain chicken would dart by, prompting the dog, Da Huang, to quiver with excitement.

After about half an hour, they reached the top and sat down to rest by a small stream. Wang Yuqing dipped her hand in and felt the icy water. In winter, the brook ran clear and still, revealing algae and pebbles on the bottom. Tiny fish darted here and there. At the water’s edge, a thin layer of ice glistened like glass. Tan Linlin put her foot on it, but the ice was so fragile it cracked at the slightest touch, making her quickly pull back.

“I’ll take you all rabbit hunting later,” Er Pang said, grinning as he patted Da Huang’s head.

“Er Pang, didn’t we used to bring several dogs to hunt rabbits? Will Da Huang alone be enough?” Xiao Lin asked.

“That was in summer, when the rabbits are everywhere and you need more dogs to chase them down. But in winter, they hardly come out and stay hidden in their burrows. I have a trick to catch them,” Er Pang explained.

Xiao Lin blushed. He’d only ever visited Snow Village in the summer.

“Are there squirrels here? Can you help me catch one?” Tan Linlin inquired.

She had barely finished speaking when Xu Tong covered her mouth—there weren’t any pine trees here, how could there be squirrels? Linlin really did say whatever was on her mind.

“No squirrels, but I can catch you a wild mountain sparrow. They’re very cute,” Er Pang replied with a goofy smile.

Er Pang’s offer made Wang Yuqing’s eyes light up with anticipation.

(A recommendation for a friend’s book: “Techno-Demon” by Xiao Jingfeng. Truly excellent.)