Long Yubei had never resided in such a place before; the prospect of spending an entire week here felt to him as arduous as ascending to the heavens.
Yet, out of respect for her, he refrained from departing abruptly.
Gu Lili, perceiving his reluctance, smiled gently and said, "Don't be deceived by the rustic appearance. Perhaps after a couple of days, your opinion might well change."
"What do you eat living here?"
"Simple, everyday fare. My master is diligent—she cultivated several patches of wasteland, planting wheat, peanuts, sweet potatoes, and tending a vegetable garden. Whatever we don't consume is sold at the market. Though she is the lady of the Gu family, her proud nature forbids her from spending a single cent of their wealth. She doesn't even allow Gu Xichen's father here. Aside from Gu Xichen's occasional visits, very few have come. Later, we'll pick some vegetables from the garden."
Despite his misgivings, Long Yubei found himself led to the garden within minutes.
She bent gracefully, harvesting vegetables until her basket brimmed full.
Thus began their brief sojourn of pastoral bliss.
The first day was truly unsettling for Long Yubei, but by the second day, a gradual fondness for the place blossomed within him. By the third, fourth, and fifth days, his sentiments transformed even further.
He found himself enamored with this haven.
Each day, she crafted an array of delightful dishes, constrained by limited ingredients yet introducing several vegetables he had never tasted before—each bursting with exquisite flavor.
Together, they strolled across the mountainside, breathing in the pristine air, watching the sunrise.
By night, they retired to her bed, savoring the tranquil silence of the mountains.
In the blink of an eye, the final day arrived; tomorrow morning, they would leave.
"Today, I'll show you my secret sanctuary."
With curiosity piqued, he followed her to a nearby hidden hot spring.
The pool was discreetly enclosed by a circle of weathered bed sheets, serving as a modest screen.
A gentle waterfall cascaded down the mountain beside it.
Gu Lili described the scene in springtime as breathtaking—wildflowers carpeted the surroundings, an endless feast for the eyes.
"Surely you bathe here often?"
"Of course," she laughed. "No one ever comes here. The pool is inconspicuous—this is my domain. Care to soak?"
"Why not?"
The day was bright and warm, the sun shining generously.
Without hesitation, Long Yubei shed his clothes and plunged into the spring before her eyes, enveloped in pure refreshment.
"Your turn."
As Gu Lili disrobed, a shiver of goosebumps ran over her skin, and she hurried into the pool. Submerged up to her neck, she perched on the stone steps and exclaimed, "Ah... this is heavenly."
Long Yubei pulled her into his lap, murmuring, "These days have made me very happy."
Her bright eyes locked onto his, "What if, when we grow old, we settle here? Renovate this house and the surrounding land."
"Grow old?"
"Yes." She entwined her arms around his neck, resting her cheek upon his shoulder. "It sounds wonderful. There's a line by Tao Yuanming: 'Plucking chrysanthemums beneath the eastern hedge, I leisurely behold the southern mountains.' This is the life I dream of. Yet solitude weighs heavy. If you were by my side, I could dwell here forever. Perhaps I'm simply accustomed to this way of life—living so, a lifetime, without regret."
"You even know Tao Yuanming's poetry?"
"I never attended school a day in my life, yet I mastered every character I needed to. My master graduated from a prestigious university and is also skilled in Taekwondo. Alas, she never passed on her talents to Gu Xichen, but instead, piece by piece, bestowed them upon me."
"Did she teach you the Couple's 108 Techniques?"
Gu Lili straightened, glaring at him, "Of course not!"