Chapter 37
The Ice City’s Central Street was established in 1900, featuring a variety of architectural styles, including Renaissance and Baroque. Stretching 1,400 meters from the Jiang River’s flood control memorial tower square to the New Yang Square, this street vividly showcased the unique architectural culture and European-style lifestyle of the Ice City residents, earning it the title of “Asia’s First Street”.
The buildings on Central Street incorporated influential architectural styles from Europe’s 15th to 19th centuries, such as Renaissance in the 15th-16th centuries, Baroque in the 17th century, Eclecticism in the 18th century, and Art Nouveau in the 19th century. This combination gave Central Street its distinctive charm.
During Zhou Chao and Li Yang’s first visit to the Ice City, Xu Wenzheng took them to experience the city’s characteristic scenery. As Xu Wenzheng led the way, he shared the history and architectural styles of Central Street with Zhou Chao and Li Yang.
However, Li Yang seemed more interested in Zou Rui and Shen Lan, his gaze seemingly drifting towards Shen Lan, leaving Zhou Chao speechless.
The group strolled along the exotic street, admiring the artistic essence of that era, and marveling at the diverse art masterpieces of different styles. Though time had passed, one could still imagine the bygone era, as it remained deeply etched in people’s memories.
As time passed and the world changed, one could still imagine those bygone days. Although they had become history, they remained deeply etched in people’s memories.
In less than half an hour, they completed their tour of Central Street. Shen Lan then suggested visiting the Sophia Cathedral, and Li Yang readily agreed. They all headed towards the cathedral.
As they approached the magnificent Sophia Cathedral, Shen Lan introduced it to Li Yang and Zhou Chao.
“Sophia Cathedral was designed by Russian architect Koyasikov. It is grand, elegant, and magnificent, with a height of 53.25 meters and a floor area of 721 square meters, accommodating up to 2,000 people. The main entrance features a bell tower with seven bronze bells, each representing one musical note. To produce the melodious chimes, a skilled bell ringer must use hands and feet in harmony. The cathedral’s architectural layout forms a Greek cross and is influenced by Byzantine architecture, while the main dome and bell tower reflect traditional Russian ‘tent roof’ and ‘onion dome’ styles.”
Shen Lan paused for a moment before continuing, “Sophia Cathedral not only constitutes an exotic cultural landscape and city charm for the Ice City, but it also bears witness to the history of the Russian invasion of the Northeast.”
The mention of the historical past seemed to cast a somber mood over the group, and silence prevailed as they aimlessly strolled along the street.
Feeling the heavy atmosphere, Zhou Chao broke the silence, “Hey, Third Brother, I remember there’s a place in the Ice City where we can see reindeer. Shall we go?”
“Shenlu Garden. It’s the largest wild deer farm in the country, housing thousands of spotted deer, elk, roe deer, and reindeer.”
Zhou Chao turned to the others and suggested, “How about we go and see the deer?” They all agreed, and soon they returned home and set off in two Mercedes-Benz vehicles to the Shenlu Garden.
Originally, they had planned to use one car, but with five people, it felt a bit crowded, so they decided to take two cars. Xu Wenzheng drove G500 with Zou Rui and Zhou Chao on board, while Li Yang shamelessly drove another car with Shen Lan.
After driving for about an hour, they arrived at the Shenlu Garden in Acheng District. As soon as Zhou Chao got out of the car, he saw Li Yang and Shen Lan walking towards them with smiles on their faces. “Damn, they are so quick,” Zhou Chao couldn’t help but think to himself.
At the entrance of the park, they bought some corn kernels and carrot sticks to feed the deer later. As they entered the park, they instantly felt the warmth of nature.
The vast expanse of emerald green grass, lush and verdant trees standing tall, quiet valleys with varied elevations, murmuring clear streams, gentle breeze, and warm sunlight… Such natural beauty always made people feel relaxed and content. Zhou Chao felt even his breathing become light and refreshing.
The unique geographical location and pleasant natural scenery allowed various deer species to run and frolic on this grassland. Not far into the park, they saw a few curious young deer looking at them. Perhaps accustomed to visitors, the deer showed no fear and slowly approached the group.
Zhou Chao was about to suggest everyone feed the deer together, but before he could speak, he saw the other four forming two pairs and walking ahead. Helplessly, Zhou Chao wandered on his own.
Taking out the dried carrots he had bought earlier, he held them in his palm, allowing the young deer to come and eat on their own. Zhou Chao couldn’t help feeling a bit ticklish in his palm. Suppressing the urge to touch the deer, he fed them a few pieces of carrot and continued walking ahead.
Watching the others disappear into the distance, Zhou Chao decided to hop on the sightseeing bus and headed to other attractions in the park. He visited several spots, including Shenlu Ridge, Qianlong Ancient Well, Yuanyang Lake, Butterfly Spring, and Mongolian-style Garden. By the time he finished exploring these places, several hours had passed.
As he left the park, he found Li Yang and the others already waiting at the entrance, sipping cold drinks and chatting. Seeing them so cozy together, Zhou Chao couldn’t help feeling a surge of emotion.
Frustrated with Li Yang’s infatuation and show-off, Zhou Chao walked towards the group.
Li Yang greeted him, “Why did you wander around alone for so long? We’ve been waiting for you.”
Zhou Chao was about to explode from irritation. He couldn’t stand Li Yang’s fickle behavior and decided to ignore him, turning to Xu Wenzheng instead. “How long have you guys been out? Didn’t even bother to give me a call.”
“We just got out for a while. Here, have a cold drink,” Xu Wenzheng offered a bottle from the table.
Zhou Chao took a sip, feeling the heat inside him dissipate, leaving him feeling refreshed. He then sat down on a bench.
After a half-hour break, they started heading back to the city. Li Yang drove off with Shen Lan ahead of the others.
“Third Bro, do you think Big Bro has a chance with Shen Lan?” Zhou Chao lay back on the rear seat and asked casually.
“I think it should be fine. Shen Lan seems interested in him too, right, honey?”
“I think they’re pretty much a couple now,” Zou Rui added.
Zhou Chao sighed. “Oh well, let them be. Third Bro, I’ll be heading back to Modu tomorrow. If you have time, come visit me.”
“You’re leaving tomorrow, and Big Bro might go with you?”
“I don’t know. I’ll ask him tonight. He seems like he wants to stay in Ice City.”
“Hahaha, I think so too,” Zou Rui said with a smile.
The group returned to the city, and they found a restaurant to have a simple dinner. Xu Wenzheng then took his wife home, and Zhou Chao decided to head back to the hotel on his own, giving Li Yang and Shen Lan some private time.
It was past 11 p.m. when Li Yang returned to the hotel, looking quite content. Zhou Chao didn’t ask how his evening went and instead asked, “I’m going back to Modu tomorrow. Do you want to come along?”
Li Yang hesitated for a moment and replied, “Let’s go back together then.”
Zhou Chao didn’t say much and just advised him to rest early before going back to his room to sleep.