Chapter 52: Meeting Fourth Brother
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
Waking up in the morning, Zhou Chao rubbed his slightly throbbing temples. Glancing at the time, he realized it was almost noon. He stepped out of the hotel with Lin Wu.
They found a bustling hotpot restaurant, spending less than 300 yuan. Both of them preferred meat over vegetables. After the meal, Zhou Chao decided to leave Rongcheng and head to Rain City. He intended to visit his fourth brother, Xiao Feng. He had missed the chance to attend his third brother’s wedding, and Xiao Feng did not keep his promise to send his wedding photos and videos. Therefore, this time, Zhou Chao intended to give him a surprise.
With his usual brisk pace, Zhou Chao left the restaurant with Lin Wu. Rain City was about 140 kilometers away from Rongcheng, roughly an hour and a half’s drive. While Zhou Chao knew Xiao Feng worked in Rain City, he wasn’t aware of the exact location within the city. He had to call his eldest brother for details.
“Hey, eldest brother, do you know where exactly Xiao Feng works?”
“It’s in Lushan County, Rain City. 1 don’t have the specifics, but you can ask when you get there.”
Hanging up the phone, Zhou Chao told Lin Wu they should head to Lushan County instead of Rain City. Lin Wu checked the navigation and found it wasn’t too far.
Departing from Rongcheng, they reached Lushan County in the early afternoon. At this time, Xiao Feng was still at work. They decided to find a place to stay and wait for him to finish work.
As they drove through the streets of Lushan County in the Karlmann King, they remained oblivious to the fact that their presence had already become a topic of conversation among the locals. Their striking vehicle had attracted quite a bit of attention.
Lushan County had undergone significant reconstruction after two major natural disasters. As Zhou Chao observed the clean streets, he marveled at its designation as a nationally hygienic county. Pedestrians strolled along the road, chatting and laughing, creating a lively atmosphere.
The duo settled in a business hotel and ventured out. Zhou Chao intended to explore Lushan County.
With a history spanning 2,300 years, Lushan County housed fascinating sites. Among them were Feixian Pass of Jiang Ancient City, a pivotal point on the Ancient Tea Horse Road and Southern Silk Road, Asia’s largest gravel limestone cave system known as Longmen Cave, and the legendary Lingjiu Mountain, believed to be the meditation ground of Lamp Light Buddha.
Zhou Chao and Lin Wu found themselves standing before the ancient city wall, part of the Hanjiang Ancient City Scenic Area. Serving as Lushan County’s political, economic, cultural, and commercial hub, the Hanjiang Ancient City Tourism Area held the status of a provincial historical and cultural city, known as the “Hanzhengdi Ancient Relics Town”. It also played a crucial role in the Small Western Loop and the Western Lingyun Snow Mountain to Qingcheng Mountain tourism route.
With a rich history and cultural heritage, the area showcased the integration of numerous cultures—Ancient Qiang, Shu Han Three Kingdoms, Wumu Root Carving, religious, patriotic, and folk cultures. Zhou Chao and Lin Wu strolled along the city wall, then proceeded to explore the distinctive Root Carving Street that Lushan County was known for.
Stepping into Root Carving Street, Zhou Chao noticed rows of root carving artworks and ebony wood lining the sides. Most of the root carvings were crafted from ebony wood, creating a complete industrial chain. A staggering ninety percent of the nation’s ebony root carvings hailed from this very place.
The two of them began to leisurely stroll around. Every piece of artwork here had been meticulously carved. The originally weathered black wood, after being processed and sculpted in the workshop, transformed into exquisite and splendid works of art.
“Zhou Chao,” a voice echoed from a distance. Zhou Chao was pondering whether there might be others who recognize him in this place. He raised his head to look around, and he spotted a young man, approximately 24.5 years old, with short hair. The collar of his white shirt was slightly unbuttoned, and the sleeves were rolled up to his forearms, revealing his wheat-colored skin. With deep and spirited eyes, the young man approached him.
“Xiao Feng,” Zhou Chao hurriedly walked up and embraced the approaching figure.
“When did you come to Lushan, you rascal? Couldn’t you have given me a call?”
“I just arrived today as well. I was actually planning to call you after you finished work. Who knew we’d run into each other like this?”
“Haha, 1 happened to come over to inspect Root Carving Street today and discuss development-related matters with the merchants. I saw you from a distance.”
“Well then, Xiao Feng, go ahead and attend to your work. We can catch up properly after you’re done for the day. I came all this way specifically to see you.”
“Sure, I’ll go deal with things first. I’ll find you once I’m off work.”
After exchanging a few casual words, they went their separate ways. After all, Xiao Feng worked in the government sector and didn’t have the same leisure as Zhou Chao. Following their parting, Zhou Chao and Lin Wu continued strolling down Root Carving Street, hoping to find a piece of root carving that caught their eye.
As evening approached, Zhou Chao had yet to find something suitable—both aesthetically pleasing and conveniently transportable. While there were smaller items available, none of them seemed to captivate him. With a sense of disappointment, he returned to the hotel.
Upon returning to the hotel, Zhou Chao received a call from Xiao Feng. He had finished work and suggested they dine at a local eatery unique to Lushan County. Xiao Feng provided an address, which Zhou Chao noticed was about 10 kilometers away. He started the car and headed toward the destination.
Upon arrival, Zhou Chao noticed it was a modestly decorated restaurant. Leading Lin Wu inside, he spotted Xiao Feng seated at a table, engrossed in his phone.
“Xiao Feng!”
“You’re here, Second Brother. Both of you should take a seat first. We’re waiting for one more person.”
“Who else are we waiting for? It better not be your girlfriend,” Zhou Chao quipped with a playful look.
“No way! It’s my cousin, she’s really beautiful. Just like me, she’s currently a village official in a village below Lushan County. And yes, she’s still single. Second Brother, I have high hopes for you. You’re single too, right? 1’11 introduce you two later.”
“Please, you know me well. I’m used to a carefree life. 1 can’t handle a little princess. Spare me the trouble.”
“Don’t worry, my cousin has a great personality. You’ll see.”
As they chatted for a while, Zhou Chao spotted a tall figure with a delicate melon-seed face, light makeup, clear and bright pupils, gently arched willow eyebrows, and long eyelashes fluttering slightly. Her fair and flawless skin emitted a faint rosy hue, and her thin lips resembled delicate rose petals, exuding charm.
She was dressed in a white shirt paired with black trousers, a casual ensemble that still reflected her capable demeanor.
“Brother,” a melodious voice rang out like an oriole. Xiao Feng promptly stood up. “Xiao Li, you’re here. Take a seat. I’ve already ordered the dishes. They’ll be here shortly. Let me introduce you to my friend.”
“Meet my close buddy, Zhou Chao. Quite the looker, isn’t he? Surprisingly, he’s still single and hasn’t ventured into the dating world. Xiao Li, you might want to give him a thought.” Zhou Chao overheard Xiao Feng’s introduction, feeling utterly surprised.
“Zhou Chao, this is my cousin, Jiang Li. She’s single too, so you better seize the opportunity.” Jiang Li shot Xiao Feng an annoyed glance.
“Hello, Jiang Li,” Zhou Chao greeted as he stood up, extending his right hand toward her.
“Hello, Zhou Chao.” She lightly shook his hand, and Zhou Chao’s initial response was how soft her hand was.
“Ahem, alright, you two don’t have to keep holding hands forever,” Zhou Chao promptly let go of Jiang Li’s hand after hearing Xiao Feng’s comment. He playfully rolled his eyes at Xiao Feng..