Chapter 220: Chapter 177: The First Step to Learning Japanese
(The previous chapter is locked.)
The mountain path was winding and andering, flanked by dense forests, with sunlight filtering through the gaps in the leaves, casting mottled shadows on the ground.
After walking for about ten or so minutes, the view suddenly opened up.
It was a broad hillside covered with colorful wildflowers, and at the highest point of the slope stood a gigantic sakura tree.
Although it was past the peak season for sakura blossoms, the sakura tree was still lush with leaves, looking from afar like a huge green umbrella.
i Xiang pulled Chen Cheng to the base of the sakura tree, placed the picnic basket gently on the ground, turned around, pointed at the distant scenery, and smilingly said, “Brother Cheng, look, isn’t it beautiful?”
Chen Cheng followed her pointing finger and saw the mountains surrounding them, layer upon layer.
As he looked far off, amidst the mountains was a glaringly conspicuous, glittering lake.
“The view is indeed quite nice.”
“Right?”
i Xiang happily said, “This is my secret base. When I was a child, I often ca here to play by myself. From here, you can overlook the entire valley and also see the most beautiful sunset.”
As she spoke, she opened the picnic basket, spread out the picnic cloth, and placed the prepared sushi and beverages on it, “Tada~”
“This is what I personally made last night. It’s my first try so it might not look very appealing, but the taste is really good!”
Chen Cheng looked at the delicate and gentle girl in front of him and nodded with a smile.
i Xiang brushed her skirt and sat down.
She patted the spot next to her, “Brother Cheng, co, sit here.”
Chen Cheng sat down and i Xiang handed him a piece of sushi, bringing it to Chen Cheng’s mouth, “Ah~”
He looked at the sushi brought to his lips and shook his head with a smile, “I can eat it myself.”
“Ah~”
i Xiang pouted and coquettishly said, “Just one bite. This is the first ti I made sushi, I want you to taste my skill.”
Unable to decline the kindness, Chen Cheng opened his mouth and gently bit into the sushi i Xiang handed him.
“How is it? Is it tasty?” i Xiang looked at him with anticipation.
“Yes, it’s delicious.”
Chen Cheng nodded. The sushi really tasted good, the rice was soft and sticky, the filling was fresh, and it had a light, fragrant aroma.
“It’s even better than what I had in that restaurant in Tokyo.”
“Really? That’s great!”
i Xiang was thrilled and clapped her hands, “I was worried it wouldn’t taste good!”
“How could it not, you’re so smart. Whatever you make is delicious.”
Chen Cheng smiled and said, “But still…”
“But what?” i Xiang was quite nervous.
“Next ti, let do it.”
i Xiang blinked, “Why?”
“A girl’s hands are ant to be taken care of, not for cooking.”
i Xiang’s cheeks blushed as she lowered her head and smiled sweetly, “Brother Cheng, you are so kind.”
As the sun set, the golden afterglow spilled across the hillside, also ushering in the mont i Xiang wanted to share with Chen Cheng.
She stood up, “Brother Cheng! Look quick!”
The gentle breeze brought touches of floral scent, and not far away, the red sun dipped into the mountains, capturing the essence of a classical ink painting.
i Xiang sneakily hooked Chen Cheng’s hand, “Brother Cheng, do… do you like this place?”
Chen Cheng nodded, “It’s very peaceful, very relaxing.”
“Then… could you co here often in the future?”
Chen Cheng lowered his head to et i Xiang’s burning gaze and said again, “On the day when your family’s rice fields are ripe, I will appear.”
i Xiang gripped Chen Cheng’s hand tighter.
“Yes! I’ll wait for you!”
“Then you should take a good look today! After you go back, even if I’m not by your side, you can still rember today’s beautiful scenery whenever you watch the sunset in Beijing!”
i Xiang tried hard to maintain her smile, not wanting Chen Cheng to see her sadness.
Chen Cheng clasped her hand back, giving her a reassuring look, “I will rember you, i Xiang.”
The two stood at the peak, i Xiang nestled against Chen Cheng, feeling his warmth; even though Chen Cheng had to leave, this sweet mont was enough to last her a lifeti.
The sun gradually sank into the valley, and the sky slowly darkened.
The mountain wind brought a hint of coolness.
“Let’s head back, it’s getting dark.” i Xiang reluctantly said.
“Alright.”
Chen Cheng helped pack up and they slowly walked down the mountain path.
On the way, neither of them spoke, only the rustling of the wind through the leaves and their faint footsteps could be heard.
Back at the courtyard, i Xiang handed the picnic basket to the waiting servant, murmured a few instructions, then led Chen Cheng inside.
Passing through the heavy wooden door, Chen Cheng felt as though he had entered a secluded paradise.
The courtyard was larger than he had imagined, with a path of blue stone slabs winding forward, flanked by neatly trimd pines and strategically placed rockeries. The scattered stone lanterns cast a soft glow, making the courtyard exceptionally serene.
Several red maple trees were interspersed among them, their fiery red leaves under the sunset resembling blazing flas.
The sound of babbling water ca from not far away, and Chen Cheng followed the sound, seeing a clear stream flowing through the courtyard, so clear that the carps swimming in it were visible.
Chen Cheng looked at the poetic and picturesque courtyard and couldn’t help but sigh; every plant, every brick and tile here was imbued with a sense of historical weight and the marks of ti, silently narrating the rise and fall of the Xingye family.
“That’s the main house, let take you inside for a visit,” i Xiang pointed towards a majestic wooden building deep inside the courtyard.
The main house was a typical Japanese architectural style, with elevated eaves and a grand presence.
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