During their week at the county hospital, Li Baolong and Honghong meticulously cared for their ailing mother. Honghong stayed by her bedside day and night, her eyes filled with worry and concern. She gently wiped her mother's body, brought her water and fed her, every action brimming with deep love. Li Baolong busied himself around, running errands and handling various procedures. His steadfast and reliable figure brought much comfort to Honghong and her mother.

Finally, Mother's condition improved, and she was able to be discharged from the hospital to recuperate at home. The attending physician carefully explained the precautions and prescribed some imported medications to assist with subsequent treatment. Before parting, Honghong stuffed 10,000 yuan into her younger brother's hand, her voice slightly choked with emotion: "Take this money, for Mom's future medical treatment." The younger brother nodded silently, his eyes filled with gratitude and reluctance.

Afterwards, Li Baolong and Honghong embarked on their journey back to Chengdu. The bumpy night's travel had left them exhausted, but their companionship eased some of that fatigue. Upon arriving back in Chengdu, Honghong, without even resting, rushed to the dance hall to handle the backlog of business matters. Meanwhile, Li Baolong was about to start a new semester, knowing that his life would soon return to a busy academic rhythm.

In the few days since school started, Li Baolong has returned to campus as if he has switched to another challenging world.

All the noise around him was irrelevant. As night fell and the campus was gently bathed in light, Li Baolong dragged his slightly weary body home. But his business did not end there. He sat by the window in meditation for an hour, calming his mind and silently reciting the Taoist mantra forty-nine times.

On the weekend, Li Baolong arrived at the red-lit dance hall as agreed. As soon as he stepped inside, he was enveloped by the lively atmosphere. Colorful lights flashed across the dance floor, and handsome men and beautiful women swayed to the energetic music, the air thick with the scent of hormones.

Li Baolong's arrival greatly reduced Honghong's pressure, keeping her very busy. Like a nimble butterfly, she flitted through the crowd, sometimes exchanging pleasantries with guests, sometimes directing Li Baolong, her every move exuding competence.

As night deepened and the crowd gradually dispersed, the noisy dance hall finally returned to tranquility. Li Baolong and Honghong, dragging their exhausted bodies, slowly walked out of the dance hall.

Honghong parted her lips slightly, breaking the silence of the night: "Brother Hu at the shop is really a good person. He's only been here a few months, but he's always been dedicated and hardworking, running around without a single complaint. I let him stay in the dance hall; it saves on rent and he can help look after the shop—a win-win situation." Li Baolong quickly praised her: "Your sister Honghong has a keen eye! This arrangement is truly brilliant." The two walked side by side in the quiet night.

Late at night, a gentle breeze rustled through the curtains outside the window. Honghong nestled in Li Baolong's arms like a weary little bird returning to its nest. Her face was etched with exhaustion, yet a hint of expectation lingered in her eyes.

Her fingers slowly slid across Li Baolong's muscular chest, and then she said in a soft, dreamlike voice, "Brother Long, I want to have a child with you. Look, I'm almost thirty, time waits for no one, if I wait a few more years, I'm afraid I won't have the chance."

Upon hearing this, Li Baolong paused slightly, his gaze becoming deep and distant as he fell into deep thought. After a moment, he slowly spoke, his voice carrying a hint of helplessness yet firmness: "Sister Honghong, right now my mind is completely focused on my studies and cultivation. These two years are crucial for me. I'm not ready to be a father yet, and I don't know how to balance family and studies. Let's consider marriage and having children after I graduate, okay? By then, I can wholeheartedly accompany you and the child, giving you a stable home."

Honghong slightly raised her head, looking into his eyes, where she saw his plans for the future and his deep affection for her. Although she couldn't help feeling disappointed, she still managed a forced smile: "I understand your ambitions, Brother Long. I will wait for you, but sometimes, I'm really afraid that the end of the wait won't be what I expect."

Li Baolong hugged her tighter, as if to convey all his strength and determination through his embrace: "Sister Honghong, believe me, I want to walk hand in hand with you through all the hardships along the way. The current delay is for a better reunion in the future."

In the quiet night, although their hearts were temporarily out of sync due to the time difference, their love grew deeper with mutual understanding and tolerance, quietly flowing through every corner of the room, surrounding them, and becoming the strength that supported them to keep going.

On a bright and sunny May day, the spring breeze, like a pair of gentle hands, softly caressed the earth, and wherever it touched, flowers bloomed like a sea in an instant. During this short holiday, Li Baolong, filled with anticipation, made a promise to Wang Yumei from Sichuan University to travel together to Mount Qingcheng. For him, Mount Qingcheng was not merely an ordinary mountain; because of its intricate connections to his Heavenly Book and the Qiankun Sword, it had long been a sacred place he yearned for.

After meeting at Xipu Station, the two boarded a green train. The wheels clattered and rattled, carrying their laughter and anticipation. The hour-long journey passed in the blink of an eye, and Mount Qingcheng was already in sight.

They chose to start from the front of Qingcheng Mountain, slowly ascending along the winding mountain path. Along the way, Wang Yumei, like a joyful little deer, skipped and hopped among the ancient trees, frequently turning back to wave to Li Baolong, her eyes full of liveliness and joy. Li Baolong, with a smile on his face, followed closely, his eyes always following her, as if afraid she might stumble or fall.

Reaching the mountainside, Wang Yumei was drenched in sweat and slightly out of breath. Seeing this, Li Baolong quickly handed her a water bottle and said with concern, "Yumei, drink some water and catch your breath." Wang Yumei took the water bottle, took a small sip, looked at him, and smiled sweetly, "With you here, I'm not tired at all."

Finally, after hours of climbing, they reached the summit. Gazing into the distance, the rolling mountains stretched out below, shrouded in mist, a scene of dreamlike beauty. In that instant, they felt a surge of exhilaration, a sense of "standing on the highest peak, looking down upon all the mountains below." Wang Yumei excitedly opened her arms, wanting to embrace the vast expanse of heaven and earth. Li Baolong stood quietly beside her, a different kind of emotion welling up within him. The magnificent mountains seemed to bear witness to their bond at that moment.