Pudacuo

Before dawn, some noises and hushed conversations could be heard downstairs.

Lu Min, who had been sitting by the door all night, was in a semi-conscious state, but he still managed to catch those subtle sounds.

Lu Min suddenly opened his closed eyes and tensed up instantly.

He thought something had happened to Sang Qi again, but seeing that the room was quiet, he gradually breathed a sigh of relief.

He got up, stretched his arms, legs, and neck, and glanced at his watch; it was already seven in the morning.

As autumn arrives, the nights become longer. It's past seven o'clock before the sky begins to lighten, and it's not fully bright yet.

Lu Min saw that it was already morning and was about to go back to his room to brush his teeth and wash his face when he heard footsteps behind him.

Turning around, I saw that the proprietress was wearing a wool coat with the belt tied around her waist, and her hair was fluffy and slightly messy.

"So early?" Lu Min asked with a smile.

The proprietress gave a helpless smile, a smile with a deeper meaning. Lu Min immediately understood her meaning and asked, "Something happened?"

The landlady nodded slightly, her eyes showing weariness. She gestured with her chin and said, "Come on, let's talk in your room."

"OK."

…………

"Xiao Qi, live well, and take good care of yourself. Mom is leaving."

"Mom, don't leave me, don't..."

In her dream, Sang Qi screamed and cried, struggling to wake up from the painful dream.

When Sang Qi opened her eyes and sat up in bed with a start, she realized that everything that had just happened was a dream.

"Mother……"

Sang Qi covered her face and burst into tears, finally bending over and burying her face in the blanket.

After crying enough and waking up completely from the dream, Sang Qi finally raised her head.

After crying for a long time, my eyes became swollen and uncomfortable.

She got up to wash up, turned on the cold water from the tap, and splashed water on her face, scooping up several handfuls.

The cool water splashed on my face, giving my sore and uncomfortable eyes a moment of relief.

Tiny water droplets clung to the long, curled eyelashes, sparkling as if tiny diamonds were embedded in them under the wall lamp.

Looking at her reflection in the mirror, her face streaked with water, Sang Qi slapped her face a few times to try and clear her head.

After washing up and changing her clothes, Sang Qi was about to go downstairs for breakfast.

As soon as she opened the door to her room, she saw that Lu Min's door was tightly closed, and there seemed to be some footsteps inside.

Sang Qi originally intended to go downstairs directly, but then she remembered that Lu Min had helped her catch snakes late last night, and she felt she should at least say thank you.

Hearing noises coming from Lu Min's room, Sang Qi thought for a moment and figured he must have gotten up. She decided to knock on his door and call him to have breakfast together, and also to thank him for what happened last night.

After making the decision, Sang Qi went over and knocked on Lu Min's door.

She had only knocked twice when she heard footsteps approaching.

The door opened, and there was the proprietress.

To be honest, Sang Qi was a little surprised when he saw the proprietress, and then a little flustered and at a loss.

On the other hand, the proprietress didn't seem surprised at all when she saw Sang Qi.

"Looking for Lu Min?" the landlady asked, feigning ignorance.

Sang Qi was stunned, not knowing what to say.

"What's wrong with you?" The landlady asked, noticing Sang Qi acting strangely.

Sang Qi quickly composed himself, then gave an awkward smile: "Did I disturb you?"

The proprietress smiled charmingly: "No need to bother you, we're already done."

Sang Qi gasped, her eyes widening, a sudden pang of sadness rising in her heart, and she felt a pang of sadness.

"I'm going back. Lu Min is in the bathroom and will be out in a bit. You can go in and sit down to wait for him."

After saying that, the proprietress patted Sang Qi on the shoulder and left.

Seeing the proprietress leave, Sang Qi's smiling lips instantly relaxed.

"You're up?"

Lu Min, who had just come out of the bathroom, saw Sang Qi standing at the door as soon as he opened the bathroom door.

Sang Qi looked at Lu Min, feeling somewhat annoyed.

"What's wrong?" Lu Min approached Sang Qi.

Sang Qi instinctively stepped back.

Lu Min stared intently at Sang Qi and asked with amusement, "What's wrong with you now? Who upset you this early in the morning?"

Sang Qi glanced at Lu Min quietly, then said coldly, "Nobody provoked me."

"Then why are you wearing that sullen face so early in the morning?"

"None of your business!" Sang Qi said through gritted teeth.

"Tsk tsk tsk." Lu Min shook his head with a smile, "Being so fierce doesn't attract boys, except for me."

Sang Qi chuckled: "Who cares if you like me?"

Lu Min smiled, his joking expression fading: "I'm not teasing you anymore. Tell me, what brings you here so early in the morning?"

Sang Qi paused, wanting to lie, but he was indeed standing at the door of someone else's room.

Just as Sang Qi was racking his brains, his eyes suddenly lit up: "I came to find you to ask when we are leaving for Pudacuo. My illness has been cured."

Lu Min looked back at the window of the room. It was already bright outside, and the rising sun shone through the clouds.

"The weather is nice, a good day to set off. In that case, let's leave after breakfast."

Having received a reply, Sang Qi did not respond but simply turned and left.

Lu Min raised an eyebrow and muttered, "Is she on her period? Why is she so horny?"

………

Since it was still early, there was no one else in the restaurant except Sang Qi, who was having breakfast alone.

She had barely sat down when the proprietress brought over a cup of coffee.

Sang Qi couldn't avoid greeting her.

The proprietress took a sip of coffee, smiled, glanced at the food on Sang Qi's plate, and said, "Eating so little?"

Sang Qi gave a forced smile: "That's enough to eat."

"No wonder you're so thin, you eat so little."

Sang Qi just smiled and didn't say anything.

"By the way, when are you leaving for Pudacuo?" the landlady asked again.

Sang Qi kept his head down as he ate, not looking up at the proprietress, and said indifferently, "Today."

The proprietress pondered for a moment and then said, "Today, the weather is nice, it would be a good day to go to Pudacuo National Park, the scenery is beautiful."

Sang Qi looked up and smiled in response, but still didn't say anything.

"Give me your opinion on my inn," the landlady asked Sang Qi, resting her chin on her hand and looking at him expectantly.

I have to say, the proprietress is really outgoing and friendly.

Sang Qi objectively stated, "It's quite good. The environment is nice, you can see the snow-capped mountains, and the price is reasonable."

"Then don't forget to recommend me to other businesses next time. If you bring your friends to stay here, I can give you a discount."

"Definitely." Sang Qi gave a polite smile.

"By the way, I heard from Lu Min that you were studying abroad before?"

Sang Qi paused, a hint of doubt in her eyes, unsure why she was being asked that, but she nodded nonetheless.

The proprietress smiled and sighed, "Studying is good. Studying will keep you from getting involved with too many people and things in society, and you won't offend too many people and things in society. Am I right?"

Sang Qi forced a smile, but couldn't quite figure out what the landlady meant.

"By the way," the proprietress changed the subject, "how do you plan to visit Pudacuo today?"

"……have no idea……"

She genuinely didn't know.

"Lu Min knows that area very well. Let him show you around. He's a very responsible tour leader," the landlady praised Lu Min.

Sang Qi pursed her lips and didn't say anything, but her eyes revealed a hint of disdain.

"You seem to have a lot of issues with him?"

Sang Qi coughed twice, and said somewhat guiltily, "No, no, I'm just stating the facts, not the person."

That's a bit of a lie.

"Oh, okay then. I won't disturb your breakfast. Have a pleasant journey."

"Thanks."

…………

After breakfast, Sang Qi went back to her room to pack her things.

At that time, the scenery outside the window was picturesque.

The white mist that had enveloped the snow-capped mountains in the early morning completely dissipated, and the originally thick clouds gradually thinned. Without the extra clouds to block the sun, it shone down freely, making the ancient town and the mountain forests bright and clear.

Sang Qi packed her luggage and went downstairs to the first floor, where she saw Lu Min and the landlady talking at the entrance of the inn. Both of them had cigarettes between their fingers and were puffing out smoke.

As he spoke, Lu Min caught a glimpse of Sang Qi, who had just come down from the ground, and turned to look at her.

Sang Qi looked away from him.

Lu Min smiled, then raised an eyebrow at the proprietress: "Alright, I'll be careful, that's all."

The proprietress smiled and glanced at Sang Qi, then said to Lu Min, "Okay, be careful on the road."

"OK."

………

Lu Min walked over to Sang Qi and asked, "Are you all packed?"

Sang Qi hummed in agreement.

"good"

Lu Min took the backpack from Sang Qi's hand and slung it over one shoulder himself: "Let's go."

Upon arriving at the parking spot, Lu Min threw all his luggage into the trunk and then slammed the trunk lid shut.

"Get in the car." Lu Min opened the car door for Sang Qi.

Sang Qi climbed in, got into the car, and settled in.

At that moment, the proprietress stood at the door, watching them. Sang Qi could see her figure through the car's rearview mirror.

She said something rather sarcastic for no reason: "The boss lady seems really reluctant to part with you."

Lu Min laughed upon hearing this, then retorted, "What do you think?"

"..."

Seeing that Sang Qi didn't speak again, Lu Min took the initiative to start a conversation.

He said while fastening his seatbelt, "Linna and I have known each other for many years. We met before I became a tour leader and before she opened her guesthouse. We've been good friends for many years, you could say we're best friends."

"More than just good friends, right?" Sang Qi said sarcastically, her words carrying a hidden meaning.

"So what do you think my relationship with her is?" he asked, amused. Then he started the engine and drove off.

“…I didn’t think anything of it,” Sang Qi quickly explained.

"Hmph, you think I'd believe you?"

The car drove off and exited the winding intersection.

Sang Qi turned her face away, looking out the window with an expression that suggested she didn't want to talk to anyone.

"Why are you ignoring me again? Are you angry?"

The car drove onto a straight road, and Lu Min held the steering wheel, driving steadily and evenly.

"...Why would I be angry? I have nothing to say to you."

Is it strange that you're always unkind to me?

At this point, Sang Qi suddenly turned around, smiled, and said, "To be honest, I'm quite curious about you."

"Go ahead," Lu Min said with a smile, anticipating Sang Qi's question.

"What did you do before you became a team leader?"

"Me? Sigh, I'm a hoodlum." Lu Min said as if he were joking.

Sang Qi was speechless. He could tell that Sang Qi didn't really want to answer him, so he resumed his indifferent attitude.

"Why aren't you saying anything again?" Lu Min asked anxiously when he saw that the other person was not speaking.

Sang Qi chuckled: "Sorry, I don't talk to thugs."

"..."

...

Baisha Ancient Town is nearly 200 kilometers away from Pudacuo National Park, which takes at least three hours by car.

After getting on the Xiangli Expressway, Lu Min told Sang Qi to rest for a while, estimating that they wouldn't arrive until noon.

Seeing that the journey was indeed boring, Sang Qi took a short nap.

On the way to Pudacuo, Sangqi slept almost the entire way, so Lu Min didn't stop the car and drove for several hours to reach Pudacuo.

It was already noon when we arrived at Pudacuo.

Sang Qi woke up while Lu Min was backing into the parking space.

"You're awake?" Lu Min replied one last time, turning the steering wheel and parking the car perfectly in the reverse.

"Hmm, we've arrived?" Sang Qi rubbed his eyes.

"We've arrived." Lu Min unbuckled his seatbelt and got out of the car.

As soon as Sang Qi jumped out of the car, he felt the crisp air of the plateau and the cool breeze, which made him feel a little cold.

Lu Min lit a cigarette as he got out of the car. He saw Sang Qi cross his arms and rub them together before taking out his car keys and unlocking the car: "Go put on some clothes in the car, it's windy."

Sang Qi returned to the car, took out the warm outdoor jacket from his backpack, put it on, and zipped it up all the way.

After getting dressed and getting out of the car, Lu Min, who had already finished his cigarette, said, "Let's go."

Lu Min led Sang Qi into the scenic area.

The most famous scenic spots in Pudacuo are Shudu Lake and Bita Lake. The first stop upon entering the Pudacuo scenic area is Shudu Lake.

There are generally three different ways to enjoy Shudu Lake: you can take a tour bus to see the scenery along the way, you can walk to enjoy the scenery, or you can take a boat to travel by water.

Lu Min asked Sang Qi for his opinion.

Sang Qi asked, "How much time have we been here?"

Lu Min pondered, "We're going to stay in Dukezong tonight. It's only about 20 kilometers from the ancient city, less than an hour's drive, so we can leave a little later."

"In that case, let's walk. I don't want to take a car or a boat."

“The Shudu Lake boardwalk is over three kilometers long, and the altitude here is between three and four thousand meters. Are you sure you can do it?” Lu Min questioned.

Sang Qi crossed her arms: "Our last stop on the journey is trekking to Yubeng. If I couldn't handle it, I wouldn't have chosen this option."

Lu Min nodded: "Okay, let's go then."

...

In autumn, Pudacuo no longer has its delicate flowers, but large areas of trees turn yellow or red, interspersed among the dark green shadows, reflected on the mirror-like blue lake, blending with the azure sky, creating a colorful and vibrant scene, just like an oil painting.

There weren't many people on the boardwalk by Shudu Lake. Walking along the boardwalk and enjoying the surrounding forests, lakes, and alpine meadows was very pleasant.

Sang Qi walked and stopped frequently, occasionally raising her camera to take pictures. Lu Min followed silently behind her.

“Pudacuo feels a bit better than Jade Dragon Snow Mountain,” Sang Qi suddenly said to Lu Min.

"It's alright. It will look even better after the snow. That row of dense trees is covered in snow, and from a distance it looks like a white forest." As he spoke, Lu Min pointed to the area on the left.

Looking around, Sang Qi saw a dense, verdant forest, growing in a staggered pattern, with a large meadow pasture below, dotted with cattle and sheep.

“I can imagine the scene,” Sang Qi said calmly. “It must be like a fairy tale.”

"Pudacuo is a transliteration of the Sanskrit word, which roughly means a lake that carries all sentient beings to the ideal other shore. In a sense, both its scenery and its symbolism are like a fairy tale."

"You know this too?" Sang Qi asked in surprise.

“The tour leader is essentially a tour guide, how could I not know that? When I lead a tour group, I usually explain the story of the scenic spot to them one stop at a time.”

"Then why didn't you tell me?" Sang Qi retorted.

Lu Min pouted, "You seem to know more than I do."

"..."

At that moment, ripples spread across the lake, a flock of yellow ducks swam by, and waterbirds flew low over the water, disappearing into the wind in no time.

The two ended their conversation and continued on their way.