The suspended bus smoothly drove towards Cuiyun Peak.
Inside the carriage, after the initial noise subsided, it gradually quieted down.
Some people closed their eyes to rest, while others admired the fleeting scenery outside the window.
Li Yuheng and Shu Bai sat side by side.
Li Yuheng leaned against the window seemingly lazily, but his long leg was naturally next to Shu Bai's.
Shu Bai stared straight ahead, expressionless, yet he didn't push away the touch.
To their right, Gao Lang seemed to still be somewhat sullen from the previous awkwardness, but his eyes kept glancing at Shu Bai and Li Yuheng.
Wu Yue, who was in front of Gao Lang, took out a paper book and read it quietly. Her calmness created a subtle contrast with her petite figure.
Li Rui suddenly spoke, his voice not loud but clear: "President Chen, I heard that a new ancient site has been discovered on the northern slope of Cuiyun Peak. Will the route pass through the vicinity this time?"
Chen Niansha became interested: "That's right! So this time we chose route B, which is a bit more difficult than the regular route A, but the view is better, and we can see the ruins in the distance."
According to research, this may be the site of an observation station belonging to a small autonomous entity during the early stages of the interstellar migration era. Just imagine, how did they survive and observe the stars in these mountains in an age of limited technology?
This topic piqued the interest of several people.
A female beta asked, "Back then, the Abo gender system probably wasn't fully established yet, right? What would their social structure be like?"
Li Rui continued, "Some studies suggest that in the early stages of the Great Migration, the pressure to survive was immense, and the division of labor was more based on individual ability and willingness than on the later solidification of gender roles. Many records show that leaders at that time could be of any gender, as long as they were intelligent or strong enough."
Gao Lang seemed to have found a point of entry and interjected, "But physiological differences are an objective reality. Alphas' physical strength and omegas' sensitivity are destined to have their own advantages and disadvantages in certain areas. Later systems are simply in line with the laws of nature and optimize efficiency."
His tone carried the almost instinctive sense of superiority that is common among Alphas.
The carriage was silent for a moment.
Li Yuheng looked out the window and suddenly chuckled, his tone lazy yet barbed: "Optimize efficiency? Optimize to prioritize Ao pairing rate, keep omegas in captivity and protection, have betas do a lot of basic but unsung work, and have Alphas roasted on the fire between 'protectors' and 'dominators'. Is this optimization? This is more like drawing a circle around yourself."
He turned his head, his gaze sweeping over Gao Lang: "Ancient Alphas might have had to work alongside everyone else, moving stones by hand to build shelters, but some Alphas these days..."
He smiled knowingly, "He's probably better at using words to improve efficiency."
Gao Lang's face flushed red: "You!"
"Did I say something wrong?" Li Yuheng raised an eyebrow, draping his arm over the back of Shu Bai's chair like a peacock spreading its territory. "Me and my Shu Bai, two Alphas, standing here is going against your 'natural laws'? Are we inefficient? Are we dragging anyone down? Why are you always staring at us?"
He's been watching his wife from the very beginning; I wonder what kind of evil intentions he's hiding!
There are bad people among the masses!
Chen Niansha quickly tried to smooth things over: "Alright, alright, academic discussion is fine, but let's not let personal emotions get in the way. Gender studies is a complex topic; we're here to climb the mountain!"
Wu Yue closed the book, speaking softly but clearly: "The president is right. Moreover, I think Li is right. Physiological differences are a basis, but they shouldn't be a shackle."
Just as I may not be as physically strong as some Alphas, my memory of paths and plant toxins can help everyone avoid danger.
Li Rui's historical knowledge helps us understand this land better. Everyone brings something different; it's pointless to try and rank people.
Li Rui nodded: "Wu Yue is right. If the ancestors in the ruins could see their descendants still arguing about the superiority of gender, they would probably find it laughable. The survival challenges they faced were far greater than this."
Gao Lang was repeatedly refuted by the group's attempts to persuade him, so he snorted and stopped talking.
Someone exclaimed, "We're here! We're here!"
Everyone's attention was immediately drawn to the view outside the window.
The majestic Cuiyun Peak comes into view, with its steep slopes, lush forests, and a winding path leading into the depths of the clouds.
The hoverbus slowly descended to the reception center at the foot of Cuiyun Peak.
As everyone disembarked, the fresh mountain air rushed towards them, carrying the scents of earth and plants.
President Chen Niansha quickly reorganized the team and reiterated the safety precautions and the mountain climbing route.
"The first half of Route B has a gentler slope, but you'll pass 'Eagle Beak Rock' along the way, where you can enjoy a wide view of the ancient ruins we just mentioned. The second half of the path leading to the main peak will be steeper, so please proceed according to your abilities, maintain formation, and look out for each other!"
The team began to head into the mountains.
The initial path was indeed relatively gentle, just as Chen Niansha had said.
The trees are lush and green, birds sing sweetly, and sunlight filters through the leaves, casting dappled patterns of light.
The group wound its way up the mountain path.
The initial gentle stretch of road allowed everyone to warm up and breathe in the refreshing mountain air.
Li Yuheng walked beside Shu Bai, half a step behind, and gently nudged him with his elbow, lowering his voice:
"Little Shubai, do you still remember our bet? Whoever can't hold on any longer has to carry the other down the mountain and also grant one unconditional request."
Shu Bai glanced at him sideways, her eyes clear, her steps steady without faltering: "Hmm. So you'd better conserve your energy and stop talking big."
"Tsk, how is that bragging? Don't worry, Big A has unlimited stamina. I just want to give you a chance to show off your boyfriend skills, understand?"
Yeah, right.
The male lead is doomed to lose this round!
Shu Bai quickened his pace.
Li Yuheng immediately quickened his pace: "Hey, don't walk so fast, save your energy! The scenery at 'Eagle Beak Rock' is great for taking pictures later, we should take a picture together to annoy that clueless guy from earlier."
Shu Bai didn't stop walking; his voice drifted back on the mountain breeze, carrying a hint of barely perceptible mischief: "A group photo? Sure. You stand in front, it'll make your face look smaller."
Li Yuheng was taken aback for a moment, then burst into laughter: "You're mocking me, aren't you? Fine, I'm proud of my big face. It blocks the wind and wards off evil spirits, and is specially designed to prevent villains from spying on my precious baby."
As he spoke, he glanced back meaningfully.
Gao Lang happened to look up and meet Li Yuheng's smug glance. His face darkened even more, and he turned his head away unhappily.
Shu Bai's lips curved into a barely perceptible smile. "It can block the wind, but it might not ward off evil spirits. After all, attracting bees and butterflies is one of your specialties."
"No way! This beautiful flower of mine blooms only for you."
"A delicate flower? I think it's more like a man-eating flower."
Shu Bai's gaze inadvertently swept over Gao Lang behind him, his voice low but clear, "After all, not everyone can digest it."
Li Yuheng burst into laughter instantly, as if he had been stroked, and shook his head smugly: "Absolutely, it's the best way to deal with petty scoundrels and those who are possessive of their food!"
Gao Lang heard it clearly from behind, his face turned ashen, and he quickened his pace to overtake them.
Li Yuheng blinked at Shu Bai and lowered his voice: "Look, the clearing effect is top-notch."
Shu Bai also smiled slightly, but didn't say anything.
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