The train slowly pulled into Urumqi Station, and the two stepped out of the carriage with the flow of people, officially beginning their short stay in this exotic city.
After getting off the bus, they found a small hotel nearby to stay in. After a short rest, they couldn't wait to embark on their culinary adventure. The unique flavors of Xinjiang lamb skewers and braised chicken with potatoes instantly won over their taste buds. The tender and juicy lamb and the rich and flavorful braised chicken made them eat to their hearts' content, their laughter echoing throughout the meal.
The next morning, as the sun rose, the two met at Hongshan Park. Climbing the steps, though the mountain wasn't high, it offered a panoramic view of the city. Looking into the distance, the majestic Tianshan Mountains stretched out, their snow-capped peaks shimmering in the sunlight, like a magnificent painting. Wang Yumei, unable to hide her joy, said to Li Baolong, "This trip is my first ever, yet it's so delightful. The scenery before us is breathtaking, and our journey is far from over; many more beautiful sights await us." This was a precious memory for them in Urumqi, adding a vibrant touch to their journey ahead.
After enjoying the scenery at Hongshan Park, they headed to the Xinjiang Grand Bazaar. Upon entering, they were immediately enveloped in a lively atmosphere. Colorful ethnic costumes filled the shops, their exquisite patterns and delicate craftsmanship drawing admiration. Wang Yumei chose a shawl with traditional patterns, gently draping it over her shoulders, instantly adding a unique charm. Li Baolong, on the other hand, was drawn to the uniquely designed handicrafts. He picked up a delicate wooden camel carving, examining it closely and appreciating the cultural atmosphere it embodied.
The spice section of the market was filled with a mysterious and alluring aroma. Various spices were neatly arranged, as if telling ancient stories. As they wandered among them, listening to the vendors' enthusiastic introductions, they felt as if they had traveled back to the ancient Silk Road.
Afterwards, they entered a traditional teahouse. To the accompaniment of melodious ethnic music, they savored authentic Xinjiang milk tea. The aroma filled the air; the moment it entered their mouths, the rich milky fragrance and the subtle tea flavor blended on their tongues, relieving the fatigue of their journey. Surrounded by laughter and chatter, they joined in, sharing their stories with the locals and further appreciating the unique charm of the city, making their trip to Urumqi even more fulfilling and unforgettable.
The three-day trip to Urumqi was like a melodious piece of music, leaving an indelible mark on their hearts. However, their journey did not stop; filled with anticipation for the unknown, they set off for their next destination—Korla, the city of pears.
Korla, a city shrouded in mystery, holds special significance for Wang Yumei. It holds precious clues about her father. Years ago, a letter addressed to Wang Yumei was sent from this city; like a ray of dawn in the darkness, it guided her to this land in search of her father's whereabouts.
With mixed feelings, the two arrived at the train station and bought tickets to Korla. As the train slowly started moving, the wheels rhythmically clattered against the rails, like a powerful symphony. Gazing at the receding scenery outside the window, they felt a mixture of reluctance to leave Urumqi and longing for Korla. Every journey is a spiritual cleansing; they knew that Korla might hold the key to unlocking the mysteries of the past, and this train was carrying them towards a shore of hope.
The clattering of the train echoed in Wang Yumei and Li Baolong's ears for a day and a night. The torment of the hard seats left them exhausted, as if all their strength had been drained. When the train finally stopped at Korla Station, they dragged their heavy steps out of the station, only to be enveloped by a sense of bewilderment the moment they stepped out.
The vastness of the Western Regions was on full display in the city of Korla, so immense it was almost overwhelming. Wang Yumei took out a transportation and tourist map from her bag, and amidst the bustling crowd, they found a shady spot to sit down. The afternoon sun was still scorching, making one feel slightly dizzy.
Li Baolong looked at the map, his brows furrowing slightly, and broke the silence: "Wang Yumei, look, the address on your father's letter is Tiemenguan Township in Korla, which is about fifty kilometers away from here. It's already afternoon, and if we set off for Tiemenguan now, we're afraid we won't make it in time." A hint of helplessness and anxiety flashed in Wang Yumei's eyes, but she also understood that Li Baolong was right.
“Let’s find a hotel for the night and head to Tiemenguan Township early tomorrow morning,” Wang Yumei said, her voice hoarse with weariness. Li Baolong nodded gently, casually taking Wang Yumei’s hand, trying to give her some strength. Her hands were rough, but they made Wang Yumei feel incredibly at ease.
In this unfamiliar and vast city, they were each other's only support. The afterglow of the setting sun shone on them, lengthening their shadows, like threads of fate intertwined, guiding them toward an unknown tomorrow. And the journey to find their father was like a seed of hope planted in their hearts, waiting for the moment it would be discovered.
The streets of Korla were bustling with people. Wang Yumei and Li Baolong found a small hotel on the street. To save money, they booked a double room. The room was small but clean and tidy, with two simple beds and a small window through which a few rays of the setting sun shone.
After settling their luggage, the two, famished, went out to find food. A small restaurant on the street wafted an enticing aroma, so they went in and ordered two bowls of Xinjiang fried noodles. The steaming noodles were served; the noodles were chewy and springy, and the colorful toppings were like a painting of the Western Regions. Every strand of noodle was coated in a rich sauce, and the unique flavor instantly dispelled the fatigue of their journey.
After dinner, they slowly walked back to the hotel. Neither of them spoke the rest of the way, simply enjoying the tranquility, their companionship filling the silence with warmth. Back in their room, they were utterly exhausted, as if all their strength had been drained. Without a second thought, they collapsed onto the bed and fell into a deep sleep. The long day and night of hard-seat train travel the previous night felt like a brutal battle, utterly draining them. In the quiet little hotel room, they slept soundly, their even breathing echoing gently in the air, as if the whole world had shrunk to their dreams, where there was no weariness from the journey, only their figures tightly embracing each other.
My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
