He put down his knife and fork, picked up the napkin and gently pressed the corner of his mouth, his movements neither hurried nor slow.
His gray-blue eyes scanned the route map on the printed paper. After a moment's hesitation, his voice sounded steadily, "Divide into three groups."
He turned his gaze to Hua Jinyue and Bai Zhiye: "Jinyue, why don't you and Naizi take the gently sloping trail to see the flowers, it's more relaxing." His tone was inquiring, but with an unquestionable tendency.
Hua Jinyue nodded immediately with curved eyes: "Okay! Sister Nai and I will go see the flowers!" She took Bai Zhiye's arm.
Bai Zhiye also smiled and nodded: "Okay."
Ye Qingliu then looked at Ning Xiwan and Duan Shuce: "Sister Wan and Shuce have reached the top..."
Ning Xiwan raised her eyebrows, a hint of "I knew it" appeared on her face, and she nodded readily: "Okay, Shuce happened to have brought equipment to measure air pressure and longitude and latitude, let's go up and take a look."
Duan Shuce pushed his glasses and said nothing, which was considered as his agreement.
"As for river tracing," Ye Qingliu turned his gaze to the restaurant entrance, facing Youye and Mu Xinrong who were walking in one after another.
Chao Youye still had that cold look on her face, while Mu Xinrong was rubbing his eyes, looking sleepy, like a little animal that was not fully awake yet.
Ye Qingliu's voice came through clearly, "Youye, Xinrong, follow me."
Mu Xinrong perked up when he heard his name and walked over quickly: "River tracing? Great! I love playing in the water the most!"
An expectant smile instantly appeared on his face.
Chao Youye followed him to the table and nodded to Ye Qingliu as a sign of agreement.
His eyes fell on Mu Xinrong, and seeing his cheeks flushed with excitement, a hint of imperceptible tenderness flashed across the depths of his eyes.
"Everyone check your equipment, water, energy bars, and cell phones, and tune your walkie-talkie to channel 3."
Ye Qingliu stood up and glanced at the crowd. His voice was not loud, but it carried an invisible cohesion.
"Safety first. Stay connected at all times. Call immediately if there are any problems."
"I know, brother!" Hua Jinyue was the first to respond.
"Don't worry." Ning Xiwan smiled and waved her hand.
"Yeah." Chao Youye responded.
Mu Xinrong nodded vigorously: "I understand!"
The sunlight shines through the huge glass windows, lengthening the young figures in the restaurant.
After the short breakfast time, the three groups dispersed and prepared to head to the different mountain scenery that belonged to them this weekend.
Deep in the valley, a stream gurgles. The crystal-clear stream rushes and jumps between the huge pebbles, splashing white water. The sunlight is filtered by the dense treetops on both sides, casting tiny and jumping spots of light on the mossy rocks and the water surface.
Ye Qingliu walked in front. He had changed into non-slip river trekking shoes and quick-drying trousers, his short black hair fluttering slightly in the wind blowing through the gaps in the trees.
He stood tall and straight, walked steadily, and walked on the slippery stream stones as if they were flat ground, with each step carried out with precise prediction.
His gray-blue eyes scanned the water and foothold ahead sharply, occasionally looking back to check on the situation of the two people behind him.
"Wow! Qingliu! Look at that stone! Doesn't it look like a lying turtle?" Mu Xinrong's voice was full of surprise at discovering a new world.
He pointed to a large, moss-covered, oddly shaped rock in the middle of the stream, his eyes shining like stars.
He was wearing a bright orange life vest and his trouser legs rolled up to his knees. He was stepping carefully on a shaky rock, trying to keep his balance to reach a strange-shaped fern in the crevice next to him.
Chao Youye followed closely behind Mu Xinrong, half a step behind him. He was also wearing river trekking equipment, but his aloof demeanor seemed at odds with the vibrant surroundings.
He was silent, but his eyes were like the most accurate radar, firmly locked on Mu Xinrong.
Whenever Mu Xinrong stumbled, Chao Youye's arms would instantly tense, ready to support him at any moment. "Watch your step."
Ye Qingliu didn't look back, but just gave a light reminder, his voice still clear amid the sound of rushing water.
He was observing an area ahead where the water flow was obviously turbulent and the drop was increasing, and a small whirlpool had formed there.
"I know!" Mu Xinrong responded. He finally picked the fern, stood up contentedly, and admired the sunlight.
His face was filled with pure joy, like a carefree child. Chao Youye looked at his satisfied smile, and the corners of her tightly pursed lips relaxed for a barely perceptible moment.
"The water ahead is fast-flowing and the rocks are slippery. Follow me closely." Ye Qingliu chose the route and turned sideways to signal them to follow.
He was the first to step into the turbulent waters. The current hit his calves, but he stood as steady as a rock.
Mu Xinrong immediately put away his playful mood, became serious, and followed closely on the stones that Ye Qingliu had stepped on.
Chao Youye stepped directly into the shallow water area next to him, leaned forward slightly, and placed one hand on Mu Xinrong's side, acting as a second line of insurance.
The three of them worked in perfect harmony and successfully passed this dangerous rapid. Suddenly, the view opened up: the stream became flat and wide, forming a clear pool with a bottom visible.
The sunlight poured down unhindered, making the lake water appear crystal blue.
"Wow! We're here!" Mu Xinrong cheered, took off his life vest and wanted to rush into the water.
"Wait." Ye Qingliu's voice sounded in time, with his usual calmness, "Rest first. Replenish water and energy."
Mu Xinrong paused and scratched his head a little embarrassedly: "Oh, yes."
He obediently walked to a dry and flat rock by the pond and sat down, then took out a water bottle and energy bar from his backpack.
Chao Youye also walked over to him and sat down, silently unscrewing her kettle.
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