Chapter 239 After climbing the Heavenly Ladder, let's have a chicken stew.
Su Yingxue thought to herself that if she could invite a few friends to go together and climb the Misty Mountain Ladder, it would definitely be a rare experience.
As luck would have it, just two days later, she bumped into an acquaintance.
"Xu Qingqing?"
After a long separation, the naivety of the past has faded from Xu Qingqing's face, replaced by a more composed and capable demeanor.
It's been quite a while since we last saw each other after leaving the film crew. But time hasn't diminished our friendship.
The two hit it off immediately and chatted warmly for a long time. Only then did Su Yingxue learn that Xu Qingqing had gone to work in Beijing after leaving the film crew.
However, she was in a bad mood at work and had just quit her job. She heard online that there was a small shop on Wushan Mountain that sold particularly delicious food, so she made a special trip to Wushan Mountain to climb and relax.
On a whim, she decided to invite Xu Qingqing to stay and be her helper, so that she could keep her company.
"Qingqing, I need an assistant here. Are you free? Don't worry about the salary, I won't treat you unfairly."
Xu Qingqing's eyes lit up, and she immediately agreed.
Since then, two busy figures have been added to Yunhai Fireworks Shop, the clattering of pots and pans has become more lively, and the atmosphere of the fireworks has become richer and more mellow.
When they had some free time, the two agreed to go on an adventure to the Heavenly Ladder together. Su Yingxue packed her gear and went to the mountainside with Xu Qingqing.
When they looked up, they truly saw what this ladder to heaven looked like—both so steep that it inspired awe, and so magnificent that it stirred their hearts.
The so-called "ladder to heaven" is more like a link between heaven and earth, leading people to conquer this natural wonder.
When the staff at the bottom of the ladder saw the two, they joked with a smile: "You two young ladies have to be careful. If you faint up there, we won't be able to find a way to get you."
Su Yingxue smiled and took the lead in climbing. Xu Qingqing was somewhat afraid of heights, but since she was already there, she was determined to succeed.
At this moment, he was even willing to risk his life to accompany the gentleman. When he heard the staff member's joke, he did not hesitate at all. Instead, his expression became serious, and his face showed a determination that refused to admit defeat.
This Misty Mountain Ladder, though named a ladder, is actually a passageway built between the clouds and mountains. It is constructed entirely of sturdy materials and is well-protected, giving people peace of mind.
Even so, taking each step requires immense courage. Beneath your feet lies a surging sea of clouds, and beside you, the mountain wind howls. Each step carries with it the anticipation of the unknown and the boldness to face the heights.
Each step required all of one's courage, and the metal steps trembled slightly in the mountain breeze under the weight.
Xu Qingqing's knuckles turned white as she gripped the handrails on both sides. Her eyelashes were tightly closed, and she didn't even dare to breathe heavily. The sea of clouds below her feet surged like waves, and the wind blew into her sleeves, carrying the unique coolness of the mountaintop, which made her back stiffen.
Su Yingxue crawled ahead, and hearing the breathing behind her growing shallower, she slowed her pace, turned around and smiled at her: "Don't be afraid, don't look down, just keep your eyes on the steps under my feet, and follow me one step at a time."
As she spoke, she reached behind her and her fingertips firmly gripped Xu Qingqing's wrist, the warmth of her palm seeping through the fabric.
Xu Qingqing felt relieved and slowly opened her eyes, staring at Su Yingxue's shoes. She followed Su Yingxue's rhythm, lifting and lowering her feet. Her trembling legs gradually became more stable.
The wind whistled past their ears. At first, they could hear the noise of tourists at the foot of the mountain, but the higher they climbed, the fainter the sounds became, leaving only the sound of the wind, the overlapping breaths of the two of them, and the occasional soft clatter of the steps.
As we climbed to the middle section, the wind gradually subsided, and the sea of clouds just happened to reach the side of the steps, a fluffy white expanse that made it feel like we were walking on cloud fluff.
Xu Qingqing couldn't help but steal a glance. She saw that the mountains below were dark green, and the sea of clouds spread out, flowing over the valleys and wrapping around the peaks. The warm golden sunlight pierced through the clouds, sprinkling out fine spots of light. It was so beautiful that it made her forget to breathe.
"Sister Su, look..." she said softly, her voice carrying a hint of barely perceptible amazement, the fear from before dissipating considerably.
Su Yingxue followed her gaze, her eyes also filled with smiles. "How was it? It wasn't a wasted trip, was it? The view is magnificent from the mountaintop, but from this Heavenly Ladder, you truly feel like you're among the clouds."
The two stopped and rested for a while, holding onto the handrail. The wind ruffled their hair, carrying the fragrance of mountain grass and trees. The distant sea of clouds was ruffled by the wind, creating delicate ripples. The interplay of light and shadow was even more delicate than the thickest milky soup in the shop.
"Sister Su, look, there's a platform in the middle. It's quite big."
Xu Qingqing was pointing in the direction of the Heavenly Ladder. A huge natural platform stood in the middle of the cliff, large enough to accommodate four or five people. Any more than that and it would be difficult to move around comfortably.
Su Yingxue nodded. The wind was a bit chilly. She joked with Xu Qingqing, "If I had a cup of milk tea right now, it would be delicious."
Xu Qingqing took a deep breath, the fresh mountain air filling her lungs, sweeping away the fatigue from the climb. She smiled and waved her hand: "Haha, I think so too. I used to think climbing was difficult, but now I feel that as long as you take it one step at a time, you can slowly walk through even the steepest path."
Su Yingxue nodded in agreement, tapping the armrest lightly with her fingertips, when she suddenly remembered the shop's menu. Perhaps she could add something new?
"Once we climb up, we'll go back and make a big pot of chicken stew with some fresh bamboo shoots picked from the mountains. It'll be very warming and will replenish our strength after the journey."
Xu Qingqing perked up immediately, her eyes shining brightly: "It also needs to be paired with your scallion pancakes! It'll definitely be delicious with the chicken hot pot!"
After saying that, he took the lead and started climbing. His steps were much lighter than before, and he even put his fear of heights behind him.
Su Yingxue smiled and followed. The two of them climbed the steps one after the other. The sunlight fell on them, making their shadows long and slender. Together with the winding ladder and the surging sea of clouds, they formed a vivid picture.
Finally reaching the summit, the two leaned on the railing, panting heavily. The mountain breeze blew in their faces, carrying the exhilaration of victory. The ladder beneath their feet resembled a silver ribbon, winding down the mountainside and connecting the summit with the valley.
Not far away, wisps of smoke were already rising from the Yunhai Fireworks stall, copper bells were jingling, and the aroma of braised meat in the pot could be faintly smelled.
Looking at the wisp of smoke rising from the mountaintop, Xu Qingqing smiled and said, "It turns out that what brings the most peace of mind is still a hot meal and soup on the mountaintop."
Su Yingxue led her towards the shop, her eyes crinkling with joy: "Come on, let's go back and prepare the ingredients. Today, we'll add a new mountain delicacy to the shop's menu, called Cloud Peak Crispy Bamboo Shoots. We'll serve it with chicken stew and rice, so everyone can taste the freshness from the top of the mountain."
The two walked side by side, the Heavenly Ladder behind them gleaming in the sunlight, the mountain breeze carrying the scents of smoke and grass, drifting far away.
Meanwhile, at the Cloud Sea Fireworks Shop, the bubbling soup awaits their return, ready to continue the warm and comforting warmth of everyday life.
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