Chapter 241: Snow Mountain

"Good."

The two simply ate a little and took a nap. At three in the afternoon they set out for Lijiang Ancient City.

The ancient city was teeming with tourists, yet it still retained a rustic atmosphere. Stone-paved streets, little bridges over flowing water, and various small shops lined both sides.

"So lively," Su Ruan said, looking around, "but it doesn't feel noisy—such a strange feeling."

"Because the atmosphere is good," Jiang Ran took her hand, "let's stroll slowly, no rush."

The two walked slowly along the watercourse. Su Ruan was especially interested in a Handicraft shop, where everything sold was made by local Handcraft Persons.

"Look at this," she said, picking up a silver ornament, "handcrafted, the pattern is truly delicate."

"If you like it, buy it," Jiang Ran said.

"No need," Su Ruan put it down, "just looking is fine."

They passed a few more shops, and Jiang Ran stopped at a tea shop.

"Buy some PuEr Tea for dad," he said, "Dad likes tea."

"Sure."

They bought tea leaves and also some local specialties. Tired from walking, they sat down in a café.

"This place is really comfortable," Su Ruan said, looking at the little bridge and flowing water outside the window, "time seems to slow down."

"Indeed," Jiang Ran also looked out the window, "in the city time always feels insufficient. Here, it feels like we can take it slow."

The two drank coffee and chatted, talking about the past, then the present, and then the future.

"Jiang Ran, where do you think we'll be in ten years?" Su Ruan suddenly asked.

"We might still be in the Provincial Capital, maybe in another city, or perhaps have opened a small shop in a place like this," Jiang Ran laughed, "but wherever we are, we'll definitely be together."

"Mm," Su Ruan nodded, "being together is enough."

In the evening, the two found an authentic Naxi Ethnic Group restaurant for dinner: cured pork rib hot pot, chicken bean jelly, and various mushrooms.

"Delicious," Su Ruan tasted a bite of the cured pork ribs, "it's completely different from the flavor back home."

"If you like it, have more," Jiang Ran served her a dish, "tomorrow I'll take you to try something else."

After the meal, the lanterns of the ancient city lit up. The night city was even more beautiful, red lanterns reflected in the water like a flowing ribbon of light.

The two walked hand in hand, occasionally stopping to take photos.

"Jiang Ran, look," Su Ruan pointed to the distance, "someone is releasing River Lanterns."

"Shall we also release one?"

"Sure."

They bought two River Lanterns. Su Ruan wrote a wish on hers: "Family health and safety." Jiang Ran also wrote: "Hand in hand with RuanRuan until old age."

They placed the lanterns into the water, watching them drift away slowly with the current.

"What wish did you make?" Jiang Ran asked.

"I can't say; if I say, it won't work," Su Ruan laughed, "how about you?"

"I can't say either."

The two exchanged a smile. Though unspoken, they could probably guess each other's wishes.

After releasing the lanterns, they wandered a while longer before returning to the inn. Though tired, their hearts were full.

After washing up, they lay on the bed, with Su Ruan leaning in Jiang Ran's arms.

"Did you have fun today?"

"Happy," Jiang Ran kissed her hair, "especially happy."

"Me too," Su Ruan said softly, "it's been a long time since I've been this relaxed; I think of nothing, just enjoy the moment."

"Let's do this often in the future," Jiang Ran said, "at least twice a year, just the two of us."

"Okay."

That night, the two embraced and fell asleep.

Although it was just an ordinary inn's large bed, having each other nearby made it especially warm.

The next day, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.

Early in the morning, the two set off. The cable car went straight to the 4,506‑meter‑high observation deck; beyond that they had to hike.

"Can we make it?" Jiang Ran asked, "Any altitude sickness?"

"It's okay," Su Ruan said, "just a bit short of breath."

"Take it slow; if it doesn't work, we'll go down."

The two walked upward slowly. The scenery of the Snow Mountain was breathtaking.

The white snow was pristine, the blue sky washed clean, as if one could reach out and touch the clouds.

"So beautiful," Su Ruan panted, "even the fatigue is worth it."

Reaching the marker at 4,680 meters, the two were exhausted, yet felt a strong sense of achievement.

"Let's take a photo for memory," Jiang Ran took out a camera.

The two posed for a photo in front of the marker; the background was the Snow Mountain and blue sky, and they smiled brightly.

While descending, Su Ruan experienced some altitude sickness, with a headache.

Jiang Ran cared for her all the way, giving her water and massaging her temples.

"Sorry, I slowed you down," Su Ruan said, feeling a bit guilty.

"Don't say such silly things," Jiang Ran grasped her hand, "marriage is about caring for each other."

Back at the inn, Su Ruan took some medicine and slept. When she woke, it was already evening.

"Feeling better?" Jiang Ran sat on the bedside.

"Much better," Su Ruan sat up, "just still a little dizzy."

"We'll just rest at the inn that night, don't go out."

"Alright."

The inn provides dinner, which we eat in the courtyard. Simple home‑cooked dishes, but very tasty. Moonlight spreads over the courtyard, quiet and beautiful.

"Jiang Ran," Su Ruan says softly.

"Hm?"

"Thank you for looking after me these past years."

"Thank you again."

"I mean it," Su Ruan says, looking at him, "These years, you always put me first. When I'm busy designing, you support me; when I'm tired, you care for me; when I doubt myself, you believe in me."

Jiang Ran grasps her hand: "Because you're worth it. And don't you do the same for me? When I start a business, you accompany me; when I'm tired, you feel my pain; when I design menswear, you guide me."

The two exchange a smile.

Indeed, isn't the best marriage about mutual achievement and support?

After the meal, the two drink tea in the courtyard.

The inn's owner is an elderly woman of the Naxi Ethnic Group, who also joins the conversation.

"Are you here on your honeymoon?" the old lady asks.

"I guess so," Jiang Ran smiles, "our sixth wedding anniversary."

"How lovely," the old lady says, "my husband and I have been married forty years, and we still often stroll around the ancient city together."

"Forty years?" Su Ruan exclaims, "I'm truly envious."

"There's nothing to envy," the old lady laughs, "just give each other a little leeway, keep each other in mind. Over time it becomes a habit, and a person you can't live without."

Simple words, yet they capture the essence of marriage. Su Ruan and Jiang Ran both fall into thought.

Night deepens; the old lady returns to her room to rest. The two also go back to their room.

After freshening up and lying in bed, Su Ruan still ponders the old lady's words.

"Jiang Ran, can we also be like them, still strolling together after forty years?"

"We can," Jiang Ran replies without hesitation, "not just forty years, fifty, sixty— as long as we're alive, together."

Su Ruan's nose tingles, and she leans into his embrace: "Alright."

Day three, Shuhe Ancient Town.

Compared with Lijiang Ancient City, Shuhe is quieter and more lived‑in. There are few tourists; most are locals going about their lives.

"This place is wonderful," Su Ruan says while walking on the stone‑paved road, "not so commercialized."

"Indeed," Jiang Ran, also fond of the place, says, "perfect for strolling slowly."

The two visited the Tea Horse Ancient Road Museum, saw an old theater stage, and also went to an old silversmith shop to watch Handcraft.

At noon they ate at a small restaurant. The owner is a local, and the dishes are especially authentic.

"Are you here for tourism?" the owner asks.

"Yes, it's our wedding anniversary," Jiang Ran says.

"Then you must have a drink," the owner brings out homemade wine, "wishing you a long, happy marriage."