Chapter Forty-Four: The Most Beautiful Sulfurous Road in Northern Beijing

(1/3)

(1)

Xiao Qi Bian smiled at Yu Tong Zheng sitting beside her and said, “Director Zheng, welcome. You look really beautiful today.”

“Xiao Qi, thank you,” Yu Tong Zheng replied with a smile. She didn’t address her as “Director Bian” but called her by name, emphasizing the word “thank you.”

Xiao Qi immediately understood her intention and changed her form of address as well, smiling and saying, “Sister Yu Tong, since we’re already friends, no need to be so formal.” She also stressed the word “friends.”

“Your handwriting reflects your character. Xiao Qi, you’re really beautiful. You’re so young—I truly envy you,” Yu Tong praised, recalling the small regular script Xiao Qi had written.

“Sister Yu Tong, you look noble and mature today. I can’t compare,” Xiao Qi laughed.

“Xiao Qi, I want to pay for half of today’s outing expenses. Please don’t tell Qin Ke and the others,” Yu Tong said quietly.

“Sister Yu Tong, the car belongs to our company, and the other expenses won’t be much. Our company will cover everything. Let Qin Ke’s team keep their 3,000-yuan bonus for themselves. Don’t worry about the expenses; we’ll have more chances to go out together in the future,” Xiao Qi whispered back.

“Xiao Qi, thank you!” Yu Tong said sincerely.

Huang Qiong glanced at Yu Chuan beside her and took the initiative to ask, “Dr. Yu, what’s your major? How many years until you graduate?”

“Manager Huang, my major is Computer Science and Technology. I have three years left until graduation,” Yu Chuan replied.

“Are you usually busy? Exhausted?” Huang Qiong asked with concern.

“I’m currently a first-year doctoral student, so not too busy yet. The last two years will be busy with my thesis,” Yu Chuan smiled.

“You are among the brightest students in China. I really envy you top scholars from prestigious universities,” Huang Qiong said admiringly.

“When I took the university entrance exam, getting into T University was indeed reserved for the best from every province and city. Over the years, some failed courses and couldn’t graduate; some couldn’t continue and had to drop out. So, working hard continuously is a must; we can’t afford to be complacent,” Yu Chuan humbly explained.

“Dr. Yu, would you say you belong to the intelligent type or the hardworking type?” Huang Qiong asked with a smile.

“Manager Huang, there are those smarter than me and those more diligent. I consider myself a bit smarter and a bit more diligent,” Yu Chuan laughed.

“You are both smart and hardworking. Your future will be boundless,” Huang Qiong praised.

“Studying and working are different things. Who can really see ahead in the future?” Yu Chuan became humble again.

“Students from prestigious schools start at a higher point; their future will surely be excellent. They’re incomparable to us,” Huang Qiong said.

“Manager Huang, which university did you attend?” Yu Chuan, sensing Huang Qiong’s outgoing personality, grew interested in chatting further.

“I graduated with a bachelor’s in Business Administration from the University of Economics and Trade,” Huang Qiong answered without hesitation.

“That’s a very good university as well,” Yu Chuan said.

“Compared to T University, it’s far behind,” Huang Qiong modestly replied.

“Manager Huang, how many years have you been working?” Yu Chuan asked, encouraged by Huang Qiong’s openness.

Through the conversation, Huang Qiong learned Yu Chuan was also twenty-seven years old. When he asked how many years since graduation, she realized he was tactfully inquiring about her age. She didn’t hide it and smiled, “Five years.”

“Where is your hometown? I feel like you’re from the south,” Yu Chuan said, looking at the delicate features of Huang Qiong.

“Dr. Yu, you have a keen eye. My parents are both from Zhejiang. They answered the call to aid Xinjiang’s frontier, so I was born in Urumqi. I’m a southerner raised in the north. What about you? You look like a southerner, too,” Huang Qiong said with a smile.

“My situation is similar. I was born in Lanzhou. My parents are from Jiangsu and also went to support the northwest frontier,” Yu Chuan laughed.

“The Jiangnan region has always produced many talented people. No wonder you are so smart and outstanding,” Huang Qiong laughed.

“Zhejiang people are clever too. Historically, Zhejiang has produced countless scholars and great Confucianists,” Yu Chuan smiled.

“I should say the Jiangsu-Zhejiang region has always been rich in talents,” Huang Qiong laughed.

Through this brief chat, Huang Qiong and Yu Chuan learned about each other’s backgrounds and discovered similar family experiences, instantly narrowing the distance between them. They no longer felt unfamiliar and continued chatting with laughter.

Tian Ge, also a restless young lady, asked Zhang Fang, “Senior Zhang, which department and major are you from?”

“Philosophy Department, PhD in Philosophy. What about you, junior Tian Ge?” Zhang Fang smiled.

“Chinese Department, Chinese Literature, senior year. Senior, philosophy majors tend to have political potential,” Tian Ge joked.

“Junior, aspiring to enter politics isn’t that easy,” Zhang Fang said.

“Senior, carry forward our school’s proud tradition. The future is bright, the road is winding. Let’s keep going!” Tian Ge laughed.

“Thank you, junior, for your kind words. The revolution hasn’t succeeded yet; comrades must keep working hard,” Zhang Fang smiled at Tian Ge’s frankness.

While Tian Ge and Zhang Fang were chatting warmly, Xiao Qi Bian walked over with a smile and said, “Dr. Zhang, Reporter Tian, what are you two brilliant talents from P University talking about with such enthusiasm?”

Tian Ge laughed, “Director Bian, I’m listening to Dr. Zhang’s vision for his future career in politics.”

Zhang Fang smiled, “Director Bian, do you have any insights on this?”

Xiao Qi laughed, “Dr. Zhang, Reporter Tian, I don’t have as lofty ambitions as you prestigious scholars. I just want to live a good, simple life. But I believe both of you have limitless potential.”

Tian Ge said, “Director Bian, well said.”

Xiao Qi then said, “Sorry, I need to speak with Tian Ge. Dr. Zhang, may Director Zheng Yu Tong sit beside you?”

“Of course,” Zhang Fang replied happily.

Xiao Qi then asked Tian Ge to move to the back row and made room for Zheng Yu Tong to sit in Tian Ge’s former seat.

“Sis, you already have a car and yet made me carry such a heavy bag to the meeting. Not fair,” Tian Ge complained as soon as she sat down.

“I had to pick up Zhang Fang and Yu Chuan early this morning and didn’t have time to get you. I’ll reimburse your taxi fare, okay?” Xiao Qi smiled.

“Taxis are small change; no need for you to trouble yourself. I’ll save up for something bigger and let you spend then,” Tian Ge joked.

“Whatever you want. I’ll have someone help carry your bag later,” Xiao Qi said.

“That’s better. Otherwise, I’ll just have my future brother-in-law carry my heavy bag,” Tian Ge whispered, nudging Qin Ke, who was sitting in the front passenger seat.

“You little rascal, you have sharp eyes. How did you find out?” Xiao Qi tickled Tian Ge’s nose, laughing.

“You can’t hide that from me. Your gaze gave it away. You look at him very differently from how you look at others,” Tian Ge said proudly.

Hearing this, Xiao Qi hugged the lively and adorable Tian Ge, and they laughed together in their seats.

Noticing Zheng Yu Tong’s elegant fragrance and mature demeanor, Zhang Fang, whose conversation with Tian Ge was lively, smiled and said, “Director Zheng, pleased to meet you. You look especially beautiful today. May I ask where you’re from?”

“Being praised by a top scholar from a prestigious university is an honor. I’m from Hefei. May I ask where you hail from?” Zheng Yu Tong’s mood lifted after relaxing with Xiao Qi, and she teased lightly.

“Pleasure to meet you. I’m from Anqing,” Zhang Fang smiled.

“Fellow countryman! Tears well up in my eyes! Hello, I’m Zheng Yu Tong. After graduating with a master’s from Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, I joined Company C,” Zheng Yu Tong smiled.

“Hello, fellow countryman. I’m Zhang Fang. After earning my PhD in Philosophy at P University, I stayed on as a faculty member,” Zhang Fang smiled.

After their formal introductions and realizing their shared hometown, they chatted warmly.

(2)

September and October are the most beautiful months in Beijing—clear skies, crisp autumn air. Seeing such enchanting autumn colors, the group’s mood was lifted; laughter and chatter filled the air, as if they had all returned to their university days.

The bus passed Yanqi Lake and continued north along Jingjia Road. Upon reaching Hefangkǒu, they could see the Great Wall winding along the ridge line. From here, the minibus left the flat plains of Beijing and entered the Yanshan Mountains. Trees on the slopes and valleys began to turn yellow and red. The autumn scenery was like a painting, intoxicating to behold.

Qin Ke had already researched relevant information and took on the role of tour guide, explaining to everyone.

The Ming Dynasty’s Hefangkǒu Great Wall was built upon the Northern Qi Great Wall and has long been a military stronghold. Between 1567 and 1572, during the reign of Emperor Muzong Zhu Zaihou, it was garrisoned by the Hebei Sanwei military. This section of the Great Wall was meticulously designed with dense watchtowers and exquisite craftsmanship. From the mountain pass, the wall’s two wings soared along the peaks. Though weathered by rain and wind and severely damaged over time—with many wall bricks fallen and watchtowers ruined—it still exuded a majestic spirit and profound charm that amazed onlookers.

The minibus reached the Baichazi junction on Jingjia Road. Qin Ke instructed the driver to turn right onto National Highway G234, driving along Beijing’s most beautiful Liuxin Road. The road followed the mountain walls of the Baihe River valley, climbing steadily, winding eastward. Qin Ke reminded everyone to fasten their seatbelts and told the driver not to get distracted.

The edges of the Yunmeng Mountain granite body have a gneiss-like structure that from afar resembles layered sedimentary rock. This is the result of billions of years of complex geological movements and erosion, giving the mountain such diverse characteristics. Throughout the year and day—from cloudy to sunny, windy to rainy—the scenery changes dramatically. This is the charm of Liuxin Road, making it impossible to say one visit is enough to see all of Yunmeng Mountain’s beauty.

Listening to Qin Ke’s detailed narration, Lin Haidong laughed, “Qin Ke, I’ve lived in Beijing for over twenty years but have never been here. Listening to you, it feels like you’ve been here countless times.”

Qin Ke smiled, “I only looked up some information last night and am selling it to everyone today. I’m playing guide for you all and hope you’re satisfied.”

Everyone laughed in unison, “Satisfied!”

The minibus arrived at Wangjing Terrace. Qin Ke asked the driver to park on a roadside open space and invited everyone to get off to admire the “Beijing Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon.” He also asked Tian Ge to take photos.

(3)

Wangjing Terrace marks the boundary between Huairou and Miyun districts in Beijing and offers the best vantage point to overlook the Baihe River Canyon. Standing there, one foot was in Huairou, the other in Miyun. The Baihe River forms a large bend here, resembling the great bend of the Yarlung Zangbo River, hence the nickname “Beijing’s Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon.” Gazing afar, one sees endless mountains and a deep gorge below, with the calm Baihe River flowing long and steady.

Tian Ge took individual photos of everyone, then paired them up as directed by Xiao Qi: Huang Qiong with Yu Chuan, Zheng Yu Tong with Zhang Fang, Fu Sicheng with Lin Haidong, Xiao Qi with Qin Ke, Jin Chen with Tao Jianmin. She took a photo with Xiao Qi herself; then six girls together, five boys together. Finally, she captured a series of magnificent landscape shots focused on the distant mountains and nearby valleys.

The stretch from Liulichang Temple to Wangjing Terrace was not too dangerous yet. From Wangjing Terrace onwards, the road clung to the mountainside, winding along the mid-slope. The road was narrow and twisting, with jagged rocks precariously jutting out. The bus seemed to be driving on a cliff road. Most bends were sharp elbows: to the right, the sheer cliffs of Yunmeng Mountain; to the left, the bottomless valley.

Driver Dan Guoqiang slowed down carefully, focused intently. Qin Ke was also tense, gripping the handle inside the bus, forgetting his guide role. A hush fell inside. Looking around, he saw the girls clutching the boys’ arms tightly, leaning on them, afraid to look outside. The funniest was Tian Ge, who hugged Xiao Qi’s waist tightly, burying her head in her lap like a child. Xiao Qi was nervous but tried to appear composed.

Ahead was the Hengcengen Tunnel. Qin Ke told driver Dan Guoqiang that before entering the tunnel, a fork on the left leads directly down to the Baihe valley floor. On their return from Yunmeng Mountain, they must take this fork to reach the guesthouse where they would stay overnight. Since the road was narrow and difficult to turn around, Dan Guoqiang must not miss this turn.

After passing through Hengcengen Tunnel and then Erdaohe Tunnel, the road descended and straightened. The valley on the left widened; the gorge was less deep and the cliffs less steep. The Baihe River also widened, indicating that the Miyun Reservoir was nearby.

(3)

Qin Ke announced that the minibus had reached the foot of the mountain. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief, straightened their backs, and sat upright.

Tian Ge said, “Sis, the scenery along the way is beautiful, but the road is too dangerous. Aren’t you scared?”

“Of course I’m scared, but I have to stay calm. After all, you’re my sister. Next time, I’ll drive and bring you along again,” Xiao Qi said with a smile.

“If you drive, I’d be even more scared,” Tian Ge quickly shook her head.

Huang Qiong released Yu Chuan’s arm, blushing, “Dr. Yu, sorry to have made you look bad.”

“I was nervous too, not much better than you. Having someone by my side actually made me less tense,” Yu Chuan smiled.

Hearing this, Huang Qiong felt immediately happier.

Zheng Yu Tong also shyly said to Zhang Fang, “Dr. Zhang, did I look ridiculous just now?”

“Girls tend to be more nervous; that’s normal,” Zhang Fang smiled.

“Did you feel scared at all?” Zheng Yu Tong asked, still uneasy.

“This Liuxin Road is indeed a bit dangerous, but I was fine. I found it quite interesting and want to come again in other seasons. Aren’t you afraid to come again?” Zhang Fang replied.

“If you dare come, so do I,” Zheng Yu Tong seemed to regain courage.

“Looking out at the scenery reminded me of the Xin’an River Hundred-Mile Gallery. Compared to that, I prefer the winding road around Qiandao Lake. It twists and turns endlessly and the scenery is even more beautiful,” Zhang Fang said.

“I hope to visit the Xin’an River Hundred-Mile Gallery someday,” Zheng Yu Tong smiled.

Looking at Zheng Yu Tong’s smiling face, Zhang Fang said, “There will definitely be a chance.”

Seeing Jin Chen’s nervousness, Tao Jianmin laughed, “Yunmeng Mountain is nothing. Mount Hua is far more thrilling. Climbing Mount Hua lets you truly experience heart-stopping excitement. When we get the chance, let’s climb Mount Hua together.”

Jin Chen blushed and nodded.

Lin Haidong quietly said to Fu Sicheng, “Xiao Qi’s plans today are very interesting. I liked how you held me just now.”

Fu Sicheng gave him a glare and said, “What are you always thinking about?”

Lin Haidong laughed, “I’m thinking that next time, just the two of us driving, we’ll take Liuxin Road again.” Then he sighed, “As a native Beijinger, it’s shameful I didn’t know Beijing had such thrilling scenery.”

The minibus passed Daguan Bridge, turned right toward Shicheng Town. At 10:30 a.m., they arrived at Yunmeng Mountain Scenic Area.

Qin Ke asked driver Dan Guoqiang if he wanted to join the hike. The driver said he wanted to rest and wouldn’t go. Qin Ke saw how tense and tired he was after driving so long and didn’t insist. He told Dan Guoqiang there was food and drink in the bus for him to enjoy.

Huang Qiong and Lin Haidong went to the ticket office and bought eleven hiking tickets.

Qin Ke told everyone to stay in the bus and eat the snacks Huang Qiong and Lin Haidong had bought to build energy for the hike. He took out several large plastic bags and asked them to pack unnecessary clothing to leave on the bus to lighten their loads. He instructed the boys to pack bottled water, chocolates, bread, cakes, apples, and other food into their backpacks. He also took out sunscreen and gave it to the girls who needed it. Then he distributed two sun hats and two parasols to Xiao Qi and Tian Ge.

Xiao Qi was very pleased with Qin Ke’s thoughtful and meticulous preparations, giving him an approving look.

Tian Ge’s tripod didn’t need to be carried up; only her heavy camera bag did. Qin Ke volunteered to carry her large black camera bag, and she happily said, “Thank you!”

After everyone was ready, they began their climb up Yunmeng Mountain.