Chapter Nine: Joyful Bus Ride through the Great Bashan Mountains

(1/3)
(1) Qin Ke and three companions went to a breakfast shop in town together. Spotting a small eatery named “Mist Dew Silver Ear Buns,” Bian Xiaoqi led the group inside. Luo Tong insisted on fulfilling his promise to treat them, telling them to order freely but to prioritize local specialties. Naturally, Bian Xiaoqi took charge of ordering, selecting four bowls of stone-ground bean curd, eight sugar-topped sesame cakes, and two baskets of Mist Dew Silver Ear Buns.

Everyone had tried bean curd before, but the latter two dishes were completely unfamiliar to the other three.

The hand-crafted stone-ground bean curd was pure white like snow. Upon tasting, everyone found it tender and delicious, with a lingering fragrance, unanimously praising its flavor.

The sugar-topped sesame cake was shaped differently from ordinary sesame cakes; it swelled gently from the center towards both sides, resembling a full moon, its golden hue adorned densely with white sesame seeds like a sky full of twinkling stars, making it even more appealing. A thin, even layer of melted brown sugar coated the surface, imparting a sweet, crisp flavor. The cakes were golden but not burnt, the crust crisp and the interior crunchy, sweet and melting in the mouth, earning continuous accolades.

Bian Xiaoqi explained that the sugar-topped sesame cake was a famous local delicacy originating from the ancient town of Enyang, with a history spanning over five hundred years. Its preparation involved seventy-two intricate steps, using eight natural ingredients including premium refined flour, glutinous rice, barley, brown sugar, sesame, sesame oil, and aromatic oil. She suggested they buy some to take home and share with their families.

The Mist Dew Silver Ear Buns were soft yet elastic, glossy with many folds, thin-skinned but generously filled, and had a fresh, pleasant taste. Bian Xiaoqi said silver ear fungus was considered a flower of heaven and earth, and that generations of master chefs had carefully developed this delicacy using ancient methods combined with modern techniques.

Qin Ke remarked on the wealth of knowledge he had gained during this trip to Tongyuan, never having imagined silver fungus could be used to make buns. Bian Xiaoqi said Sichuan cuisine was endless and if someone invited her, she would gladly take them on a culinary tour of the province. Luo Tong declared he intended to settle permanently in Sichuan, unable to bear leaving, to which Qin Ke joked that he was homesick instead, causing everyone to laugh heartily.

At eight in the morning, Qin Ke called Li Jun to report on the overnight resolution of the equipment issue. Li Jun was surprised they had identified the cause so quickly and said he would rush to Qianfo Town immediately.

Bian Xiaoqi first reported to Cheng Ang, who was overjoyed and praised them repeatedly, promising to thank them properly upon their return to Xizhou. She then briefed Fang Daoqi, who was equally pleased and said he wanted a face-to-face report when they returned to Tongyuan, promising a grand banquet from Tongyuan Telecom to express gratitude.

Upon Li Jun’s arrival at the equipment room, he called in the technician Chen Ming. Qin Ke candidly and factually explained their analysis and handling of the equipment problem in front of both men. He asked who the users of phone numbers 732044 and 732054 were. Chen Ming replied that 732044 was the duty phone in the equipment room, and 732054 was his office phone. Qin Ke then inquired whether Chen Ming had performed any special operations on these numbers. Chen Ming immediately became evasive. Bian Xiaoqi, Luo Tong, and Sun Shuqing instantly grasped the situation.

Qin Ke smiled and said, “Chen Ming, no need to be nervous. I’m not here to assign blame, just to uncover the truth. Tell us what you did, or deny it if you did nothing.”

Chen Ming glanced at Li Jun, hesitating to speak.

Li Jun urged, “Chen Ming, just say it—either you did or you didn’t. Don’t beat around the bush.”

Finally, Chen Ming admitted, “To facilitate answering user calls, I set up mutual no-answer call forwarding between these two phones about half a month ago, but I canceled this new service yesterday morning. Is there a problem with that?”

Qin Ke asked, “When exactly did you start setting up the no-answer call forwarding on these two numbers?”

“About half a month ago,” Chen Ming replied.

Qin Ke continued, “And when did the equipment start showing the problems you reported to our company?”

“Also about half a month ago,” Chen Ming answered.

Qin Ke said, “Thank you for your honesty. The timing matches perfectly. So, when you were away from the office and the duty room, calls formed a dead loop, causing the equipment issues. Don’t worry, this is just a misoperation. Avoid such setups in the future and there won’t be any problems.”

Qin Ke pulled up Chen Ming’s operation logs on the computer and showed them to Li Jun and Chen Ming, causing Chen Ming to break out in a cold sweat, relieved he told the truth.

Qin Ke told Li Jun, “This problem can be reproduced, but since it’s peak hours for telephone traffic, to avoid disrupting users, we’ll have to wait until after midnight. Li Jun, I’m afraid you’ll have to stay up late tonight.”

Li Jun laughed, “Qin, you’re too polite. I’m not the one working hard—you all are. I also want to see the problem reproduced with my own eyes.”

Qin Ke sincerely said, “Li, our company bears some responsibility too. It shows our training for you wasn’t thorough or adequate.”

Bian Xiaoqi added, “Li, Qin is right. Our company does have responsibility. Since we will continue cooperating, to ensure stable equipment operation and better service to users, our company plans to hold another comprehensive on-site technical training for your technicians. We will send highly skilled engineers, tentatively next month in Tongyuan.”

Li Jun was delighted, “Wonderful, we eagerly welcome that. I will report this to Director Fang. Will Qin come too?”

Bian Xiaoqi smiled, “Li, our company has many top engineers. I’m sure you’ll be satisfied.”

Qin Ke added, “Li, I noticed many configuration data on this equipment are non-standard. Luo has recorded everything. After reproducing the issue, we will correct all the data. Just to let you know.”

Li Jun was even happier and openly shared the equipment’s installation and calibration history: “Manager Bian, Qin, due to tight schedules and heavy tasks, most equipment was configured by our technicians following your company’s manuals. There are bound to be irregularities. We hope you can inspect all devices thoroughly this time. Thank you for your responsibility.”

Bian Xiaoqi said, “Li, this is what we should do. Qin’s rigor, meticulousness, and dedication have impressed me as a market person.”

Li Jun sighed with genuine admiration, “Setting a three-day deadline and solving it in twelve hours—I’ve never heard of such a thing. Today, I’ve truly witnessed it.”

Hearing Li Jun’s words, everyone burst out laughing.

Qin Ke then arranged for Luo Tong to conduct another on-site technical training for Chen Ming and Li Jun.

After twenty-four hours without sleep, Qin Ke and Bian Xiaoqi needed rest. Bian wanted to listen to Luo Tong’s training, but he pulled her away.

They entered the lounge, closed the door, and sat on the sofa. Qin Ke said to Bian Xiaoqi, “There’s plenty of time ahead. Don’t be impatient. I’ll personally train you. Who wouldn’t want to mentor such a beautiful student?”

Bian Xiaoqi tried to lightly punch him with her small fist, but he quickly grabbed her hand and held it tightly, saying, “Don’t stay up too long; it’s bad for your health. Your dark circles are already showing.” Then he closed his eyes and soon fell asleep.

Bian Xiaoqi didn’t pull her hand free but let him hold it. She gazed at his adorably earnest sleeping face and smiled softly. After a while, drowsiness overcame her, and she leaned on Qin Ke’s shoulder, falling asleep too.

Upon waking, Qin Ke found Bian Xiaoqi nestled in his arms, and he was holding her tightly. Her expression was peaceful, breathing steady, still dreaming. He lowered his head, quietly admiring her smooth forehead, long lashes, refined nose, and tightly pursed lips, not moving for fear of waking her. Watching her, he involuntarily wanted to kiss her. Just as he leaned toward her cheek, she suddenly woke, her bright eyes fixed on him, nervously asking, “What are you doing?”

Startled, Qin Ke hastily explained, “I saw a few stray hairs and wanted to tidy them.”

Bian Xiaoqi quickly freed herself, smoothed her slightly messy hair, straightened the wrinkles in her skirt, sat up straight, her face flushed.

Noting it was nearly noon, having slept about three hours, Qin Ke said, “Let’s wash up and then eat.”

After washing her face, Bian Xiaoqi told Qin Ke, “You go out for a moment, I need to change.”

When Qin Ke saw Bian Xiaoqi again, she had changed into jeans, a white T-shirt, and sneakers, looking neat and radiant.

(2)
Chen Ming invited them to a local restaurant in town for lunch on behalf of the Qianfo Town branch. Qin Ke did not hold him responsible for the equipment issue and reassured him, which moved Chen Ming. Luo Tong wholeheartedly taught him many new things, and Chen Ming was even more touched. Since they were roughly the same age, they quickly bonded, shedding any awkwardness.

With no pressing matters in the afternoon, Chen Ming suggested he could guide them on a trip into the mountains.

Having resolved the equipment issue, everyone was in high spirits and eager to relax, so they all enthusiastically agreed to explore the scenic Daba Mountains.

Chen Ming, a native familiar with the surrounding ten or so miles, naturally became their guide.

The Daba Mountains span the border region of Shaanxi, Sichuan, and Hubei provinces, stretching over 500 kilometers east to west, known as the “Thousand-Li Ba Mountains,” often simply called Ba Mountains. They form the watershed between the Jialing and Han rivers, marking the geographic boundary between the Sichuan and Hanzhong basins. The ridges typically rise to about 2,000 meters, featuring high, rugged karst terrain. The mountains have been heavily dissected by rivers, with many deep gorges and steep valley slopes ranging from 800 to 1,200 meters in elevation difference.

With Chen Ming leading and driver Liu Bo bringing up the rear, the seven of them, full of enthusiasm and laughter, plunged into the mountains.

Reaching the ridge, they saw overlapping peaks, dense forests, deep valleys, and graceful summits. Entering the gorge, streams flowed continuously, birds sang endlessly, with scenery alternating between broad flat stretches and narrow, profound passages.

The Daba Mountains are rich in rainfall and forest resources, with many tall trees. Apart from ginkgo, most trees were unfamiliar to them. Chen Ming identified some as dove trees, others as fragrant fruit trees and fragrant lane trees.

Liu Bo shared that dove trees bloom in late spring to early summer, with flowers changing colors from the first bloom to wilting. The entire tree’s blossoms open successively, presenting a dazzling display, earning the nickname “a tree of wondrous blossoms.”

There is a poignant legend about the dove tree. Long ago, a ruler had a single daughter named Princess White Dove, whom he cherished dearly. The princess had unusual tastes, disliking gold, silver, and jewels, refusing to marry nobles, but was passionate about archery and horse riding, pursuing a manly spirit.

One day, while hunting in the forest, the princess was fiercely entangled by a venomous python. At the critical moment, a young hunter named Gong Tong cut the python with his knife, saving her life. The princess admired his courage and wit, and they fell in love at first sight, pledging eternal devotion. She broke her jade hairpin in half, each keeping one as a token.

Back at the palace, she told her father the story and begged him to marry her to Gong Tong. The king vehemently opposed and dispatched guards to kill Gong Tong in the remote mountains overnight. Upon hearing the news, the princess mourned wildly. On a stormy, thunderous night, she removed her luxurious royal makeup, donned a pure white dress, and staggered out of the heavily guarded palace to the site where Gong Tong died. She wept bitterly until her tears turned to blood, staining her white clothes red. Suddenly, thunder roared and rain poured as a small tree sprouted from the ground, resembling a half-broken jade hairpin standing upright. In moments, it grew into a towering tree. The princess spread her arms toward the tree; the rain stopped, thunder ceased, and her cries faded. Countless pristine white flowers adorned the branches, shaped like lively little white doves, fragrant and beautiful, evoking the tragic love story of Princess White Dove and young Gong Tong. The tree was thereafter named the dove tree to commemorate their unwavering love.

Moved by this tale, Bian Xiaoqi sighed, touching the rough trunk and gazing at the dense foliage, softly reciting:
“My heart pledged to Gong’s son,
White doves fly beyond palace walls.
Fragrance fills the branches unseen,
Ba Mountains tell of two loving souls.”
She spoke as if to the tree, to herself, and to Qin Ke.

Crossing another ridge, they spotted a grand temple nestled below. Chen Ming identified it as Jiming Temple. Qin Ke remarked he only knew of a Jiming Temple in Nanjing, surprised to find one here in the Daba Mountains.

Built against the mountain facing south, the temple covers several thousand square meters. It is divided into front and rear sections, with six rooms in two east-west corridors each. The front hall serves as the scripture library, the rear as the Guanyin Hall. Ninety-one Buddha statues are enshrined, all protected by divine barriers, creating a solemn and reverent atmosphere. The temple’s layered courtyards and multi-storied pavilions connect in winding fashion, with high eaves, flying ridges, carved beams, painted rafters, and gilded splendor.

Chen Ming said the temple was founded during the Eastern Han Dynasty. Legend has it that Emperor Guangwu Liu Xiu passed by while it was under construction; at dawn, a rooster crowed, hence the name.

(2/3)

Luo Tong asked if the dense forests and high mountains might harbor many fierce beasts and if they might encounter any. Chen Ming explained that the Daba Mountains are home to leopards, macaques, spotted antelopes, golden pheasants, red falcons, golden eagles, wolves, wild boars, and many other wild animals, but humans rarely come across them. Animals fear humans, especially with such a large group; they would have heard their movements and kept their distance. At most, they might see hedgehogs or wild rabbits.

Enjoying the mountain scenery along the way, they returned to Qianfo Town by dusk.

Bian Xiaoqi smiled, “Working with you all is wonderful—like a holiday. Tasting delicious food and admiring the mountains and rivers—I’m jealous.”

Chen Ming laughed, “Manager Bian, you could stay a few more days. There are many sights you haven’t seen.”

Luo Tong chuckled, “I agree. Even a month would do.”

Everyone laughed heartily again.

(3)

After dinner, Chen Ming bought watermelon and playing cards. They gathered in the courtyard in front of the equipment room, eating watermelon, chatting, and playing cards.

“Upgrade” is a very popular four-player card game in China, played with one or two decks. Playing with two decks is also called “80 points.” Players form two teams of two sitting opposite each other. The goal is to become the dealer and “upgrade” starting from 2, with the first team to reach A winning. This game suits all ages, involves no gambling on houses or land, and is a contest of wit and strategy.

They drew lots to determine their teams. Perhaps fate had a hand, as Qin Ke and Bian Xiaoqi became one team, Luo Tong and Li Jun another, and Chen Ming and Liu Bo the third. Chen Ming said he would serve drinks and let Sun Shuqing play. They drew lots again to decide which two teams would play first; the losing team would be replaced by the waiting team.

Qin Ke and Bian Xiaoqi teamed up against Luo Tong and Li Jun. Bian Xiaoqi’s luck was extraordinary, consistently drawing good cards and defeating Luo and Li soundly. They finished at A while their opponents only reached 6.

Afterward, Liu Bo and Sun Shuqing joined the game. Bian Xiaoqi’s luck remained strong. Watching from the side, Luo Tong lamented that no one could beat their team.

Ultimately, Qin Ke and Bian Xiaoqi won again. Luo Tong, unwilling to accept defeat, said, “Manager Bian’s luck is too good, reaching the peak of fortune. I want to switch partners to change my luck.”

They drew lots again; Qin Ke and Bian Xiaoqi remained a team, while Luo Tong partnered with Liu Bo. This time, Bian Xiaoqi’s cards were not always great, but she and Qin Ke cooperated tacitly, playing good cards well without mistakes, carefully responding to average hands, exploiting opponents’ errors to win, and decisively giving up with bad cards. They still defeated Luo and Liu.

Bian Xiaoqi smiled at Luo Tong, “Luo Tong, it’s not luck—it’s skill.”

Luo Tong asked Qin Ke, “Qin, give a fair judgment—was it luck or skill?”

Qin Ke laughed, “Luo Tong, Manager Bian is both lucky and skilled. What can you do?”

Luo Tong remained unconvinced, saying, “No more drawing lots. Qin, you and I team up, Bian and Li team up, and we play another round. Qin, no holding back!”

This time, Bian Xiaoqi’s luck soared again, dealing a crushing defeat to Luo and Qin.

Qin Ke laughed, “Luo Tong, it’s not Manager Bian’s luck that’s too good—it’s yours that’s too bad. Whoever teams with you is unlucky.”

Everyone laughed heartily. Luo Tong sighed, completely resigned.

After midnight, Qin Ke instructed Chen Ming to restore the no-answer call forwarding between 732044 and 732054 following his original steps. Li Jun used another phone to call each number once, triggering two “soft reboot” alarms on the system, briefly disabling call functions twice. Qin Ke then had Chen Ming cancel the forwarding service. Li Jun dialed repeatedly with no further issues. The problem was reproducible, and Li Jun accepted Qin Ke’s conclusion.

Qin Ke arranged for Luo Tong to correct all the non-standard configuration data while explaining to Li Jun and Chen Ming the reasons for the adjustments.

Bian Xiaoqi sat nearby, listening and taking notes diligently. Seeing this, Qin Ke explained even more clearly and thoroughly.

Qin Ke wanted to stay another day in Qianfo Town to continue monitoring the equipment. Li Jun said Chen Ming could handle the observation and insisted they return to the city overnight to rest, bathing and relaxing. At 11 a.m., they would report together to Fang Daoqi.

Chen Ming said he could stay awake to monitor the equipment and would notify them promptly if any issues arose.

Qin Ke did not insist further. After thanking Chen Ming, the four of them left with Li Jun, returning to Tongyuan overnight.

(3/3)