Chapter 21: Carrying My Dream
[Your card ending in 8888 received ¥20,000 on September 26. Current balance: ¥38,201...]
Nice, his balance was over 30,000 again.
This was the first time he'd received a cash reward. Although it wasn't as impressive as gaining a skill or an extraordinary talent, it was much more practical.
Skills could be turned into money, but that required opportunity. And the talents Chen Xing had received so far, enhanced taste and first-aid skills, weren't exactly money-makers. He couldn't exactly go perform first aid on someone and then ask them for payment after they recovered, right?
That's why he felt this 20,000 yuan was genuinely useful, it solved his immediate needs.
It was a bit cold up here. Most people who reached the summit only stayed for about half an hour before heading back down. Chen Xing was the same. He snapped a couple of pictures of the distant snowy peaks and started his descent.
Maybe today was an exception, the fog was so thick that the distant peaks were just vague shadows, barely visible. Even the best photographers couldn't do much in these conditions.
Still, it wasn't a total loss.
He got a photo of himself on his phone, taken by Sister Su.
She wasn't a professional photographer, but she was a competent travel blogger. She knew how to frame her subjects, whether landscapes or people, in a way that looked good.
So even from a professional's point of view, the photo wasn't bad.
Mainly because he looked good.
For the first time, Chen Xing felt he was actually pretty decent-looking. Compared to his past self, there was a spark in his eyes now. Maybe the difference was simply having a purpose, having a dream he genuinely wanted to pursue.
In the video he posted yesterday, he'd said he wanted to use his own eyes to show people the world.
A very beautiful world.
Back in the cable car, it was another group of strangers. Everyone was still riding a high, chatting excitedly. Some solo travelers were already sharing their pictures online. Chen Xing, slightly bored, pulled out his phone too.
He posted the picture taken by Sister Su to his social feed with the caption:
"You could go your whole life without climbing a mountain, but your heart must always have one."
Then he opened Bilibili to check how many views last night's video had gotten.
He'd wanted to wait until evening to check, but couldn't hold back.
As soon as he opened the app, his message inbox was overflowing.
Please don't let it be all ads...
He took a deep breath and tapped it open. All the messages were from viewers.
He had already gained over 20,000 followers.
Looking at the only video he'd uploaded, it now had over 60,000 views. The comment section and bullet screen were packed, indicating a lot of viewers had the urge to speak after watching.
[You must become the person you want to be.]
[Keep going!]
[You're amazing, big bro.]
[Rapid follower growth much?]
[Chen-ge, you're my role model now. I'm heading out soon too—maybe we'll bump into each other in Lijiang!]
[You're living the life I dreamed of in my youth. Travel has become a luxury for me—family, kids, and the weight of life suffocate me. I once cried alone in my car, but reality always calls me back. Chen Xing, I may never be like you, but please carry my dream forward. I hope you keep creating more content. Thank you.]
[(Message retracted)]
[Keep it up, uploader—your video was great.]
He had only posted a one-minute video outlining what his account would be about.
Yet countless people were messaging him, pouring out their hearts.
Reading so many of them, Chen Xing felt a pressure that didn't entirely belong to him.
As he stepped out of the cable car, he discreetly wiped the corner of his eye.
Some of the messages were deeply touching. People don't always get to do what they want. Everyone knows travel relieves stress—but how many actually get to go? Especially after 25.
Times were changing. More and more people were getting wealthy, some even traveling abroad, but even more were still pushing forward under heavy burdens.
As soon as he stepped off the cable car, someone called his name.
"Chen Xing!"
He looked toward the voice. A woman in a black coat was waving her right hand high in the air.
"Sister Su?"
Next to her was an SUV. Was that her car? Had she driven into the scenic area?
He walked over and circled the car while Sister Su laughed.
It was a Dongfeng Jingyi X5.
He couldn't see much inside, but it didn't look heavily modified. A cloth on the roof looked like a tent, and there was a retractable stainless steel ladder. But he couldn't quite figure out how it worked. He'd never seen a tent like this, surely you didn't climb onto the roof to set it up?
While inspecting it, he asked, "Sister Su, is this your car? How did you drive into Blue Moon Valley?"
"Technically, you can't," she replied, "but when you're out on the road, not everything is so strict. Like my fans say, the real world isn't all fights and drama, it's human connections and favors."
So... she pulled some strings.
Chen Xing didn't comment, just gave her a thumbs-up.
Sister Su is still the real deal.
She opened the passenger door for him and said, "You helped me up the snow mountain, let me treat you to dinner. I'll cook it myself. Bought fresh ingredients at the market this morning. Will you do me the honor, handsome?"
"Oh come on, Sister Su, you're making it sound too formal. It's an honor! You've got so many fans dying to taste your cooking but never get the chance."
Chen Xing got in and glanced at the back.
The interior hadn't been modified. All the seats were still there, but the car was packed, sleeping bag, small lamp, groceries, fruits. Everything was soft and lightweight, so even a sudden brake wouldn't turn it into a hazard.
Sister Su got into the driver's seat and said, "I'm planning to buy a storage box to keep everything organized."
"Yeah, that'd be safer."
The car started moving. She put on a pair of glasses, giving her a more elegant vibe.
"Sister Su," Chen Xing said. He wanted to talk about the fan messages.
"You really don't need to call me 'Sister,'" she laughed. "That was just a joke. Look at my age, calling me 'sister' is a stretch. From now on, when you see older folks, just say 'uncle' or 'auntie,' or people might think you're trying to flirt."
"But you do look young, Aunt Su."
"Smooth talker. Fine, just call me Aunt Su. My full name is Su Fangjie."
"Alright, Sister, Aunt Su."
"Hey, you little rascal."
The car quickly left the scenic area and stopped at a flat plain by the roadside. Looking back, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain was still visible, wrapped in white clouds around the midsection.
Su Fangjie got out, grabbed the stainless steel ladder, and set up the foldable tent. In just a few minutes, a full outdoor tent was ready.
Wow, there really were convenient camping tents like this!
(End of Chapter)