Chapter 86: The Treacherous Stone Village, the Blossoming Sea of Shipu

Blue Whale nodded and followed Deep Forest Deer forward.

The two ascended the time-worn stone steps, their eyes lingering on the vibrant green grass sprouting through the cracks, and their spirits settled into tranquility. Blue Whale gently stroked the stone walls flanking the old wooden door. The walls had been built from irregular stones gathered from the mountains, and only the entryway bore this construction. The main exterior of the house was rammed earth, with its exposed foundation still comprised of stones. No matter how one looked at it, this old dwelling brought comfort.

Pushing open the wooden door, they found themselves in a courtyard encircled by wooden doors and windows. Solid timber pillars supported the weight of the aged house. "I suggest embedding some lights into this corridor, within the wood itself. At night, the passage would glow, radiant and inviting. The first time I came here, I felt this place was perfect for something special..." Deep Forest Deer ran her hand along the wood, her words full of feeling.

Blue Whale nodded. At the center of the courtyard, the ground was paved with pebbles, and a massive stone table stood in the middle. Three pots of plants atop it had withered, but the overall style and atmosphere remained soothing. Especially with sunlight streaming through the skylight above, the comfort of the place was heightened.

"I want to set up a huge bookshelf here, drink tea at this stone table... light a faint incense, blending tranquility and the lazy aroma... This is true freedom." Blue Whale spoke excitedly.

…

After returning from her morning run, Blue Whale was eager to set out again. Only Deep Forest Deer remained in the yard; Su Bao’er had not yet woken. Blue Whale changed her clothes and left directly. In her words, she would not return until the matter of the old house was settled.

Sometimes, Deep Forest Deer was quite impressed by Blue Whale. This girl was far more complex than she appeared. A beauty who could easily rely on her looks, she chose instead to work tirelessly. Deep Forest Deer believed in her: this girl was earnest, capable... reportedly well-connected... and, crucially, wealthy. She seemed to possess every advantage under the sun.

Today, Deep Forest Deer was preparing to set out as well. For her trip to Lishui, she had listed several must-visit places. Of course, her first stop was the Great Porthead Town in Ancient Dam Painting Village, where she now resided. Her list already had checkmarks beside Yunhe Terraces and Jinyun Immortal Capital. She had already marveled at the beauty of the terraces, and just hearing the name "Jinyun Immortal Capital" conjured images of ethereal wonder.

Years ago, the immortal realm of Changliu in "The Journey of Flower" was filmed here. The vast lotus pond in "Monk Comes Down the Mountain" was also shot here. The mystical aura of Jinyun has existed since ancient times; legend has it that Emperor Xuanyuan refined elixirs and ascended to heaven from this very spot, though the truth is unknown. The Dinghu Peak in the heart of Immortal Capital pierces the clouds, famed as "the world’s foremost bamboo shoot." The sides are flanked by Zhu Tan Mountain, willows swaying, conjuring a fairyland. The long causeway between two bridges is known as Immortal Causeway, with the Nine-Curve Lianxi winding through the mist, villagers often leading cattle across it.

Other than these places whose beauty Deep Forest Deer had already experienced, Nanjiang Rock, gathering all the spiritual essence of Lishui, was another must-see. Terraces, forests, waterfalls, seas of clouds, ancient villages—all could be admired at a glance. There was also the Shenlong Valley’s flying waterfall in Suichang, Lishui, and the Da Ji Township of the She ethnic group in Jingning—the "Cloudy Da Ji" that Deep Forest Deer had long wished to experience. Yangjiatang, dubbed the "Golden Potala Palace," and the Immortal Lake Palace in Yunhe, Lishui, were shrouded in mist and waves. Pitgen Rock Village and Shipu Flower Sea were also in Yunhe. Today, Deep Forest Deer planned to visit Yunhe in Lishui, to explore Pitgen Rock Village and Shipu Flower Sea.

…

Seemingly drawn by the scent of Deep Forest Deer’s breakfast, Su Bao’er finally awoke. No one could resist the aroma of Jinyun biscuits. These past few days, breakfast had been dominated by these pastries. After spending time with Deep Forest Deer, Su Bao’er gradually lowered her guard, waiting quietly each day for the familiar smell to rouse her from sleep. She no longer feared being abandoned or bullied. In every sense, Su Bao’er had met a good person.

But… when would she return home? As Su Bao’er had said herself, she truly wasn’t foolish. Watching Su Bao’er grow quieter as she ate, Deep Forest Deer seemed to understand her thoughts. She gently patted Su Bao’er’s head.

"Don’t worry, Bao’er. We’ll definitely find your family. Trust me—once I finish my business in Lishui, I’ll take you home," Deep Forest Deer said softly.

"Deer, you eat too..." Su Bao’er handed Deep Forest Deer the remaining half of her biscuit, filled with fresh meat and preserved vegetables. Su Bao’er swallowed, reluctant to part with it.

"I’ve already eaten, you go ahead. Once you’re done, we’ll set out..."

"Mmm… got it…"

…

"Godmother, please help me find them!"

Inside a small shop along the riverside ancient path of Ancient Dam Painting Village, Blue Whale drank coffee at the table while making a phone call. Her tone was charmingly playful, a beauty that could dazzle passersby… and cause them to stumble.

"Thank you, Godmother. I knew you were the best… Yes, just the leaders of Great Porthead Town would do…" Blue Whale let out a soft breath. With her godmother’s help, there would surely be no problem.

Trying to find the original owner of an old house in a strange city was no easy task. Blue Whale was determined, but it still required effort. Luckily, she had connections to help at crucial moments. Of course, it was only to find the right person; actually acquiring the old house would be another matter altogether.

Not long after, Blue Whale sipped her coffee and watched the ebb and flow of pedestrians outside.

“Ding…”

Her phone rang. As expected, it was her godmother on WeChat, sending a name and a string of phone numbers. Blue Whale smiled softly. The second message soon followed: “I’ve already spoken to him. Ask whatever you need, just remember to be polite. He’ll help if he can. No need for gifts…”

Blue Whale, smiling, pressed the voice button.

"Thank you, Godmother, Muma~"

Impatiently, she dialed the number her godmother had sent. The call connected quickly.

"Uncle Ma… hello…" Blue Whale’s sweet voice sounded.

"Ah, you must be Heman’s girl… come on over, I’ll be waiting in the office…" came the reply.

Blue Whale finally felt a weight lift from her heart. Her godmother truly had friends everywhere!

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