Chapter 89: The Clouds of Four Seasons, Crimson Stones Amidst the Mist

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At this moment, Lin Shenlu stood at the heart of a sea of sunflowers, their tender yellow petals glowing around her.

It was already afternoon. The best time to view a sunflower field was always in the morning. After all, sunflowers are unlike any other flower. Each day, they bloom and grow facing the sun, raising their heads proudly, vigorous and upright. When their backs are turned to the sun, they face all the other sunflowers—of course, at this hour, one cannot face the sunlight, for all one would see is a field of sunflower backs.

Now, with the sun already racing toward the western sky, the sunflowers had begun to lower their heads, preparing to sleep alongside the sun. They would wait for the next dawn to grow toward the sunlight once more. So, this was hardly the best time to capture the beauty of the sunflower sea.

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She had originally planned to take Su Baor to the Immortal Palace scenic area by Yunhe Lake. It was, after all, one of Lishui’s famed spots, well worth a visit. But after learning more, Lin Shenlu realized that though the waters here were pristine and the banks lush with vegetation—ecology, the lake, and the mountains all remarkably beautiful—the village was ancient, the people honest, with sails drifting, villages, shimmering water, fishing boats, docks, and camphor trees creating a unique charm.

Yet, the area was a comprehensive scenic site, focused on hydroelectric science tours, leisure fishing, outdoor sports, and health retreats. This dissuaded Lin Shenlu. Such a multipurpose destination simply held no appeal for her, and the tickets were said to be quite expensive.

So, having understood the true situation, Lin Shenlu decided to remove the Immortal Palace scenic area of Yunhe Lake from her itinerary—beautiful from afar, but unimpressive up close. Better to head early to the lakeside cabin on Utopia Island and rest, enjoying a blissful night as a private island owner. Yes, tomorrow morning would be perfect for watching the sunrise over the Yunhe Terraces...

It was said that, from atop the terraces, one could witness the clouds rolling like waves. The thought of the sea of clouds stirred her excitement—an essential natural wonder for any traveler. The spectacle of mist, a world of floating clouds.

There was once a most famous photographic work, capturing the beauty of the terraces across all four seasons. The photographer allowed viewers to transcend time, capturing the same spot throughout the year. This series revealed the terraces in spring, summer, autumn, and winter.

What is the charm of spring, the song of summer, the ode of autumn, the feeling of winter? Perhaps it is just as these images show. That collection lingered still in Lin Shenlu’s mind.

Spring: sunrise over the terraces, with water still pooled in the half-moon fields, reflecting the orange of dawn. At the mountain peaks, the clouds rolled like ocean waves from the horizon to one’s feet.

Summer: terraces lush with green crops, mountains covered in verdant hues, all before her a world of green. Two rainbows arched across the valleys, and thin mist drifted beneath their colors.

Autumn: the world turned golden, the terraces filled with the joy of harvest, the surging sea of clouds spreading from the horizon to the fields below. It was as if the ethereal clouds threatened to devour this golden world.

Winter: the sky crisp and clear, snow covering the edges of the terraces, the world washed in pure white. Only the shining sea of clouds swept through this snowy landscape like tumultuous waves.

These four images brought the beauty of the terraces and the heavens to all, and now Lin Shenlu’s imagination soared with endless possibilities for tomorrow’s journey.

Moreover, after leaving the terraces, she could pass by Meizhu Qixing Dun, Baihe Peak, and finally reach Kenggen Stone Village, completing her visit to Yunhe. So, it was time to pack up and rest! Calling a car with Su Baor, Lin Shenlu headed straight for the lakeside cabin on Chishi’s island.

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If there truly exists a place in this world where time slows its pace, where one can indulge in laziness, or where a restless heart can gradually settle and find peace... then Lishui’s Yunhe, Chishi’s Yunman, is that long-sought sanctuary for the soul.

Escape the confines of the city, leave behind the bewildering, illusory lights. Bring someone close to nature, seek a spiritual homecoming... Yunman, a land where authenticity is cherished, where the soul is set free.

Lin Shenlu arrived as night had already fallen. As dusk descended, the Yunman cabins at the center of Yunhe Lake seemed to drift away from the world. Only a kilometer-long suspension bridge connected it to the land.

Speaking of Yunhe Lake, Lin Shenlu knew of certain legends. Yunhe Lake is, in fact, an artificial body of water. Its narrow, winding surface stretches over ninety kilometers, blessed with picturesque scenery. When the lake was constructed, many villages sank beneath its waters, with Chishi being the most renowned. The old Chishi now rests directly beneath the surface near Yunman’s cabins.

Thus, staying at Yunman Hotel, one’s feet rest above a silent, sunken town.

Stepping onto the white bridge linking land and water, Lin Shenlu felt a momentary dizziness, as if a time machine were guiding her toward an unknown world.

“Deer, my head’s spinning...” Su Baor clutched Lin Shenlu’s arm.

“It’s alright, Baor, I’m dizzy too...” Lin Shenlu replied helplessly.

Walking across the bridge, the graceful silhouette of Yunman Hotel came into clear view even in the night. If it were daytime, one would surely see the emerald lake, distant green hills, and clouds encircling them. Such beauty would surely evoke the lines: “The spring tower remains closed, lush greens locked in, the winding bridge returns through clear waters...”

Having crossed the kilometer-long bridge, Lin Shenlu and Su Baor had entered a tranquil realm, leaving behind the bustle of the mortal world. It was as if one belonged to this life, and the other to a former existence.

The cabins of Yunman Hotel created a utopian sense of ideal society, all floating atop the lake like islands. Staying in one of the seventeen cabins, one instantly assumed the role of island master, experiencing the magic of time, basking in the sunlight of past lives...

Of course, there were moments that pulled one back to the present: beside the cabins, under the glow of lanterns, people conversed gently, as if sowing wildness among the lake and mountains—outside the world, yet within it.

These seventeen lakeside villas seemed to transport guests right into a dream of the Maldives...

Yunman Hotel truly felt like a fairy-tale world opening its gates to the human realm. Golden thatched roofs and pine-scented wooden structures stood poised above the water—bright, simple, and elegantly beautiful.

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“Hello, are you Mr. Lin? I am your steward, Du Ruo.”

Before Lin Shenlu stood a mature woman in her thirties, dressed in professional attire. Her black stockings adorned with letters.

A mature woman always carries a natural sensuality.

“Yes, that’s me. May I ask where my room is?” Lin Shenlu’s gaze traveled up from the lettered stockings… all the way to the chest… badge.

Five-Star Steward: Du Ruo.

“Deer… why do the black stockings have letters?” Su Xiaobao crouched by the side, pondering for a long while before looking up at Lin Shenlu.