Chapter 71

Hunting is indeed a very interesting activity, but for Qi Ping, there are many other interesting things. He had long planned a road trip with his rich friend Steve, and now it was time to put it into action.

California's Highway 1 connects San Francisco to Los Angeles, stretching over a thousand kilometers along the west coast of the United States. Also known as the Pacific Coast Highway, it winds along the coast, offering breathtaking views. On one side, the vast ocean with waves crashing against the shore and sailboats dotting the blue waves; on the other side, steep cliffs and lush mountains, with green pastures and herds of cattle and horses. The scenery is so beautiful that it is often called one of the most beautiful roads in the world.

A dream road trip along California's Highway 1 is a must-do, rated by National Geographic as one of the 50 places you must visit in your lifetime. It offers the most beautiful angle to view the meeting of land and sea.

Leaving the kids at home was a bit worrying, but fortunately, Qi Ping's Cadillac was quite spacious. Dongxi, Nanbei, Wenyi, and Jingang were all crammed into the car, with Winnie lying obediently in the passenger seat. Even Liangshan and Zhu Yingtai got in, leaving only Heitan temporarily in the care of Huang Siqing for three days.

Qi Ping started the car and set off. He was really looking forward to this road trip. Although the past six months in the United States had broadened his horizons and introduced him to many interesting games, it was far from enough. He knew there were still many more interesting things to look forward to.

Leaving the forest, they headed towards San Diego. As they passed Kate's house, Qi Ping instinctively slowed down a bit. Unfortunately, Kate wasn't home this weekend; she stayed in San Diego and didn't even visit the forest to see Winnie and the others.

Suddenly feeling a bit melancholic, he decided to let it go.

"Qi!" Kate wasn't home, but her brother Joshua was. "Buddy, are you going to town?"

"No, I'm going to San Diego," Qi Ping stopped the car. Joshua was a cheerful and interesting guy.

"That's even better. Kate was supposed to come home this weekend, but she and her friends have some plans. If you're going to San Diego, you can bring her some things. She's not a hard worker, and her cooking is terrible, so we need to prepare a lot of food for her." Seeing Joshua's exasperated look, Qi Ping couldn't help but laugh.

"I think it's on the way." Qi Ping opened the car door. Bringing some things was no problem. He hadn't seen Kate for about half a month, and now he had a good reason to visit her—bringing the things. Even though he would have to take a small detour to reach the apartment where Kate lived, he felt it was important to bring the things.

Qi Ping had never been to Kate's apartment or her kindergarten, but that didn't matter. There's something called a map, and Google Maps is very convenient. He had already checked some maps, as he didn't know the way and wanted to learn more about San Diego. Finding Kate's workplace and apartment was just a stroke of luck, not intentional.

"These are all made by Caroline—tomato sauce, peanut butter, and some honey." Joshua was alone at home because his parents were working. Watching Joshua pack the jars, Qi Ping thought Joshua was quite capable and understanding.

"Give Kate a call, I'll bring the things over soon." Qi Ping took the bag. It seemed Joshua was criticizing Kate, but Kate probably just preferred her mother's homemade condiments.

"Please, I know you're in touch. I'm going to start playing a game now, buddy, you can leave." Joshua wasn't being polite; he knew Qi Ping was in touch with his sister.

Qi Ping didn't bother arguing with the young man. Calling Kate was no problem. They were already quite familiar friends, and the most important thing was that he was helping Kate, so he felt confident. He didn't need to hesitate or think of an excuse like before.

"Kate, it's Qi. Are you in San Diego now? I'm going to San Diego, and Joshua asked me to bring you some things." Looking at Winnie and Jingang in the passenger seat and the restless Dongxi, Nanbei, Liangshan, and Zhu Yingtai in the back, Qi Ping felt very confident.

"I'm at the kindergarten, Qi. When will you arrive in San Diego? I'll come find you." Kate was naturally very happy, as her mother's condiments were more delicious.

"I'm on the way. If you're at the kindergarten, I can be there in an hour." Qi Ping felt very confident. Although it was his first time going to the kindergarten, he knew the name and the location on the map. With navigation, he could easily reach it.

Feeling great, he instructed Jingang to take a drink from the car fridge. Qi Ping didn't mind if Jingang took a little for himself; Jingang loved snacks, and there were plenty of supermarkets and rest stops along the way, so snacks wouldn't be a problem.

Jingang was happily eating chips and occasionally giving a piece to Winnie. He looked very happy, and he was the most enthusiastic about going out. As for Dongxi, Nanbei, and the others, although they couldn't run around, they didn't mind being in the car, as Qi Ping was with them.

The one-hour drive wasn't long, and Qi Ping soon arrived at Kate's kindergarten. It was a very ordinary private kindergarten, at least from the outside. Although it was the weekend, there were still some children there because many parents didn't have time to take care of their kids on weekends.

Qi Ping suddenly felt completely captivated. For a moment, he thought Kate's smile was the most beautiful in the world.

Through the car window, Qi Ping saw Kate. She was wearing a simple T-shirt and had her hair tied up in a ponytail. Kate was naturally beautiful, and seeing her squatting and holding a chubby, tear-streaked child made the scene look so harmonious and satisfying.

Qi Ping was completely smitten. He knew he was captivated. Kate's smile had touched a chord in his heart, making him feel lost in her smile. Angel, goddess... these words couldn't describe Kate's place in his heart at that moment.

"Hey, Qi!" Qi Ping was still lost in thought, but Kate seemed to have spotted the car outside the school gate. "You can come in; I don't think Kelly will mind."

"That might not be a good idea, as Winnie and Jingang are in the car." Lowering the window, he could chat with Kate through the kindergarten gate, which was nice. "This is Winnie, a cute little guy!"

Seeing Qi Ping holding a chubby, cute little black bear, Kate's eyes widened in disbelief. She never expected Qi Ping to bring Winnie, and Jingang was even waving at her from the car window.

This was great. The children, who were already curious about the conversation, became even more excited when they saw the man holding a bear and a chimpanzee. They crowded around the gate, hoping to see the cute bear.

As for Qi Ping and Kate, they now had to keep the children at bay. Although Winnie and Jingang were cute and friendly, they couldn't let the children get too close.