Chapter 60

Liu Yunxuan plans to stay in the capital for two days, taking Misha to have a good tour around.

Because of the jet lag, Misha woke up a bit later. After finishing breakfast, she enthusiastically pulled Liu Yunxuan to see the Forbidden City and climb the Great Wall.

Liu Yunxuan had already introduced these two places to her while in the United States. Misha was very eager; the Forbidden City, where the ancient Chinese emperors lived, was much more impressive than the White House. As for the Great Wall, it was a world wonder visible even from space.

"Misha, these places are both very large. Today, we'll visit the Forbidden City first, and then we'll try some traditional snacks. We'll climb the Great Wall tomorrow," Liu Yunxuan had to explain, otherwise, they might not make it to the Great Wall after visiting the Forbidden City, as it would likely be closed by then.

Upon arriving at the Forbidden City, Liu Yunxuan enjoyed a bit of special treatment. A friend of Li Xinyu's helped them skip the queue and enter through a side door with the staff. Li Xinyue, however, didn't come because she had classes today.

"Yunxuan, the place where the emperor lived is really huge," Misha said, looking at the magnificent and grand buildings, which were much larger than the White House.

"Of course, in the feudal era, all of China belonged to the emperor. The entire territory of China was the emperor's private property," Liu Yunxuan simply explained, not wanting to go into too much detail, as it would take a whole day to explain everything.

Liu Yunxuan and Misha first chose the central route, mainly visiting the three main halls: the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the Hall of Central Harmony, and the Hall of Preserving Harmony. At each hall, Misha was amazed, taking photos non-stop.

It took them more than two hours to visit these three halls. After that, they moved on to the vast inner palaces where the emperor lived and handled official business.

The Qianqing Palace and the Kunning Palace were where the emperor and empress resided, often seen in historical dramas.

"Why do the emperor and empress live separately if their living places are so large?" Misha couldn't understand why a married couple would have separate living quarters. Was privacy so important in ancient China?

Liu Yunxuan coughed awkwardly and said, "In ancient times, the emperor had many wives. The empress was the most important, but there were also many concubines, so they each had their own palaces."

"Truly a magical country," Misha muttered.

After visiting the Forbidden City, it was already noon. Li Xinyu took Liu Yunxuan and Misha to eat roast duck at Bianyifang. The duck was crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, wrapped in thin lotus leaf pancakes with sliced duck meat, cucumber strips, and scallion threads. It was absolutely delicious.

In the afternoon, they followed Li Xinyu to visit the Bird's Nest. This was actually Liu Yunxuan's first time visiting the Bird's Nest.

What Misha enjoyed most throughout the day was the snack street at Houhai Nine Gates. Misha's mouth never stopped, trying various snacks like boiled tripe, rice cakes, and donkey rolls. She couldn't even eat dinner when they got back.

The next morning, they got up early and drove in two cars. After climbing the Great Wall at Badaling, Liu Yunxuan planned to take Misha directly back to Kaishan Village. His time in the country was tight and not very flexible.

When Misha saw the Great Wall winding through the mountains, she was once again amazed. The impact of seeing it in person was much stronger than looking at pictures.

"Yunxuan, it's truly a great wonder," Misha said in awe.

Li Xinyu and his sister had been to the Great Wall multiple times, but each visit still felt grand and magnificent.

They didn't take the cable car; climbing the Great Wall was an experience that had to be felt firsthand. At the beginning, Misha was still looking around and asking questions, but by the halfway point, her energy was clearly waning.

Thanks to Grandpa Li, Li Xinyu and Li Xinyue had some martial arts training, so they could still keep up. There were fewer tourists here compared to the front.

"Misha, do you want me to carry you up?" Liu Yunxuan asked, seeing how tired Misha was.

"Can you? There's still a long way to go," Misha was tempted but still a bit hesitant.

"It's no problem. I'm in good shape. If I get tired, we can rest," Liu Yunxuan continued to persuade her.

Misha couldn't resist the temptation; she was really too tired.

When Liu Yunxuan carried Misha, he felt a sense of joy. This was the closest physical contact he had with Misha so far. Misha was more conservative compared to other American girls.

Liu Yunxuan happily carried Misha while Li Xinyu and his sister followed behind. Other tourists watching Liu Yunxuan carry Misha up the Great Wall applauded.

This wasn't like carrying someone on flat ground.

Some couples even wanted to try, but their partners were struggling to climb on their own, let alone carrying someone.

Liu Yunxuan walked on, and the applause followed. Many tourists took out their DV cameras to record the scene.

Finally, they reached the highest point of the Badaling Great Wall—the Hero's Slope. The tourists resting at the Hero's Slope also gave them enthusiastic applause.

The inscription on the Hero's Slope stone tablet stated that its altitude was 858 meters, and it read, "One who does not reach the Great Wall is not a hero." The slope was not only high but also steep, and many tourists took photos as souvenirs.

The highest point was crowded with tourists, most of whom were resting. Standing on the wall and looking down, the scenery was breathtaking.

"Hey, you're really strong, great job," a handsome foreigner said as he walked by.

"Thanks, anyone who can make it here is strong," Liu Yunxuan politely replied.

Later, they learned that the handsome man was British and had been following them to take photos. He admired Liu Yunxuan's stamina and said he would exercise more and try to carry his girlfriend up the Great Wall in the future.

When they parted ways, Liu Yunxuan gave him the address of his ranch, inviting him to visit if he had the chance.

The young man was thrilled; he never expected that Liu Yunxuan had his own ranch in the United States. People abroad value their quality of life and don't just travel for the sake of it.

They often go out to truly relax and unwind, and travel is convenient. Many European countries have visa-free entry, so there's no need to apply for a visa in advance.

"Big Brother Xuan, are the turtles you mentioned really that big? Can you ride them?" Li Xinyu asked, hearing Liu Yunxuan talk about his large turtle again.

"Of course, I can sit on it without any problem, let alone you with your small build," Liu Yunxuan said, looking at Li Xinyu with a hint of disdain.

Li Xinyu thought he should find time to visit the ranch. After graduation, he would have to intern at his family's company and might not have much free time.

On the way down, they took the cable car to save energy.

At the foot of the Great Wall, they had a quick meal, not caring much about the quality, as they were exhausted and just needed to fill their stomachs.

After a brief rest, Liu Yunxuan drove the car, taking Misha to Kaishan Village.