Chapter 65

When Su Yingxue encountered an acquaintance while eating, Li Mu didn't find it strange. Haizhou City was just a small place, as the old saying goes, no bigger than an egg. In such a small city, bumping into acquaintances was almost a daily occurrence.

However, encountering an acquaintance while eating, and that acquaintance happening to be in the same exam room as him during the college entrance exam, was quite interesting.

Li Mu didn't deny it in front of Cao Ruru, nodding, "Yes, it was me."

Su Yingxue immediately smiled and said, "Oh, Ruru has always looked up to you. She says she's never seen such a clever young man. You scared the invigilator so much that his face turned green with just one sentence."

"At the time, I was mainly in a hurry to take the exam. I wouldn't call it clever."

On that day, Li Mu's attitude in front of the invigilator at No. 5 High School indeed left the high school students in the same exam room speechless. Young people of that age often had a mysterious admiration for their peers who dared to do what they couldn't.

Li Mu, however, didn't think there was anything particularly worthy of admiration in what he did that day. He was just defending his right to take the college entrance exam.

Cao Ruru smiled and said, "The main issue was that the invigilator was too despicable. In such a significant event as the college entrance exam, he still insisted on putting on airs. If another student had been treated that way, it could have seriously affected their mindset."

Su Yingxue nodded in agreement, saying to Li Mu, "When I first heard Ruru talk about it, I also agreed with your actions. You have to be firm when dealing with people who lack professional ethics."

At this point, Cao Ruru looked at the two of them and smiled, "I won't disturb you two. My friends are waiting for me, so I'll go ahead."

Su Yingxue said goodbye to Cao Ruru, and Li Mu also nodded politely. After Cao Ruru left, Su Yingxue sat down again and said, "Everyone who graduated from Lao Yu Cheng Middle School knows this place. Even after high school, we often run into old classmates here."

Li Mu smiled, "The food is really good, especially the dry pot seasoning. It's almost like the local flavor of Rongcheng."

"You've been to Rongcheng?" Su Yingxue's big eyes sparkled with surprise. "I went there with my mom during junior high. We stayed for over ten days and really enjoyed the life there. As the locals say, it's extremely comfortable, and the food is especially delicious!"

"I went there a long time ago. It's indeed a very comfortable city," Li Mu said with a hint of nostalgia. In his previous life, he had also liked Rongcheng, having worked at the Rongcheng branch for half a year. He had vivid memories of the city's life, food, and beautiful women.

Su Yingxue smiled, "I originally planned to travel this summer. I told my parents I wanted to go to Rongcheng by myself, and they agreed at first, but then my aunt insisted I go to Yanjing."

"Go to Rongcheng by yourself?" Li Mu asked curiously, "Do you have relatives or friends there?"

"No," Su Yingxue took a sip of cola, her clear eyes looking at Li Mu, "Do you want to go to Qingzang?"

"Qingzang? The Potala Palace or Mount Everest?"

"Both." Su Yingxue laughed lightly, a bit disappointed, "I've always wanted to go, but my parents never agreed to take me. I thought I could use the excuse of going to Rongcheng and then fly to Qingzang from there."

Li Mu shook his head gently, "Going to Qingzang by yourself is too dangerous, especially by plane. You might experience altitude sickness as soon as you land."

Su Yingxue looked surprised, "Is it that serious?"

"Yes," Li Mu's expression was unusually serious.

"Qingzang is a high-altitude area. Altitude sickness can be life-threatening. The airplane cabin is pressurized, so you don't feel the altitude increase during the flight. When the cabin door opens, you face an altitude of about 4,000 meters, which can easily cause altitude sickness the moment you step off the plane."

Su Yingxue asked in confusion, "What should I do then?"

Thinking about the fact that the Qingzang Railway hadn't been built yet, Li Mu said, "Like many people, I also dream of going to Qingzang. But the best part of the journey is the scenery along the way. So I think it's best to go by car in the future."

"By car?" Su Yingxue frowned slightly. For two 18-year-olds, discussing a self-driving trip to Qingzang seemed too far-fetched.

Li Mu continued, "Driving not only allows you to enjoy the incomparable scenery along the way, but it also reduces the risk of altitude sickness compared to flying. If you can find more friends and form a convoy of three or five cars, it would be even better."

Li Mu looked at Su Yingxue, "Going to Qingzang involves not only altitude sickness but also harsh natural and cultural environments. It's very risky to go alone. Even those who drive there usually go in groups for mutual support. If your car breaks down in the highlands, and you're in the middle of nowhere, you might not get any help. The temperature drops at night, and it can be fatal. Fortunately, your aunt made you go to Yanjing. Your plan was too naive."

Su Yingxue looked at Li Mu with eyes full of surprise, feeling a bit ashamed. She had always thought she was more mature and independent than her peers, but she never expected that her bold and daring solo plan would seem so naive to Li Mu.

This guy seemed to have suddenly matured a lot, far outpacing his peers.

Su Yingxue rarely showed weakness or felt ashamed in front of a peer. After listening to Li Mu's explanation, she said in a low voice, "I understand. I was thinking too simply."

After that, Su Yingxue looked at Li Mu with sparkling eyes, full of expectation, and asked, "Will you choose to drive to Qingzang in the future?"

Li Mu nodded, "If the conditions are right, definitely. Driving a good off-road vehicle on National Highway 318 is a dream for many men."

Su Yingxue, being smart, didn't ask what National Highway 318 was but remembered it in her mind. She said to Li Mu, "If that day comes, save the passenger seat for me."

"Sure," Li Mu answered without hesitation, as if making a promise didn't cost anything.

The two of them chatted more and more comfortably.

Li Mu found that today's Su Yingxue was not the cold and strong goddess he had always thought she was. Su Yingxue also found that Li Mu exuded an air of mystery that made her curious.

...

Until both of them were full, Su Yingxue's bill didn't exceed 100 yuan.

Li Mu offered to take a taxi to send Su Yingxue home. Su Yingxue had no objections and agreed readily. When they arrived at the police family compound, Su Yingxue reminded Li Mu before getting out of the car to report to the driving school and start practicing the next day.

Li Mu wasn't particularly interested in learning to drive. He was already an experienced driver, and reversing into a parking space was something he did almost twice a day in his previous life. The various items in the road test were not difficult. The best option would be to give the instructor a pack of cigarettes and skip the classes, only showing up for the exam.

However, the thought of having Su Yingxue in the same driving class sparked his interest.

That night, Li Mu discussed the specific logic and details of the Yi Ting backend functions with Kong Lingyu online. Su Yingxue found a forum for self-driving enthusiasts online and became completely engrossed in it.

She learned about the length and danger of the Sichuan-Tibet route, the grandeur and beauty of National Highway 318, and understood why some people say that the beauty of life lies in the process, not the result. After experiencing all this, the result seemed less important.

An intelligent 18-year-old girl wouldn't take a peer's promise too seriously, but she couldn't help but fantasize. In her fantasy, she experienced the landscapes that the netizens had described, sitting in the passenger seat of Li Mu's car the entire time.

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Wishing everyone a successful start to the new year and a happy Valentine's Day! :）

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