Chapter 128: A New Journey, New Companions

I once chased my own ideals along the road that everyone must drive at least once in their life. It was just National Highway 318. Back then, I passed through Xinduqiao, visited Daocheng, and even fainted from altitude sickness beside Milk Lake. That experience remains the most unforgettable memory of my life.

"315 is nice, but your car isn't up for it, is it?" Lin Qingchen seemed to recall that Lin Shenlu’s ride in Chengdu was just a sedan. A sedan doesn't handle the national highways very well.

"Not at all, Sister Qingchen. I just bought an off-road camper recently, so I’m all prepared," Lin Shenlu said with a smile.

Lin Qingchen nodded to herself. "You've earned a decent living at Tuyou over the past few years, enough to get by, but traveling and writing articles isn't a long-term plan..." Her point was clear: Look at you... aren't your savings for that camper all from working at Tuyou? How much can you really make from travel writing in the future?

"It's alright, Sister Qingchen. I just bought a magazine run by my brother-in-law. The future development prospects are actually quite good..."

"How long can a magazine last? Who even reads magazines these days? Haven't you noticed how many publishing houses have gone under in the last few years? Maybe 'Global Travel Photography' will cease publication tomorrow. Besides, you can't gamble your future on a sunset industry! People play with those as a passion project, not to make money. Back in the day, he was a big influencer, you know..." Lin Qingchen glared at him.

"Alright, Sister Qingchen, stop trying to persuade me. I’ll do just fine," Lin Shenlu said with a laugh.

Lin Qingchen knew she couldn't convince this guy. Although she wanted to bring it up every time they met, he was as stubborn as a mule. She decided to get down to business. "Let me know when you're ready to set off. I have a favor to ask."

"Sister Qingchen, why are you being so formal with me? What favor? If I can help, I’ll certainly do my best," Lin Shenlu promised, patting his chest.

Lin Qingchen smiled. "I read the latest edition of *Lonely Planet*." She glanced at him as she spoke.

"Cough, cough... Sister, you flatter me."

"It was well-written. I never expected you to have such a way with words; if I’d known, I would have made you the editor-in-chief of the website... I took a look at all the blog posts 'Deer Mister' wrote on the Tuyou site a while back. I have to say, your skill at writing under an alias is impressive. You make places you’ve never even been to sound so vivid."

After a pause, she continued: "Remember the seminar last time? The company is preparing to launch a new project exploring some new routes. The domestic industry has been booming lately, and every well-known spot has been covered to death. The guides all look the same. Our new project involves forming teams to explore the 'no-man's lands'..."

Lin Shenlu was slightly stunned by this.

"The company provides the lead vehicle and professional scout drivers. Travelers can join individually or follow along in their own cars; the fees differ. Both 318 and 315 are on our radar... I proposed this plan, but I’m lacking a practical scouting itinerary." She looked at him expectantly.

"Without affecting your *Lonely Planet* deadline, how about you put together a plan for me? Don't worry, I’ll pay you the highest market rate. Consider it support for your travels. I’ll cover all expenses, you can choose any vehicle from the company fleet, and I’ll provide top-tier accommodations and meals." She watched him with a smile.

"Sister Qingchen, say no more. You know I can't refuse you," Lin Shenlu sighed. He knew this "she-devil" wouldn't be easy to deal with.

"Good, then it's settled. We don't need any contracts between us. I’ll have accounting send you fifty thousand as an advance, we can discuss the rest later." Lin Qingchen leaned back in her chair and lit a slim lady's cigarette. "Want one?" She pushed the pack toward him.

It was a box of white, slim Lotus cigarettes. Lin Shenlu waved his hand. "I prefer the thicker ones."

The two sat there blowing smoke for a while. Lin Qingchen fell silent. The scene felt familiar. She, too, had often bothered Chen Wan'an to write travel copy for her back in the day. Now, things had changed, but the story remained the same.

"Oh, and don't say I don't trust you," she added suddenly.

"Hmm? What is it, Sister?"

"You couldn't be persuaded to come back as my director last time. But this time, let me have my new director accompany you. Think of it as gaining experience. She’s a newcomer to the industry, so why don't you show her the ropes?" Lin Qingchen said with a mischievous smile.

"Sister, this is..." Lin Shenlu frowned.

"Hear me out. Strictly speaking, this new director is my cousin. Of course, if you were willing to come back and be my director, this wouldn't be an issue. Just let her follow you on this trip so she can understand how these routes work. It’ll give me peace of mind when she takes over the new project later." She paused, then added, "She’s new to the company, quite quiet and obedient. Just bear with her."

Lin Shenlu could only sigh and nod. There was no helping it; since Lin Qingchen had put it that way, if he refused, he feared she would pull out an employment contract the next second. After all, they had years of history, and it wouldn't be right to refuse such a small favor to someone who was like a sister to him. He knew Tuyou Network was a family business; the old boss he had worked for was Lin Qingchen’s uncle. She had taken over the family business after returning from university abroad. It was no surprise that the subsequent management team would be selected from within the family.

"Alright, it's a deal. I’ll have my cousin contact you in the next few days," Lin Qingchen said as she stood up, stubbed out her cigarette, and patted his shoulder.

In that moment, Lin Shenlu felt a mountain of pressure. A road trip with a girl? He just hoped she wouldn't be too difficult to handle. After all, An Muxi was already in his car.

After parting ways with Lin Qingchen, Lin Shenlu returned home and told An Muxi about the arrangement. An Muxi didn't mind at all; she thought having more people along would make the trip livelier. As for Su Bao'er, An Muxi had already helped her look into things. Since there were no issues with Su Bao'er’s new household registration, she was staying in Chengdu at An Muxi’s place. It wouldn't be long before Su Bao'er would have her own ID card, making it much easier for her to travel anywhere.

After recounting everything that happened that day, Lin Shenlu asked with a smile, "Muxi, I missed you."

"We’ve only been apart for a day, and you miss me already?" An Muxi laughed.

"I miss you every single second." He paused and asked, "Do you miss me?"

"No."

"Just say you miss me!"

An Muxi sighed. "I really don't..." She added, "Can you be a little more mature?"