Chapter 129: The RV Journey, The Most Beautiful Highway

The third day after returning to Chengdu was the day Lin Shenlu received a reply from Huya, an editor at Lonely Planet.

Lin Shenlu was taken by surprise.

That day, Huya sent him a proposal of a much higher caliber. Beyond the original agreement of ten articles for ten issues, they were upgrading his author persona, "Mr. Lu," to that of a high-level VIP columnist, and doubling his payment per article. There would also be a significant increase in promotional exposure for his future collaborations. To say the least, they had already begun advertising his upcoming Lishui piece—which had yet to be published—on the homepage of the Lonely Planet official website.

After all, within the broader travel magazine market, Lin Shenlu’s writing was ingenious and possessed a unique style. Since the release of the previous Dali piece, the engagement on their official website and the level of discussion on their forums had been exceptionally high—the best figures they had seen in years. The editor-in-chief of Lonely Planet’s China division held this in high regard, which was why they were now negotiating better terms with Lin.

Having been in the industry for so long, Lin Shenlu naturally understood their intentions.

"So, we have finished reviewing the content for the Lishui piece. I must say, your flair is truly grand, and it completely exceeded our expectations. Who would have thought that in just a short month, you could orchestrate the operation of such a unique guesthouse?" Huya said with a smile in her reply.

Lin Shenlu chuckled as well. "It was a coincidence, truly. The guesthouse belongs to a friend; I merely helped with the design."

"This place is called the Whale and Deer Guesthouse, isn't it? If I recall correctly, the wishing well from your Dali piece also came from a Whale and Deer property. And according to recent online sleuthing, the landlady is the same person, right?" Huya continued.

"So, I’m quite looking forward to it... where will your next destination be? Could there be yet another new guesthouse?" she probed.

"That’s unlikely. Running a guesthouse isn't a game of house; you can't just open one whenever you feel like it," Lin Shenlu replied, feeling a bit sheepish.

"Anyway, we’ve looked into some of the online buzz surrounding the Whale and Deer Guesthouse. It’s highly artistic. We are very interested in the 'Wall of Art' and the rooms filled with original oil paintings you mentioned in your article. Once we wrap up this month's work, we’ve decided to choose Lishui for our team-building retreat, so we’ll be staying at the Whale and Deer Guesthouse. Don't forget to give us a discount!" Huya added.

Lin Shenlu was speechless, wondering how it became his responsibility as if he were the owner.

"That's all for now. The Lishui piece has been approved; it’s stunning, and the emotions are even more delicate than in the Dali piece. We believe the buzz this time will be even greater than the last. We look forward to your next journey!"

The final part of Huya’s message was that the payment had been processed, and for the Lishui piece, it was more than double that of the Dali article. As Huya put it, the Lishui piece was paid out according to the new, higher standard.

Lin Shenlu checked his bank balance and smiled faintly. His travel fund was replenished. A couple more articles like this, and he figured he would have earned enough for that recreational vehicle.

Just as Lin Shenlu was feeling pleased with himself, he received a call from An Muxi. They agreed to meet at a tea shop downstairs. Lin hurried over by car, but to his surprise, An Muxi’s expression was quite somber when he arrived.

"What's wrong, Muxi? Why didn't Bao'er come?" Lin asked curiously. Usually, Su Bao'er was always by An Muxi’s side when they went out.

"That is exactly what I wanted to talk to you about. I’ve been thinking about what Bao'er truly needs," An Muxi said, setting down her tea.

"What Bao'er needs?" Lin echoed the question, not quite understanding.

"Bao'er has been drifting for so many years. What she has been searching for is a home, not the road ahead. I honestly feel that the day in Lishui was the happiest I have ever seen her," An Muxi said earnestly. Before Lin could respond, she continued: "The day before yesterday, I took Bao'er back to my hometown to stay with my parents. I noticed her silently staring at that old photograph—the one where she isn't even sure if her family appears. Then, I told her about our plans to head out in a few days, but to my surprise, she didn't seem interested in going."

An Muxi looked at Lin Shenlu and said, "I was thinking, she has been on the road for so many years. Finding a 'home' might not necessarily mean finding her biological family. She is different from others; perhaps what she truly wants is just to stay quietly in one place."

Lin Shenlu fell silent, reflecting on her words. It did seem to make sense. Those days in Lishui were indeed the happiest of Su Bao'er’s life. She had let her guard down completely, sleeping soundly in the small courtyard without waking up in a panic at midnight, without the fear of being abandoned, and waking up every day to a warm breakfast. Since leaving Lishui, aside from standing before the old house on Dongji Island and meeting two distant relatives, her mood had seemed increasingly melancholic.

"She has been getting along so well with my parents these past few days. My father is retired and runs a greenhouse at our old house, and my mother has a flower shop across the street. Bao'er has been helping out in the greenhouse, and I get the feeling she doesn't want to leave..."

"Regarding Bao'er, I think we should respect her own wishes. We aren't her legal guardians, and we have no right to dictate her thoughts or actions. If she wants to join me on the trip, I will take her. If she is tired of traveling and wants to settle down and live a happy life in one place, I will respect that," Lin Shenlu nodded.

Thinking back, he had helped Su Bao'er find a home and get her identification papers sorted. She was now a legal, free individual. Even if she wanted to leave him now to continue wandering, he had no right to stop her.

"I just wanted to come and tell you about her situation so you could be mentally prepared. I know that in your heart, Bao'er is like a younger sister to you. I don't want you to be caught off guard; after all, she is still just a child," An Muxi said softly.

Lin Shenlu nodded, taking a deep breath. "In that case, let’s ask Bao'er when we are ready to set off. We will support her decision to stay or go, though if she stays, I’m afraid she’ll be imposing on your parents."

An Muxi shook her head gently. "How could that be? My parents adore her. In a way, when I can't be there to keep them company, Bao'er is keeping them company for me. I should be the one thanking her."

...

Back at home, Lin Shenlu began his preparations. A journey along the 315 National Highway was different from any other. Spending long periods in uninhabited areas meant there was a lot to prepare. With no place to eat or sleep, most issues had to be resolved within the vehicle.

He was filled with anticipation for what was heralded as the most beautiful highway in the country.