Since they had to climb a mountain the next day, the two didn't go all out, only indulging lightly.
The weather cooperated—clear skies, a gentle breeze.
April is the most comfortable time to visit Huangshan. Fewer crowds, cooler weather.
After breakfast, they set off, carrying just a bit of food and some drinks.
Zhou You originally wanted to take the cable car, but Wang Fangfang disagreed. "Climbing means climbing—what's the fun in taking a cable car up?"
Zhou You had climbed it once before. After making it to the top, he had no strength left to descend and had to take the cable car down. Later, he injured his knee and never climbed again.
He never thought he'd be climbing again now. Anyway, there was no rush—slow climb, slow rest.
At first, Wang Fangfang was in a sightseeing mood, pulling Zhou You along. "Look, there's even a flower on the side, so amazing!"
"Wow, there's water here, water! Look, look, a stream!"
"Brother You, Brother You, is that the Welcoming Pine over there? Are we there yet?"
"This is so steep, I'm so scared!"
"Look, look, what are those two couples up to?"
Within an hour, she was drained. Her jacket was unzipped, her legs felt like lead, dragging step by step.
Zhou You, with experience and mental preparation, had been pacing their speed all along.
Seeing she couldn't go on, they sat down on the steps to rest.
Suddenly, Wang Fangfang grabbed his arm and pointed downward. "Brother You, what's that person doing, carrying so much stuff?"
Zhou You followed her gaze. A man with a shoulder pole was hauling two large bundles up the mountain.
"He's a porter. Did you learn about them in your elementary school Chinese textbook?" Zhou You recognized it at a glance.
"I forgot. But if we're this tired walking empty-handed, how does he manage carrying all that?" Wang Fangfang was stunned, especially in her exhausted state—the impact hit harder.
Zhou You was also shocked. He'd only seen porters after taking the cable car before, always assuming supplies were first transported up by cable car and then distributed. He never realized porters started from the base.
They rested a bit, and the porter soon reached them.
Dark-skinned, wearing a straw hat, a towel around his neck, blue clothes, and green rubber shoes. His load included Red Bull, mineral water, and instant noodles.
"Master, are you selling Red Bull and water now?" Zhou You was parched too.
The porter, likely tired, set down his load and wiped sweat with his towel. "I am, but it's pricier than at the foot."
"Of course it is—otherwise, why haul it all this way, exhausting yourself?" Zhou You sat there, panting from fatigue.
In principle, porters sold their goods directly to shops up top, but sometimes they brought extra to sell to tourists along the way, earning more than selling to stores.
They bought four cans of Red Bull, two bottles of drinks, and two bottles of water.
Then each cracked open a Red Bull and chugged it down in one go.
Thirsty and tired, watching the porter stay calm and composed, they couldn't help but admire him. Making a living this way wasn't easy.
Good weather was manageable, but bad weather or scorching heat could kill you.
And climbing year-round with heavy loads wrecked your knees and spine—old age brought a host of ailments.
Seeing it for the first time was truly eye-opening. In this modern era, who'd think porters still existed?
Back in the day, Chongqing had its "stick-carrying army," documented in a film. As the city's transport evolved, they gradually faded away.
When Zhou You had free time and fame, he'd find someone to film a documentary about porters.
Just in case they vanished from history, leaving some trace behind.
Sitting on the steps looking down, it was even steeper. No wonder the saying goes: "Easier to climb up than down."
You couldn't rest too long on a climb—lose that drive, and going up got harder.
Once past the initial physical adjustment, the rest was a bit easier.
Whenever tired, rest; when hungry or thirsty, buy something from passing vendors.
"Fangfang, did you see the Welcoming Pine?"
"Huh, didn't notice. Too tired, just wanted to get to the top."
"Haha, isn't climbing fun?" Zhou You laughed unkindly.
"Not fun. Never climbing again. One experience is enough. Water's more fun," Wang Fangfang said, dejected.
"Keep going, keep going."
Ah! Finally at Lotus Peak.
At the summit, a view of all lesser mountains.
High up, far-sighted, clear-minded and refreshed.
Mist and clouds swirled around. Not a fairyland, yet utterly divine.
Under the sunlight, Lotus Peak exuded a mysterious beauty. The mountain, made of massive granite, resembled a blooming lotus. Its main peak, 1,864 meters high, pierced the clouds like a majestic guardian.
Panoramic views of surrounding peaks, seas of clouds, and strange pines and rocks. Nearby were other famous spots like Bright Summit, Flying Stone, and Heavenly Capital Peak.
But they had no energy to explore. Gritting their teeth, they made it to the hotel and collapsed on the bed.
The hotel was decent, comparable to a standard one down the mountain.
But having such a refuge at the summit, Zhou You was more than satisfied.
After lying down a while, as fatigue eased, hunger set in.
They took quick showers and headed to the buffet—simple, convenient, eat whatever, no fuss.
The buffet options were similar to those below, but getting such food up here was no small feat.
They rarely got this hungry in daily life, but climbing Huangshan often brought it on. When you're halfway up, with no strength to advance and no way to retreat, you just grit your teeth and push on.
In fact, whenever Zhou You hit a rough patch in life, he thought back to climbing Huangshan.
Often, at a certain point, there's no turning back.
You just have to persevere, hoping for that glimmer of light.
Full and satisfied, they found leisure to stroll around the hotel.
The hotel was called Bright Summit.
A bold name. Zhou You saw two meanings: first, it caught the first rays of sunrise, the first place lit up.
Second, it was a treasured spot—why else would the Six Great Sects besiege Bright Summit?
Step out of the hotel into scenery. Gazing at the towering peaks, strange rocks, and steep cliffs.
Zhou You felt an illusion of finding peace in chaos, safety in danger.
He couldn't resist wanting to fly a drone to see the vast mountains.
A drone?
Zhou You clicked his tongue.
DJI was probably still struggling. After Huangshan, he'd go offer some warmth.
Giving coal in a snowstorm was always better than adding flowers to brocade.