The three-wheeler carried them onward along the mountain road, its engine puttering away.
They gradually left the town behind and entered the actual mountain road leading to Mysterious Peak Mountain.
The road grew narrower, and the incline began to make itself felt.
As they slowly gained elevation, the scenery around them grew greener and more secluded. Dense trees screened the surroundings, and the faint sound of running water drifted from the mountain streams.
Finally, after rounding a moss-covered bend, a little village built against the mountainside appeared before them. Homes with gray tiles and stone walls dotted the slope, and wisps of cooking smoke curled into the air.
"We're here, we're here! That's our village up ahead!" Aunt Li called from the front as the three-wheeler slowed down.
The vehicle finally stopped outside the gate of Aunt Li's home.
Fat Cat jumped down first. Chen Shi'an followed, hopping out of the cargo bed before reaching out to help Little Cicada, the Class Monitor, and Sister Wanyin down one by one.
Once on the ground, the three girls still seemed reluctant for the ride to end. They all raised their hands to straighten their windblown hair and looked around the little village curiously.
Lin Meng Qiu had been here before. Unlike during the New Year, it was less lively and more peaceful. The roads were no longer littered with scraps of red paper, though chicken droppings and cow dung were everywhere...
Wen Zhixia and Li Wanyin had also spent time in the countryside, but villages on the plains were different from a little mountain village like this. This place had a more primitive feel.
"Thanks, Aunt Li."
"Thank you, Aunt Li-" ×3
"Don't mention it! Shi'an, wait here. I'll get you some vegetables! I've still got loads at home... And those