169: They're still students!

Lin Xiaoya pulled Su Ya along, buying candied haws one moment and rolling soybean cake the next, eating to her heart's content.

Lei Jun also took a few bites; the candied haws were sweet and sour, and the rolling soybean cake was soft and sweet—the taste was quite good.

In the evening, they went to Shichahai.

As the sun set, the lake shimmered, and the willows on the shore swayed in the breeze; the scenery was beautiful.

The group strolled along the lakeside, enjoying the evening breeze and feeling exceptionally relaxed.

After the whole day, everyone had a great time and took many photos.

Lin Xiaoya couldn't wait to post on her moments with the caption: "Imperial Capital trip! Forbidden City + Nanluoguxiang + Shichahai, so happy! Climbing the Great Wall tomorrow!"

The photos included the red walls of the Forbidden City, snacks from Nanluoguxiang, the sunset at Shichahai, and a group photo of her with Su Qing and Su Ya.

Su Qing and Su Ya also posted on their moments and soon received many likes and comments.

Lei Jun also posted a photo of the Shichahai sunset without much text, only writing "Imperial Capital."

Not long after posting, Lei Jun's phone rang; the caller ID showed Tony.

"My Muse!" Tony's excited voice came from the other end, carrying his signature soft and feminine tone. "I saw your moments; are you in the Imperial Capital right now?"

Lei Jun smiled. "Yeah, just here for fun. Going to climb the Great Wall tomorrow."

"What a coincidence!" Tony's voice grew even more excited. "I'm in the Imperial Capital too. I came with a few friends, just in time for a celebrity friend's dessert shop opening in Chaoyang District—it's called 'Starlight Sweets'."

"She invited many friends from the industry to have a taste; there are several big stars you often see on TV!"

"My Muse, do you want to come over? Just to relax and maybe make some friends."

Lei Jun thought about it; she had no interest in celebrities and didn't want to join the commotion.

Besides, she would feel uncomfortable staying with a group of strangers.

So she smiled and said, "No thanks, Tony. You guys just have fun. I have to climb the Great Wall tomorrow, so I want to rest early today."

The smile on Tony's face instantly collapsed, sounding a bit disappointed. "Ah? Really not coming? My Muse, there are so many delicious desserts here—all limited editions—and plenty of handsome men and beautiful women. You'd definitely like it."

"I'm really not going, but thanks for the invitation." Lei Jun's tone was gentle, but her attitude was firm.

Tony wanted to persuade her further: "My Muse, please reconsider!"

"Just come and sit for a while, have a coffee and a piece of cake before you leave; it won't interfere with your rest. Once you're here, you'll get to know people, right? It's always good to make more friends."

He wanted Lei Jun to get to know more people from the entertainment industry.

Lei Jun still shook her head. "No, I don't really like crowded places, and I'm not looking to meet anyone in particular. You guys just enjoy yourselves."

Seeing Lei Jun's firm attitude, Tony knew further persuasion was useless and could only say helplessly, "Alright, alright. Then stay safe climbing the Great Wall tomorrow and have a good time. Call me anytime if you need anything!"

After hanging up, Tony felt a bit disappointed, but there was nothing he could do.

He understood Lei Jun's temperament; no one could force her to do something she didn't want to.

However, he could also understand; given Lei Jun's noble status, she certainly wouldn't enjoy mingling with a crowd of celebrities.

Forget it, I won't force her... After hanging up on Tony, Lei Jun turned to the others and said, "It's getting late. Let's find a place for dinner, then head back to the hotel to rest. We need to wake up early to climb the Great Wall tomorrow."

Everyone nodded in agreement, and Lin Xiaoya hurriedly said, "Sister Lei, let's go eat roast duck!"

"Sure," Lei Jun nodded with a smile.

They arrived at a restaurant that was packed to capacity.

The waiter greeted them warmly, and soon, a freshly roasted duck was served.

The roast duck had crispy skin and tender meat. Dipped in sweet bean sauce and wrapped with shredded scallions and cucumber, every bite was a burst of savory flavor—it was incredible.

Lin Xiaoya couldn't stop eating, saying between bites, "This is so delicious! It's the best roast duck I've ever had!"

Su Qing and Su Ya also nodded repeatedly, feeling that the taste truly lived up to its reputation.

Lei Jun also thought it was good; the skin was very crispy, the meat was tender, and it didn't feel greasy.

After dinner, the group returned to the hotel.

Lin Xiaoya and Su Ya shared a room, Su Qing had a room to herself, and Lei Jun stayed in a suite with Lei Ying, Lei Yue, and Lei Cai.

Back in her room, after washing up, Lei Jun leaned on the sofa and checked tomorrow's weather on her phone.

Tomorrow would be sunny with a pleasant temperature, very suitable for climbing the Great Wall.

Though she had been to many places and seen many beautiful sights, the Great Wall, as a symbol of China, was still worth seeing.

On the other side, after washing up, Lin Xiaoya and Su Ya were still excitedly discussing today's itinerary and looking through the photos taken during the day.

"Sister Su Ya, look at this photo of the Forbidden City; it looks so good!" Lin Xiaoya pointed at her phone screen. "And this sunset at Shichahai is just breathtakingly beautiful!"

The two talked until late before finally falling into a deep sleep, filled with anticipation for tomorrow... Early the next morning, as soon as it was light, everyone got up and got ready.

Lei Jun was wearing the windbreaker she bought yesterday and a sun hat, looking capable and refreshed.

Lin Xiaoya, Su Qing, and Su Ya had also changed into new sports gear, looking full of energy.

After breakfast, the group drove to the Badaling Great Wall.

Lin Xiaoya looked at the scenery outside the window, her heart filling with more and more anticipation.

Over an hour later, the car arrived at the Badaling Great Wall scenic area.

From a distance, the Great Wall looked like a giant dragon winding through the mountains, majestic and incredibly spectacular.

"Wow!" Lin Xiaoya couldn't help but exclaim in wonder after getting out of the car, her eyes fixed on the view.

Su Qing and Su Ya were also stunned by the sight before them, repeatedly murmuring, "It's so magnificent, so incredible!"

Being able to see such a miracle with their own eyes, their hearts were filled with excitement and pride.

Lei Jun's eyes also lit up as she looked at the Great Wall before her.

The mountains stretched on, and the Great Wall sat perched upon them like a giant dragon; one couldn't help but marvel at the wisdom and perseverance of the ancient craftsmen.

At the ticket office, Lei Jun remembered she was a student. When she took out her student ID and handed it over, the ticket seller glanced at the ID and then at her, a hint of surprise flashing in their eyes... This silver-haired girl looked so extraordinary, yet she was actually still a student.

When the ticket was printed, Lei Jun was very satisfied. This student status was quite practical; she hadn't noticed it usually, but it saved her a bit of money while traveling.

Just after passing the ticket gate, Lei Jun was startled by the crowd before her.

A sea of heads stretched from the bottom of the steps all the way to the Great Wall entrance, with various tourist hats and selfie sticks rising and falling in the crowd.

A cacophony of different accents, children's crying, and camera shutters blended together, making one's ears feel heavy from the noise.

Lin Xiaoya had only squeezed forward two steps when someone bumped into her. She quickly grabbed Lei Jun's arm. "My god, there are way too many people!"

"If I'd known it would be this crowded during peak season, we should have come even earlier!"

As she spoke, she subconsciously stuffed her phone into her pocket, fearing it might get knocked out in the crowd.