17: The important thing about travel is not the destination.

Jiang Yuan tossed his phone onto the nightstand, his heart completely unmoved.

He understood that as his wealth and status increased, people who threw themselves at him would only become more numerous, but his own horizons and tastes were no longer what they used to be.

He closed his eyes, and the image of Gu Xinyu appeared in his mind.

Her cool, professional charm, mixed with the occasional hint of shyness, was what truly attracted him.

'This trip around the world isn't just about seeing the scenery; it's about witnessing the diversity of life and meeting all kinds of people,' he mused to himself.

But this was exactly what he wanted—to see the sights, experience the culture, and make friends everywhere he went.

The next day, his two brothers, Zhao Xin and Li Yu, slept until the sun was high in the sky before groggily sending a message to Jiang Yuan.

By this time, Jiang Yuan had just finished unpacking the last of his online orders, organizing all the items, and loading them into the trunk of the brabus g900.

With that, his pre-trip preparations were finally complete, and he was ready to depart at any moment.

Since Jiang Yuan had used JD's next-day delivery service, all the outdoor supplies and camping gear he ordered had arrived at his home one after another early in the morning.

He had even installed a huge cargo box on top of the existing roof rack, with enough internal space for two adults to lie down; any larger, and the vehicle's height would exceed the limit.

After this modification, the height of his brabus g900 had reached 2.77 meters.

This was already at a point where it could not pass through most height restrictors on ordinary small roads.

Fortunately, most highway height limits were around 2.8 meters, so this behemoth could just barely make it through. Otherwise, having to painstakingly plan his route every time he went out would be too much trouble.

"Brother Jiang, not bad! You're even better equipped now; it feels like your car is armed to the teeth!"

Following the navigation, Zhao Xin drove to the location where Jiang Yuan was parked.

Looking at Jiang Yuan's brabus with the newly installed cargo box, his eyes were filled with amazement as he asked with a smile, "But... are you going camping in the wilderness?"

"Hmm, it's possible. I've always had a dream of a global road trip, and now I'm preparing to realize it."

Jiang Yuan's lips curled into a confident smile, his eyes sparkling with longing for distant places, his tone filled with a touch of grandeur.

"Awesome!"

Hearing this, Zhao Xin sincerely gave a thumbs up, his face full of envy.

He wasn't like Jiang Yuan, possessing both the ample time and inexhaustible wealth to realize the dream of a global road trip, so at this moment, he could only stand by, filled with admiration and a hint of regret, feeling envious.

"Shall we head out then? Brother Jiang, let me drive for you, okay?"

Zhao Xin suggested impatiently, clearly full of anticipation about driving the brabus g900.

"Sure."

Jiang Yuan readily agreed.

Li Yu, standing to the side, was somewhat speechless. This Zhao Xin had completely cast his own buddy aside, slipping into Jiang Yuan's driver's seat in a flash, a look of irrepressible smugness on his face, as if the car were his own.

"Brother Jiang, it might still be a bit cold in Changbai Mountain this season. Did you bring any warm clothes? If not, I can have someone prepare some for you in advance."

Zhao Xin started the vehicle, skillfully turning the steering wheel, and chatted incessantly, "Also, I've already booked the hotel for you. It's a standalone villa at the Park Hyatt Hotel—a two-story house with 500 square meters of space, more than enough for you, Brother Jiang, to invite a bunch of girls over to party! I wasn't sure how long you'd be staying, so I only booked it for three days for now."

"Hmm, how much is it? I'll transfer it to you."

Jiang Yuan took out his phone, preparing to transfer the money to Zhao Xin.

"Hey, Brother Jiang, you're being a stranger! We're good friends, and since you've come all the way to Jilin, I definitely have to host you properly. This is just a small gesture!"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Xin hurriedly waved his hand in refusal, his tone carrying the unique warmth and generosity of a Northeasterner.

"Alright then..."

Jiang Yuan was a bit helpless in the face of his enthusiasm, but he didn't insist further.

However, he quietly checked the price of the standalone villa at the Park Hyatt online, and upon seeing it, he couldn't help but click his tongue in surprise.

It was 26,888 yuan a night, and that wasn't even the peak season price; it would likely be even more expensive during the high season.

Jiang Yuan silently noted Zhao Xin's kindness in his heart, calculating that when he had the chance in the future, he would definitely find a suitable way to return this favor; after all, it was somewhat embarrassing to just freeload off someone.

"Brother Jiang, are you a local of the Former name for Hebei region? Or..."

Zhao Xin asked casually while driving the brabus g900.

He had noticed that Jiang Yuan's license plate was from the provincial capital, Ji A, yet Jiang Yuan lived in the city of the Former name for Hebei region.

Although the residential complex Jiang Yuan rented in looked somewhat ordinary, he thought perhaps Jiang Yuan was just trying to experience life, so he didn't ask further.

"Yes, a local of the Former name for Hebei region."

Jiang Yuan nodded, his gaze falling on the navigation ahead as he instructed Zhao Xin to take a detour according to his plan to avoid traffic congestion and get onto the highway.

"Brother Jiang, Li Yu and I are from Changchun. If you have time later, come visit our place, okay? We'll host you properly then!"

Zhao Xin drove, quickly arriving at the highway toll station, and issued another enthusiastic invitation.

However, just as the vehicle was about to enter the toll gate, a traffic police officer in uniform suddenly stopped them.

The officer's gaze was cautious as he examined the massive, modified vehicle he had never seen before.

The extent of the modifications really made him worry about whether the car was legal and if its safety qualifications were complete.

"Hello, please show your driver's license and vehicle registration."

The officer said with a serious tone.

"Hello."

Zhao Xin rolled down the window and took out the brabus g900's vehicle registration from the file bag Jiang Yuan handed him, along with his own driver's license.

After all, he was the one driving, so he had to submit all the documents.

The officer took the documents, checked them carefully several times, and confirmed that all information and modification filings were legal and compliant before heaving a sigh of relief.

He handed the documents back to Zhao Xin, his tone softening significantly as he asked curiously, "Are you going on a trip?"

"Yes, my big brother here wants to go play in our Northeast, and the two of us brothers are acting as his guides!"

Zhao Xin smiled and responded heartily, while also pointing to the Mercedes behind them.

"Alright, the car is fine. Pay attention to safety on the road and don't drive while fatigued."

The officer stepped back and waved to signal them to proceed, not forgetting to add a reminder.

"No problem!"

Zhao Xin smiled confidently and stepped on the gas, shooting forward.

Because the brabus g900 came with factory-installed ETC functionality, it saved them the trouble of queuing to pay.

After the barrier automatically lifted, they smoothly got onto the highway.

From the Former name for Hebei region to Changbai Mountain, the entire journey was about 1,300 kilometers.

Driving at a normal speed, it certainly wouldn't be possible to arrive in one day.

Jiang Yuan didn't plan on rushing like that either; time was the one thing he didn't lack right now.

For him, the meaning of travel was all about what one experienced on the road; the destination was merely a reference point.

He must never miss the potential beautiful scenery along the way just by being focused on reaching the destination.

That was also the reason why he loved road trips so much, rather than choosing high-speed rail or flying directly.

That would cause him to miss too much, and he wouldn't be able to feel the true charm of the journey.

They were taking the Beijing-Harbin Expressway, where there were many large freight trucks along the way and a heavy flow of traffic.

It wasn't until the afternoon that they reached the vicinity of Gangcheng.

Seeing that it was getting late, Jiang Yuan simply exited the highway and drove into the city, intending to find a place to have a good rest for the night before continuing on the next day, ensuring the comfort and safety of the journey.