57: Drunk and reclining on a beauty's lap

Hanging up the video call, Jiang Yuan put away his phone and turned his gaze back to the river view before him.

As dusk fell, the landscape lights on South Bridge had gradually lit up without him noticing.

However, the sky hadn't completely darkened yet, and a hint of twilight still lingered on the horizon.

So the legendary "Blue Tears" hadn't reached their peak viewing period, but South Bridge itself was already outlined in brilliant golden lights, like a water palace spanning across the rushing currents.

Jiang Yuan subconsciously turned his head and glanced at the corner from earlier.

The small, curled-up figure was gone.

Everything from that stall had also disappeared.

It seemed they had packed up and gone home.

Those two thousand yuan today should be enough for the grandmother and grandchild to buy many delicious things, and even get some better medicine for the grandmother.

Thinking of this, Jiang Yuan’s lips curved into a genuine smile.

This sense of accomplishment from changing someone else's destiny was even more comforting than admiring the scenery earlier.

When one's mood improves, one tends to get hungry more easily.

The few fried skewers earlier were, at most, an appetizer for him after a day of climbing mountains.

"Since I'm already here, I might as well wander around some more."

Jiang Yuan got up and strolled into the bustling snack street nearby.

At this moment, Dujiangyan Ancient City truly welcomed its highlight.

Tourists who were previously just observing now poured out, and the crowds waiting specifically to see the night view of South Bridge jammed the streets.

The air was filled with the fragrant aroma of chili oil.

Jiang Yuan wasn't picky; he bought whatever looked appealing.

Ice Jelly for five yuan a bowl, Grilled Brain Flowers for ten yuan a serving, and the fragrant Scallion Rolls.

He walked and ate like this, without any pretense of being a billionaire, completely blending into the bustling atmosphere, at most, passersby would glance at him more because of his good looks. (Presumably, dear readers, you too enjoy being gazed at while walking down the street!)

As the last trace of twilight was swallowed by the night, the lights of South Bridge finally revealed their true splendor.

Above were exquisite painted murals, so resplendent they were captivating.

Below was the ceaselessly flowing Min River, which, under the refraction of the lights, finally revealed that dreamlike Tiffany blue.

The sound of the water was roaring, like thunder in the ears.

Jiang Yuan stood at the bridgehead, quietly appreciating this flowing painting for a while.

He had seen the bridge, seen the lights, and witnessed the Blue Tears.

He had even done a good deed with a clear conscience.

"That's about enough."

Jiang Yuan clapped his hands to remove food residue, his curiosity now satisfied.

Since his interest was sated, it was time to return.

After getting in the car, Jiang Yuan looked at the night outside the window, but his mind was replaying the entire day's itinerary.

From the tranquility of Mount Qingcheng Road, to the panoramic view of the Chengdu Plain from the summit of Laojun Pavilion, and then to the lively atmosphere of South Bridge... this day had been more fulfilling than any other.

Unbeknownst to him, drowsiness crept in, and he lightly fell asleep in the car.

It was already eleven o'clock when they returned to the guesthouse. The reason for the delay was simply the terrible traffic at night; Jiang Yuan was almost nauseous from the car's constant stopping and starting.

Even though Old Chen drove very steadily, he couldn't overcome the stop-and-go traffic, and Jiang Yuan had eaten quite a bit that evening.

This hidden luxury guesthouse near Taikoo Li appeared even more serene in the night.

With blue bricks and gray tiles, and deep courtyards, the two retro palace lanterns at the entrance emitted a warm yellow glow.

The butler was already waiting at the door and immediately greeted Mr. Jiang as he got out of the car:

"Mr. Jiang, you must be tired. The private hot spring is ready for you, and late-night snacks are also prepared. Would you like to take a bath first, or have some drinks and a massage?"

"I'll take a bath first."

Jiang Yuan stretched, his whole body aching for relaxation.

Back in the suite with the private courtyard.

The outdoor private hot spring in the courtyard was steaming gently, with a few rose petals floating on the water. Beside it, a thoughtful plate of chilled sliced fruit and a glass of red wine were placed.

He shed his clothes and slowly slid into the water.

"Hiss..."

The scalding hot water instantly enveloped his entire body, and every pore relaxed at that moment.

Just as Jiang Yuan's eyes were hazy and he was half-asleep, the carved wooden door was gently pushed open.

Two graceful figures walked in elegantly.

They were the private masseuses specifically arranged by the mansion.

Both women had delicate features, light makeup, and wore high-slit Su embroidery cheongsams, subtly revealing their fair skin as they moved, outlining breathtakingly alluring figures.

Amidst the swirling mist, the scene was as beautiful as a vibrant painting of court ladies.

Jiang Yuan felt his throat dry and subconsciously swallowed.

Come to think of it, ever since he parted ways with Gu Xinyu in Qingdao, these past few days of traveling and climbing mountains meant he hadn't truly relaxed.

That familiar, intense heat, having tasted its sweetness, suddenly became hard to suppress at the sight of such beauty before him.

"Mr. Jiang, we are here to assist you with your bath."

The two women's voices were soft and sweet, with the unique charm of Chengdu girls.

They placed the rosewood trays they carried down, and with a delicate flick of their hands, sprinkled more fragrant petals into the pool.

As Jiang Yuan nodded slightly, the two women exchanged a smile, boldly shed their outer garments, and like two enchanting mermaids, slowly slid into the water.

Waves rippled, fragrance permeated the air... (ten thousand words omitted here, those who know, know)... the clouds gathered and the rain ceased.

After his bath, Jiang Yuan lay languidly on the large massage bed.

Expensive agarwood burned in the room, creating an enchanting and peaceful atmosphere.

The two masseuses had already changed their attire.

Now, they wore flowing ruqun Hanfu, with their hair elegantly coiled up, looking like palace maids from an ancient painting.

This was something Jiang Yuan had specifically requested.

Staying in a mansion, soaking in a private hot spring, and then having a touch of ancient charm with beautiful companions serving him—that was truly perfect.

At this moment, one woman knelt at the foot of the bed, gently kneading his soles; the other knelt at the head of the bed, allowing Jiang Yuan to rest his head on her soft, veiled thigh, her slender fingers gently circling his temples.

"My lord, is this pressure comfortable?"

The masseuse at his head leaned down, exhaling like orchids near his ear, speaking in a soft, melodious theatrical voice.

"Mm."

Jiang Yuan closed his eyes, reached back and gently squeezed the soft flesh, a satisfied smile on his lips.

This must be the feeling of holding power over the world while drunk in a beauty's lap.

Unbeknownst to him, in this ultimate haven of tenderness, Jiang Yuan fell into a deep sleep.

A good night's sleep.

When he woke up again, the sun was already high in the sky.

The beautiful women were long gone, with only the lingering faint scent of cosmetics in the air, proving that everything last night was not a dream.

Jiang Yuan stretched, feeling fully recharged and invigorated.

After a quick wash and changing into a fresh set of casual clothes, a new day began.

Today's itinerary was clear: first, visit Wuhou Shrine to pay respects to the Prime Minister, and then stroll around Chunxi Road.

Leaving the mansion, Old Chen's Alphard was already waiting.

"Mr. Jiang, good morning! The weather's nice today."

"Morning. Let's go, take me around the city first, then to Wuhou Shrine."

The car drove onto the main road.

Old Chen deliberately took a detour, driving onto the famous Tianfu Avenue.

"Mr. Jiang, look, this is the central axis of our Chengdu."

Through the car window, Jiang Yuan looked at this wide, straight, majestic avenue that stretched endlessly.

Twelve lanes in both directions, with tall buildings lining both sides, a modern atmosphere assailing him, completely different from the ancient charm of Dujiangyan last night.

This is probably the charm of Chengdu: one side boasts a thousand years of historical heritage, while the other is an international modern city.