Chapter 286: Mountain Climbing
Chapter 286: Mountain Climbing
After receiving her mountain climbing gear, Lu Jiaxin set off with Xiao Xiao and Gu Wenfeng to hike Mount Hua.
The mountain path was narrow and steep, with towering granite peaks on all sides. Grasses and trees grew abundantly in the crevices between the rocks, making the trail difficult and slow to navigate.
After hiking for over three hours, Qian Xiaoxiao saw that Lu Jiaxin was drenched in sweat and suggested, "Miss, let's turn back here. We've climbed enough for today."
Lu Jiaxin shook her head and replied, "Each of the five main peaks of Mount Hua offers a unique view, and I intend to reach the top of each one."
The saying goes, "After visiting the Five Great Mountains, one ceases to view other mountains as remarkable." Having only visited Mount Tai in her past life and taking the cable car instead of hiking, she regretted not experiencing the full majesty of nature's wonders.
Qian Xiaoxiao exclaimed, "Sister Jiaxin, are you serious? You plan to climb all five peaks? Going up and down like that will be exhausting for your body."
Lu Jiaxin smiled and said, "Then let's take a break at the midway point and continue our climb. I have plenty of time, and climbing is a great form of exercise."
She was determined to accomplish in this life what she had wished to do in her past one. With over two months of vacation left, she had ample time to explore the mountain. She would conquer Mount Hua now and then climb Mount Tai the next summer, fulfilling the wishes of her past life.
They set off at 5 am when the sky was still dark, and it wasn't until after 2 pm the next day that they reached the summit of the North Peak. The peak was formed by several massive stones that seemed to have been put together by nature itself.
The view from the summit was breathtaking, but Lu Jiaxin was too exhausted to appreciate it fully. She set up her tent and crawled inside to rest. Only after she had rested and eaten lunch did she feel refreshed enough to sit and enjoy the magnificent scenery.
Lu Jiaxin climbed and spent a night on each of the five main peaks of Mount Hua: the North, West, South, East, and Central Peaks.
At the West Peak, she marveled at the sheer cliffs that seemed to stretch a thousand feet high, as if carved by a knife. On the South Peak, she felt as if she could reach out and touch the stars, with the heavens so close above her. At the East Peak, she witnessed the sunrise, a fiery orange ball of light that burst over the horizon, filling the sky with its radiant glow.
It was only after half a month that Lu Jiaxin returned to her hotel. She took a long shower and slept for what felt like an eternity. When she woke up and looked in the mirror while combing her hair, she paused in surprise before breaking into laughter. Her skin had tanned several shades darker from her mountain climbing adventure.
In her past life, she might have worried about her tan, but now she felt that this healthy glow represented a life well-lived.
After resting, Lu Jiaxin called Lao Sun: "Have there been any inquiries about me during my absence?"
Lao Sun laughed and replied, "Yes, Mr. Su and Little Su called separately. Little Su knows you're on vacation and is quite envious."
"Did Mr. Su mention anything else?" Lu Jiaxin asked.
"He said it was work-related, but nothing urgent. He told you to enjoy your vacation," Lao Sun explained.
In addition to Su Heyuan, Lu Jiaxin's brother, Lu JiaGuang, had also called and left a message asking her to call him back as soon as possible. She knew that something must have come up.
Lu Jiaxin promptly dialed her brother's number. "Big Brother, what's happened?"
Lu JiaGuang didn't beat around the bush. "Jiajie wants a divorce, but Mary doesn't agree, so they're at a stalemate. Also, there's something about Third Uncle..."
Lu Jiaxin had expected Mary to refuse the divorce. If she agreed, she would be left with the option of remarrying a widower, which was highly unlikely given her personality.
Lu Jiaxin sighed. "When a husband and wife turn against each other, it's the children who suffer the most."
Lu JiaGuang informed her that the children had been taken to Yangcheng, but Mary had been told they were left in their hometown. "Jiajie said that he'll make sure Mary agrees to the divorce before the start of the new school year, and he doesn't want you to get involved."
Lu Jiaxin felt a sense of relief that Lu Jiajie was finally taking responsibility. It was their marital issue, and family members shouldn't meddle in their affairs. "Big Brother, if this continues, both children will be negatively influenced by Mary."
It was often said that it was better to demolish a temple than to destroy a family. While it was generally unwise for outsiders to interfere in a couple's disputes, the problem now was that Xiaofeng was already showing signs of being led astray. For the sake of the children, this marriage needed to end, although Lu Jiaxin knew better than to voice this opinion aloud.
Lu JiaGuang nodded in agreement. "Your sister-in-law and I have discussed it, and after we buy our house, we'll have Jiajie purchase one nearby. That way, the children can come over to our place."
"Big Brother, you must have accumulated a lot of good karma in your past life to have married my sister-in-law in this one," Lu Jiaxin said sincerely.
Wang Xiaojie was not only virtuous but also generous. In the past, when their parents had fallen ill, it was Lu JiaGuang and his wife who had taken care of the expenses without a word of complaint. Lu JiaEr's wife was sensible and never complained about doing more than her fair share of work. Even though Lu JiaSan's wife was always scheming, the entire extended family remained harmonious.
Lu JiaGuang's lips curled up at the corners as he heard these words. Indeed, he felt incredibly fortunate to have married such a wonderful woman.
After exchanging a few more words, Lu Jiaxin indicated that she had to hang up as she had some matters to attend to.
Lu JiaGuang hesitated before adding, "Jiaxin, someone introduced a potential partner to Third Uncle recently, and he seems quite taken with her. I think it might work out this time."
Lu Jiaxin casually asked, "So, does this woman have a job?"
Lu Jiaguang shook his head to indicate that she didn't. "I asked around. This comrade is 43 years old, and her husband passed away six years ago. She has five children. The oldest is 22, and the youngest is 11."
Lu Jiaxin had already known that Lu Hongjun would remarry; he was the type who wouldn't allow himself to be wronged. "The oldest isn't married, and the younger ones are still in school, right?"
"Yes. The eldest dropped out of middle school and took his father's place as a coal miner. The second child didn't find work after graduating from middle school and can only get by with the help of connections. The third child started working at a textile factory after graduating from middle school, but the rumors about the place aren't good. The two youngest are still in school."
"When did that woman's husband pass away?" Lu Jiaxin asked.
"Six years ago. He suddenly fell ill and passed away."
Lu Jiaxin exclaimed, "Considering their situation, it's impressive that she managed to send all her children to graduate from middle school, and the third child even got a job at a textile factory. They seem to be doing alright."
The widow didn't have a job herself, and with her son's low income, it would be a challenge to support their large family. Back then, it wasn't like the present day, where compulsory education lessened the financial burden of school fees, textbooks, and other miscellaneous expenses.
Lu Jiaguang fell silent for a moment before speaking. "A distant relative has been helping them, but that relative was transferred away three months ago."
Lu Jiaxin nonchalantly said, "If he wants to find a companion in his old age, I won't interfere. It'll be good to have someone to take care of him when he's unwell, and it'll be less tiring for you all, too. But you must make our family situation clear to the other party to avoid them coming in with expectations of property and wealth, only to be disappointed and do something extreme out of embarrassment and anger."
"Distant relative," Lu Jiaxin scoffed. "That's probably her lover. Otherwise, why would a relative be so helpful? But it's understandable for a widow to find a companion. If Lu Hongjun doesn't mind being taken advantage of, I certainly don't care. As long as he fulfills his promises, that's all I ask."
Seeing that she didn't object, Lu Jiaguang breathed a sigh of relief. If Lu Hongjun remarried, it would be his new wife's responsibility to take care of him when he was hospitalized, and they, as brothers, would only need to lend a hand.
"Big Brother," Lu Jiaxin said, "Knowing him, he won't give me all the antiques he's collected. He'll definitely keep some for himself. You and Fifth Brother should find a way to get your hands on them and leave them for Lu Ping and Qiangqiang. Don't let outsiders benefit from them."
Lu Jiaguang immediately refused. "If there really are any, we'll think of a way to make him give them to you."
"No, you keep them," Lu Jiaxin insisted. "If you don't want them, then donate them."
Those antiques were becoming more and more valuable, and Lu Jiaguang couldn't bear the thought of donating them. However, he knew Lu Jiaxin's unwavering character, and giving those items back to her after she had refused would only upset her. After hanging up, he thought for a moment and then called Lu Jiajie to tell him about this matter.
Lu Jiaguang implied that the widow was up to no good. "Based on what I've heard, that woman is quite cunning. Before the relative was transferred, their home was almost emptied out. If Third Brother marries her, he definitely won't be able to keep any antiques he might have."
Lu Jiajie asked, "Are you suggesting we interfere, Big Brother?"
Lu Jiaguang, now a leader, chose his words carefully. "If Third Brother wants to remarry, Jiaxin doesn't object, and neither will I. But he must marry someone kind and sincere who truly wants a companion. We can't let another malicious person into our family, or it will only cause trouble for our two families in the future."
Jiaxin was now in Harbor City, and her stance was clear: she would provide financial support but not get involved personally.
Upon hearing this, Lu Jiajie understood. "Big Brother, don't worry. I won't let Third Brother marry that woman."
"Don't let Third Brother catch on, or he'll become distant from us," Lu Jiajie warned.
Lu Jiajie smiled and assured him, "Big Brother, rest assured. I know what to do."
He still hoped that Lu Hongjun would help take care of his children. If that widow entered the family, Lu Hongjun's attention would be solely on her. If she were a good person, that would be fine, but it was clear she wasn't. Ding Jing had harmed Jiaxin in the past, and he hadn't said a word. So, for the sake of his niece and nephew, he wouldn't let that woman into the family either.
Lu Jiaguang then asked about his own situation. "How long are you planning to drag this out?"
"I'll give her some time to consider. If she still doesn't agree by August, I'll take some extreme measures. But don't worry, Big Brother. I'll just scare them a bit; I won't do anything illegal."
Despite his assurances, Lu Jiaguang reminded him, "You have two children. Think about them before you do anything. What would happen to them if something happened to you?"
Lu Jiajie nodded. "Big Brother, I plan to open a store in Si Jiu City in the second half of the year to sell home appliances. That way, I can also take care of the children."
Since Lu Hongjun had this kind of character, Lu Jiajie would find a way to interfere this time. Lu Hongjun would definitely look for someone else, but the next person must be kind-hearted, even if she was ordinary. Once the three families lived together, he wouldn't worry about leaving his children behind. For now, he'd stay in Si Jiu City for the next six months!
"Good."
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
