Financial freedom starts with cracked apps.

Chapter 195 Climbing High and Gazing Far (6k words combined)

8 pm.

Magic City.

Ritz Star Mansion, Blues Bar.

~I went to the crossroad, fell down on my knees~

A beautiful melody lingered in the air, and the tranquil environment was filled with a faint, mellow aroma of wine.

At this moment, a mature and sexy woman was sitting in front of the luxurious bar.

Her exquisite and graceful figure was covered by a light purple tight-fitting bodycon dress, which outlined her incredibly plump and alluring buttocks.

Her beautiful legs, clad in black stockings, were crossed under the table, her expression alluring and languid, her full lips fiery red and tempting.

Her mere presence was enough to ignite a man's passion.

Therefore, many confident business elites went to chat her up, hoping to get close to her and have a wonderful encounter.

As a result, they all returned empty-handed.

"Sorry, I'm with a man."

With a single sentence, Shen Yun shooed away the flies around her, took a sip of her drink, and quietly awaited the arrival of her friend.

A moment later, Song Ya pushed open the door and walked into the bar, where she was led to the bar counter by a waiter.

"A bourbon, lemon, less ice."

After ordering from the bartender, Song Ya put her bag aside and asked Shen Yun about her recent situation with a smile.

"How have you been lately? Is business alright?"

"It's not easy to do."

Shen Yun swirled the wine in her glass and sighed softly, everything understood without words.

Song Ya understood her perfectly and immediately offered words of comfort.

"It's okay, take it slow. The lows we've experienced are much lower than this. If we persevere, the dawn will eventually break."

"I think I've seen the light at the end of the tunnel."

Shen Yun smiled mysteriously.

"How have you considered what I told you?"

"You mean developing pet toys?"

Song Ya remained skeptical.

"To be honest, the pet industry has a very low ceiling. The pie is only so big, and even if there are few people sharing it, it's still not enough!"

"Then I say, if someone could take the whole cake, do you think that's not enough?"

?

Shen Yun's confident demeanor made Song Ya curl her lip in disdain.

"Anyone can brag. I could also say I have a monopoly on the toy manufacturing industry. You've had too much to drink, Ayun."

"I am perfectly clear-headed."

Shen Yun said with a smile.

"I've already given you the way; whether you come or not is up to you."

"..."

Shen Yun's words caused Song Ya to fall into a brief silence, after which she asked curiously.

"Who makes you so confident? Your old flame?"

"What do you mean by 'old flame'? That's my precious daughter."

Shen Yun said coquettishly, seemingly filled with trust and admiration for Lin Shen.

"He is a very capable young man with an excellent business sense and market judgment. He is also decisive and efficient, but he has a maturity and composure that is not typical for his age. Moreover, he has a lot of resources behind him. I believe he will definitely succeed!"

"That's a really high compliment."

Song Ya and Shen Yun had been best friends for ten years, so she naturally knew her personality well.

She appears charming and alluring on the outside, but is actually cold and indifferent on the inside. She rarely opens her heart to others, let alone idolizes someone like this.

And he's a boy much younger than her!

This made Song Ya very interested in the man Shen Yun was talking about.

"What's his name? Which prominent family's young master is he?"

"The forest is deep."

"Your surname is Lin..."

Song Ya searched through her memories but couldn't find anyone particularly powerful in the Lin family.

"never heard of that."

"It's alright, you'll hear this name often in the future."

Shen Yun's confidence puzzled Song Ya, who then smiled and teased her.

"It's one thing for her body to be conquered by a young man, but how did her heart also fall for him?"

"There's nothing we can do; he's just that outstanding."

Shen Yun's lips curled into a charming smile.

"Not only is he incredibly capable, but he's also impeccably handsome. And most importantly, he has eight-pack abs and two massive pectoral muscles! His physique is also incredibly strong and upright! His arms are powerful and muscular! The feeling of him holding me... it's going to kill me!"

"Alright! Stop spamming 'S' here!"

Seeing Shen Yun's alluring and seductive gaze, Song Ya felt a strange sensation in her body and immediately pressed her legs together under the table, asking greedily.

"Is it really as strong as you say? Two hours or less?"

"I'm still underestimating the situation."

Shen Yun was deeply impressed by Lin Shen's performance that night, and smiled charmingly while biting her lip.

"Not only is it long-lasting, but the strength is also formidable!"

"Keep your voice down, there are so many people here."

Song Ya felt a bit thirsty, and her heart, which had been dormant for many years, was beginning to stir with restlessness.

The bartender overheard the two mature women's bold conversation in public, but he was unsurprised by it.

"Miss Song, please feel free to call me if you need any wine."

"Ah."

After Song Ya took a sip of the wine, the cool liquid slid down her esophagus and into her stomach, making her slightly more alert.

"I really envy you, to have found a partner who is so compatible with you, both physically and mentally."

"Just luck."

Shen Yun smiled slightly.

"So? Are you interested in cooperating? If you're willing, I'll call Lin Shen out, and we can talk about it."

"He's currently lacking a toy supplier, since it's a major category in the pet industry. If you're clueless, you might want to listen to his insights."

"Row."

Ultimately, no matter how much Shen Yun praised Lin Shen, Song Ya only needed to meet him once to confirm whether this young man truly had the ability.

"When?"

"Let's wait a while. He recently opened a new store, you can keep an eye on it."

"what is it call?"

"Shennan Pet Club".

-

-

9 pm.

Baosheng Hotel, Room 1302.

Lin Shen made the final preparations for climbing Mount Tai at night.

In terms of clothing, the inner layer of the upper body is a quick-drying shirt, and the outer layer is a warm jacket; the lower body is made of durable trousers and non-slip hiking shoes.

In terms of equipment, the backpack contained a small flashlight with long battery life, electrolyte drinks, and high-energy food.

The rest were put in Qin Yuennan's bag to help Lin Shen carry more weight.

For example, power banks, medical supplies, and related certificates, etc.

Qin Yuennan originally only planned to wear a tank top and start climbing, but she was severely scolded by Lin Shen.

In the end, she could only wrap herself up tightly.

Although it's hot, these are still necessary preparations due to the large temperature difference at the top of the mountain.

"Let's go! Go Go Go!"

After everything was ready, Lin Shen looked excitedly at the balcony.

Because the Baosheng Hotel is located at the foot of the mountain, you can clearly see through the floor-to-ceiling windows that countless light sources have been shining down on the mountain, illuminating the entire mountain.

"Wow, so many people are going night climbing."

Qin Yuennan had thought this was a niche outdoor sport, and since summer was over, there shouldn't be that many people.

It turns out everyone really wanted to climb to a high place to watch the sunrise.

"Because tomorrow morning will be a good day."

Lin Shen took Qin Yuennan's hand, and after leaving the hotel together, they were escorted by the hotel's private car. It only took ten minutes to reach the Hongmen Visitor Center.

By this time, the queue had completely blocked the entrance.

Lin Shen had no choice but to let Qin Yuennan walk in front of him, put his arms around her shoulders, and move forward with her in his arms.

This caused her to blush deeply, and she turned around to glare angrily at the grinning Lin Shen.

"You did it on purpose, didn't you?"

"There are too many people, what can I do?"

Lin Shen shrugged innocently. Qin Yuenan took several deep breaths, then took his hand, bit it lightly, and only then did she stop.

"Humph!"

"Sister Nan, do you really like biting people?"

Lin Shen leaned close to Qin Yuenan's ear and chuckled softly.

"How about biting other places next time?"

"Lin! Shen!"

Lin Shen's teasing made Qin Yuennan blush, and after checking her ticket, she chased after him and gave him a good beating.

Seeing how energetic the young couple was, people around them couldn't help but cast envious glances.

Even though Qin Yuennan's clothes were relatively loose, her perfect leg-body proportions were still visible.

Add to that her aloof and stunningly beautiful face...

Gee!

I'm so envious of this guy, he has such a beautiful girlfriend!

She was even willing to accompany him on a nighttime climb of Mount Tai!

Of course, Qin Yuening was actually much more looking forward to and excited about this than Lin Shen was.

After all, she has always loved the outdoors and had long had the idea of ​​climbing Mount Tai at night to watch the sunrise.

However, because she was afraid of the dark, she never dared to come alone.

Now that Lin Shen is by her side, even though he can be a bit cheeky at times, Qin Yuennan can't help but feel a happy and sweet sense of dependence.

In the end, her waving fist turned into a tight grip on Lin Shen's hand, holding him tightly and refusing to let go.

"Let's go."

"Ah."

Lin Shen took Qin Yuennan's hand and walked forward.

The initial stone steps are relatively gentle, with ancient trees towering on both sides. Under the beam of a flashlight, the shadows of the trees sway, creating a deep and eerie feeling.

Fortunately, the mountain road wasn't completely dark; a small shop nearby had soft lights on, just like an inn late at night.

Lin Shen and Qin Yuennan did not choose to linger here, but instead continued forward with the main group of tourists.

The route passes through Doumu Palace, Jingshiyu, and Hutian Pavilion.

Although the full view of these geological landscapes cannot be seen at night, the magnificent scenery unique to these historical sites can still be glimpsed through the faint outlines of the shadows.

Moreover, there is another advantage to climbing at night: looking back, you can take in the dazzling night view of the entire city of Dai.

The lights spread out like a galaxy at his feet, and the contrast between the everyday life of the people and the starry sky above brought a great shock to Lin Shen, both visually and spiritually.

"Sister Nan, look!"

?

Qin Yuennan turned around and was also deeply attracted by the scene before her. Her beautiful eyes sparkled with an unusual light, and she couldn't help but sigh.

"It's so beautiful." "Yes."

Lin Shen looked slightly excited.

"Let's keep climbing, maybe the view will be even better."

"Ah."

The two then climbed for more than two hours, stopping and starting along the way, helping each other to reach Zhongtianmen.

This is considered a midway base camp on Mount Tai, and the originally quiet and peaceful atmosphere of the night instantly became lively.

Large numbers of tourists gather here to rest, resupply, take photos, and check in.

The lights seemed brighter than those at the foot of the mountain, and the shops stretched out in a continuous line.

"Would you like to rest for a while?"

Seeing Qin Yuennan's slightly tired face, Lin Shen helped her find a place to sit down.

He didn't feel tired at all, since the system's bonuses gave him too many physical attributes, making his physical fitness far exceed that of ordinary people.

But Qin Yuennan was finding it hard to keep up.

Although she exercises regularly, climbing for more than two hours without stopping is indeed a huge test of one's physical strength.

Even boys might not be able to stick to it, let alone girls.

So Qin Yuening nestled in Lin Shen's arms to rest for a while. After he fed her a certain amount of water and food, her spirits gradually recovered.

"How far is it?"

Qin Yuennan looked up at the seemingly endless staircase, feeling a little apprehensive.

"You've climbed halfway up, haven't you?"

Lin Shen glanced at the sports watch on his wrist.

"It's 1 a.m. now, and I estimate I'll reach the top around 4 a.m.

"So far."

Although Qin Yuennan complained, she stood up after resting for a while, without Lin Shen having to urge her.

In this respect, she is better than many girls.

"Let's go."

"You look tired, how about I carry you on my back?"

Lin Shen's suggestion left Qin Yuennan slightly dazed.

She vaguely remembered that the first time she went hiking with Lin Shen, they encountered an accident along the way and he carried her down the mountain.

I even had a terrible dream that night because of this.

Even now, whenever Qin Yuennan recalls it, she still feels ashamed and embarrassed, and she can't help but mutter to herself.

Did I fall in love with Lin Shen at first sight back then?

Seeing the broad back that Lin Shen revealed after squatting down, Qin Yuennan refused his offer this time.

"No, I can still leave."

Qin Yuenan stepped forward and helped Lin Shen up, continuing to climb the mountain.

Looking up, a "chain of light" made up of countless flashlights from the hands of hikers hangs straight up from the mountainside into the sky, disappearing into the night sky without a trace.

After leaving Zhongtianmen, you will arrive at the most famous "Eighteen Bends" of Mount Tai.

It has more than 1,600 steps in total, and the slope is very steep.

This is arguably the most physically demanding and terrifying section of the entire uphill road; it's a nightmare for tourists!
In addition, visibility is poor at night, and a cool breeze blows, making people feel slightly chilly on their skin, which also makes them feel timid.

So Qin Yuennan grabbed Lin Shen's hand tightly, treating him as her lifeline and emphasizing it.

"Don't let go!"

"it is good."

Lin Shen smiled indulgently, took Qin Yuennan's hand, and began to climb upwards.

Although there were many tourists along the way, everyone was panting heavily, and there was very little communication.

The same applies to Qin Yuennan.

Fortunately, she has someone she can rely on.

Holding Lin Shen's warm, large hand tightly, Qin Yuennan raised her gaze to his broad, reassuring back, and a strong sense of happiness suddenly welled up in her heart again.

She felt lost during this period.

Although quitting the job felt great, Qin Yuennan felt somewhat lost about the unknown road ahead.

She really wanted to help Lin Shen make a name for himself, but she didn't know if she would succeed.

She could accept it if things failed, since she had her family to support her.

But can Lin Shen, who has no family background and a strong personality, accept this?
Qin Yuennan was afraid that he would become discouraged and give up on himself because of the setback.

If this were to happen, she would have no idea what to do.

Because she has no idea how to comfort people or how to take care of a boy's self-esteem.

But now, Qin Yuennan feels like she might have been overthinking things.

Judging from these few hours of night climbing Mount Tai, Lin Shen doesn't seem to be the kind of person who would give up when faced with setbacks.

His character is more resolute than most people's. He never complained about being tired or suffering along the way, and even when he was covered in sweat, he just wiped it off with a tissue.

Moreover, the fact that he improved his condition through weight loss shows that Lin Shen is indeed a very strong person.

Whenever Qin Yuennan thought of his strengths in this regard, she would inexplicably feel a strong sense of love and admiration for him.

This is the most crucial element that made her fall in love with Lin Shen.

"Thank you."

Qin Yuennan stepped forward and stood shoulder to shoulder with Lin Shen, kissed his cheek, took out a tissue to wipe the sweat from his forehead, and said softly.

"Thanks a lot."

"It's okay, it's not tiring to hold your hand."

Lin Shen smiled gently and tightened his grip on Qin Yuennan's hand.

And so, more than an hour later, at 3:30 a.m.

With each other's support, Lin Shen and Qin Yuennan successfully reached the summit of Nantianmen!
As he stepped onto the last step, Lin Shen breathed a long sigh of relief. His tense and tired body instantly relaxed, and an unprecedented sense of satisfaction and accomplishment welled up within him.

Of course, it was also mixed with that damn sigh.

Those steps are damn long!
Upon reaching Nantianmen, the mountain wind suddenly intensified, and the temperature plummeted.

Lin Shen wrapped his windbreaker tighter around himself and felt that his body temperature was only around sixteen degrees Celsius.

Even lower!

"How are you? Cold, aren't you?"

Seeing Qin Yuennan shivering from the cold, Lin Shen quickly hugged her tightly, and didn't forget to make a few teasing remarks.

"Was it right of me not to let you wear so little at the hotel?"

"Ah."

Qin Yuennan hugged Lin Shen tightly, drawing warmth from his embrace, burying her face in his chest and muttering softly.

"Let's go rent a military overcoat. I saw there are shops over there."

"it is good."

Outside the Nantianmen gate is the famous "Tianjie" (Heavenly Street).

The place was brightly lit and bustling with people.

Hotels and shops of all sizes are located on both sides of the stone-paved road. Mist often drifts by, making it feel like being in a fairyland, beautiful and dreamlike.

Renting military coats, eating instant noodles, looking for shelter from the wind... everywhere is filled with the warmth of human life, but it is in the clouds at an altitude of more than a thousand meters, which makes it look quite unique.

"Boss, I'd like to rent two military overcoats."

Lin Shen had just pointed two fingers at the shop owner when Qin Yuennan immediately added.

One piece is enough.

Ok?
Lin Shen was stunned for a moment, while Qin Yuenan muttered to herself.

"The military overcoat is so big, we can both wear one, it'll save money."

"..."

You were a company director with an annual income of over one million before you left, and I earn over two hundred thousand a day. We can't even afford to rent military overcoats that cost fifty or one hundred yuan.
Lin Shen was both amused and exasperated.

Clearly, this was just an excuse Qin Yuening made up to want to be close to him.

But because of his reserve and the inability to say it outright, he could only use this method to maintain his remaining aloofness.

Lin Shen smiled knowingly, not revealing Qin Yuennan's ulterior motives. He then asked the shopkeeper to rent a military overcoat and immediately headed to Yuhuang Peak.

That's the best spot to watch the sunrise.

Lin Shen thought he had arrived ahead of schedule enough.

Sunrise was around 5 a.m., and he arrived at their destination a little after 4 a.m.

When they arrived, they found that many tourists had already gathered there, and some were even sleeping on the ground wrapped in military coats.

These people are really going all out!

Lin Shen silently complained to himself, then quickly pulled Qin Yuennan to find a better spot to watch the sunrise.

The sky was beginning to change from inky black to deep blue, and then gradually to a crab-green color.

Lin Shen sat down on the ground, using a large rock to block the wind and his backpack as a cushion.

Seeing this, Qin Yuennan wisely leaned against his strong chest and nestled her delicate body in his arms.

This way, after covering the front with a military overcoat, it can easily cover both people.

Unafraid of wind or cold, it seems like a refuge in the apocalypse.

Qin Yuennan seemed to really enjoy this safe environment, curling up her legs and hiding in Lin Shen's arms, just like a well-behaved kitten.

Lin Shen, however, was not so comfortable.

The cold wind on the mountaintop occasionally blew Qin Yuennan's black hair, scattering it across Lin Shen's face, and some even drifted into his mouth.

"Bah! Bah!"

Hearing the voice behind her, Qin Yuennan looked up and couldn't help but laugh out loud. She quickly found a hair tie and tied her smooth black hair in front of her, saying in a coquettish voice.

"It's cold~ Hold me tight!"

"Good good."

Lin Shen tightened his arms around Qin Yuennan's shoulders and rested his elbows on her curled-up knees.

Such an intimate and ambiguous pose made her unable to resist taking out her phone and taking a few selfies.

Although the two looked a little tired, their hair was messy from the wind, and their eyes were half-closed due to the strong wind, their faces were still beaming with bright and excited smiles.

There is nothing better than this.

Qin Yuennan really wanted to freeze this moment and stay with Lin Shen forever.

"The forest is deep."

"Um…"

"I like you."

"Um!?"

Lin Shen was taken aback for a moment, then smiled gently when he saw the deep affection in Qin Yuennan's eyes as she turned around, and kissed her cheek softly.

"I like you too."

"I love you."

"I love you too."

The two whispered sweet nothings to each other, and Lin Shen, who was usually not very honest, stopped teasing Qin Yuenan in his arms.

Gradually, fatigue and drowsiness swept over her, making her drowsy. She rested her chin on Lin Shen's forearm and dozed off.

In a hazy state of consciousness, I suddenly heard an excited voice in my ear.

"Nan-jie, wake up! The sun is about to rise!"

?

The sudden chill made Qin Yuennan shiver involuntarily. After regaining her senses, she realized that it was already fully light.

The surrounding area was already packed with tourists, all of whom took out their phones and cameras, anxiously awaiting the sunrise.

As time went by, the sky gradually turned a pale white, which then spread out in a light orange-red hue, quietly creeping along the edges of the clouds.

Then, this warm color gradually deepened, turning into flowing orange-gold, making the outline of the sea of ​​clouds even clearer.

The next second, a golden-red arc burst forth from the depths of the sea of ​​clouds, and countless rays of light pierced through the clouds, splashing across the mountain peaks like shattered gold.

When the sun breaks free from the sea of ​​clouds, the whole world seems to be paused.

Immediately, a bright red sun burst forth!

(End of this chapter)