Rebirth 03: Starting a Business After Giving Up a Secure Job

Chapter 143 Visiting Hailuogou

Lin Xiaowen's father took Lin Feng for a walk around the village. Although he had difficulty walking, he walked quite fast.

As we strolled around, he introduced the village: "Our village has more than sixty households, most of whom have lived here for generations. We used to be poor and depended on the weather for our livelihood. But things have gotten better in recent years. The roads have been built, and some families are growing medicinal herbs and raising livestock. Life is getting better and better."

"Xiaowen said you used to work in a mine?" Lin Feng asked.

"Yes, I worked in a lead-zinc mine for over ten years. Then there was an accident; the tunnel collapsed, and I injured my leg. The mine gave me some compensation, but I couldn't do heavy work anymore, so I came back."

He spoke of it casually, but Lin Feng could imagine the danger at the time. It was incredibly fortunate to have survived an underground accident.

"Does your leg still hurt?"

"It hurts when the weather changes, but it's okay most of the time." Mr. Lin patted his left leg. "I'm used to it. It's just that it doesn't look good when I walk, and it embarrasses the kids in public."

"Dad! Don't say that." Lin Xiaowen stepped forward to support her father.

"To be honest," Mr. Lin smiled and looked at Lin Feng. "Mr. Lin, to be frank, when Xiaowen first went to Shenzhen, I was most afraid that she would be looked down upon by others. Our family is poor, and I am disabled, so I was afraid she would suffer. Later, she called back and said that she was doing well at the company and that you were taking good care of her, and only then did I feel relieved."

"Uncle, please don't say that." Lin Feng looked at Lin Xiaowen.

"Xiaowen is outstanding; she got to where she is today through her own abilities. As for her family, there's nothing shameful about it. You've raised her to be so strong, independent, and responsible—something many families would envy."

Lin's father smiled. His gaze lingered between Lin Feng and Xiaowen, thinking to himself, "This child really knows how to talk."

From the high point at the village entrance, you can see the snow-capped mountains in the distance.

Under the sunlight, the snow-capped peaks are dyed golden, majestic and magnificent.

"That's Mount Gongga," Lin's father said, pointing to a high mountain in the distance. "We're close to Hailuogou, so Xiaowen will take you there tomorrow. The glaciers are beautiful in winter."

"Okay." Lin Feng gazed at Mount Gongga, feeling a sense of longing.

In Shenzhen and Chengdu, in various cities, he was used to skyscrapers and bustling traffic. He was constantly in a fast-paced competitive environment. But here, with snow-capped mountains, villages, and cooking smoke, it was a completely different scene, with a taste of home.

No matter how hard people strive and struggle outside, home is always their root. Like fallen leaves returning to their roots, everyone eventually goes back.

"Let's go back, dinner should be ready soon," said Lin's father.

The three of them walked back.

Dinner was indeed plentiful. An iron pot sat on a brazier in the center of the main room, simmering large chunks of pork, blood tofu, radishes, and vermicelli, steaming hot and fragrant.

This is the "pig-killing feast" eaten in rural western Sichuan during the Spring Festival. In addition, there is also stir-fried cured pork with garlic sprouts, cold mixed houttuynia cordata, steamed sausage, and fried peanuts, filling the table.

Lin's father took out the jar of homemade corn wine and filled everyone's cups. The wine was cloudy, but its aroma was irresistible.

"Mr. Lin, this is a toast to you." Mr. Lin picked up his earthenware bowl. "Thank you for taking care of Xiaowen and Xiaoqiang, thank you for coming to see us. I'll drink this first!"

After saying that, he tilted his head back and downed a bowl of wine.

Lin Feng also picked up his bowl: "Uncle, this is a toast to you. Thank you for raising such a good child, and thank you and Auntie for your hospitality."

He drank it too. The wine tasted sweet, and after a while, he felt warm all over.

Lin's mother kept putting food on Lin Feng's plate: "Eat more, this meat is stewed until tender, and this blood tofu is delicious."

Lin Xiaowen sat down next to Lin Feng and whispered, "Drink slowly, this liquor is strong."

"It's nothing," Lin Feng smiled.

Lin Xiaoqiang smiled as he watched his sister and future brother-in-law, drinking with Lin Feng as he did so.

After three bowls of wine, the atmosphere became lively.

Lin's father became very talkative, recounting his experiences working in the mines when he was young and the changes that had taken place in the village.

Lin's mother recounted funny stories from Lin Xiaowen's childhood, about how she used to run all over the mountains and fields with her brother.

Xiaowen blushed and looked shy as her parents talked about her embarrassing moments, her eyes blinking as she kept her eyes glued to Lin Feng.

The broth in the iron pot bubbled and boiled, the rich aroma of pork, the salty fragrance of cured meat, and the strong aroma of corn liquor—each one a unique delicacy of western Sichuan.

Lin Feng had drunk quite a bit, but he wasn't drunk. He felt very relaxed and comfortable.

At the company, he's the boss and has to maintain that boss-like demeanor at all times. Here, he's a guest, a junior, who can simply eat and listen to stories—very relaxed and at ease.

"Oh, right," Lin Feng suddenly remembered something, put down his chopsticks, "Uncle, I know an old traditional Chinese medicine doctor in Chengdu who specializes in treating old bone and muscle injuries. If you have time after the New Year, I'll take you to see him. I'll provide transportation, so don't worry."

Lin's father froze, his chopsticks hanging in mid-air.

Lin's mother was also stunned: "This—this is too much trouble—"

"Auntie, please don't be so polite," Lin Feng said gently. "But it can't hurt to have an expert take a look. Xiaowen and Xiaoqiang have helped me a lot at the company; this is what I should do."

After a moment of silence, Mr. Lin picked up his wine bowl and said, "Thank you then. Come, Mr. Lin, this bowl is for you."

After the meal, Lin's mother cleared the dishes, with Lin Xiaowen helping. Lin's father and Lin Xiaoqiang sat with Lin Feng by the brazier, drinking tea and chatting.

"Mr. Lin, your company has grown so big, what are your plans for the future?" Mr. Lin asked.

"This year we plan to expand our local network to major cities across the country, and within three years we are preparing for an IPO."

"Impressive." Mr. Lin nodded. "And what about you? What are your plans?"

The question was phrased subtly, but Lin Feng understood. He smiled and said, "Focus on the company first. Personal matters will take their course."

Mr. Lin nodded: "You're still young, your career should be your priority. But don't miss out if you meet the right person. When Xiaowen's mother was your age, Xiaowen was already running around."

Lin Feng smiled and nodded, but didn't reply.

Lin's father stopped asking questions and instead started talking about the village's New Year's customs.

It was late at night, and Lin's mother had made the bed. The best room on the second floor was spotless, and the quilt was brand new.

"Mr. Lin, the conditions in the countryside are simple, please make do with it." Lin's mother said somewhat embarrassedly.

"Auntie, this is very good," Lin Feng said sincerely. "It's more comfortable than many hotels I've stayed in."

That's true. The room was simple, but clean and warm. You could see the outline of snow-capped mountains from the window.

Lin's mother went downstairs.

After washing up, Lin Feng lay down on the bed. The alcohol was taking effect, and he felt a little dizzy.

He could faintly hear voices downstairs; it was Lin's parents talking to their child, and Lin's mother was praising Lin Feng.

The nights in the mountains are very quiet. You can hear the distant barking of dogs and the soft rustling of the mountain wind through the roof tiles.

Unlike the quiet of the city, which carries a background noise, the quiet here has a sound.

The sound of the wind, the barking of dogs, and the occasional crackling of the embers in the brazier. These sounds weren't disturbing; rather, they brought a sense of peace.

My phone vibrated; it was a message from Lin Xiaowen: "Are you asleep?"

"Not yet. I'm starting to feel a bit tipsy."

"The alcohol here is quite strong, and you drank it too quickly. I've made some hangover soup, I'll bring it to you in a bit."

Ten minutes later, Lin Xiaowen brought in a bowl of hangover soup and knocked on the door.

Lin Feng sat on the edge of the bed, feeling a little dizzy. Lin Xiaowen gently fed him some hangover soup and wiped his sweat.

"Get some rest. I'll take you to Hailuogou tomorrow."

Okay. Good night.

"Good night."

Lin Feng lay down, closed his eyes, and quickly fell asleep.

The next morning, just as dawn was breaking, Lin Feng was awakened by the commotion in the courtyard.

The sounds of roosters crowing, chopping wood, and Lin's mother bustling about in the kitchen filled the air. He reached for his phone beside his pillow and glanced at it; it was only 6:30. Mornings in the mountains come early and are equally rousing.

After washing up and going downstairs, Lin's mother was tending the fire in front of the stove, cooking porridge in a large iron pot, the aroma spreading with the steam.

Lin's father sat on a small stool by the door, repairing a hoe in the morning light. Lin Xiaoqiang chopped firewood in the yard; the axe fell, and the firewood split cleanly and crisply.

"Mr. Lin is awake?" Mrs. Lin turned around and smiled. "Why didn't you sleep a little longer? It's cold in the mountains, but it's warm in bed."

"I've had enough sleep." Lin Feng took a deep breath of the cool air, feeling a chill in his lungs.

"Auntie, is there anything I can help you with?"

"No need, no need, you're a guest, please sit down." Lin's mother quickly waved her hand, "The porridge will be ready soon, and there are also steamed buns and pickled vegetables, please make do with this."

Mr. Lin put down his work and stood up: "Xiaowen hasn't gotten up yet, I'll go wake her up."

"Let her sleep a little longer, it's alright," Lin Feng said.

"I've been awake for a while, just lazing around in the house." Lin Xiaoqiang put down his axe, wiped the sweat from his forehead, and grinned. "I'm so excited to go out with you today that I haven't slept a wink all night."

Just as she finished speaking, the sound of a door opening came from upstairs. Lin Xiaowen came downstairs.

She changed her clothes: a light blue down jacket, a white sweater, and dark jeans. Her hair was tied in a high ponytail, and she wore light makeup, with finely drawn eyebrows and a faint red lip.

"Good morning, Brother Feng." She greeted Lin Feng with a smile.

"morning."

Her ears turned slightly red, and she quickly walked into the kitchen. "Mom, let me help."

Breakfast in the countryside is simple: white porridge, homemade steamed buns, and pickled vegetables.

Lin's mother served everyone a full bowl of porridge and gave Lin Feng the biggest steamed bun: "Eat more, climbing mountains is tiring."

""

"Thank you, Auntie."

The mornings in the mountains have a special tranquility; even the sound of someone drinking porridge can be heard clearly.

After finishing her meal, Lin's mother took out a cloth bag containing boiled eggs, steamed buns, pickled vegetables, and a pot of hot water.

"Take some food with you on the way. It's cold in the mountains, so you can eat something when you get hungry."

"Mom, you don't need to bring so much—" Lin Xiaowen said.

"Take it!" Lin's mother shoved it into Lin Xiaowen's arms without giving her a chance to argue. "Things in Hailuogou are expensive, and they might not even suit your taste. Homemade is always better."

Lin Feng took the cloth bag: "Thank you, Auntie, you've thought of everything."

"Be careful on the road, watch your step." Mr. Lin, leaning on his cane, saw him to the gate of the courtyard. "Xiaowen, take good care of Mr. Lin."

"Okay, Dad." Lin Xiaowen took her father's arm.

"Go on, go on," Lin's father waved his hand, watching the two get into the car.

The Audi A6 drove out of the village and headed towards Hailuogou along the mountain road. The morning mist had not yet dissipated, swirling around the valley like a light veil.

The distant snow-capped mountains revealed their hazy outlines in the morning light, solemn and mysterious.

The car was warm with the heater on. Lin Xiaowen sat in the passenger seat, glancing out the window every now and then, and turning to look at him every now and then, a smile always on her lips.

"What are you laughing at?" Lin Feng asked.

"It's nothing," she turned her head, "I'm just happy. Thank you, Feng-ge."

"What are you thanking me for?"

"Thank you for coming." Her voice was soft. "Thank you for coming to my house, thank you for bringing so many things for my parents, thank you—for being so kind to them."

Lin Feng also smiled and glanced at her.

"Of course," he said.

Lin Xiaowen said, "Brother Feng, I know you're good to other employees too, but you're truly good to our family!"

The car quieted down, with only the soft sound of the engine.

Lin Feng stared intently at the road ahead. The mountain road wound its way along, with a cliff on one side and a deep valley on the other.

At the bottom of the valley flows the Dadu River, its water a vibrant turquoise that shimmers in the morning light.

The mountain road continued to stretch out. The fog gradually dissipated, and the sky cleared completely.

That was the unique blue sky of western Sichuan, a pure and clear blue. Sunlight shone on the snow-capped mountains, the forests, and the frozen streams, making everything sparkle.

An hour later, they arrived at the entrance of Hailuogou Scenic Area.

Despite it being winter and the fourth day of the Lunar New Year, there were still quite a few tourists. The parking lot was full of cars, mostly with Sichuan license plates (川A and 川B).

The license plates also include a few vehicles from other provinces.

People wore thick down jackets, hats, and scarves, and their breath condensed into white mist in the cold air.

Lin Feng parked the car, and the two got out. The fresh mountain air rushed towards them; Lin Feng took a deep breath, finding it crisp and clean.

"Are you cold?" he asked.

"I'm not cold." Lin Xiaowen shook her head. She put on a woolen hat and wrapped a scarf around her neck, leaving only her eyes showing. She blinked and looked very cute.

Lin Feng took two windbreakers out of the trunk. He had prepared them specially, as they were waterproof and windproof. He put one on himself and handed the other to Lin Xiaowen.

"Put it on, it'll be even colder up in the mountains."

Lin Xiaowen took the windbreaker. The jacket was dark blue, very large, and the sleeves were also a bit too long.

She tucked her hands into her sleeves, leaving only her fingertips showing, and looked up at Lin Feng: "Don't I look like a child who's stolen and worn adult clothes?"

Lin Feng smiled: "It's similar."

She smiled too, her eyes crinkling into crescents.

The two bought tickets and entered the scenic area.

First, take a sightseeing bus. The minibus travels along the winding mountain road, with cliffs on one side and a deep valley on the other. At the bottom of the valley is a glacier, its grayish-white ice gleaming coldly in the sunlight.

In the distance, the snow-capped mountains stand majestically, with snow that never melts above the snow line and dark green primeval forests below.

"So beautiful." Lin Xiaowen's eyes were glued to the screen.

She grew up in the mountains and was used to them. But the mountains in Hailuogou are different.

The mountains here are more majestic, more pristine, and more spiritually vibrant. Snow, forests, glaciers, and hot springs combine in a wondrous way, making it a scenic area that attracts countless tourists.

The sightseeing bus took forty minutes to reach the dry riverbank. From here, we had to walk.

The wooden boardwalk is built along the valley, with towering ancient trees on both sides. Most of them are fir and spruce, with straight trunks, cracked bark, and thick snow covering their crowns.

The air was incredibly fresh; one breath and your lungs felt cool.

"The concentration of negative oxygen ions here is very high," Lin Feng said. "Take deep breaths; it's good for your health."

Lin Xiaowen took a deep breath and then slowly exhaled, the white mist dissipating before her eyes.

There were quite a few tourists on the boardwalk. Everyone was awestruck by the sight, and they all spoke in hushed tones.

Only the sound of footsteps crunching softly on the snow could be heard.

After walking for about twenty minutes, the view suddenly opened up. A huge icefall appeared before us.