Chapter 255: Red Dusk
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When Shao Yan left the office the next day, Li Xiqing had been waiting at the lobby downstairs.
Before they left the house this morning, he had told her to just dress casually but comfortable. Shao Yan was initially skeptical if she would be dressing down, but Li Xiqing kept reassuring her that it was not a super fancy place.
"You said to dress up."
Li Xiqing smiled, "I said, dress prettily."
Shao Yan gave him a side eye glance; doubting his words.
He chuckled, "Knowing you, I know you will love the place," Li Xiqing put both hands on her shoulders and turned her around.
He gently pushed her back to the dressing room, "Just dress how you want to dress, as long as you are comfortable and warm."
"I mean, just look at me."
Li Xiqing spread his arm wide to each side. He had put on a light blue shirt with dark jeans. Technically it was still spring, so he had also added a light tan sport jacket.
Shao Yan nodded her head; she walked back and started to pick her outfit.
....
She saw him from afar; sitting on the sofa with his legs crossed.
His left arm was resting on the sofa arm, and his right hand was holding onto his phone as he scrolled over the screen while reading on the news.
Shao Yan adjusted the purse on her shoulder and started to walk over.
At the end, she decided to pair a long-sleeves striped shirt over a navy blue short skirt.
She also added a soft, wool grey sweater on the outside, grey socks and also black ankle boots.
Just in case the weather turned to be colder tonight, Shao Yan also carried an army green windbreaker jacket in her hands.
Li Xiqing saw an approaching shadow and he raised his head. He locked the phone as he greeted Yan Yan with a smile, and then he stood up.
"Have you been waiting long?" She asked.
"Not at all," He walked closer to her, "Thank you for the chocolate covered strawberries."
He wrapped his hand around her waist as they walked together.
"I almost ate everything," Li Xiqing continued, "Before Martin ambushed me, and I had to share some with him."
Shao Yan giggled, "I'm glad you like them."
She glanced to the side, and peeked at him from under her long eyelashes, "And thank you for the flowers."
Her smile grew wider, "Having them by my side really cheer up my whole day."
....
After a few hours of car ride, they finally arrived at their destination.
From a distance, Shao Yan realized that it was an ancient water town. Her eyes immediately sparkled with excitement.
As it was a tourist area, there was a designated parking spot.
On a particular day like this, most couples would opt to go to fancy restaurants to eat their meal.
But Li Xiqing thought that it was a nice getaway idea for the two of them from the hectic city life.
"I remember that you like everything vintage and traditional," He started, "I have arranged a few tours for us to try here."
Shao Yan nodded, "I have heard a lot about this place and I have been wanting to visit them!"
The two of them were walking towards the town. Shao Yan started to show off her knowledge to Li Xiqing.
"Do you know that most of the buildings here are dated back to 1,700 years ago?"
She glanced at him, "And also, some other architectures are actually 5,000 years old!"
Shao Yan started to tell him some interesting facts about the town as they walked further inside.
....
It was the weekday, so luckily the crowd of tourists were not that many.
Shao Yan was right when she said this town was charming, Li Xiqing was also swept away by the beauty of the area.
It was called a water town because the town was built along the small rivers and canals in the area.
Shop houses and other places for business were spread along the riverside; the buildings were separated by a short bamboo fence between them and the river.
Some buildings were maintained at their original structures. Since they were old buildings, the tallest structure was only three stories high. Some red and yellow colored bricks were still showing from the side of the walls; showing signs of aging.
Red lanterns were hung all over the streets to add more sense of the traditional landscape.
It was around the time when the sun was about to set.
The sky was painted in red and orange lights, adding the stunning dimension to the whole scene.
Shao Yan and Li Xiqing spent a few hours strolling around.
The streets were paved in old brick style. Along the street were shop houses that maintained the feeling of living in a small town.
They visited a small garden and also a Buddhist temple.
Shao Yan also went inside an old Post Office to explore around; she found out this building also served as a souvenir shop.
She walked around the shop with deep interest, looking carefully at every single thing. Finally, she selected a few things to bring back with her; such as postcards and also bamboo scroll paintings which she proudly showed to Li Xiqing at the cashier area.
"Shall we take a break?" When they came out of the shop, Shao Yan pointed at a small tea house by the street, "We can have some tea and snacks there?"
Li Xiqing stretched out his hand to glance at the time.
He shook his head, "It's almost time for our dinner reservation."
He looked up and met her eyes, "I think we should start walking over now."
Shao Yan nodded at his words. But before she started to walk, Li Xiqing added, "We can have a dessert at the tea house after that."
He smiled, "I know you wanted to experience the traditional architecture there."
She nodded with full enthusiasm, "I can't miss that. We are here anyway." And then she grinned at him.
....
They took their time to walk over. Li Xiqing did not tell her where they were heading, even after she tried to ask several times.
"You'll get to see it soon," He chuckled, "Why so impatient?"
"I am just really curious," Shao Yan scrunched her nose at him, "This place just keeps giving me surprises, one after another."
Li Xiqing smiled at her funny face, and then he pointed at an area by the canal.
"There!"
Shao Yan looked over.
He continued, "That is our boat."
Her big, round eyes blinked in surprise; before she looked back at him.
"We are going on a paddle boat?"
It was called a paddle boat even though each boat had a boat person who would accompany the passengers.
As they walked closer, Shao Yan noticed that each paddle boat could take up to five or six adults at one ride.
It was a slim and long wooden boat with a lower step that allowed people to sit on the bench each side.
Some paddle boats were modified to have a table in the middle. These kinds of dining boats could only fit up to four adults at one seating. The boat persons were hired by local restaurants to serve their meals on the boat as the tourists took a cruise along the river. And therefore, reservations were definitely a must.
"Here we are!" Li Xiqing stopped at one of the boats.
He extended one hand; his palm side up was offered at Shao Yan, "Shall we?"
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When Shao Yan left the office the next day, Li Xiqing had been waiting at the lobby downstairs.
Before they left the house this morning, he had told her to just dress casually but comfortable. Shao Yan was initially skeptical if she would be dressing down, but Li Xiqing kept reassuring her that it was not a super fancy place.
"You said to dress up."
Li Xiqing smiled, "I said, dress prettily."
Shao Yan gave him a side eye glance; doubting his words.
He chuckled, "Knowing you, I know you will love the place," Li Xiqing put both hands on her shoulders and turned her around.
He gently pushed her back to the dressing room, "Just dress how you want to dress, as long as you are comfortable and warm."
"I mean, just look at me."
Li Xiqing spread his arm wide to each side. He had put on a light blue shirt with dark jeans. Technically it was still spring, so he had also added a light tan sport jacket.
Shao Yan nodded her head; she walked back and started to pick her outfit.
....
She saw him from afar; sitting on the sofa with his legs crossed.
His left arm was resting on the sofa arm, and his right hand was holding onto his phone as he scrolled over the screen while reading on the news.
Shao Yan adjusted the purse on her shoulder and started to walk over.
At the end, she decided to pair a long-sleeves striped shirt over a navy blue short skirt.
She also added a soft, wool grey sweater on the outside, grey socks and also black ankle boots.
Just in case the weather turned to be colder tonight, Shao Yan also carried an army green windbreaker jacket in her hands.
Li Xiqing saw an approaching shadow and he raised his head. He locked the phone as he greeted Yan Yan with a smile, and then he stood up.
"Have you been waiting long?" She asked.
"Not at all," He walked closer to her, "Thank you for the chocolate covered strawberries."
He wrapped his hand around her waist as they walked together.
"I almost ate everything," Li Xiqing continued, "Before Martin ambushed me, and I had to share some with him."
Shao Yan giggled, "I'm glad you like them."
She glanced to the side, and peeked at him from under her long eyelashes, "And thank you for the flowers."
Her smile grew wider, "Having them by my side really cheer up my whole day."
....
After a few hours of car ride, they finally arrived at their destination.
From a distance, Shao Yan realized that it was an ancient water town. Her eyes immediately sparkled with excitement.
As it was a tourist area, there was a designated parking spot.
On a particular day like this, most couples would opt to go to fancy restaurants to eat their meal.
But Li Xiqing thought that it was a nice getaway idea for the two of them from the hectic city life.
"I remember that you like everything vintage and traditional," He started, "I have arranged a few tours for us to try here."
Shao Yan nodded, "I have heard a lot about this place and I have been wanting to visit them!"
The two of them were walking towards the town. Shao Yan started to show off her knowledge to Li Xiqing.
"Do you know that most of the buildings here are dated back to 1,700 years ago?"
She glanced at him, "And also, some other architectures are actually 5,000 years old!"
Shao Yan started to tell him some interesting facts about the town as they walked further inside.
....
It was the weekday, so luckily the crowd of tourists were not that many.
Shao Yan was right when she said this town was charming, Li Xiqing was also swept away by the beauty of the area.
It was called a water town because the town was built along the small rivers and canals in the area.
Shop houses and other places for business were spread along the riverside; the buildings were separated by a short bamboo fence between them and the river.
Some buildings were maintained at their original structures. Since they were old buildings, the tallest structure was only three stories high. Some red and yellow colored bricks were still showing from the side of the walls; showing signs of aging.
Red lanterns were hung all over the streets to add more sense of the traditional landscape.
It was around the time when the sun was about to set.
The sky was painted in red and orange lights, adding the stunning dimension to the whole scene.
Shao Yan and Li Xiqing spent a few hours strolling around.
The streets were paved in old brick style. Along the street were shop houses that maintained the feeling of living in a small town.
They visited a small garden and also a Buddhist temple.
Shao Yan also went inside an old Post Office to explore around; she found out this building also served as a souvenir shop.
She walked around the shop with deep interest, looking carefully at every single thing. Finally, she selected a few things to bring back with her; such as postcards and also bamboo scroll paintings which she proudly showed to Li Xiqing at the cashier area.
"Shall we take a break?" When they came out of the shop, Shao Yan pointed at a small tea house by the street, "We can have some tea and snacks there?"
Li Xiqing stretched out his hand to glance at the time.
He shook his head, "It's almost time for our dinner reservation."
He looked up and met her eyes, "I think we should start walking over now."
Shao Yan nodded at his words. But before she started to walk, Li Xiqing added, "We can have a dessert at the tea house after that."
He smiled, "I know you wanted to experience the traditional architecture there."
She nodded with full enthusiasm, "I can't miss that. We are here anyway." And then she grinned at him.
....
They took their time to walk over. Li Xiqing did not tell her where they were heading, even after she tried to ask several times.
"You'll get to see it soon," He chuckled, "Why so impatient?"
"I am just really curious," Shao Yan scrunched her nose at him, "This place just keeps giving me surprises, one after another."
Li Xiqing smiled at her funny face, and then he pointed at an area by the canal.
"There!"
Shao Yan looked over.
He continued, "That is our boat."
Her big, round eyes blinked in surprise; before she looked back at him.
"We are going on a paddle boat?"
It was called a paddle boat even though each boat had a boat person who would accompany the passengers.
As they walked closer, Shao Yan noticed that each paddle boat could take up to five or six adults at one ride.
It was a slim and long wooden boat with a lower step that allowed people to sit on the bench each side.
Some paddle boats were modified to have a table in the middle. These kinds of dining boats could only fit up to four adults at one seating. The boat persons were hired by local restaurants to serve their meals on the boat as the tourists took a cruise along the river. And therefore, reservations were definitely a must.
"Here we are!" Li Xiqing stopped at one of the boats.
He extended one hand; his palm side up was offered at Shao Yan, "Shall we?"
When Shao Yan left the office the next day, Li Xiqing had been waiting at the lobby downstairs.Before they left the house this morning, he had told her to just dress casually but comfortable. Shao Yan was initially skeptical if she would be dressing down, but Li Xiqing kept reassuring her that it was not a super fancy place."You said to dress up."Li Xiqing smiled, "I said, dress prettily."Shao Yan gave him a side eye glance; doubting his words.He chuckled, "Knowing you, I know you will love the place," Li Xiqing put both hands on her shoulders and turned her around.He gently pushed her back to the dressing room, "Just dress how you want to dress, as long as you are comfortable and warm.""I mean, just look at me."Li Xiqing spread his arm wide to each side. He had put on a light blue shirt with dark jeans. Technically it was still spring, so he had also added a light tan sport jacket.Shao Yan nodded her head; she walked back and started to pick her outfit.....She saw him from afar; sitting on the sofa with his legs crossed.His left arm was resting on the sofa arm, and his right hand was holding onto his phone as he scrolled over the screen while reading on the news.Shao Yan adjusted the purse on her shoulder and started to walk over.At the end, she decided to pair a long-sleeves striped shirt over a navy blue short skirt.She also added a soft, wool grey sweater on the outside, grey socks and also black ankle boots.Just in case the weather turned to be colder tonight, Shao Yan also carried an army green windbreaker jacket in her hands.Li Xiqing saw an approaching shadow and he raised his head. He locked the phone as he greeted Yan Yan with a smile, and then he stood up."Have you been waiting long?" She asked."Not at all," He walked closer to her, "Thank you for the chocolate covered strawberries."He wrapped his hand around her waist as they walked together."I almost ate everything," Li Xiqing continued, "Before Martin ambushed me, and I had to share some with him."Shao Yan giggled, "I'm glad you like them."She glanced to the side, and peeked at him from under her long eyelashes, "And thank you for the flowers."Her smile grew wider, "Having them by my side really cheer up my whole day."....After a few hours of car ride, they finally arrived at their destination.From a distance, Shao Yan realized that it was an ancient water town. Her eyes immediately sparkled with excitement.As it was a tourist area, there was a designated parking spot.On a particular day like this, most couples would opt to go to fancy restaurants to eat their meal.But Li Xiqing thought that it was a nice getaway idea for the two of them from the hectic city life."I remember that you like everything vintage and traditional," He started, "I have arranged a few tours for us to try here."Shao Yan nodded, "I have heard a lot about this place and I have been wanting to visit them!"The two of them were walking towards the town. Shao Yan started to show off her knowledge to Li Xiqing."Do you know that most of the buildings here are dated back to 1,700 years ago?"She glanced at him, "And also, some other architectures are actually 5,000 years old!"Shao Yan started to tell him some interesting facts about the town as they walked further inside.....It was the weekday, so luckily the crowd of tourists were not that many.Shao Yan was right when she said this town was charming, Li Xiqing was also swept away by the beauty of the area.It was called a water town because the town was built along the small rivers and canals in the area.Shop houses and other places for business were spread along the riverside; the buildings were separated by a short bamboo fence between them and the river.Some buildings were maintained at their original structures. Since they were old buildings, the tallest structure was only three stories high. Some red and yellow colored bricks were still showing from the side of the walls; showing signs of aging.Red lanterns were hung all over the streets to add more sense of the traditional landscape.It was around the time when the sun was about to set.The sky was painted in red and orange lights, adding the stunning dimension to the whole scene.Shao Yan and Li Xiqing spent a few hours strolling around.The streets were paved in old brick style. Along the street were shop houses that maintained the feeling of living in a small town.They visited a small garden and also a Buddhist temple.Shao Yan also went inside an old Post Office to explore around; she found out this building also served as a souvenir shop.She walked around the shop with deep interest, looking carefully at every single thing. Finally, she selected a few things to bring back with her; such as postcards and also bamboo scroll paintings which she proudly showed to Li Xiqing at the cashier area."Shall we take a break?" When they came out of the shop, Shao Yan pointed at a small tea house by the street, "We can have some tea and snacks there?"Li Xiqing stretched out his hand to glance at the time.He shook his head, "It's almost time for our dinner reservation."He looked up and met her eyes, "I think we should start walking over now."Shao Yan nodded at his words. But before she started to walk, Li Xiqing added, "We can have a dessert at the tea house after that."He smiled, "I know you wanted to experience the traditional architecture there."She nodded with full enthusiasm, "I can't miss that. We are here anyway." And then she grinned at him.....They took their time to walk over. Li Xiqing did not tell her where they were heading, even after she tried to ask several times."You'll get to see it soon," He chuckled, "Why so impatient?""I am just really curious," Shao Yan scrunched her nose at him, "This place just keeps giving me surprises, one after another."Li Xiqing smiled at her funny face, and then he pointed at an area by the canal."There!"Shao Yan looked over.He continued, "That is our boat."Her big, round eyes blinked in surprise; before she looked back at him."We are going on a paddle boat?"It was called a paddle boat even though each boat had a boat person who would accompany the passengers.As they walked closer, Shao Yan noticed that each paddle boat could take up to five or six adults at one ride.It was a slim and long wooden boat with a lower step that allowed people to sit on the bench each side.Some paddle boats were modified to have a table in the middle. These kinds of dining boats could only fit up to four adults at one seating. The boat persons were hired by local restaurants to serve their meals on the boat as the tourists took a cruise along the river. And therefore, reservations were definitely a must."Here we are!" Li Xiqing stopped at one of the boats.He extended one hand; his palm side up was offered at Shao Yan, "Shall we?"
