Chapter 5: The Specialties of Mount Huangshan

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Cheng Qingyan didn’t notice Jiang Yuan. He was driving, sitting in the passenger seat, casually glancing outside. “Who is it?” he asked.

Cheng Yubai, sitting beside him, quickly withdrew his gaze, afraid his uncle would notice Jiang Yuan. He shook his head carelessly. “Mistaken identity, Uncle. How much longer until we arrive?”

Cheng Qingyan pointed ahead. “Once we cross the bridge, that’s the entrance to the underground parking lot at Liyang Water Street.”

He then explained to his nephew, “You wanted to incorporate unique elements into your game scene, right? When we get off the car, you should take a good look at this bridge. It’s not just a traffic bridge but a treasure of Huizhou architecture. It’s a covered bridge combining both transportation and scenic functions—the Pearl of Huizhou at night. Your game scene definitely needs a bridge. The carvings and silver elements on Wenfeng Bridge vividly showcase the historical and cultural heritage of Huizhou, especially Tunxi, from ancient times to the present.”

Huizhou studies, one of the three major regional disciplines of Sinology alongside Dunhuang and Tibetan studies, highlight Huizhou culture’s significant place in traditional Chinese culture.

Cheng Yubai, indeed interested in Huizhou architecture, nodded enthusiastically. “Alright, after dinner, we’ll come and take a stroll.”

**

Jiang Yuan arrived at Liyang IN Alley, parked her electric bike, and walked into the long lane.

This long lane branched out in all directions, filled with the vibrant life of New Era Ancient Huizhou. Strolling here allowed one to feel the passage of history and the clash between ancient Huizhou and modern civilization. This was a street for young people, the favorite nighttime spot for eating, drinking, and entertainment.

She entered a quaint yet elegant tea shop where several tourists were browsing casually. Her aunt, dressed in a modernized qipao, sat at the tea table, brewing tea for a visitor interested in buying some, letting him taste it.

Jiang Yuan called out, “Auntie,” placing the late-night snack on the counter.

Two young women, seemingly tourists as well, mistook Jiang Yuan for the cashier and approached her, asking which tea was best as a gift. They wanted to buy some for friends and family, especially elders who loved drinking tea.

Jiang Yuan quickly grabbed four tea cans from the shelf and enthusiastically recommended, “Our most famous local teas in Huangshan are Huangshan Maofeng, Qimen Black Tea, and Taiping Houkui—all great gifts for elders. If you want to buy something for peers, I recommend Dinggu Dafa. It’s especially good for digestion and weight loss, earning it the nickname ‘King of Weight-Loss Teas.’ You can try it over there.”

She then led the two young women to her aunt, who brewed all kinds of teas for them to sample, explaining the details of each.

“This is Huangshan Maofeng, one of the top ten famous teas and considered the finest among Maofeng teas. What I’m brewing now is the premium grade, handmade with traditional rolling techniques. Its appearance is slightly curled, resembling sparrow tongues, with a fresh green color that looks very pure. When we smell the dry tea, there’s a fresh aroma with hints of orchid or chestnut. The picking standard for premium Huangshan Maofeng is one bud with one or two to three young leaves. The tea is tender and plump. Now, to brew it, we first warm the cup, add 4 grams of tea, pour in 80-degree water to one-third of the cup, gently swirl to blend the fragrance—this releases the unique Huizhou mountain tea charm—then fill the cup to two-thirds with water, wait a moment, and it’s ready to taste.”

“Next, I’ll brew some Qimen Black Tea. While Huangshan Maofeng is a top green tea, Qimen Black Tea is a premium black tea known for its sweet and mellow taste. It was once a favorite of the British queen and royal family, earning the title ‘Queen of Black Tea.’”

Jiang Yuan listened attentively, thinking that next time someone asked her about tea, she could talk just like her aunt while brewing.

After several cups brewed by her aunt, Jiang Yuan took a sip and continued enthusiastically recommending teas to the two young women.

About ten minutes later, the two women, along with the other tourists her aunt had served, apparently found the flavors delightful. They each bought several cans of tea and some local specialties before leaving satisfied. Jiang Yuan immediately brought over the late-night snack. “Auntie, you must be hungry. Eat something quickly. I’ll watch the shop for you.”

Her aunt’s name was Lin Rongyin. As she sat at the counter nibbling, she asked Jiang Yuan about her decision to resign and return home. “What made you decide to give up a big city so easily and come back to a small place like Huangshan? Are you really content with that?”

Jiang Yuan wanted to say that in the big city, she was just a cog in the machine with no chance of buying a home or earning a fat salary. Many seniors and alumni had struggled for seven or eight years in Shanghai and left for various reasons. Few truly settled down as new residents. The prospects weren’t as optimistic as relatives back home imagined.

Feeling low, she said, “I didn’t think too much about it. Maybe our generation—the post-2000s—has a completely different attitude from the post-80s and 90s. We don’t have such strong attachments or believe success means grinding in a big city. We prefer to be comfortable wherever we are.”

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Lin Rongyin imitated her husband’s expression and tone, saying, “When your uncle first heard your mother mention this, he said bluntly, ‘What a sin.’”

Jiang Yuan chuckled.

Lin Rongyin continued, “The internet says your generation has given up on four big things: not marrying, not buying houses, not having kids, and not working—living a low-desire lifestyle.”

Jiang Yuan nodded vigorously. “I think that’s true. Grinding to death only benefits the capitalists who ride us like oxen. I seriously thought it through before deciding to come home. With the internet so developed now, there might be opportunities in Huangshan. Many third- and fourth-tier cities have lots of freelancers. I want to be like them—earn a living online. Auntie, don’t you support me?”

Lin Rongyin said, “Maybe every generation has its own way of life. Your uncle and I might be out of touch, don’t understand you young people, but we only want you to have a good future and not suffer like we did.”

Jiang Yuan brightened again. “I know. I’ll come home and try. If I can make something of myself, great. If not, I’ll go back to the big city and grind like crazy. I’m giving myself a year to decide.”

Lin Rongyin said, “I support you.”

With nothing to do, Jiang Yuan pulled out her phone and started playing a game.

Upon logging in, “Kindergarten Ruler” immediately sent her a team invite.

Jiang Yuan clicked “Accept.”

Kindergarten Ruler spoke on voice chat: “Ruyi, finally you’re online. We’re one short, hurry up.”

Jiang Yuan also opened her mic. “Hehe, here I am. I’ll play two rounds then leave.”

Kindergarten Ruler: “Alright. By the way, Island, you’re in Huangshan now too, right? How are your family elders? Have you figured out their situation? Are they really smitten by that internet celebrity? Is she pretty?”

Island replied, “She’s even younger than me. She could be a daughter to my elders. Don’t know what they see in her.”

Jiang Yuan, with a sharp tongue, mimicked an old internet joke: “Maybe because you’re older, or because you don’t bathe. So what now?”

Island: “I’ll play two rounds then find an excuse to leave and chat with that little influencer. Ruyi, I have a question for you. You’re a girl, so you know girls better. How do I make her back off?”

Jiang Yuan had no shortcuts to offer, no constructive advice, and said with a headache, “My mom is being chased too. I’m afraid she’ll get scammed.”

Kindergarten Ruler: “Wow, Auntie has game too?”

Jiang Yuan: “I never expected it either. That uncle seems alright, but these days there are so many scammers. You never know someone’s true intentions. Society is full of traps. I’m watching closely. If anything feels off, I’ll cut it off.”

Swinging her virtual sword decisively, Jiang Yuan cut down the enemy’s archer, earning successive praises from teammates: “Nice!”

Island: “Just tried Huangshan’s specialty dishes, indescribable flavors.”

Jiang Yuan: “Which dishes? Let me guess—stinky tofu? Or fermented mandarin fish?”

Island: “Both.”

Jiang Yuan laughed. “Hahaha.”

Kindergarten Ruler: “Bro, when I toured Huangshan last time, I ordered both too. I could tolerate the fermented mandarin fish, but stinky tofu wrecked me.”

Jiang Yuan smiled while playing. “Actually, it’s not that bad. Stinky tofu is hard for most people to get used to, but those who love it really crave it. We have a saying here: ‘Huizhou’s first oddity, moldy tofu is a delicacy.’ My mom cooks it especially well. Island, master, come to my house sometime. My mom’s pan-fried stinky tofu is crispy outside, tender inside. Shall we add each other on WeChat? I can recommend good local restaurants and fun spots.”

Island: “Sure, I’ll add you after this round.”

Five minutes later, Cheng Yubai toppled the crystal tower across from him, winning the game, and asked, “Ruyi, what’s your phone number?”

Jiang Yuan: “138********”

Soon, a system message popped up on Jiang Yuan’s phone: Island requested to add you as a friend.

She clicked “Accept.”

Right after the friend request was accepted, Island sent her a photo of a meal.

Jiang Yuan recognized the surroundings instantly—the dazzling riverside night view by the window, picturesque scenery, and the elegant and grand interior decor. This was Linjiang Yilou, no more than 100 meters away from her!

Excited, she replied: [Master? You’re at Linjiang Yilou in Liyang IN Alley? I’m here too. What a coincidence! Can I come find you?]

Island: [Sure.]

Jiang Yuan: [I’m on my way. Wait for me three minutes.]

She put away her phone, said goodbye to her aunt: “Auntie, I met an online friend visiting here. I’m going to hang out with him. I’m leaving now.”

Lin Rongyin was busy attending to customers but said, “Alright, go have fun.”

Jiang Yuan soon arrived at Linjiang Yilou and sent a WeChat message: [I’m here, at the door.]

Island: [Wait a moment, I’ll come out to get you.]

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