The two of them finally reached the mountain summit after more than three hours of climbing.
At the peak stood a magnificent, gilded temple, surrounded by railings densely packed with love locks and red ribbons, left by couples visiting for the experience.
Even this late, some vendors were still operating.
Shang Jincheng bought a love lock and two red ribbons, borrowed a pen from a vendor, and asked Ge'er to write whatever they wished to convey.
Most people wrote things like "grow old together" and "eternal happiness."
Ge'er didn't want to be cliché, but she couldn't think of anything particularly meaningful to express at the moment.
After a moment's thought, she wrote a line in elegant cursive on a red ribbon:
"Love freely given, no regrets after, cherishing the encounter, owing nothing."
Shang Jincheng was displeased. "Why would you write that? It sounds like you're breaking up, so unlucky. Rewrite it, rewrite it."
Ge'er handed him the pen. "I can't think of anything else. Why don't you do it?"
Shang Jincheng took the pen and wrote two plain sentences: "I hope Shang Jincheng and Zhan Jingge will be united in heart forever, grow old together, have children soon, and be together in the next life."
It was already eleven o'clock at night. This was Ge'er's first time climbing a mountain at night, and she felt a lot of emotions.
She took a few photos with her phone, and Shang Jincheng moved closer to her.
"Let's take a picture together."
"I don't mean anything by it, I'm not forcing you to post it on social media, I just think it's quite memorable."
Ge'er also felt it was worth remembering and handed him her phone. "You take it."
The two of them stood with their backs to the mountain and faces towards the camera. Ge'er stood behind him, making a peace sign, and Shang Jincheng smiled sweetly. The moment was captured.
The photo turned out beautifully, and Shang Jincheng immediately forwarded it to himself.
Then he asked Ge'er if she wanted to go down the mountain.
"Let's stay a little longer."
The evening breeze ruffled her hair as she gazed at the distant mountain ranges, breathing in the faint fragrance carried by the wind. Shang Jincheng held her close, and they stood like that for a long time.
It was already three in the morning when they got down the mountain.
Shang Jincheng went to book two rooms at the hotel.
"Go to sleep quickly. We have to get up at five in the morning, thank you for your hard work."
Ge'er held his hand, stopping him.
"I suddenly don't want to sleep anymore. My heart is so excited, I don't think I can sleep. How about we go explore the night market in Mountain City?"
Shang Jincheng agreed with her suggestion, and they took a taxi to the night market street.
It was incredibly lively, filled with young men and women, the aroma of various foods filling the air, like a festival.
They walked and stopped, buying a lot of food. Ge'er was as excited as a child.
Shang Jincheng walked beside her, watching her dotingly, occasionally taking photos for her. The day had been incredibly fulfilling and happy.
Five o'clock arrived quickly, and the two of them rushed to the airport. They hurried onto the plane, and Ge'er felt sleepy. Shang Jincheng let her rest her head on his chest.
"How was it? Did you have fun yesterday? Were you surprised?"
Ge'er answered truthfully, "Yes, I had fun."
Shang Jincheng said, "As long as you don't divorce me, I promise to give you surprises every day and make you the happiest woman in the world, okay?"
Ge'er pinched his arm. "You said it, Shang Jincheng. If you can't keep your promise..."
"What? You won't let me sleep in the same bed?"
"...You're shameless!"
"Hahaha," Shang Jincheng looked at her blushing face, his breathing gradually deepening. He leaned closer and whispered in her ear.
"There was something I didn't get to do last night."
"What?"
"A kiss to seal our love. I brought you all the way up the mountain just for that, but someone was too shy."
Ge'er's ears visibly turned red. He gently touched her ear. "Can I?"
"Shang Jincheng, I..."
"I know, it's your first kiss, Ge'er. I will definitely treat you well."