Chapter 435 - 17: The Water Town

Chapter 435: Chapter 17: The Water Town

Before they knew it, it was noon. They decided to try some local delicacies. The Ancient City’s specialties included donkey meat sandwiches and the Eight Great Bowls. They found a local restaurant and ordered these signature dishes. When the donkey meat sandwiches were served, the tempting aroma greatly whetted their appetites.

"Wow, these donkey meat sandwiches look so tempting!" Huang Pengfei eagerly picked one up and took a bite. "Mmm, this is delicious. The donkey meat is so tender, and the bread is perfectly crispy." Li Xiao also tried a bite and was full of praise. "It really is good. This is one of the best donkey meat sandwiches I’ve ever had."

After lunch, they went to watch a local folk performance. The show was held in a theater in the Ancient City and featured acrobatics, Chinese opera, and more. The performers’ brilliant acts gave them a deep appreciation for the Ancient City’s rich cultural heritage. Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei were captivated, applauding and cheering constantly.

After the folk performance, they went to buy some local specialties. The Ancient City offered many souvenirs, such as handicrafts and unique snacks. They picked out some exquisite handicrafts and a few snacks as mementos of their trip. Holding up a handmade sachet, Huang Pengfei said, "This sachet is so delicate. I’ll give it to my friend when I get back. She’ll definitely love it." Li Xiao smiled. "You’re right. These local products are all very unique and make for great gifts."

After buying their souvenirs, they wandered through the Ancient City for a while longer. As the sun set, its golden afterglow bathed the Ancient City, making it look exceptionally beautiful. Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei stood atop an old City Tower, gazing at the distant scenery with a sense of wonder. Huang Pengfei said, "Today was so much fun. This Ancient City let me experience a rich historical atmosphere and a unique cultural charm." Li Xiao replied, "It did. Every place has its own unique charm. Our journey isn’t over yet. I’m looking forward to the surprises our next destination will bring."

「Leaving the historic Ancient City behind, Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei arrived at another destination: a uniquely charming Water Village.」

The moment they arrived at the Water Village, they were captivated by the picturesque scenery. Crisscrossing waterways, ancient stone bridges, and the neat white-walled, black-tiled houses on either bank formed a beautiful tableau. Huang Pengfei said excitedly, "Li Xiao, this place is absolutely beautiful! It feels like we’ve walked into an ink wash painting." Li Xiao smiled in response. "You’re right. The tranquility and beauty here are intoxicating."

They strolled along the stone-paved path by the river. The water was crystal clear, and they could occasionally see a few small fish darting about. A gentle breeze swept by, sending ripples across the water’s surface and causing the weeping willows on the bank to sway lightly. Li Xiao stopped and looked at the reflections on the water. "This scenery is so relaxing," he mused. "It feels like all my worries have vanished into thin air." Huang Pengfei nodded in agreement. "Yeah, even the air here smells fresh."

As they walked, they came to an old stone bridge. Standing on the bridge, they could overlook the entire Water Village. Huang Pengfei took out his phone and started snapping photos constantly. "Li Xiao, this place is perfect for pictures. Every shot is a masterpiece." Li Xiao laughed. "It’s true. The scenery is so overwhelmingly beautiful you can’t help but want to capture it."

After coming down from the stone bridge, they visited some of the Water Village’s famous sights, like its ancient manors and museums. In the manors, they admired the exquisite garden landscapes and traditional architectural styles. In the museums, they learned about the history and culture of the Water Village. "This Water Village has such a long history," Huang Pengfei remarked as they toured the area. "So many stories and legends." Li Xiao replied, "Exactly. That’s the charm of the Water Village. It carries the memories of the past while continuously developing and changing."

Noon arrived before they realized it, and they decided to sample the local cuisine. The Water Village’s specialties included steamed fish, crab roe tofu, and sweet green rice balls. They found a restaurant by the water and ordered these signature dishes. When the steamed fish arrived, its fresh aroma made their mouths water.

"Wow, this steamed fish looks incredible!" Huang Pengfei eagerly picked up his chopsticks and took a bite. "Mmm, this is amazing. The fish is tender and full of flavor." Li Xiao tried a mouthful of the crab roe tofu and praised it profusely. "This crab roe tofu is delicious too. The texture is so smooth, and the flavor is rich."

After their meal, they went to see another local folk performance. This one was held in a square in the Water Village and featured dragon dances, lion dances, and folk songs and dances. The performers’ spectacular show gave them a deep sense of the Water Village’s cultural heritage. Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei were mesmerized, applauding and cheering without pause.

Once the performance was over, they did some more souvenir shopping. The Water Village’s specialties included silk, handicrafts, and local snacks. They chose a few silk products and handicrafts as keepsakes from their trip. Holding up a silk scarf, Huang Pengfei said, "This scarf is beautiful. I’ll bring it back for my mom. She’s going to love it." Li Xiao smiled. "You’re right. These local goods are all so distinctive and make perfect gifts."

With their shopping done, they took another stroll through the Water Village. As the sun began to set, its golden rays washed over the Water Village, making it look exceptionally beautiful. Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei stood by the river, looking out at the distant scenery, their hearts full of emotion. Huang Pengfei said, "Today was absolutely wonderful. This Water Village gave me a real sense of its deep history and unique cultural charm." Li Xiao replied, "It did. Every place has its own unique charm. Our journey isn’t over yet. I’m looking forward to the surprises our next destination will bring."