CHAPTER 81: CHAPTER 81 A DIFFERENT KIND OF ROMANCE (5)_1

The main path up the mountain was a two-meter-wide cement stairway, and every morning and evening, one could see many people climbing the steps for exercise.

At this moment, rain splashed against the stairway, washing away the mud that had clung to the steps, revealing their pristine surface.

Sheltering under an umbrella, the couple walked slowly uphill against the mountain breeze, braving the rain. Reaching the mountainside, they stepped under the hexagonal Pavilion built there for passersby to rest. Julia Bluen couldn’t help but turn around to gaze down at the foot of the mountain.

It was a white blur, like smoke, like fog, like drifting clouds. From a distance, it was hazy, seemingly real and unreal, dreamy and illusory. Up close, the greenery shone through, creating a dreamy beauty that easily stirred hearts.

The three-story hexagonal Pavilion was built with an ancient charm. It was evident the investor understood how to complement nature.

Glades Horne led Julia Bluen up to the third level of the Pavilion, where they stood high, looking out at the scenery, which was even more magnificent from above.

"How is it? Beautiful?" Glades Horne asked, capturing the enraptured look on Julia Bluen’s face with a light smile.

"Very beautiful, very peaceful, purely natural," Julia Bluen said, greedily taking in the distant view, summarizing everything.

Glades Horne smiled and stretched out his arms to hold her close. The couple snuggled together, gazing at the rain-soaked landscape. It was as if they were the only two in the world, alone with the most genuine, pure, and beautiful scenery surrounding them.

After standing for a while, Glades Horne took her hand, and they left the Pavilion, continuing along the mountain path toward the true summit. One end of the Pavilion led to a cement stairway, while the other opened onto a winding, undulating cement path that truly felt like a mountain trail.

On this section of the mountain, the vegetation changed from pine trees to other types of plants. There were some unidentifiable species that appeared to be a mix of wild and cultivated varieties. These plants were not evergreens. Their leaves had mostly turned yellow; some had fallen, while others barely clung to their branches, awaiting the arrival of the autumn wind and rain.

Walking this stretch of path truly gave one a sense of autumn’s arrival.

One part of the mountain path felt like spring, vibrant and full of life. Another part, however, followed the seasons, reminding everyone that autumn had arrived. The weather had cooled, signaling it was time to prepare for winter.

The couple finally reached the true summit.

There too stood buildings, built in an ancient architectural style resembling a temple but not quite one. In front of the building was a large cement Courtyard, with long, antique corridors on both sides. Walking along these corridors, one could enter the rooms, which were simply furnished and provided for the enjoyment of travelers.

Standing at the edge of the Courtyard, one could gaze down the mountain.

This time, the view encompassed the entire expanse of the luxury housing estate.

Each unique luxury villa sat quietly in the rain, appearing amidst the mist as if they were palaces of jade and towers of ivory.

Around the building, besides pine trees, there were also small fir trees and some flowerpots with plants from all seasons. The path behind the building was still cement but half as wide, giving the feeling of walking in the wilds.

Glades Horne, holding Julia Bluen’s hand, walked along, occasionally speaking in low tones.

Both of them particularly enjoyed the mountain scenery in the rain, devoid of the usual bustle and free from the taint of dust, as if they were in a realm of immortals.

"I’ve climbed this mountain countless times, yet it is the first time I’ve realized its beauty to this extent," said Julia Bluen sincerely, standing at the edge of the clearing and overlooking the layout of the luxury housing estate.

"Sometimes, the beauty of certain scenery can only be thoroughly appreciated in a special environment, when one takes the time to calmly savor it," Glades Horne’s deep and mellow voice remarked.

Julia Bluen deeply agreed.

Usually, they came and went primarily for exercise, rushing over and then away. They never truly stopped or noticed that this small mountain possessed a beauty comparable to that of a large one. It hadn’t lost any of its inherent natural splendor simply because it was small or low. It all depended on how people experienced and appreciated it.

It was like a bed of blooming flowers placed in the middle of a wide road. Those who knew how to appreciate them would find the flowers beautiful. Those who didn’t would think they were blocking the way, an eyesore, and would just toss them aside.

Evening was approaching. "Let’s head back, and I’ll take you for another mountain outing when we have some free time," Glades Horne said to Julia Bluen, glancing at the darkening skies and speaking gently.

"Mhm." Julia Bluen obediently nodded.

Glades Horne then reached out his large hand to her. It was far from the first time he had done so.

Julia Bluen turned and looked firmly at him, then stretched out her own hand with a faint smile.

His substantial hand grasped her fair, delicate one, their fingers intertwining as they started down the mountain along another trail.

The other trail leading down the mountain was very narrow, but it started out narrow and gradually widened. The closer they got to the foot of the mountain, the wider the path became, giving one a sense of sudden openness.

Upon reflection, this also held a certain symbolism. It represented the path of life: starting narrow, but as long as one persisted, believed in a good future, and continued step by step, a wide, sunlit avenue would eventually open up ahead.

The autumn rain wasn’t as persistent as spring rain. By the time the couple descended the mountain, the downpour had lessened. As they walked along the man-made lake toward their marital home, the rain stopped completely.

Unexpectedly, as evening settled, the rain ceased, giving way to a post-rain rainbow. Though faint, it was clearly visible, a genuine arc across the sky.

Back at the villa, their young couple’s haven, Julia Bluen stood at the entrance. She surveyed the Courtyard scenery and suddenly felt something. This villa didn’t seem designed by Glades Horne for her sister, but rather for her. Every spot, every view, every arrangement was exactly to her liking.

Although some elements might have appealed to her sister, a closer look revealed that the majority catered to her own preferences.

"What’s the matter?" Glades Horne saw her stop and asked gently.

"I like this place."

Julia Bluen turned to look squarely at Glades Horne, her bright, almond-shaped eyes holding an inquiring look. Why was it that the more time they spent together, the more she discovered things in his life that she liked? Even this villa, originally intended as a dowry property for her sister, felt this way. Though it was her property now, when Glades Horne bought and personally designed it, he must have been thinking of living here with her sister, right?