Great Power Reclamation

Chapter 2930 Senior Citizens' Tour Group

In the evening, the group took a walk along the lake to digest their meal. The setting sun cast its last golden glow on the snow-capped peaks, and the cool evening breeze carried the moisture of the lake and the fragrance of the pine forest.

Yang Geyong couldn't resist taking out his Mohe cigarettes again and puffing away, the smoke curling up and blending into the twilight.

Ye Yuze stood by the lake, took a deep breath, and felt as if the long-accumulated melancholy had been washed away by the pure air.

Yang Geyong walked over and offered him a pipe: "Want a puff?" Ye Yuze waved his hand and looked into the distance:

"Let's stop dwelling on the past. Let's look ahead and make the most of this trip."

"Absolutely!" Yang Geyong nodded emphatically.

Leaving the high-altitude lakes, the tour group continued north, venturing into the vast grasslands of the Ili River Valley.

The grasslands in July are the most beautiful time of year. The lush green grass stretches like a giant green carpet all the way to the horizon.

Wildflowers of various colors dot the landscape like scattered gems. Herds of cattle and sheep, like pearls, graze leisurely on the grassland.

In the distance, wisps of smoke rise from white yurts, and the air is filled with the fragrance of grass and earth.

Wow! This is the real earth!

As soon as he got off the bus, Li Lindong opened his arms wide, as if he wanted to embrace the entire grassland. Everyone's mood, like the vastness of the sky and earth, became open and cheerful.

We happened to arrive during a small-scale Naadam festival held by local herders.

Upon hearing the news of the horse race, Yang Geyong was the first to perk up, his eyes lighting up. "Horse racing! I'm an expert at that! I won first place back in the ranch, I was one of the best!"

He rubbed his hands together, eager to try. Ye Yuze smiled and exposed his predicament:
"Come on, that's ancient history. Don't you know how old you are? Don't get overwhelmed by the horse's movements."

"Hey! Who do you think you are?"

Yang Geyong retorted, "I may be a bit older, but I still have the foundation! Don't believe me? Let's have a competition!"

Seeing that there was something to watch, everyone started cheering. In the end, not only Yang Geyong and Ye Yuze, but also Wei Yuxiang, Kevin, and several others who considered themselves to be in good health clamored to participate and experience it.

The herders were very hospitable and chose docile horses for them. The old men changed into rented Mongolian robes and hats, looked at each other's attire, and burst into laughter again.

The match began, and Yang Geyong took the lead, his posture surprisingly quite professional, charging out with a shout. Ye Yuze followed closely behind, not as wild as Yang Geyong, but also steady and methodical.

Wei Yuxiang gripped the reins tightly, his body stiff, drawing good-natured laughter from the onlookers. Kevin and Ivan, on the other hand, were completely clueless; the horse paced slowly, causing them to yell in frustration.

In the end, Yang Geyong "defeated" Ye Yuze by a narrow margin. He rode his horse around the field triumphantly, receiving cheers from the crowd, as if he had won a world championship.

Ye Yuze looked at his childish appearance and shook his head with a helpless smile.

After the competition, the hospitable herders invited them to the largest yurt, where fragrant milk tea, fresh hand-pulled mutton, and various dairy products filled the small table. An elderly herder with gray hair and vigorous spirit played the tobshuur (a Mongolian plucked instrument), while several Mongolian girls in their finest attire danced the traditional Sawurden dance with graceful and unrestrained movements.

One of the lead dancers looked to be in her fifties; time had left its mark on her face, but one could still see the charm and beauty she possessed in her youth.

She was cheerful and outgoing, with a loud and clear singing voice, and frequently toasted the guests. Especially when she toasted Yang Geyong, she saw him drink it all in one gulp and gave him an approving smile.

Yang Geyong, this rough-around-the-edges fellow, after a few bowls of mare's milk wine and caught up in the atmosphere, started dancing and gesturing wildly, even trying to sing a Mongolian long song off-key, making everyone laugh heartily. The older woman was also amused by him and specially offered him another bowl of wine.

All of this was observed by a "thoughtful person" nearby.

During the break, Li Lindong secretly nudged Ye Yuze, winked, and whispered:
"Old Ye, look at Old Yang, he's got some good looks! Would you call this a 'romantic encounter'?"

Ye Yuze noticed that the older woman was indeed exceptionally warm towards Yang Geyong, and couldn't help but smile as well.

"You never know, this old guy might have some charm."

Wei Yuxiang overheard this and immediately joined in the "broadcasting." Soon, all the old guys in the tour group knew about the "rumor" of Yang Geyong meeting a kindred spirit on the grassland.

Back at their yurt that evening, everyone started teasing Yang Geyong.

"Old Yang, that's impressive! Did that lady exchange hada scarves with you before you left?"

"When are you going to invite us to your wedding? I think that lady is a good match for you!"

"So, are you going to have to stay on the grasslands and herd sheep from now on? Shouldn't you distribute your company shares in advance?"

Yang Geyong blushed deeply and was so anxious he jumped up and down:
"Nonsense! They're just being hospitable! You bunch of old fogies, how can your minds be so crooked!" The more he argued, the more everyone laughed.

Finally, Yang Geyong had no choice but to resort to his "trump card," bringing out the Yili Laojiao liquor he had brought with him:

"We can't shut you up! Let's drink!" This "romantic encounter" finally came to an end amidst the clinking of glasses, becoming a hilarious interlude in the trip.

Leaving the grasslands, the tour group headed north towards Kanas, the legendary "Garden of the Gods".

The journey became more winding, with vehicles traveling on mountain roads, one side of which was a steep cliff and the other side a deep ravine.

The forest is getting denser and denser, gradually transforming from the initial grassland landscape into a lush taiga (temperate coniferous forest), with the air filled with a refreshing coolness and the scent of pine.

They first arrived at Hemu Township, downstream of Kanas Lake. This is a small village inhabited by the Tuva people, with primitive wooden houses scattered in the valley, surrounded by birch forests and snow-capped mountains, peaceful and serene.

In the evening, everyone strolled through the village, watching the sunset paint the wooden houses and forests in a warm gold, and seeing the cattle and horses slowly crossing the stream as they returned home, as if they were in a fairy tale world.

Dinner was a traditional Tuvan hot pot. We sat around the fire pit, enjoying delicious mutton and wild mushrooms, while listening to the host play a melodious and desolate tune on the sur (a type of grass flute). Everyone's heart calmed down.

Before dawn the next day, Ye Yuze woke everyone up.

"Get up quickly, let's go see the morning mist! The morning mist in Hemu is something you absolutely can't miss!"

The elderly people were still sleepy-eyed, but Ye Yuze's unusual enthusiasm spurred them on. They climbed up to the small viewing platform next to the village.

At this moment, a thick, milky-white mist filled the valley, and Hemu Village appeared and disappeared in the sea of ​​fog, with only a few tall wooden roofs peeking out. On the horizon, the dawn gradually illuminated the snow-capped mountain peaks.

As time passed, the sun slowly rose, its sunlight like a golden sword piercing through the clouds. The mist began to drift and dissipate, gradually revealing the villages, streams, and birch forests below. The entire process was like a fairyland shedding its veil, breathtakingly beautiful.

Everyone held their breath, with only the clicking of camera shutters and involuntary gasps of amazement remaining.

"So beautiful……"

Wei Yuxiang murmured to himself, "It feels like it's worth it to see this once in a lifetime."

Even the most boisterous Yang Geyong watched quietly for a long time, then silently took out his pipe, but did not light it, just held it in his hand and rubbed it.

After viewing the morning mist, everyone walked down in twos and threes. Ye Yuze and Yang Geyong were at the very back.

Looking at the lush forests at the foot of the distant snow-capped mountains and the Tuvan children playing on the grasslands, Yang Geyong suddenly sighed:
"Time flies, Lao Ye. In the blink of an eye, we've all grown old. Just like this morning mist, it looks so thick, but once the sun comes out, it dissipates just as quickly."

Ye Yuze nodded, deeply agreeing: "Yes. I used to think I had plenty of time, busy working, busy making money, busy expanding the company. Looking back, I realized I'd forgotten the days I should have truly enjoyed."

He paused, looking at his old buddies beside him, "But it's nice to be able to travel around with you guys like this. Now that the fog has lifted, isn't the sky bluer and the scenery even more pristine?"

Yang Geyong laughed: "You're right! Damn it, even when you're old, you have to live life to the fullest! Where to next?"

"Let's go see the lake monster at Kanas Lake!" Ye Yuze laughed.

They took a boat trip on Kanas Lake. The turquoise water was crystal clear, and the banks were lined with dense forests and towering peaks. Although no one saw the legendary lake monster, the scenery was enough to make them linger.

For the last stop of their trip, they went to Sayram Lake. Facing this azure lake, known as "the last tear of the Atlantic," its vastness and tranquility seemed to be able to hold all their worries.

As the sun set, twelve elderly people stood side by side by the lake, their shadows stretched long. Their silver hair swayed gently in the lake breeze.

Along the way, they saw the snow-capped mountains, grasslands, lakes, deserts, and canyons of northern Xinjiang; they experienced both hilarious farces and profoundly moving moments. Their laughter echoed across the wilderness, and their footprints were etched on the road.

Looking at his old friends who had been with him for most of his life, and at the land they had struggled, lived, and loved, Ye Yuze felt a sense of peace and gratitude.

The company has been handed over to the next generation, who are doing an even better job. And while their generation's era may be gradually coming to an end, their lives can still be filled with such vast landscapes and sincere friendships.

“Brothers,” Ye Yuze said, his voice calm but firm, “this trip was worthwhile. We need to come out like this every year from now on!”

"Agreed!" "Absolutely!" "Next time, let's go to southern Xinjiang!" "Let's go to the Pamir Plateau!" The old folks responded enthusiastically, their eyes sparkling with the brilliance of young people.

A lake breeze carries the scent of distant lands. Their journey continues; the scenery of life always lies ahead.

Ye Yuze laughed: "Why wait until next time? Let's go now!"

The crowd cheered and hurriedly climbed into the car, while Yang Geyong ran to say goodbye to the woman, which drew laughter...

Leaving the azure waters of Sayram Lake, the tour bus didn't turn back, but instead truly began its journey into southern Xinjiang.

They need to cross the majestic Tianshan Mountains to reach the land surrounded by the towering Kunlun Mountains and the vast Taklamakan Desert.

The car wound its way along the Duku Highway, a heroic road hailed as one of "China's most beautiful highways," renowned for its ruggedness and magnificence.

On one side was a bottomless canyon, and on the other side was a near-vertical cliff. The snow-capped mountains were so close, as if they could be reached. Everyone clung to the car windows, exclamations of amazement rising and falling.

"Wow, this road is really well-built!" Wei Yuxiang exclaimed.
“Back then, when we were building canals and reclaiming wasteland, we thought it was difficult enough. Compared to this, it was nothing.”

Ivan was a little nervous; he was afraid of heights and tried his best not to look towards the cliff, muttering to himself:

"This driver's skills are really top-notch..."

Ye Yuze was immersed in the breathtaking scene: "Only by traversing such natural barriers can one truly appreciate the extraordinary nature of the Southern Frontier."

After several hours of winding mountain roads, as the car began its descent, the scenery outside the window gradually changed. Greenery increased, and the temperature rose noticeably. It was as if they had driven from the height of temperate summer into the intense heat of a warm temperate summer.

Finally, the view opened up before us, and an oasis city appeared at the foot of the mountains—Korla, the gateway to southern Xinjiang, we had arrived.

As soon as I got out of the car, a dry and warm wind rushed towards me, carrying a unique sweet fragrance of melons and fruits and a faint smell of dust.

In stark contrast to the cool and humid climate of northern Xinjiang, the warmth of southern Xinjiang seems to embrace people instantly.

"Wow, this weather is insane!" Li Lindong wiped the fine sweat from his brow.

After settling in, it was already evening. The first thing to do, of course, was to enjoy some delicious food.

Xiao Ai, a local guide and an enthusiastic Uyghur young man, took them directly to the night market next to Korla's most famous "Fragrant Pear Avenue".

"Korla has three treasures: fragrant pears, roasted whole lamb, and the Lop Nur people. Tonight, let's start with fragrant pears and roasted meat!" Xiao Ai said with a smile.

The night market was bustling with people, filled with smoke, and various aromas mingled together, greatly stimulating the taste buds.

The first dish served was a plate of golden, glistening roasted whole lamb. The skin was roasted to a crispy, fragrant perfection, while the lamb inside was tender and juicy. Sprinkled with cumin, chili powder, and salt, the simple seasonings brought out the lamb's deliciousness to its fullest.

No one cared about their image anymore; they started tearing at the mutton with their hands, chewing it heartily, and cheering.

"This mutton has absolutely no gamey smell, it's amazing!"

Kevin chewed with difficulty while giving a thumbs-up, his Chinese mixed with English, which amused everyone.

Next up is Korla's signature dish—fragrant pears. Although it's not autumn when the pears are fully ripe, the refrigerated, stored pears are still juicy, sweet, and crisp, perfectly relieving the greasiness of the roasted meat.

"These pears are so juicy and delicious, they truly live up to their reputation!" Ye Yuze exclaimed.

Yang Geyong wasn't particularly interested in fruit; his attention was quickly drawn to another food—roasted meat in a tandoor oven.

Inside the enormous tandoor oven, not only were naan breads baking, but also large skewers of mutton hung on the grill, slowly roasted using the residual heat of the oven, resulting in tender meat with a unique smoky aroma. He devoured several large skewers by himself.

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