This person is clearly a male protagonist in a female-oriented novel, yet he is excessively lucid.

The morning light at the end of September streamed through the window, carrying the unique coolness of early autumn, and quietly fell on the suitcase in the entryway.

Yu Chenzhou was bending down to carefully inspect the suitcase, neatly arranging the two people's clothes, snacks, and personal belongings. His fingertips occasionally smoothed out the wrinkles in the luggage bag, revealing a sense of steadiness.

"Everything's packed, let's go."

As he straightened up, he casually ruffled Xiao Yilin's hair, his fingertips gently brushing against the top of her head, his eyes filled with tenderness.

This was their first long-distance trip since they started dating, and they deliberately chose to set off before the National Day Golden Week.

This cleverly avoids both highway congestion and tourist crowds, and also carries a solemn expectation:

Yu Chenzhou was going to take Xiao Yilin back to his hometown in Hubei to meet his parents, and then go to the Civil Affairs Bureau to get their marriage certificate.

The car slowly drove onto the G4221 Shanghai-Wuhan Expressway. The wind at the end of September blew through the gaps in the car windows, already filled with the crisp autumn air.

Xiao Yilin leaned comfortably against the passenger seat, turning her head to look at the scenery rushing past the window:

In the early morning, the rice paddies are bathed in a soft, pale gold by the warm autumn sun. The plump ears of rice hang heavily, and when the wind blows, they create fine golden waves, carrying the fresh fragrance of ripe grains.

Occasionally, villages with white walls and black tiles flash by, wisps of smoke curling into the pale blue mist, creating a picturesque scene against the backdrop of rolling hills in the distance, outlining a tranquil pastoral landscape.

"Luckily we left before the National Day holiday, so there weren't many cars on the highway. If we had waited a few more days, it would have been so congested that we couldn't move an inch."

Xiao Yilin's tone revealed obvious relief. She reached out and opened the car window a little, and a refreshing breeze, carrying the dryness of autumn, rushed in, along with the crisp scent of grass and trees from the fields.

She turned her head to look at Yu Chenzhou, who was focused on driving. His bangs were slightly blown by the wind. After leaving the hustle and bustle of the metropolis, both of them had a rare sense of relaxation and ease in their eyes.

"We specifically chose this time to avoid peak hours and allow you to leisurely explore the scenery along the way."

As Yu Chenzhou kept his eyes fixed on what was ahead, he spoke with a tone full of doting affection.

"The highway conditions are better than expected. We're almost at the Yangcheng Lake service area. I heard that it has been renovated and has a lot of Jiangnan charm. Let's stop there for a break and buy some freshly caught hairy crabs to try."

Xiao Yilin's eyes lit up, and her tone was excited:

"Great! Late September is the time when hairy crabs are at their fattest and most delicious. I'll just buy some hot crab roe buns to tide me over."

The two chatted casually, from the hot dry noodles in the old alleys of Wuhan to the snacks along the Qinhuai River in Nanjing, their words filling the carriage.

The air was filled with an irrepressible warmth, and the early autumn scenery outside the window unfolded more vividly as the car wheels rolled along.

After arriving at the Yangcheng Lake service area, the two strolled side by side among the antique-style corridor shops, where the wooden pillars and carved windows exuded a strong Jiangnan (southern China) charm.

At this moment, several red lanterns have been quietly hung up, and staff members are carefully tying the national flag to the pillars. A warm and gentle National Day atmosphere permeates the air, understated yet exceptionally touching.

They chose fresh, plump hairy crabs and also tried the crab roe soup dumplings made at the service area.

The skin is as thin as paper, and when you bite into it, the soup bursts out, fresh but not greasy, and your mouth is full of the fresh and refreshing taste of Jiangnan.

After a half-hour rest to recharge, we continued our journey and arrived in Nanjing three and a half hours later.

In late September, Nanjing was bathed in the perfect autumn colors, and the National Day decorations were gradually being put in place on the streets and alleys.

On the lampposts along both sides of the main road, bright red national flags and warm yellow lanterns complement each other beautifully.

Swaying gently in the breeze, it subtly hides the festive atmosphere in the everyday life, neither crowded nor noisy.

The car eventually stopped downstairs at a hotel in Qinhuai District, where Yu Chenzhou had booked a window room with a view in advance.

Opening the window reveals the hazy outline of the Qinhuai River in the distance. Workers on the bank are adjusting the colored lights as dusk falls, and the flowing light and shadow fall on the rippling water, adding a touch of gentleness to the night scene.

After a short rest, the two walked to Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum. On the way, they passed a local time-honored pastry shop with an old signboard. The sweet aroma tempted their taste buds, so they went in and bought osmanthus cake and plum blossom pastry as snacks.

Osmanthus cake from Nanjing carries the natural fragrance of osmanthus, is sweet but not cloying, melts in your mouth, and with each chew, you are filled with the refreshing taste of early autumn in Nanjing.

The plane trees along Lingyuan Road are lush and leafy, their thick branches intertwining to form a romantic green tunnel. The fallen leaves at the end of September have a faint yellow tinge, and they make a soft rustling sound when you step on them, which is particularly soothing.

Flowers are in full bloom in the flowerbeds at the entrance of the scenic area, and a few small red flags are stuck in the corner. They are not eye-catching but are fresh and lively, adding a touch of warmth to this tranquil autumn scene.

Since it wasn't yet the National Day holiday, there were very few tourists, making it exceptionally quiet. The scenic area had already prepared for the National Day holiday, allowing the two to stroll leisurely and enjoy the sights at their leisure.

Yu Chenzhou held Xiao Yilin's hand tightly as they ascended the steps. The stone steps were slightly cool, but the warmth in his palm felt exceptionally comforting. His tone was gentle, tinged with a hint of relief:

"When I was studying at the medical school, I came to Nanjing once before the National Day holiday. There were still quite a lot of people there, so I didn't have a chance to explore properly."

This time, we've finally caught the right moment, allowing me to leisurely enjoy the autumn scenery with you while also subtly soaking up some of the festive cheer.

Xiao Yilin nodded gently, gripping his hand tightly with her fingertips, her eyes brimming with smiles, exceptionally bright.

After reaching the top, the two stood side by side overlooking the solemn and majestic temple, its green tiles and red walls exuding a profound sense of history under the autumn sun.

Afterwards, they deliberately went to the music stage on the side. Yu Chenzhou was prepared in advance. He took out the corn kernels he had prepared in advance from his bag, and led Xiao Yilin to sit down on the circular steps.

Flocks of white doves came at the sound and landed on the shoulders and palms of the two. Xiao Yilin was a little reserved at first, her fingertips stiffened slightly, but with Yu Chenzhou’s gentle encouragement, she slowly relaxed and gently fed them.

The graceful white doves and the gentle couple drew frequent glances from the few tourists around them.

Yu Chenzhou gently brushed away the tiny feathers clinging to her hair with his fingertips, and smilingly captured this tender moment with his camera.

After leaving Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, the two went to the adjacent Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum.

However, before that, Xiao Yilin changed into a phoenix coronet and wedding gown.

This is one of the romantic things Yu Chenzhou prepared for her: at the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, she wore a phoenix coronet and embroidered robe from the Ming Dynasty and made a lifelong promise to him.

After their actions became known, many people followed suit, and they received widespread praise.

So much so that every National Day holiday thereafter, Nanjing Culture and Tourism specially set up a Ming-style wedding photography experience point at Xiaoling Mausoleum.

After taking photos, the two began to explore the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum.

At the end of September, the ginkgo trees were just beginning to glow with a light golden light, their emerald green not yet completely faded, and the red walls and black tiles were surrounded by layers upon layers of branches and leaves.

Sunlight filters through the gaps in the branches and leaves, casting dappled, shimmering shadows on the wall. A gust of wind blows, and delicate yellow leaves flutter down, carpeting the ground with a soft, golden path.

The ancient beasts on Stone Elephant Road stand quietly in the early autumn scenery. Their stone bodies, weathered by a hundred years of wind and rain, gleam with a warm luster, their expressions majestic yet exuding the tranquility of time.

Together with the ancient trees on both sides and the Ming Dynasty city gate tower in the distance, it forms a tranquil ancient painting, fully demonstrating the solemnity and elegance of the Ming Dynasty imperial mausoleum.

Several small red flags were cleverly tied to the railings next to the ancient building, blending gently with the autumn scenery and ancient charm without any sense of incongruity, but instead adding a touch of vitality.

Because of the off-peak travel, there was no noisy crowd to disturb us, only the tranquility of autumn and the faint festive atmosphere.

Xiao Yilin pulled Yu Chenzhou to take a photo next to the stone statue, deliberately tilting her head and leaning affectionately on his shoulder, her eyes full of playfulness.

Yu Chenzhou naturally put his arm around her waist, his gaze gently falling on her smiling eyes. He completely shed his work-like composure and competence, leaving only tenderness in his heart.

Compared to the hustle and bustle of big cities, standing with her in this scenery that holds the warmth of autumn is the most down-to-earth and peaceful happiness.

When you visit the Changsheng Deer Park, you'll see gentle deer strolling leisurely on the lush green lawn, their light brown fur adorned with bits of grass. The surrounding maple leaves, just beginning to turn a pale crimson, contrast beautifully with the verdant grass.

Xiao Yilin bought deer food and carefully offered it to the fawn's mouth. As the fawn lowered its head to eat, its moist nose gently brushed against her palm. She couldn't help but exclaim in surprise, her voice full of delight.

Yu Chenzhou quickly stood protectively beside her, afraid that she would be jostled by the curious deer, his eyes filled with undisguised doting affection.

As evening fell, the festive warmth along the Qinhuai River lingered longer.

Warm yellow lanterns are laid out along the riverbank, like a string of flowing stars, with a few bright red national flags dotting the scene. They complement the upturned eaves of the ancient buildings, creating a gentle and elegant Jiangnan charm.

Workers have already adjusted all the colored lights. As the lights shift and change, the red and black buildings on the shore are illuminated with extraordinary dynamism, and the painted boats slowly glide across the blue waves.

The oars gently rocked the water, shattering the reflections of lights and scattered flags, creating ripples that intertwined with the light and shadows of the sky and clouds on the horizon, making it difficult to distinguish between reality and reflection, a beauty as beautiful as a dream.

Yu Chenzhou bought two tickets for the pleasure boat and slowly boarded the boat with Xiao Yilin in his hand.

A gentle evening breeze carries the faint fragrance of osmanthus blossoms and the coolness of early autumn, mingled with the refreshing scent of the river. Delicate white petals droop from the osmanthus trees along the bank, occasionally landing on shoulders or in hair, adding a touch of romantic tenderness.

Xiao Yilin leaned against the gunwale, gazing at the twinkling lights and fluttering national flags on the shore, listening to the melodious tunes played on the pleasure boat. Her eyes were filled with rapture as she softly sighed:

"Late September in Nanjing is wonderful. The autumn scenery is rich, and the warmth of the festival is not ostentatious. It can quietly stay by your side like this."

Yu Chenzhou gently embraced her from behind, his chin softly resting on the top of her head, his tone full of solemnity:

"From now on, we'll choose days like this to go out and slowly see all the places we want to visit. Every time, I'll be by your side."

As night fell and the city lights came on, the two sat down at a Nanjing-style food stall near Confucius Temple.

The table was laden with authentic local snacks, including fresh and delicious duck blood vermicelli soup, tender salted duck, sweet osmanthus taro sprouts, Nanjing roast duck rolls, and flavorful duck blood stew, each dish exuding the rich flavor of Nanjing.

Yu Chenzhou carefully removed the duck bones from Xiao Yilin's duck and put the tender duck meat into her bowl. Looking at her satisfied expression, his eyes were full of doting affection.

A small incident also occurred during the meal:

When a tourist at the next table got up, he accidentally knocked over a water glass, splashing water onto Xiao Yilin's skirt. The tourist immediately apologized sincerely and even offered her a box of local specialty Yuhua stones as compensation.

Xiao Yilin accepted it with a smile, not minding at all. This little accident actually added a unique touch to the journey.

That night, they stayed at a hotel in the Qinhuai District. The lights outside the window flickered gently, accompanied by the faint fragrance of osmanthus and the sound of the river, allowing the two of them to fall asleep peacefully.

The first stop on the journey home was filled with irrepressible tenderness and unexpected joy, writing the most beautiful opening chapter for this journey towards the future.