Punch: From third-rate anchor to top chef

Chapter 1651

After bidding farewell to Xi'an, they headed south to the picturesque Guilin. When the plane slowly landed at Guilin Liangjiang International Airport, Li Xiao looked out the window eagerly, and saw lush mountains everywhere, as if a huge green scroll was slowly unfolding before his eyes: "Wow, this is Guilin, it feels like I have entered a green wonderland." Zhang Yuedong also stretched his neck, his eyes full of anticipation: "I heard that Guilin's food is also unique, my stomach is rumbling." Lin Yifei smiled and opened the travel guide, whispering: "Guilin's landscape is the best in the world, let's go to the Li River first to appreciate the world's unique scenery."

Arriving at the Li River, the three boarded a bamboo raft and floated downstream. The river water was crystal clear, and the fish swam happily in it, as if playing with them. There were strange peaks on both sides of the river, with various shapes. Some were like sharp swords piercing the sky, some were like fairies standing tall, and some were like camels carrying heavy loads. Li Xiao was so excited that he danced with joy and kept taking pictures with his camera: "This scenery is so beautiful! It feels like every place is a work of art carefully crafted by nature." Zhang Yuedong was also deeply shocked by the beautiful scenery and forgot his "foodie" nature for a moment: "This landscape makes me feel relaxed and happy at a glance, and it is more intoxicating than any food." Lin Yifei pointed to the mountain in the distance and introduced to everyone: "Look, that is the famous Nine Horse Painting Mountain. It is said that people who can see nine horses have the talent of the top scholar."

When the raft reached a shallow beach, the boatman stopped the raft and asked them to get off and feel the water of the Li River up close. Li Xiao took off his shoes and stepped into the water. The cool river water instantly dispelled the fatigue of the journey: "Wow, the water is so cool and comfortable, just like nature's air conditioner." Zhang Yuedong also went into the water and picked up a beautiful stone: "Take a piece of Li River stone back, it can be regarded as a souvenir." Lin Yifei squatted on the shore and carefully observed the algae in the water: "These aquatic plants are also part of the ecology of the Li River. They are interdependent with the mountains and rivers, forming such a beautiful picture."

After getting off the Li River, they came to Elephant Trunk Hill. This mountain, named after its shape that resembles an elephant drinking water by the Li River, is a landmark of Guilin. Li Xiao circled around the Elephant Trunk Hill several times and took photos from all angles: "This elephant is so lifelike, nature is really amazing." Zhang Yuedong sat on a stone bench nearby, taking a rest while enjoying the beautiful scenery: "Sitting here for a while, I feel that my body and mind are healed." Lin Yifei told everyone the legend of Elephant Trunk Hill: "It is said that this elephant is the mount of the Emperor of Heaven. Because he was nostalgic for the beautiful scenery of Guilin, he secretly came down to earth. After being discovered by the Emperor of Heaven, he stabbed it to death with a sword and turned it into this mountain."

In the evening, the three hungry people walked into a rice noodle shop in downtown GL. The steaming Guilin rice noodles were served on the table. The white rice noodles, the fragrant brine, the tender barbecued pork, the crispy soybeans, and a spoonful of chili oil made people salivate at the sight. Zhang Yuedong couldn't wait to slurp the noodles, and said vaguely while eating: "This rice noodle is so delicious, smooth and chewy, and the brine is even better. I can eat three bowls." Li Xiao also ate with relish and gave a thumbs up: "It's really well-deserved. This bite makes me feel full of happiness." Lin Yifei tasted the rice noodles slowly and nodded in praise: "Guilin rice noodles are not only a delicacy, but also a cultural symbol of Guilin, which contains the life wisdom of the local people."

At night, the streets of Guilin are bustling. They came to a square and happened to catch a folk song and dance performance. The actors dressed in bright ethnic costumes sang and danced, and the cheerful melody and graceful dance postures showed the enthusiasm and vitality of the people of all ethnic groups in Guilin. Li Xiao was invited to the stage to dance with the actors. Although his movements were a bit clumsy, he enjoyed it: "This dance is so interesting, I feel like I'm almost a Guilin person." Zhang Yuedong clapped his hands and laughed from ear to ear in the audience: "Watching Li Xiao dance is funnier than watching a comedy." Lin Yifei carefully appreciated the dance and felt the ethnic customs contained in it: "These songs and dances inherit the history and culture of Guilin and are a vivid embodiment of the national spirit."

After the performance, they picked some Guilin specialties from the street stalls. Exquisite Zhuang brocade, fragrant Guilin chili sauce, unique bamboo handicrafts... Li Xiao bought a Zhuang brocade depicting Guilin's landscape and planned to hang it in the living room: "Looking at this painting, I can think of the beautiful scenery of Guilin." Zhang Yuedong bought a lot of chili sauce and planned to let his friends taste the "spicy" flavor of Guilin when he returned: "This chili sauce will definitely whet their appetite." Lin Yifei selected several books about Guilin's folk culture: "I have to study them carefully when I return. There are still many cultural treasures in Guilin waiting for us to explore."

Back at the hotel, they lay on the bed, recalling the day's trip to Guilin. Li Xiao looked at the ceiling with a satisfied look on his face: "Guilin's landscapes and food are so fascinating that I don't want to leave." Zhang Yuedong touched his round belly and yawned: "I had a great meal today, had fun, slept well, and will continue to have fun tomorrow." Lin Yifei looked out the window at night, his heart full of emotion: "Guilin is like a beautiful pastoral poem, with both the magnificence of nature and the mellow folk culture, which makes people intoxicated and forget the way home." In their attachment to Guilin and anticipation for the subsequent journey, they gradually fell asleep, and the excitement of this trip is still continuing.

After leaving Guilin, they headed for the romantic Qingdao. The plane was still circling in the air, and Li Xiao leaned against the window, staring at the blue sea below: "Wow, Qingdao, we are here! Look at this sea, it's so blue that it makes my heart melt." Zhang Yuedong also came over excitedly: "I heard that the seafood in Qingdao is so fresh, I have to eat as much as I can this time." Lin Yifei pointed to the pier that was looming in the distance: "Let's go to the pier first, it is a landmark building in Qingdao, carrying a century of history."

Stepping onto the pier, the sea breeze whistled in my face, bringing with it the unique salty and humid smell of the sea. Li Xiao opened his arms and ran into the wind, his hair flying freely in the wind: "This wind is so powerful, it feels like it can blow away all my worries." Zhang Yuedong held his hat tightly, fearing that it would be blown away by the wind: "It is indeed strong, but the scenery is so beautiful, with the turbulent sea under my feet and the bustling city in the distance, it is absolutely amazing." Lin Yifei said slowly: "The pier was first built during the reign of Emperor Guangxu of the Qing Dynasty. It has gone through wind and rain and witnessed the vicissitudes of Qingdao. It is like a time tunnel, connecting the past and the present."

Walking to Huilan Pavilion at the end of the pier, the three of them were amazed by the exquisite architectural style. Li Xiao walked around Huilan Pavilion several times and took photos non-stop: "This building is antique and matched with the surrounding sea, it is simply a visual feast." Zhang Yuedong sat on a stone bench nearby and looked at the sea: "I feel like time has slowed down when I am here and look at the sea." Lin Yifei introduced them: "Huilan Pavilion is one of the top ten scenic spots in Qingdao, with flying eaves and brackets, magnificent, and there are many exhibitions about Qingdao's history inside, which are worth seeing."

After leaving the pier, they came to the Golden Beach. The golden beach sparkled in the sunshine, like a golden ocean. The waves hit the beach, making pleasant sounds. Li Xiao couldn't wait to take off his shoes and rushed to the sea: "This beach is great, the sand is fine and soft, and it feels like stepping on cotton candy." Zhang Yuedong also went into the sea. As soon as the sea water covered his ankles, he shouted excitedly: "Wow, the sea water is cool and comfortable. I feel like my feet are cheering." Lin Yifei squatted on the beach and carefully observed the shells: "These shells are of different shapes, and each one carries the story of the sea. It is a gift from the sea to us."

They played on the beach, building sand castles, picking up shells, and having a great time. When they were tired, they lay on the beach to bask in the sun, listen to the sound of the waves, and enjoy a pleasant time. Li Xiao closed his eyes and murmured to himself: "At this moment, I feel that I am the happiest person in the world. The sun, the beach, the sea, and good friends are around me. What else can I ask for?" Zhang Yuedong smiled and said: "Yes, this trip is worth it. It would be great if time could stop here." Lin Yifei looked into the distance: "Good times are always short, but these memories will remain in our hearts forever."

In the evening, the three hungry people came to a seafood restaurant. As soon as they entered the door, a strong aroma of seafood hit them. Zhang Yuedong's eyes lit up and he drooled as he looked at the menu: "Let's have a plate of spicy fried clams, which is Qingdao's signature dish, and Spanish mackerel dumplings, which are said to be so delicious that they will make your eyebrows drop." Li Xiao also nodded: "Add a steamed crab and garlic scallops, I can't wait." Lin Yifei smiled and said: "Don't be impatient, order slowly, Qingdao has a wide variety of seafood, let's try them one by one." After a while, the dishes were served one after another, a table full of seafood, with good color, fragrance and taste. They ate with relish, and their mouths were full of fragrance. Zhang Yuedong gave a thumbs-up while eating: "This taste is amazing! I have never eaten such fresh seafood in my life. Qingdao really lives up to its reputation." Li Xiao couldn't stop eating: "The clams are fat and tender, one bite at a time, so satisfying. And the Spanish mackerel dumplings have large fillings and thin skins, and the soup is rich. I can eat a whole plate." Lin Yifei savored each dish carefully: "The reason why Qingdao's seafood is so delicious is due to its unique geographical location. The cold sea water makes the seafood grow slowly, and the meat is more firm and delicious."

After dinner, they strolled on the street and happened to encounter a lively folk performance. The cheerful Yangko dance started, and the actors were dressed in bright costumes and had happy smiles on their faces. Li Xiao was infected by the enthusiastic atmosphere and pulled the two to join in, dancing to the rhythm: "This Yangko dance is so interesting, I feel like all the cells in my body are on fire." Zhang Yuedong smiled from ear to ear: "Look at Li Xiao's dance, it's more exciting than professional actors." Lin Yifei admired the performance seriously: "These folk performances inherit Qingdao's traditional culture, reflect the lifestyle of the local people, and are Qingdao's cultural treasures."

After the performance, they walked into a specialty store. The store was filled with a wide variety of Qingdao specialties, including exquisite shell carvings, mellow Qingdao beer, and special Laoshan green tea... Zhang Yuedong bought several boxes of Qingdao beer and planned to go back and drink with his friends: "This Qingdao beer has a mellow taste and rich malt aroma. You can't drink such authentic beer anywhere else." Li Xiao picked out a few shell carvings to decorate his room: "These shell carvings are so exquisite, each one is a work of art, and looking at them reminds me of the good times in Qingdao." Lin Yifei selected several books about Qingdao's history and culture: "I have to study them carefully when I go back. There are still many stories in Qingdao waiting for us to explore."

At night, they returned to the hotel and sat on the balcony, looking at the starry sky and the sea outside the window, recalling the day's trip to Qingdao. Li Xiao said with satisfaction: "Qingdao is such a romantic and charming city, with beautiful natural scenery, profound historical and cultural heritage, and endless food. I don't want to leave." Zhang Yuedong touched his round belly and burped: "Today's seafood feast will be remembered for a whole year. Qingdao, I will definitely come again." Lin Yifei looked into the distance, thinking: "Every time I arrive in a city, it's like opening a door to a new world. Behind the door of Qingdao, there are endless treasures. We have only seen the tip of the iceberg." In the reluctance to leave Qingdao and the expectation of the future journey, they gradually fell asleep, and the excitement of this trip is still continuing.

Time flies, and this journey to the north is finally coming to an end. When the plane slowly landed at the departure airport, Li Xiao, Zhang Yuedong, and Lin Yifei stepped out of the cabin, dragging their slightly tired suitcases full of memories.

"This journey is so worth it! It feels like I had a beautiful dream." Li Xiao stretched lazily with a satisfied smile on his face.

Zhang Yuedong patted his round belly and said with a smile, "Yes, the delicious food, beautiful scenery, and folk customs, this trip is a feast for my eyes and my taste buds. I will gain three pounds when I return."

Lin Yifei adjusted his glasses, his eyes full of emotion: "Every time we go to a place, it's like opening a door to a new world. The history, culture, and natural scenery are enough for us to reminisce for a long time."

They were waiting for their luggage at the luggage carousel, surrounded by bustling crowds, each heading in different directions. And they, with the ancient charm of Xi'an, the elegance of Guilin, and the romance of Qingdao, seemed to be carrying the epitome of the whole of China.

"Where are we going next time?" Li Xiao's eyes were shining with anticipation, and he was already looking forward to his next trip.

Zhang Yuedong thought about it, smacked his lips and said, "How about going west? I heard that the scenery in XZ and XJ is particularly stunning, and the food is also very unique."

Lin Yifei nodded in agreement: "Yes, those places have unique ethnic cultures, which will surely open our eyes."

After picking up their luggage, the three walked out of the airport side by side. The sun shone on them, warm, just like the journey along the way, warm and bright. They knew that the end of this trip was also the beginning of the next one. There were countless wonderful things waiting for them to explore in the beautiful mountains and rivers of the motherland. In the infinite reverie of the future journey, their figures gradually walked away, blending into the hustle and bustle of the city, but with stories from afar, ready to start a new chapter of life.