The two of them finally climbed to the summit after more than three hours.
At the mountain peak stood a resplendent temple, surrounded by railings densely packed with love locks and red ribbons, left by couples who had come to visit.
Even at this late hour, businesses were still open.
Shang Jincheng bought a love lock and two red ribbons, borrowed a pen from a vendor, and asked Ge'er to write their wishes on them.
Most people wrote wishes for everlasting love and eternal happiness.
Ge'er didn't want to be cliché, but she couldn't think of anything special to express at the moment.
After a moment of deliberation, she wrote a sentence on the red ribbon in a free-flowing cursive script:
"Love by choice, no regrets after, meeting was not in vain, no talk of debt."
Shang Jincheng was displeased. "Why did you write that? It sounds like you're breaking up, it's so inauspicious. Rewrite it."
Ge'er handed him the pen. "I can't think of anything else. Why don't you write it?"
Shang Jincheng picked up the pen and wrote two simple sentences: "I hope Shang Jincheng and Zhan Jingge will be united forever, live long and happily, have children soon, and be together in the next life."
It was already eleven o'clock at night. This was Ge'er's first time climbing a mountain at night, and she felt a lot of emotions.
She took a few photos with her phone, and Shang Jincheng moved closer to her.
"Let's take a photo together."
"No other meaning, I'm not forcing you to post it on your Moments, I just feel it's worth commemorating."
Ge'er also felt it was worth commemorating, so she handed him her phone. "You take it."
They stood with their backs to the mountain and faces towards the camera. Ge'er stood behind him and made a peace sign. Shang Jincheng smiled sweetly, and the moment was captured.
The photo turned out very well, and Shang Jincheng immediately sent it to himself.
Then he asked Ge'er if she wanted to go down the mountain.
"Let's stay a bit longer."
The evening breeze caressed her hair as she gazed at the distant mountain range, breathing in the faint fragrance of the night air. Shang Jincheng held her close, and they stood like that for a long time.
It was already three in the morning when they descended the mountain.
Shang Jincheng was going to book two rooms at the hotel.
"Get some sleep quickly. We have to get up at five in the morning tomorrow. Thank you for your effort."
Ge'er held his hand, stopping him from going.
"I suddenly don't want to sleep anymore. I'm too excited, I don't think I can sleep. How about we go explore the night market in the mountain city?"
Shang Jincheng agreed with her suggestion, and they took a taxi to the night market street.
It was incredibly lively, filled with young men and women, the aroma of various foods, like a festival.
They walked and stopped, buying a lot of food. Ge'er was as excited as a child.
Shang Jincheng walked beside her, watching her dotingly, occasionally taking photos for her. The day was particularly fulfilling and happy.
Five o'clock arrived quickly, and they rushed to the airport again. Hurriedly boarding the plane, Ge'er was sleepy, and Shang Jincheng let her rest her head on his chest.
"How was it? Did you have a good time yesterday? Were you surprised?"
Ge'er answered truthfully, "Happy."
Shang Jincheng said, "As long as you don't divorce me, I promise to give you surprises every day and make you the happiest woman in the world, okay?"
Ge'er pinched him. "You said that, Shang Jincheng. If you can't do it..."
"What? Not letting me sleep in my bed?"
"...You're shameless!"
"Hahaha," Shang Jincheng looked at her blushing face, his breathing slowly deepened, and he suddenly leaned closer, whispering in her ear.
"There was something I didn't get to do last night."
"What?"
"A kiss to seal our love. I brought you all the way up the mountain just for that, but someone was afraid you'd be embarrassed."
Ge'er's ears visibly turned red. He gently touched her ear. "Is that okay?"
"Shang Jincheng, I..."
"I know, it's your first kiss, Ge'er. I will definitely treat you well."