Hao Ren did not bother with anything that happened with Leonard Hamil. In his mind, since the people did not hesitate while doing wrong, then why did they fear what was coming for them. Hao Ren was not yet cruel enough to quote, 'It is god's decision to forgive you, my task is just to send you to him.'
His parents have taught him about how good would be rewarded by good. In the past he was an avid believer of that, but after his sister passed away, he gave up on that. Leonard Hamil has been messing around with him, and so, he had it coming.
Hao Ren put things aside and focused on driving the car through the night. His driving skills surprised Yue Shenlong who was following him bumper to bumper. The journey was eight hours long and they had to stop three times to fill the tank. Hao Ren could not help but feel vexed at this. He did not like the pollution and the cost of the fuel.
Dawn was about to break when they entered the mountainous region. The vehicle slowed down a lot but Han Lingshi woke up. The cars they used were all off road vehicles but they were very luxurious and the rides were comfortable.
Han Lingshi opened her eyes and was taken aback by the beautiful scenery that lay before her. Hao Ren looked at her and smiled, "Welcome to the Gateway to Heaven, My Love."
Han Lingshi woke up from her stupor and asked, "Gateway to heaven?"
Hao Ren nodded and said, "It is a local folklore in my town that if heaven exists, then it must exist somewhere inside the mountains because you can find absolutely everything there. The green trees, the quiet sound of nature, the fresh water streams flowing down to quench your thirst. The peace someone feels when they get to sit down quietly in the mountains radiating through there soul.
That is why the human establishments at the foot of the mountain are called the gateway to heavens."
Han Lingshi nodded and said, "That's fascinating. This is my first time this far north in the country. I wonder if I would be able to experience that heaven you speak of."
Hao Ren looked at her and asked, "I thought wherever I am is where your heaven resides. How hurtful."
Hao Ren turned his head to look at the flute and said, "Yeah, she did. Hehe."
He let out a soft chuckle at the end, and Han Lingshi looked at him in askance. The young man said, "Well, I will go visit her."
Everyone was surprised by his sudden announcement, and Tang Zen said, "Go, clean the site properly."
Hao Ren nodded, and said, "Okay, see you."
Han Lingshi said, "I will go along with you."
Hao Ren shrugged his shoulders and said, "Only if you are well rested, it is quite a hike."
Tang Zen narrowed her gaze and said, "Brat, take your old man's bike, don't make my daughter-in-law hike the Belly Mountain."
Hao Ren nodded, and then after some preparation the two of them left the house.
...
Dream's Note: I have shortened this chapter to bridge the arrival in the town, stay tuned for the next one.