Gu Ye, overhearing their conversation, chimed in with concern, "If you didn’t sleep well, you can catch some rest on the ride. It’ll take a while to reach the canyon."
"Sleeping in the car isn’t comfortable either. I’ll pass," Gu Xuan shifted in his seat, adjusting to a more relaxed position.
"Wasn’t talking to you. Suit yourself," Gu Ye leaned past Gu Xuan and asked Jiang Mo, "Want me to grab you a blanket?"
Jiang Mo shook her head. "No need."
Gu Xuan glanced left and right, suddenly feeling like an unnecessary third wheel in the middle.
The canyon wasn’t far from the hotel—just about twenty minutes by car.
Gu Ye had hired a guide who took care of everything, leaving little for them to worry about.
Once aboard the boat, the guide reminded everyone to put on their life jackets.
Jiang Mo slipped hers on but struggled with the buckle.
A pair of slender, fair hands reached over. "Let me help."
Gu Ye bent his head, carefully fastening the buckle and tightening the straps for her.
On the other side, Gu Baotian was assisting Zhong Xiaoqin with her life jacket, while the guide had already helped Gu Xuan with his.
"Look at all these pairs. Just the two of us left solo," Liu Guochuan joked, scanning the group. "Old Pan, need a hand?"
"Keep your distance," Pan Weidong turned away.
Liu Guochuan tsked. "As if I’d want to get near you anyway."
...
Gu Ye secured the buckle and gave it a tug. "All set."
"Thanks," Jiang Mo smiled and sat down, gazing at the scenery outside. A gentle breeze brushed past, soothing and pleasant.
The view was breathtaking.
Gu Ye settled beside her, placing his backpack at his feet.
"When the boat gets moving, there are a few spots with stunning views—perfect for photos. I’ll take some for you later."
He understood—girls loved having beautiful pictures from their trips.
Luckily, he’d practiced and had some skill with a camera.
He pulled one out from his bag.
Jiang Mo looked surprised. "When did you pack that?"
Gu Ye: "Brought it from home."
The boat glided slowly, moving from the open lake into the narrow, winding canyon. The water was crystal-clear and emerald-green, with tiny fish darting below the surface.
Sunlight danced on the ripples, sparkling like scattered gems.
Jiang Mo found herself captivated. "The scenery here is amazing, but it doesn’t seem crowded," she remarked to the guide. They’d barely seen any other boats.
The guide smiled. "This area hasn’t been developed for long, and it’s not heavily promoted online, so fewer visitors come. But the views are just as good as anywhere else."
Jiang Mo nodded and pulled out her phone to snap a few keepsake shots.
"We’re approaching the 'Thread of Sky' soon—even more beautiful. You might want to take photos up front," the guide suggested.
Camera in hand, Gu Ye nudged Jiang Mo when they arrived. "Scenery this gorgeous—can’t pass up a photo op, right?"
"Then I’ll trouble you to take them," Jiang Mo said, tempted by the view. She removed her life jacket and stepped onto the bow.
Gu Ye transformed into a photographer, crouching, kneeling, and shifting angles to capture her from every perspective.
Behind them, Gu Xuan chewed gum, watching his brother bustle around. He blew a bubble. Huh—Gu Ye was wearing blue boxers today.
Jiang Mo grew slightly self-conscious under his lens. "Just take a few casual ones."
"I know you’re photogenic, but we can’t be too casual," Gu Ye said, clicking away.
The guide, observing, offered politely, "Sir, would you like me to take a couple’s photo for you?"
This guy was clearly loaded—he’d tipped generously—so top-notch service was a must.
And his girlfriend was just as stunning. A pair like them was a sight for sore eyes.
"Sure," Gu Ye handed over the camera without hesitation.
The guide took it and directed them. "Stand a bit closer."
Jiang Mo stayed put, so Gu Ye closed the gap.
After a few shots, the guide suggested, "Switch it up. Miss, you can rest your head on his shoulder."
Ah—wasn’t that too intimate? Jiang Mo hesitated.
Meanwhile, Gu Ye bit the inside of his cheek to keep from grinning too widely.
This guide had sharp instincts. He’d leave an extra tip later.
"Let’s follow his advice. He’s shot tons of tourists—knows what works," Gu Ye patted his shoulder. "Plenty of space here. Give it a try."
His easy confidence made her reluctance seem silly.
It was just a photo. Steeling herself, Jiang Mo leaned her head against him.
Their summer clothes were thin, and through the fabric, she could feel the warmth of his skin.
Gu Ye felt it too.
Outwardly composed, inwardly thrilled, he gradually tilted his head toward hers.
"Perfect! Look here—" The guide snapped away.
Returning the camera, he sighed admiringly. "You two are such a photogenic couple. Every shot turns out great."
Jiang Mo, reviewing the photos, awkwardly corrected him. "Um, we’re not actually together."
