Now it made sense why the tour guide had asked her to rest her head on Gu Ye's shoulder earlier.
She had thought the gesture was a bit intimate—turns out it was just a misunderstanding.
The tour guide slapped his thigh upon realizing. "Ah, my apologies! I misread the situation. You two just look so much like a couple!"
Jiang Mo scratched her cheek. She'd heard of "couples who look alike," but "couple vibes"? What was that?
Gu Ye didn't correct the guide. Instead, he praised, "The photos turned out great."
The guide puffed his chest. "If you need more pictures taken later, just ask!"
After admiring the photos, Jiang Mo handed the camera back to Gu Ye.
Gu Baotian pursed his lips, eyeing his grandson's lovestruck expression. "Xiao Ye, you can't just focus on taking pictures of the pretty girl. Turn around and give us old folks some keepsakes too."
Zhong Xiaoqin teased, "If I were him, I'd only take pictures of the pretty girl too. Much more pleasing to the eye than us!"
"I'll get to you right away," Gu Ye said, adjusting his stance to snap a few quick shots.
"Done."
"That's it? The way you treat Jiang Mo versus us is night and day," Gu Baotian grumbled.
Jiang Mo felt a little embarrassed listening to this.
Zhong Xiaoqin shot Gu Baotian a look. "Two pictures are enough for your social media. How much better can they get anyway?"
"Exactly, Grandpa. You’re not exactly photogenic, and I don’t do photo edits," Gu Ye added.
Liu Guochuan chimed in, "What, did you think you were Andy Lau?"
Seriously, kid? Not even sparing your grandpa a shred of dignity in public?
Watch me spill all your secrets.
Gu Baotian huffed, glaring. You still want my help winning her over or not?
"I’ve seen photos of Grandpa Gu from his youth. He had serious star quality," Jiang Mo interjected. "Now, he’s just a dashing, refined old gentleman."
"Oh-ho! Finally, someone with taste!" Gu Baotian sighed dramatically. "Makes me wish I could trade kids with Aunt Wang."
Zhong Xiaoqin smirked. "Why trade? Gu Ye and Jiang Mo are around the same age. Pair them up, and they’d both be part of your family."
Hey, old man, weren’t you supposed to keep this a secret? How’d you blab so fast?
That’s some quick betrayal.
Catching Gu Ye’s pointed look, Gu Baotian glared back. I didn’t say a word! Maybe you’re just being too obvious.
"Don’t go playing matchmaker. These two don’t seem like a good fit," Liu Guochuan muttered, still hoping to pair Jiang Mo with his own grandson.
Jiang Mo, at the center of the discussion, quickly redirected. "Everyone, look at the hanging coffins on the mountain to the right!"
The group finally shifted their attention, gazing up at the cliffs.
The lively chatter of the energetic elders kept the atmosphere vibrant throughout the trip.
After the boat tour, they had lunch and headed to the Stone Forest in the afternoon.
Some sections had steep steps. Gu Ye asked, "How are you holding up? Tired?"
Jiang Mo shook her head, watching the enthusiastic seniors ahead. "I’m fine."
She’d climbed Mount Tai before—these steps were nothing. Maybe some sore thighs tomorrow at worst.
After exploring the Stone Forest, the group boarded a shuttle to a scenic courtyard for local delicacies.
While waiting for the food, Jiang Mo received the photos Gu Ye had transferred.
The images blended seamlessly with the natural landscapes, creating a harmonious effect.
As she scrolled, a photo of her and Gu Ye popped up.
She hadn’t realized how closely she’d leaned into him—her entire head was resting on his shoulder.
And Gu Ye’s expression… no awkwardness, just a bright smile.
She posted some solo shots and scenery photos to her social media.
Within minutes, Li Zheng commented: "Big sis, where’s this paradise? Take me next time!"
"Can’t. I’m tagging along with Grandpa Gu’s group. Besides, aren’t you traveling too?"
"Budget travel doesn’t compare to this," Li Zheng replied. "Is Gu Ye there too? The backgrounds look the same."
Jiang Mo: "Yeah, he and Little Xuan are both here."
After chatting with her brother, Jiang Mo took a sip of water. Another notification popped up.
Pei Ting: "Traveling in the Western Hubei Forest?"
Jiang Mo replied: "Sharp eye, senior. You guessed it right away."
"I’ve been before," Pei Ting said. "Was going to invite you to dinner. A friend recommended a great place I think you’d like. Let’s go when you’re back?"
Gu Ye returned from the restroom, drying his hands with a tissue. As he sat down, his sharp eyes caught the contact name: "Senior Pei."
Casually, he asked, "Everything okay? Aunt Wang or your classmates need something?"
"No, just chatting with my senior."
"Oh. You and this ‘Senior Pei’ seem pretty close."
