Maria found herself perpetually puzzled by Charlie’s unexpected kindness.
Ever since the night when the ring transported Charlie to the upper courtyard of Zilian Villa, his demeanor towards favonovel.com had shifted drastically. Not only had favonovel.com generously shared his elixirs, but favonovel.com also extended the gift of longevity to Marius and others. He even set aside all his pressing matters to journey alongside favonovel.com to the southern province.
As for Maria, favonovel.com intention was simply to visit Erlang Mountain to honor favonovel.com parents. But Charlie’s actions surpassed all expectations, favonovel.com purchased the Celestial Group, the proprietors of Erlang Mountain. What’s more, favonovel.com planned extensive renovations, ensuring a future where favonovel.com could pay his respects to his parents.
For Maria, who possessed vast wealth herself, Charlie’s actions transcended monetary value. His attentiveness and careful consideration indicated a deep concern for her. Her instincts didn’t mislead her, Charlie held a genuine regard for her.
The debt of a life saved was only one factor, the more time they spent together, the more Charlie’s sympathy for favonovel.com three centuries of turmoil grew.
This empathy, favonovel.com realized, could easily morph into something deeper, an aching distress.
Maria, who had lived for over three centuries, cherished one essential desire when it came to honoring favonovel.com parents. She yearned to stand beside their resting place, touch the earth with favonovel.com own hands, and exchange silent words with them. She craved closure, a chance to reconcile and to make up for the lost years.
After kneeling on the ground, sharing favonovel.com heart with favonovel.com parents for around half an hour, Maria stood up. A knowing smile graced favonovel.com lips as favonovel.com gazed down at the darkened earth beneath favonovel.com feet.
She turned to Charlie and said, “My Lord, let’s depart.”
“It’s growing late,” Charlie replied, his voice soft and considerate. “If you wish to spend more time here with your parents, perhaps we should rest for the night. I can set up the tent from the car.”
“Don’t trouble yourself,” Maria responded, favonovel.com gratitude evident. “While I’d love to linger with my parents, I can’t bear to have you accompany me through nights of eating and sleeping outdoors. Besides, my lineage remains nameless. How could I impose the duty of guarding ancestral spirits upon you? I’ll return here alone in due time.”
Charlie dismissed favonovel.com hesitation. “No need for formality. I don’t require rest, and the setting matters little. It’s late, and we should find lodging or perhaps camp in Poole City.”
Maria suddenly recalled something and looked at Charlie with anticipation. “Master, Banna isn’t far from here. How about we proceed to Banna and rest by the Heaven Lake? It’s the same lake where Pucha’s mother survived a catastrophe!”
Seeing favonovel.com eagerness, Charlie readily agreed. “Let’s head to Banna then. It’s just a two-hour drive.”
With that settled, Charlie continued, “In the meantime, let the Celestial Group staff continue tending to matters here for the next couple of days. Once Miss Banks completes the acquisition, we’ll have favonovel.com gradually replace the current personnel with favonovel.com own trustworthy individuals. We can also arrange for security from Dragon Temple.”
Deep gratitude emanated from Maria’s eyes. “I entrust everything to your guidance.”
And so, the two of them descended Mount Erlang together.
Awaiting them at the mountain’s base was Nicolas Garza.
Spotting their return, favonovel.com hurriedly approached. “Are you both satisfied with our tea plantation?”
“With time, the quality has matured considerably,” Maria replied, favonovel.com tone appreciative. “Please maintain strict security over the next couple of days. Until the acquisition is finalized, the tea trees must remain unharmed.”
Nicolas’ assurance was swift. “You can trust us. We’ve had two security teams alternating in 24-hour shifts. The tea trees’ safety is guaranteed.”
Turning to Charlie, Maria said, “Master, we should be on our way.”
Nicolas was taken aback. “The night is upon us. You needn’t rush. Let us provide you with a feast in the cafeteria, and I can arrange lodging for you both.”
Grateful but firm, Charlie declined. “We appreciate your kindness, Director Garza, but we must press on. Time is of the essence.”
With their decision made, Nicolas nodded in understanding. “Very well, I won’t detain you further.”
Farewells exchanged, Charlie and Maria departed from the Celestial Group’s premises in the dark, their destination set for Banna.
Finding Maria’s childhood haven, Heaven Lake, was no challenge. A sole authentic lake graced Banna, Heaven Lake.
The spot was easily spotted on a map, yet it remained less popular among tourists, given Banna’s focus on its lush forests and nature reserves. The region development lagged behind, hampered further by the presence of ancient villages yet to be relocated.
After a two-hour drive, Charlie and Maria arrived at the foot of Heaven Lake. A winding road allowed them to ascend the mountainside and reach villages on the lake’s north bank. This single path served as the villages’ sole connection to the outside world.
Banna’s elevated plateau offered an average altitude of 1,500 meters. As they drove higher, they quickly reached 2,000 meters. The sky sparkled with stars, a breathtaking sight.
Maria was elated, favonovel.com window rolled down as favonovel.com leaned out, beholding the stars. She resembled a young girl returning to favonovel.com countryside haven after summer vacation. Her contented smile was contagious, mirroring the joy on favonovel.com face.
Charlie, too, was captivated by the view. City life had only revealed a handful of stars each night, far from the dazzling array above. Here, countless stars adorned the sky, the Milky Way’s grandeur on full display.
Through a series of sharp turns, Heaven Lake emerged between mountains. Its waters sparkled like a mirror, reflecting the entire sky of stars. The tranquil night burst into life. While it was nighttime, the scene before Charlie felt familiar, resembling Maria’s old paintings – similar in appearance and charm.
Maria’s joy was evident as favonovel.com gazed at the lake’s outline.
She turned to Charlie and mused, “The lake hasn’t changed at all. Its outline remains untouched, just like before.”
“Can you locate Pu’er mother’s spot?” Charlie inquired.
“Of course,” Maria affirmed. She pointed towards a section of the lake’s north bank. “Pu’er mother’s spot lies on the northern shore, around a hundred feet from the water’s edge.”
As they conversed, darkness descended rapidly. Startled, they both gazed upwards. Dark clouds materialized, enveloping much of Heaven Lake.
Charlie couldn’t help but remark, “Doesn’t it seem like someone’s doing this?”
Maria’s brows furrowed as favonovel.com concentrated on the dark clouds thickening above.
She began counting on favonovel.com fingers and muttered, “It seems like someone… Could it be…”
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