Leisurely Traveler with Check-in System

This isn’t the first time Li Younan has heard people call him arty, and he doesn’t care, leaning back in his chair: "Artistic youth, right... it’s okay."

Ma Jing nodded: "But you’re definitely more grounded than the average artistic youth. At least you’re earning more now than when you were working. There are those who try to pursue poetry and distant places but can’t even secure their own lives, and that’s just not right."

Li Younan had no intention of judging other people’s lifestyles. He thought for a moment and changed the subject, asking about cross-country travel.

This area is still unfamiliar territory for Li Younan at the moment, but he is very much looking forward to it.

The dishes had arrived. Ma Jing poured herself a glass of lemon water: "Cross-country travel, huh? The finest natural scenery is mostly found where humans don’t reside for long periods. Although the government has built many roads across the country now, with highways connecting every county, how much of the total territory of China is covered with paved roads? Most of the scenery is hidden in those wild places."

Ma Jing took a sip of water and noticed Li Younan was attentively listening, her heart suddenly fluttered: "By the way, you should experience it too, definitely more interesting compared to traveling in tourist spots."

Li Younan hesitated for a moment before asking: "What exactly is cross-country travel like?"

Ma Jing chuckled. In this field, she is not exactly a veteran but surely more knowledgeable than Li Younan.

She thought for a bit, carefully considering the logic, and started explaining her understanding: "Cross-country travel, you say? Generally, we form a convoy and travel from one place to another. Most of the route covers areas without highways; traveling on highways isn’t very interesting, and there can be many zones that are uninhabited, pure wilderness. On this route, you can see many sights you wouldn’t see during road trips."

"Besides that, in terms of time, it usually lasts several days, involving camping out."

"How should I put it, it’s not hardcore outdoor adventure, but definitely wilder than regular road trips."

"Of course, that’s not absolute, as long-distance cross-country travel depends on the route."

"Some routes are relatively simple, suitable for beginners, even though they are outdoors, they haven’t completely left human settlements... But there are routes that are quite challenging, especially in Xinjiang and Tibet, where many routes have about eighty to ninety percent traversing uninhabited zones; crossing such places is definitely more thrilling but certainly not suitable for ordinary newcomers to experience."

Li Younan has always dreamt of outdoor adventure, and so, cross-country travel seems like a good transitional option.

Ma Jing picked up a couple of dishes: "Feel free to help yourself, and I won’t hold back either."

After taking a couple of bites, Ma Jing put down her chopsticks and continued speaking: "At the end of this month, I have a cross-country event, the route is in Western Sichuan, and the duration isn’t very long, two or three days, which is quite suitable for beginners."

Speaking on this point, Ma Jing was straightforward; she smiled: "Because strictly speaking, I’m still a beginner too, and it’s also my first time driving by myself. Once I gain more experience in the future, I might try routes that are more challenging."

After a brief pause, Ma Jing added: "Although previously when I traveled with them, most preferred tent camping, personally, I prefer sleeping in the car."

She laughed: "There are some places where there are wolves at night, and tents are ultimately just a layer of fabric, which doesn’t give me much of a sense of security. I’d rather lock myself up in the car, not fearing any wildlife."

Li Younan agrees with that. Compared to being inside a tent, he also feels sleeping in the car would be more reassuring and comfortable.

Of course, the premise is that your car really has a bed in it, and not just reclining the seats and lying down.

Li Younan was slightly disappointed that Ma Jing didn’t ask something like, "Would you like to join me for the experience?"

Obviously, their convoy had already reached the required number of participants, and it seems they hired a leader for this trip.

A cross-country convoy includes a chef, a mechanic, and people specifically responsible for supplying fuel and food.

Although their route isn’t particularly challenging, with no terribly difficult off-road sections, the team structure is quite complete.

Since Ma Jing didn’t ask, Li Younan naturally wouldn’t bring it up himself.

However, it did bring some inspiration for upcoming plans. Li Younan is considering that maybe next, he could try finding a simple cross-country route to experience, which should be pretty interesting.

After the meal, Li Younan and Ma Jing returned to the car area to confirm the requirements again.

Li Younan took a ruler and roughly measured a dimension, convenient for purchasing lumber, and then drove away.

Now it’s just a matter of waiting for the raw materials to arrive and start working.

This time, Li Younan didn’t bother Huang Xiaoyang to help source the boards; he directly contacted a local wardrobe shop, which can get in touch with the panel vendors from out of town.

The price is slightly higher, but it saves a lot of trouble.

The panels should be delivered in about two days.

While waiting for the panels, Li Younan didn’t idle. He also made a trip to visit his grandfather in the countryside.