Chapter 625 - 285: The One Who Will Become the Pirate King

Moreover, that guy’s climb of Mount Everest wasn’t just in the simple sense of paying to climb up there; at his peak, he was even part of a rescue team, truly impressive.

After hearing Li Younan’s question, Gao Tiande chuckled, thought for a moment, and said, "I have to admit, my initial motivation for climbing Mount Everest was to attain a rare endorsement of identity."

"Those who have reached the summit of Mount Everest globally are still as rare as hen’s teeth, even with today’s increasing commercialization."

"If you can climb it, this experience allows you to transcend the singular label of entrepreneur and become a public figure embodying courage, perseverance, and an adventurous spirit."

He paused and added, "And for me, there’s another reason; it’s the ultimate validation of a sense of control."

"In my view, the essence of a wealthy person’s success is the ability to control complex systems, and climbing Mount Everest is the ultimate test of that control. It satisfies a deeper psychological sense of accomplishment."

Seeing Li Younan’s contemplative expression, Gao Tiande asked, "What about you? Why did you choose to climb Mount Everest?"

Li Younan blinked and spoke without hesitation, "Me? Well... I think the view from the top should be nice."

Gao Tiande was slightly taken aback: "This... is that really the reason?"

Li Younan nodded and added, "And another reason is, when driving on Route 318, I’ve already reached the base of the mountain. Hmm, since... I’m here anyway, not going up feels like something’s missing."

Gao Tiande’s mind suddenly paused, echoing with the phrase "since I’m here anyway."

This reason made Gao Tiande’s feelings quite complicated for a moment.

He had just rambled on about extreme reconstruction of life’s meaning, while the other person simply mentioned a light-hearted "the view is nice" and "I’m here anyway."

For a moment, Gao Tiande didn’t know what to say, so he just awkwardly chuckled, "It’s also... a pretty good reason."

At this moment, Gao Tiande stretched lazily and suddenly spotted someone behind him out of the corner of his eye. He turned his head curiously, seeing a pretty girl holding a tray with two cups of tea. He had no idea how long she had been standing there.

Li Younan also looked over; it was Jing Chaoyi.

Jing Chaoyi calmly brought the tea and placed it on the stone table in front of the two, saying, "Have some hot tea."

Li Younan shook his head and said, "You’re also a guest, why are you acting like a waiter at my place?"

Jing Chaoyi put her hands on her hips and said, "Senior, you’re being too formal with that remark."

Although Li Younan said that, he wasn’t shy and directly picked up the tea cup Jing Chaoyi brought over and handed it to Gao Tiande, then asked casually, "How did your chat with Liu Li go?"

"Quite well, I really like your girlfriend, she’s such a cute girl. Senior, you have great taste."

Li Younan blinked and quietly took a sip of hot tea, "Oh, that’s good to hear."

Seeing that Li Younan had already taken the tea cup, Jing Chaoyi turned around with a cheerful smile and said, "Then, seniors, continue chatting. I’ll go see if there’s anything else I can help with over at grandpa and grandma’s."

...

At this moment, without Li Younan by her side, Liu Li actually felt a bit awkward.

Because this was Li Younan’s grandparents’ home, she had this self-perception of being the "dutiful daughter-in-law meeting the grandparents."

The grandparents were very kind, but even so, she was still very nervous, afraid of leaving a bad impression in certain details.

Thus, she spoke and acted carefully, behaving well, and even wore a relatively conservative sportswear that she had specifically chosen for today.

The grandparents were talkative, casually starting conversations and asking where she was from and what her relationship with Li Younan was.

Liu Li stammered, "It’s just... just a partnership."

Then she secretly observed the grandparents’ reactions. The two elderly people didn’t notice any issues and kept praising her for being kind and gentle.

Being complimented made Liu Li feel as sweet as if she had drunk honey.

Of course, she didn’t forget to do some things within her capabilities, though there really wasn’t much to do at the moment.

And she wasn’t really accustomed to doing housework at home, so overall, she was a bit clumsy, not quite able to see what needed to be done.

On the contrary, Jing Chaoyi, Li Younan’s junior, seemed much more natural, her eyes keen to spot tasks.

For instance, just now she even thought of bringing hot tea to Li Younan and that gentleman.

In hindsight, it made sense; after all, Jing Chaoyi wasn’t Li Younan’s girlfriend, so naturally, she wouldn’t be nervous.

Before officially meeting Jing Chaoyi, Liu Li still had a bit of apprehension, but now she had no worries in that regard.

Jing Chaoyi was slightly older, clearly a born optimist, always cheerful from the moment she saw her. Even when occasionally seeing Li Younan and her video chatting, they were laughing, as if trouble never occupied her mind.

Honestly, such a girl is indeed very likable.

As for her relationship with Li Younan, Liu Li had a very open mind.

After all, Jing Chaoyi knew Li Younan before she did. If she wasn’t mistaken, back when Li Younan was dating someone else, Jing Chaoyi and Li Younan were friends as senior and junior students.