Summit

Everyone who had reached the summit gathered again for a group photo. Only then did someone finally notice that Ksenia was gone. Several physically strong club members retraced their steps—the low rock where they had rested together was empty, but there were faint footprints at another path leading to the summit.

Hearing this, everyone grew nervous. Several more experienced Mountaineering Club members knew very well that the trail was difficult after rain. If Ksenia had set off alone and still had not appeared, she had probably encountered some danger and become trapped somewhere.

Some suggested calling the police immediately, while others wanted to rescue her via the trail. For a moment, no one could decide what to do. Then someone's peripheral vision swept over the distant mountains, and a bright yellow figure immediately caught her attention.

"...Is that Ksenia?!"

Everyone turned at the shout and saw two blurry figures behind the distant rocks. One was definitely Ksenia, but the other tall figure...

"Jane?" Ding Jiali recognized Hesta's silhouette. He suddenly realized something and immediately began searching the area for the pretty girl he had seen at the trailhead that morning—the girl had arrived with Hesta. He had assumed the two would be acting together, but Hesta had gone off to challenge the mountain trail with her other friend... Didn't that mean the girl had been alone this whole way?

Three or four people hurried toward Ksenia with towels and water.

"They saw us." Ksenia turned back to Hesta. "We made it."

"Ksenia..."

"Hmm?"

"Did you decide to take this trail on a whim, or had you planned it from the start?"

"What do you think?"

"This trail is too dangerous for ordinary hiking," Hesta said softly. "Let alone walking it alone, even going with friends doesn't guarantee safety..."

"It was