Once one person took the lead, the rest followed naturally. Amid a chorus of apologies, more than a dozen contestants over fifty stepped out of the group and likewise chose to withdraw.
"Everyone, please wait for our return at the finish line!" Nurse Joy said solemnly. She looked at the fifty-eight people who remained, nodded at their determined expressions, and continued running ahead. But within just a few minutes, even jogging became impossible-the snow was far deeper than they could lift their feet while running!
There was no telling how far this coniferous forest stretched. After nearly half an hour of walking, its end was still nowhere in sight. Everyone trudged forward through uneven depths of snow, their white breaths freezing into frost that clung to their hair and clothes. Even the younger contestants who traveled regularly were slightly out of breath, while most of the older office workers were already panting heavily. They wanted to lean against a tree and rest, but once they actually stopped, they found themselves falling behind the group. Those with firm resolve might keep going, but anyone whose will was a little weaker chose to return with the staff following close behind.
They walked on and on. After who knew how long, Liu Qing felt that both his cheeks had frozen stiff and numb, while his nose was bright red and would not stop running. His legs were sore and swollen, and he was a miserable sight. By now, only thirty-odd people remained in the group, including Nurse Joy. Candice and Yuling were still among them, the two girls supporting each other to keep from collapsing as they forced themselves onward!
Thump! Snow scattered. Liu Qing did not need to turn around to know that someone else had fallen into the snow. He had