Gaoliang County, Shuangshi Peak, named after the two huge rocks at its summit.
"I can’t walk any further."
Xu Nianhua stopped halfway up, exhausted and out of breath. She looked at the peak soaring into the clouds and sighed; her stamina was really lacking!
"Let’s take a break." Pei Yicheng handed her a bottle of water, opened a bag of her favorite cookies and chocolate, and offered them, saying, "Have some snacks to regain some energy!"
"Brother Cheng, you don’t seem to exercise much usually!" Xu Nianhua gulped down a large bottle of water and munched on some cookies, finally feeling like her empty, tired stomach was back to normal.
Xu Nianhua blinked her big eyes, sizing up Pei Yicheng. She had already rested several times from the base to halfway up the mountain, yet Pei Yicheng wasn’t tired at all, looking completely unbothered!
"I exercise every day. I’m a man; if my stamina were lacking, you wouldn’t be happy in the future." Pei Yicheng said meaningfully.
Xu Nianhua’s face flushed instantly.
Brother Cheng, you’ve changed!
You’re as straightforward as ever!
"Nianhua, why are you blushing?" Pei Yicheng leaned forward, looking at her flushed cheeks, unable to resist stealing a kiss on her cheek.
"My face is all sweaty!"
Xu Nianhua quickly stepped back, swiftly glancing around. There were very few hikers today, with only a few passing by earlier; they were all alone in their resting spot now.
"I don’t mind." Pei Yicheng gazed deeply at her cheeks and said, "You get shy too easily; what will we do after we get married in the future?"
Xu Nianhua: "..."
She pretended not to hear and, like a little hamster, finished the cookies and moved on to the chocolate.
"Let’s keep going. If we delay any longer, we won’t reach the top today!"
Xu Nianhua stood up, looked at the immense rocks, and continued climbing toward the peak.
By the time they reached the summit, Xu Nianhua was exhausted, but standing at the top and looking down, the feeling of surveying all other mountains was particularly prominent. The higher perspective made her mood expand significantly.
"Are you happy?" Pei Yicheng turned his head to see her joyful face, feeling that bringing her on this hike was the right choice.
"Happy."
Xu Nianhua nodded vigorously. Though the climb was arduous, the excitement and happiness upon reaching the top were genuine and heartfelt.
"Watch me." Pei Yicheng cupped his hands around his mouth and shouted, "Pei Yicheng likes Xu Nianhua!"
His voice was loud and clear, echoing throughout the mountains and forests.
Xu Nianhua was taken aback.
"Pei Yicheng likes Xu Nianhua." Pei Yicheng repeated.
Xu Nianhua’s lips curled slightly upwards, and then she mimicked Pei Yicheng, shouting, "Xu Nianhua also likes Pei Yicheng!"
The sound echoed as Xu Nianhua and Pei Yicheng exchanged smiles.
"I like you!"
"I like you too."
Pei Yicheng and Xu Nianhua seemed to be competing over who could shout louder and whose voice could travel farther. After yelling to their heart’s content, Xu Nianhua felt exhilarated as if all her troubles had vanished.
"Brother Cheng, thank you!"
Even Xu Nianhua’s eyes were filled with joy.
Pei Yicheng held her hand, gently tapped her forehead, and said, "Don’t say thank you."
Xu Nianhua playfully stuck out her tongue, her radiant smile even more beautiful than peach blossoms in March.
"Remember, no matter what, you still have me." Pei Yicheng enunciated carefully, looking at her with utmost sincerity.