Time flies, and quite a few days have passed in the blink of an eye. During these days, the sky has been overcast, making everyone feel depressed. However, just when everyone was eagerly anticipating it, a sunny and breezy day finally arrived.

Li Ling's already restless heart was now even more excited, because this was the wonderful day she had been waiting for.

Meanwhile, Wang Lun noticed that not only had there been no more snowfall in the past two days, but the sun had even shone brightly the previous two days. Sure enough, when he woke up this morning, he immediately saw the bright red sun slowly rising outside his window, casting its warm rays upon the earth. Clearly, today was destined to be another clear and sunny day.

Thinking of this, Wang Lun had an idea—taking advantage of such a beautiful day, why not take Li Ling out for a stroll, and also find out how she's been doing lately?

After breakfast, Wang Lun led Li Ling out of the camp. The two walked side-by-side, chatting and laughing. Liu Ruoling, who had been watching them intently as they left, was filled with envy and longing; she really wanted to go and join in the fun. Unfortunately, Wang Lun ultimately refused. Liu Ruoling didn't say much, after all, they would both have a chance to go out together.

And so, Wang Lun and Li Ling gradually drifted apart. They walked slowly along a winding stream...

As Wang Lun walked, he suddenly stopped. His gaze fell upon the overgrown branches of the trees, which were tangled and obstructing passage. Without a word, he drew a sharp axe from his waist and began chopping down the obstructive branches. With a series of crisp chopping sounds, the previously chaotic branches fell one by one. This not only cleared the way for passage but also facilitated the later reconstruction of the waterway.

Wang Lun and Li Ling walked side by side to a rocky beach. The rocks were jagged and overgrown with weeds, but Wang Lun found the scenery unique and said to Li Ling, "Why don't we rest here for a while?" Li Ling nodded gently in agreement.

After the two found a relatively flat rock to sit on, Wang Lun turned to look at Li Ling beside him, his eyes filled with concern, and asked, "You said you wanted to leave before, why is that?"

Upon hearing this, Li Ling did not answer him immediately. Instead, she raised her eyes and gazed at Wang Lun quietly. After a long while, she softly asked, "How long have we known each other?"

Wang Lun thought for a moment, then answered seriously, "From high school until now, it's been almost twelve years."

Li Ling nodded slightly, then pressed on, "It's been a full twelve years! So tell me, is the bond between us deeper, or is your affection for them stronger?" After she finished speaking, her beautiful eyes never left Wang Lun's face, as if trying to find the real answer from the changes in his expression.

Wang Lun knew that Li Ling was referring to the Liu Ruoxi sisters, but he still responded without hesitation, "Of course, our relationship is much stronger! Why are you asking this all of a sudden?" His words were full of confusion.

Li Ling gently waved her hand, signaling Wang Lun to stop asking questions, then pressed him again: "Alright, none of that matters. Just tell me, if you had to choose between me and them, who would you choose?" As she spoke, her gaze remained fixed on Wang Lun, not missing a single subtle change in his expression.

Seeing Li Ling's insistence on this question, Wang Lun felt a pang of worry, wondering if she was ill. He instinctively raised his hand to touch her forehead to check for a fever. However, before his hand could even touch her, she slapped it away and shouted, "Stop dawdling! Answer me quickly, who do you choose?"

Wang Lun felt completely lost, as if he were in a fog, utterly confused, yet the intense unease within him grew ever stronger. He frowned, a bewildered expression on his face, and said, “Li Ling, we’ve known each other for twelve years! Back in high school, you were my closest confidante. After we entered the workforce, you became the person I deeply cherished, a feeling that has lasted for six years now. As for the other two, I’ve only known them for a short time. Tell me, what should I do in this situation?”

Li Ling listened quietly to Wang Lun's heartfelt words. Although she already knew in her heart that Wang Lun would eventually choose her, she still stubbornly asked, "Okay, then tell me clearly yourself."

Wang Lun looked directly into Li Ling's eyes without flinching, each word spoken solemnly and forcefully: "Choosing you, from beginning to end, my heart has only belonged to you, and it always will be. Now, you should understand, right?" When he said the last few words, Wang Lun almost shouted them out, the volume so loud that Li Ling's ears rang, and she experienced a brief period of tinnitus.

Even after hearing Wang Lun say without hesitation that he had chosen her, Li Ling's expression remained unchanged. She calmly said, "Now that you have made up your mind to choose me, I want to withdraw from this emotional entanglement. I wonder if you would be willing to leave with me?"

Wang Lun's eyes widened, his face filled with disbelief. He stared intently at Li Ling, as if trying to see right through her. Li Ling, however, nodded calmly, her movement subtle yet resolute.

The moment Wang Lun saw Li Ling nod, he was struck dumb. His body trembled slightly, and his lips quivered as he involuntarily said, "Why? We've persevered for so long, and victory was just a few months away!" As he spoke, Wang Lun's emotions became even more agitated, and his voice rose involuntarily, filled with resentment and anger.

However, before he could finish speaking, Wang Lun deflated like a punctured balloon, his legs gave way, and he slowly squatted down, clutching his head tightly with both hands, bursting into loud sobs. His cries were heart-wrenching, as if he were releasing all the pain, grievances, and helplessness that had accumulated over the past few days.