"Well done, Chaoyue! If you go back to the shelter first and we haven't returned yet, don't go out again. Just keep the water and fire going in the shelter." Li Yinsheng patted Chaoyue on the shoulder, her eyes full of approval.
"Okay! I understand." Yang Chaoyue took a deep breath, feeling the weight on his back. This was not only a physical burden, but also a symbol of responsibility.
She looked up into the distance, her heart filled with hope and anticipation for the future. The journey had been fraught with hardship and challenges, but she knew that with everyone working together, nothing was impossible.
“Brother Jing, Sister Qin, we’re setting off too. Brother Yan, take your time.” After Li Yinsheng finished speaking, she, Li Qin, and Wu Jing pulled the musk beef and slowly made their way along the winding mountain road toward the shelter.
The setting sun cast its golden rays upon their sturdy backs, gilding the rugged mountain path.
The mountain breeze carried a coolness, but also the unique freshness and freedom of the forest, as if applauding their courage and perseverance.
The three of them pulled together, and the dissected musk ox was much lighter than before.
"Watch your step, everyone, don't twist it. Sister Qin, is your foot alright? This mountain path is really difficult to walk on." Li Yinsheng saw Li Qin twist her foot and asked with concern, while the rope in her hand was tightly securing the heavy supplies to prevent them from slipping.
Li Qin shook her head, her hair damp with sweat and clinging to her cheeks, but it couldn't hide her resolute gaze. "I'm fine, don't worry, I didn't twist anything. We need to hurry back so that Yue Wei doesn't worry."
Wu Jing smiled and nodded from the side. Although he didn't say much, he walked with exceptional steadiness, supporting his teammates with his actions.
"Yes, there's someone waiting for us at the shelter, and we can't keep her waiting too long."
At this moment, Peng Yuyan also tied the cow's head and beef ribs to a big tree and hung them there. He rushed over and helped pull them up.
The four of them supported each other and continued to traverse through the mountains and forests. The surrounding trees gradually thinned out, and soon they encountered Bai Jingting, who was walking ahead.
"You guys go first, don't worry about me." Bai Jingting's voice carried an undeniable determination, but his figure appeared somewhat unsteady, clearly he was forcing himself to stay upright.
Upon seeing this, the four men felt a chill run down their spines. They knew that in such a dangerous mountain forest, anyone who fell behind could face unpredictable dangers.
"Xiaobai, you have two choices. First, we can come and pick you up after we send the musk meat back to the shelter."
"Secondly, if we don't come to pick you up tonight, climb a tree under the cover of darkness and spend the night there. We'll come to pick you up the next day." Li Yinsheng's voice was gentle yet firm. She was trying to soothe Bai Jingting's emotions in the most reasonable way, while also considering the safety of the team.
Her gaze swept across the faces of Li Qin, Wu Jing, and Peng Yuyan, seeking their approval and support.
“Fatty is right, Xiaobai, your current condition is indeed not suitable to continue. Your ankle sprain wasn’t too serious to begin with. If you aggravate your injury in order to rush back to the shelter and end up having to withdraw from the competition, that would be a huge loss.” Wu Jing frowned, her tone full of worry.
He knew that although Bai Jingting usually appeared clean and tidy, he had a tenacity that was second to none, and his persistence at this moment made him feel even more heartbroken.
“Yes, Xiaobai, we are a team, and we won’t abandon anyone.” Li Qin’s voice was gentle, yet carried an undeniable strength. She gently patted Bai Jingting’s shoulder, trying to offer him some comfort and strength.
Faced with his teammates' concern and persistence, Bai Jingting's stubbornness finally softened slightly. He looked up at the four of them, a hint of gratitude and relief flashing in his eyes. "Okay, I'll listen to you. But you must be careful, don't come to pick me up if it's too late."
He forced a smile, though it looked somewhat strained.
The four nodded in agreement and continued pulling the heavy musk meat back to the shelter.
They had to get back before nightfall, because the forest at night was full of unknowns and dangers.
After pulling hundreds of kilograms of musk meat for more than two hours, their steps began to become heavy and slow. Sweat slid down their foreheads and dripped onto the withered leaves at their feet, where it was instantly absorbed without a trace.
The sound of breathing echoed in the silent forest, intertwining with the occasional bird calls and animal roars from afar to create a weary yet resolute melody.
"Hang in there, everyone, we're almost there," Li Yinsheng encouraged, her eyes shining with an indomitable light, even though she herself was exhausted and panting.
She knew that as the leader of the team, every word and action of hers could give her teammates tremendous strength.
Li Qin's hands were rubbed raw and red from the ropes, but she gritted her teeth and didn't utter a single complaint. She had only one thought in her mind: for the team, for glory, she had to persevere.
"We're almost at the shelter. You guys keep pulling, I'll go get Xiaobai." With her sharp eyes, Li Yinsheng quickly made a decision after noticing the shelter was not far away.
"Fatty, should I go with you?" Wu Jing asked, somewhat worried.
"No need, without you, this meat can't be brought back."
"Don't forget, I, Fatty, have great stamina and explosive power. I'll definitely bring Xiaobai back safely." Li Yinsheng waved her hand without even turning her head.
Then, he quickly ran towards Bai Jingting's direction.
On the other side, Bai Jingting saw that it was getting dark and originally wanted to climb a tree to rest.
They found Li Yinsheng running back, panting heavily.
"Yin Sheng, why are you back so soon? I thought..." Bai Jingting was surprised, but even more so, he was touched.
"I've come to take you back." Li Yinsheng smiled as she approached Bai Jingting.
Upon hearing this, Bai Jingting felt a surge of warmth in his heart, and his eyes involuntarily welled up with tears.
In this vast wilderness, to have someone who cares so much about you and is willing to go to great lengths for you is such a rare and precious thing.
"Get on." Li Yinsheng squatted down in front of Bai Jingting, gesturing for him to get on, and said she would carry him back.
"this......."
"Stop dawdling. If you keep dawdling, it will get even later and more dangerous."
You know how strong and fit I am, Xiao Bai. Come on up! Li Yinsheng didn't waste any more words with Bai Jingting, urging him directly and firmly.
Bai Jingting looked into Li Yinsheng's unwavering gaze and at her slightly trembling shoulders, noting that it contained not only strength but also boundless tenderness and perseverance.
Without further hesitation, he gently leaned against Li Yinsheng's back, wrapped his arms around her neck, and tried to distribute his weight more evenly to reduce the burden on her.
Li Yinsheng picked up Bai Jingting, stood up, and steadily began her journey home.
Although the night was deep, her heart was as bright as day, because on her back lay her most cherished friends, her responsibilities, and her duties.
Bai Jingting pressed himself tightly against Li Yinsheng's back, feeling the warmth and reassurance coming from behind him, as if all his fatigue and fear had vanished at that moment.
The two remained silent, their heartbeats and breaths mingling together to create the most beautiful melody of the night.
Li Yinsheng walked with such determination, as if she could overcome any difficulties and obstacles in front of her, all for the sake of safely sending Bai Jingting back.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com