Hiking was exhausting.
I took them six hours to reach the summit.
Harper, panting heavily, hugged her backpack and squatted on a stone.
“I’m dying” She gasped, gripping the handrail. “Why didn’t I take the cable car?”
Madeline, equally tired, patted Harper’s shoulder before sitting on the ground. “Let’s take the cable car down. We still want to watch the sunrise tomorrow. The scenery here is worth it”
Madeline found the place somewhat familiar, “Wow, look at all these love locks!”
Matthew explained. “Yes, I want to lock one here with my girlfriend someday. It’s pretty romantic.
Madeline rubbed her chin, thinking for a long time,
Madeline remembered a time when Benjamin was pursuing her. He had posted photos of love locks featuring them together.
1
She checked her phone and found her Instagram posts from a year ago, stirring up some embarrassing memories.
Madeline compared the photo and said, “Looks like it’s really here”
Not knowing what Madeline was doing. Harper crouched beside her and noticed a familiar name on a lock. “Madeline, that’s your name” “Who is this Benjamin? Your ex?” Harper asked, surprised. “So you
you’ve been herr before“”
Harper found the name Benjamin familiar, like the name of a once–famous senior
Madeline’s expression darkened as the noticed Benjamin had locked another one with Winslet. “What a scumbag
Harper reacted. “Madeline, your ex is indeed a jerk. He climbed this mountain and locked two love locks. So, who’s his real girlfriend?” Madeline knocked off the lock with her name. “Im just his fiancee. Winslet and Benjamin are the true couple, and they re together now.
In heaven, she added.
Madeline dusted off her hands, looking down. “It feels like ages ago, but it was just a year. I was almost over this insignificant person “Madeline, there’s another one bere, Harper exclaimed, waving. “It’s your name. What’s going on!”
Madeline frowned. i must be a coincidence. I didn’t lock it.”
“It’s your name, and the guy’s name is.. Bobby. It looks new like it hasn’t been locked for long” Harper grinned mischievously.
She thought, ‘Bobby! Could it be the one I’m thinking of?
She asked, “Madeline, is this Mr. Dont You’re not siblings, right No blood relation? Are you two in love, a teacher–student relationship?”
Madeline quickly covered her mouth. “Don’t talk nonsense.”
When she looked clover, she found Harper wasn’t lying.
Years ago, Bobby did visit the mountains to pray at a chapel but didn’t mention locking a love lock.
Madeline fel a mix of helplessness and doubt. She the
thought, ‘Could he have done
that?
“Madeline. I think Mr. Dalton likes you. Do you feel the same way? You can’t possibly have no feelings for him!” Harper insisted. “I can just picture how serious and since he was when he haing the lock
Madeline knocked Harper’s head. “It’s just a condence. Don’t talk nonsense. We’re siblings.”
Just then, Matthew shouted, “Come here! The monkeys are coming!”
Harper covered her heal, momentarily stunned.
Then she exclaimed, “Madeline, there are a lot of wild monkeys here. Hurry, they’ll attack the tourists”
Madelur replied, “They sound perity here,
Chapter 224
When Madeline turned to grab her backpack, a group of fierce monkeys was already there, rummaging through their bags with menacing expressions.
She was completely at a loss for what to do.
Then she was targeted by the monkeys.
“Oh no,” Harper said, looking upset. “Our food is gone! These monkeys are tough. We’re in for a rough time. Last time, a tourist tried to reclaim their food and ended up in the hospital from being tickled
Harper knew well that one shouldn’t risk big losses for small gains.
Forget it. Luckily, there are stores and Chapels nearby. Worst case, we can have a meal in Chapel,” she said,
Watching the monkeys divide their spoils, Madeline forced a smile. “I think that’s a good idea.”
When they caught up with Matthew and Brooklyn, many tourists were already fleeing
The monkeys had a notorious reputation and had caused quite a stir online.
They rarely appeared on this hiking route, so they could only blame their bad luck.
“I’m sorry, Harper, Madeline. We were sitting down and didn’t expect this to happen,” Matthew said, looking guilty “I should have brought your backpacks earlier. It’s just that we didn’t get a chance. Ours were taken too.”
Harper said, laughing lightly. “At least we’re all equally miserable. Let’s have a meal at the chapel. I heard its food is pretty good here.” Madeline nodded, “Let’s consider it a way to experience the local customs.”
“Madeline, aren’t these monkeys a bit excessive?” Harper asked.
Madeline sighed and nodded. “We’ve lost our body warmer patches too. It’ll be cold at night. We’d better stay in the chapel to avoid freezing Harper agreed.
She e had warm clothes in her bag, but now they were gone. If they slept outside, they’d turn into ice sculptures
by m
morning.
The altitude here was several thousand meters, making it extremely cold. It would only get colder as they climbed higher, only a down jacket could handle such freezing temperatures.
The four of them split up because they lived in different places.
Madeline and Harper went to the chapel and stayed in a guest room.
They had their meals in the hall with the priest and could attend morning and evening prayers
The chapel was vast, and the floors swept spotless.
The long steps were slightly broken, with moss growing in the cracks and resilient ferns thriving, creating a serene atmosphere.
Excited, Harper returned from the restroom “Madeline, priests are praying, and many people are listening”
Madeline raised an eyebrow, “Are you interested in that?”
Harper’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “Not really, but there’s a particularly handsome priest in a gray robe. He’s stunning
“It’s like that saying. Simple beauty is the b best, untouched and natural
“I found out that he v training under the old priest bar hasn’t officially become a priest, so he’s halfway there
It would be nice if he could down the mid love and he
