Fortune Across the World

Chapter 45: The Uphill Journey on Persistence Path (Part 2)

Ding Qiyu remained unfazed, handing out three small water pouches to a blushing Lu Weixi, a bemused Qing'er, and a mockingly sighing Lu Weiming. She didn't bother refuting the "heart's desire" remark—anyone could see her feelings for Weixi. After distributing the water, she smirked mischievously at Lu Weiming, "Heh, Brother Weiming, with that dark outfit of yours, even if I kicked you, it wouldn't leave a mark. Should we test it out?" She jokingly lifted her foot as if to kick.

"Hey, hey!" Lu Weiming hastily shielded himself with his luggage, only to realize Ding Qiyu was merely teasing. Relieved, he set the bags down.

Meanwhile, Lu Weixi found herself lost in thought. Ding Qiyu hadn't denied it—was she really his heart's desire? Her heart raced, and she instinctively clutched the hem of her dress, her mind swirling with countless thoughts.

After resting, Ding Qiyu stood up beside Lu Weiming, adjusting her luggage, "Let's go. We shouldn't rest too long, or we'll get lazy."

"Brother Yu, let's switch luggage. You shouldn't carry the heaviest one all the time," Lu Weiming suggested, stopping her.

Though Lu Weiming wasn't the strongest, even carrying his own load was a challenge. Ding Qiyu assessed her situation and decided not to burden him further, shaking her head as she resumed, "I'm okay. Back in Hejia Village, I chopped wood and carried water—got used to it." She'd always valued physical fitness, and in this new world, she used manual labor to stay in shape, feeling stronger than before. Unbeknownst to her, part of her boundless energy was thanks to Xie Bi'an's underworld elixir.

Back on Persistence Path, Ding Qiyu glanced upward; the path still stretched endlessly. Resuming her steps, she playfully sang, "A chicken in my left hand, a duck in my right, and a chubby baby on my back~" Breaking into laughter, she amused her companions.

Soon, leg fatigue returned, and the others seemed worse off. Ding Qiyu considered making simple walking sticks for support.

"Ah! It still looks endless," Lu Weiming lamented, "This wretched path never ends! Feels like I've climbed a million steps already. Is it really only three thousand?"

Stepping off the path, Ding Qiyu retrieved a small saw from her tool bag, about to encourage him when Weixi's gentle voice interjected, "Second Brother, don't focus on the summit. Set closer goals, like that tall cypress ahead. It'll feel easier, and you'll feel better." Though her breath was uneven and speech slower, her tone was sincere and caring.

Ding Qiyu smiled, looking at Weixi with admiration and affection—what a wise girl! Weixi's advice recalled an article she'd read: breaking down big challenges into smaller ones, tackling each with focus, leads to overcoming daunting obstacles and achieving victory.

Swiftly sawing a suitably thick branch, Ding Qiyu agreed, "Weixi's right. By handling each small hurdle, we'll conquer the big task!" She stripped the branch of twigs, smoothed it with a file, and, satisfied it was hand-friendly, returned to offer the makeshift staff to Weixi, "Here, Weixi, it might help a bit."

Weixi accepted the sturdy, comfortable staff. Meeting Ding Qiyu's fond gaze, she blushed, murmuring, "Thank you."

Still processing his sister's wise words, Lu Weiming noticed Ding Qiyu's swift handiwork and missed their moment, interrupting, "Wow, Brother Yu, this is great! Make one for me too!"

Appreciating Weixi's endearing demeanor, Ding Qiyu's affection grew, her smile widening. Cheerfully, she stepped off the path again, promising Lu Weiming, "Of course, you're included too." She quickly crafted three more staffs, handing them out. With no railings on the path, a staff provided much-needed support.

Following Weixi's method of setting goals, Ding Qiyu found various topics to keep spirits high.

Estimating they'd covered about half the distance, Ding Qiyu noted everyone's labored breathing, her own legs aching, and suggested a break on a small platform.