After standing for a moment, the two people walked off in different directions. They discovered that to cross to the other side of the artificial lake, their only option was to use the small wooden boat docked by the shore.
Since it was the only path, they might as well try.
Xingxing decisively untied the rope binding the small boat and stepped onto it first. "Come up," he called to Xiaoran.
Neither of them was timid when facing a situation. Seeing him step on so decisively without a hint of hesitation, Xiaoran lifted his foot and followed.
Although they hadn't rowed a wooden boat before, it wasn't that difficult once they got the hang of it. Initially, their coordination was poor, and the boat remained stationary or veered off course. After numerous adjustments, their synergy improved significantly, and the boat began to glide forward.
Before long, they successfully reached the opposite side of the artificial lake. Looking back at where they had stood, a sense of accomplishment immediately surged through them.
"The first step is successful. We're moving on to the second step!" Xiaoran excitedly extended his hand to Xingxing.
Understanding his intention, Xingxing clasped his hand in response.
To help them better understand their surroundings, the teacher had prepared a cartoon-style map.
Xiaoran took a red pen and marked their current location on the map. Observing the environment, he saw that to climb the hill, they needed to start from the lower area on the far left.
"Xingxing, there might be some danger, be careful," Xiaoran warned.
"Mm," Xingxing replied.
The path up the mountain was narrow, preventing them from walking side-by-side. Xingxing chose to walk in front, ready to protect Xiaoran in case of any unforeseen circumstances.
Step by step, they ascended. Xingxing frequently looked back to ensure Xiaoran was keeping up.
Climbing the slope was more physically demanding. By the time they reached the summit, both were sweating profusely and panting heavily.
Before they could even rest, Xiaoran spotted a small red flag planted in the ground ahead.
"There's one here too!" Xingxing also noticed one.
In the same spot, they collected four red flags. Smiles bloomed on both their faces.
After storing the flags in their backpacks, they sat on the ground and spread out the map. Behind the hill, there was a downhill path that led directly to their tent.
Xiaoran wanted to take the path down from the hill, while Xingxing wanted to go the other way. They had a disagreement at this point.
As a team, they couldn't split up, so Xingxing and Xiaoran glared at each other.
"Rock-paper-scissors. Whoever wins decides the direction!" Xiaoran proposed, finding it the simplest solution.
"Alright," Xingxing agreed.
Xiaoran won.
As they descended from the hill, Xiaoran took the lead. It's said that going uphill is easier than coming down. Their feet slipped on the way down, and pebbles from the rocky path rolled downwards.
Xingxing picked up a wooden branch from halfway up the slope and handed it to Xiaoran.
They slowly made their way down, and to their surprise, they found another small red flag halfway up the mountain.
"Choosing this path was definitely the right decision," Xiaoran remarked.
However, the flag was planted a bit precariously. Xiaoran gestured with his hand, using the wooden branch as a support, and shuffled towards the edge. It was still quite difficult.
Seeing it, he couldn't resist the urge to grab it. Xiaoran took off his backpack and leaned over, half-supported on the mountainside, reaching for the flag.
Xingxing watched from the side, terrified of him falling. He repeatedly warned, "Be careful!"
Xiaoran heard him and, gripping the roots of the nearby wild grass, replied, "I know."
As he finished speaking, he lunged forward and yanked the flag free.
Just as he was about to pull himself back, Xiaoran failed to notice a loose stone underfoot. His body wobbled, and he was on the verge of falling.
"Careful!" Xingxing rushed to catch him.
He was a moment too late. Xiaoran tumbled down the slope.
Xingxing wanted to go to his rescue, but his feet couldn't keep up with the speed of Xiaoran's fall.
Fortunately, the slope wasn't too steep, and Xiaoran was unharmed by his tumble.