Chapter 1222
Chapter 1222:
Herman nodded.
On the way, he was lively and talkative, effortlessly finding topic after topic to keep the conversation going. Annabel, however, answered in a calm, measured way—polite, but restrained. She wasn’t overly enthusiastic, yet she wasn’t dismissive either. Her replies matched her mood perfectly.
By the time they finished touring the forest corridor and took the cable car down, it was already eleven in the morning. Herman pulled two sandwiches from his backpack and handed one to Annabel.
“Is there a shortcut around here?” he asked, eyes bright. “I’m in the mood for an adventure. It has to be exciting to walk a path that hardly anyone uses, don’t you think p>
“An unfrequented path?” Annabel echoed, staring at him in disbelief. “What are you planning? Can’t we just take the cable car back later p>
Herman had always loved adventure. He was eager for new experiences and even enjoyed pushing limits. When he traveled with friends, he was the type to go rock climbing or bungee jumping without hesitation. Even the unknown risks of a jungle trail didn’t intimidate him. His eyes sparkled with excitement, his enthusiasm unmistakable.
More than anything, what fueled Herman was the desire to protect the girl he adored—Annabel.
“No,” Herman said, insisting. “I love adventure. Besides, we don’t always get a chance to go out. Don’t worry, Annabel. I’ll protect you.” He even patted his chest as if to prove she could trust him.
Seeing the determination in Herman’s eyes, Annabel nodded. If she refused now, he would just find another excuse to drag her into some adventure later. At least if they did it today, she wouldn’t have to deal with it again anytime soon.
After they finished their sandwiches and took a short break, they didn’t follow the main road. Instead, they ventured deeper into the forest. Herman kept going until the guardrail was no longer in sight.
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As promised, Annabel didn’t force him to take the cable car back down the mountain. Instead, she went along with his so-called adventure. Leaves and snapped twigs crunched beneath their feet as Herman pushed forward, with Annabel close behind.
The rough mountain terrain tested their stamina. Their legs and feet soon ached from the relentless trek, yet stopping abruptly wasn’t an option—they could easily slip on the steep slope. Annabel could only grip her trekking pole tightly and keep moving.
Suddenly, a pained groan made her heart jump. Annabel looked up and saw Herman crouched ahead, his face twisted, his right hand clutching his ankle.
“What happened?” Annabel hurried over and crouched in front of him. “Are you hurt? Is it serious p>
Herman lifted his head, embarrassment coloring his expression. After a brief hesitation, he finally admitted, “I got too excited. I wanted to get down faster, but I accidentally twisted my ankle. It’s not serious, though p>
Annabel fell silent for a moment, then forced herself to think clearly. Even if it wasn’t severe, staying here wasn’t an option. It was getting dark, and worse—they weren’t even on the proper route down the mountain.
Annabel pressed her lips together, brows knitting as she weighed the situation. Then she reached out her hand to Herman.