Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan) novel Chapter 2626

“But building roads is the government’s responsibility,” Una said, confused. “Why did the Jarvis family have to get involved?”

“Building a road requires land,” Jonas explained. “There are always troublemakers who try to block progress and demand an exorbitant payout. The Jarvis family was the only one who could handle people like that.”

“No wonder the Jarvis family is so respected in C-City,” Jenny said, enlightened. “They’ve done so much for the people here.”

“The list of things they’ve done for this city is endless,” Jonas laughed. “My dad was transferred here for three years when I was in middle school, so I spent those years here. You heard stories about them all the time. In the hearts of C-City’s residents, the Jarvis family is on a pedestal.”

“It’s true,” Una mused. “At first, some of the parents were hesitant to send their children here, but as soon as they heard it was a Jarvis family manor, they were completely at ease.”

Sylvia and Gabriel walked behind the others, listening to their conversation. Sylvia couldn’t help but smile. “They have no idea the very people they’re talking about are walking right behind them.”

“The Jarvis family is what it is today because of the contributions of every generation,” Gabriel said in a low voice. “I’ve done the least.”

Sylvia’s expression turned serious. “No. Others may not see it, but I know how much you’ve done. Your ancestors worked for C-City, but you… you work for something much bigger.”

Gabriel’s steps faltered for a fraction of a second. He turned to look at the girl half a step behind him, his handsome face dappled with the shadows of leaves, his expression unreadable. “I don’t care what others think. As long as you understand.”

He turned and continued up the path, but Sylvia froze in place. It took her a moment to hurry and catch up, by which point he was already several stone steps ahead.

In mid-April, the mountains were lush and green. From a low peak, they could see the area’s most famous sight ahead: a sprawling purple bamboo forest. It looked like a sea of green, and when the wind blew, the leaves rippled in magnificent, spectacular waves.

Their destination was a mountain next to the forest called Cloud Mount, which was said to have the best sunset views. If they timed it right, they would reach the summit just as the sun was setting.

Further on, they entered a grove of towering ginkgo trees. The leaves were so dense that even at the brightest time of the afternoon, the forest floor was cool and dim.

Jenny spun around, looking up. “This place must be absolutely stunning in the fall when the leaves turn yellow.” She looked back at the group with a smile. “Let’s make a pact, okay? We’ll all come back here in the autumn.”

Artists, at their core, were hopeless romantics.

Sylvia shook her head. “No, we should go straight up. The stones on this path are smoother and there are fewer weeds, which means it’s used more often. We should follow the locals’ path.”

Gabriel came up from behind, glanced at the two paths, and without a word, started up the one Sylvia had indicated.

With that, the group’s uncertainty vanished, and they all followed him.

Sure enough, once they reached a higher point, Jenny ran to the edge of a cliff and looked back. “Good thing we listened to Sylvia!” she called out. “That other path winds around so far. We would’ve been walking until dark!”

Jonas gave Sylvia a thumbs-up. “Impressive!”

After a steep climb, the path leveled out again, offering even better views. Jenny and Jonas ran ahead, chasing each other and picking wild berries.

Gabriel and Sylvia walked at a more leisurely pace. His handsome face seemed more relaxed as he turned to her. “Your judgment has improved.”