“Not really,” Sylvia said, her eyes glinting. “You were just a good teacher.”
“Oh?” he arched an eyebrow.
“You’re the one who told me that sometimes the most difficult path is the shortcut,” she explained. “Ever since then, whenever I’m faced with a choice, I remember that before making a decision.”
Gabriel looked down, his distinguished face unreadable, his voice devoid of emotion. “Including your choice to be with Eugene?”
Sylvia’s expression tightened. She walked ahead.
“Including that.”
Jonas ran back to them, holding a handful of green jujubes. He offered them to Sylvia. “I tried one. They’re pretty good.”
Sylvia took two. “Thanks.”
“Don’t mention it!” He grinned, then offered some to Gabriel.
Gabriel simply took one from Sylvia’s hand. “One is enough.”
Soon, Jenny and Una returned. They had found a wild mulberry tree and picked a large bunch, carrying them in a makeshift bowl of sycamore leaves, excited to share.
Jonas wrinkled his nose. “Those things stain your tongue and teeth black. No thanks.”
“Who cares?” Jenny said breezily. “It’s not like anyone here is going to kiss you. Who gives a damn if your teeth are black?”
The group laughed.
After their snack, they rested for a bit before setting off again.
She was always so organized and considerate.
Sylvia glanced in Gabriel’s direction and gave a faint smile. “A little bit of everything. I’m a jack-of-all-trades.”
Jonas’s admiration for her only grew. “You’re amazing.”
They had reached the edge of the purple bamboo forest. While the others rested, Jenny went ahead to scout the path. She came running back a moment later, her eyes shining with excitement. “I found a shrine up ahead!”
“A shrine, out here?” Jonas was skeptical.
“It’s true! Follow me!” Jenny beckoned.
The group followed her through the bamboo grove and across a stone bridge. Sure enough, nestled against the mountainside was a small, ancient-looking shrine.

Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan)
This is so beautiful and captivating to envision. Thank you for your updates....
Thank you for bringing in all the past elements to bring continuity to Jonathan and Stella love journey. I loved it....
Just smiling and smiling and smiling reading the proceedings of this story. Loving it to the max...
Excited for all the events leading up to Jonathan getting his bride. Thank you for the updates....
Beautiful how everything is flowing together. Thank you for the updates....
Appreciate the storyline and direction.. Nothing seems rushed and patiently focusing on each and every character of the story, leaving no stone unturned. Even more intresting to read by the day...
And the plot thickens…thank you for the updates....
Ooooo, thank you thank you thank you for continuing to update the novel 🤩...
Ooooo, thank you thank you thank you for continuing to update the novel 🤩...
No updates??...