“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)
I’m curious to see how Gabriel will handle Eugene and his Grandmother dowry and Evelyn plot to marry Eugene....
Awaiting updates...
Oh my, thank you for the updates ♥️...
Thank you for the updates 😊...
Still waiting.......
Please update the novel......
Thank you for the updates....
May we have updates please....
I wanted to see Gab courting Sylvia..probably that is yet to come. Please keep updating...thank you...
Maybe Gabriel can have someone at the Citadel check the whereabouts of Evelyn's boyfriend, whom she followed there in the 1st place to get information about her adoptive family and her biological family as well. The sooner she's gone the better. Thanks for the updates....