From humble beginnings to the pinnacle of life

Hearing this, my tense nerves relaxed a little.

But he was still full of doubts and couldn't figure out why she suddenly asked about this.

Since she had already heard the whole conversation, I saw no need to hide anything anymore, so I decided to be frank:

"It's really not confirmed yet. You just heard it, Su Qing said that as long as I can walk out of the no-man's land unharmed, she will confirm our relationship."

Su Wan gazed at me quietly, a faint smile slowly appearing between her cool, aloof eyes, her tone tinged with surprise:

"To be honest, I'm quite surprised. Su Qing actually took a liking to you."

Afraid I'd misunderstand, she quickly added, "I didn't mean to look down on you. It's just that I know her too well; with her personality and taste, she wouldn't like a calm and reserved guy like you."

These words are straightforward and true, and I've had this question in my mind more than once.

Su Qing is bright and dazzling with a lively personality, while I am ordinary, mediocre, and not good with words, and have no romantic sense at all.

Sometimes I can't figure out why she treats me differently.

Before I could answer, Su Wan asked again, "And what about you? How do you feel about her?"

I fell silent, thought it over carefully in my mind, and replied:

"Being with her is very comfortable and relaxing. I feel happy whenever she's around, and I feel very relaxed when I'm with her."

"Is it just about being happy?" She paused, then asked, "Have you thought about the practical aspects?"

I was speechless for a moment and fell silent again.

I've thought about this question countless times in private.

But every time I think about it deeply, the outcome seems extremely uncertain, and the pressure is suffocating me.

Su Wan raised her head, looked at me quietly, and waited patiently for my answer.

After a long silence, I took a deep breath and said, word by word, "I've thought about it. The road ahead is difficult, but I will do everything in my power to fight for it."

"Hard work alone is often not enough."

Su Wan's tone was calm, yet every word she spoke was piercing.

"I admit that you can endure hardship better than most people. Take this trip to the no-man's-land for example. Anyone else would have given up in fear long ago, but you didn't. After spending these past few days together, I can also see that you are very serious about your work."

"But diligence and perseverance cannot bridge the real gap between you."

She paused, then slowly continued, "Leaving aside whether you can get past my parents, even if they make an exception and agree, ask yourself honestly, can you really provide Su Qing with a stable and happy life right now?"

This was the first time Su Wan had spoken to me so much; there was no beating around the bush, just the stark reality.

I remained silent for a long time, my heart churning with countless emotions.

But in the end, I nodded firmly and said, "Yes. I can do it."

Seeing my resolute expression, Su Wan smiled faintly, nodded gently, and said no more.

It seems she has gotten the answer she wanted.

I hesitated for a moment before asking, "Could I ask you for a favor?"

Before he could finish speaking, Su Wan interrupted him directly: "I won't tell my parents, and I won't interfere in your relationship with Su Qing. You two can handle your own feelings."

I nodded. "Thank you!"

Su Wan didn't say anything more, so I said to her one last time, "Get some rest and make sure you're well-rested. We're heading into the no-man's-land tomorrow."

Back in the room, Luo Peng was already fast asleep, his loud snoring filling the entire room.

I quickly took a hot shower.

Once we enter the no-man's-land tomorrow, for the next few days, let alone hot showers, even clean water will be an extreme luxury.

I don’t even dare to think about how disheveled we’ll be when we get through this arduous journey and out of the no-man’s land.

But then I thought, as long as I can get out alive, I'm already incredibly lucky. How could I possibly ask for a clean and respectable appearance?

……

When I woke up, it was already bright outside the window.

Today's weather is exceptionally good, with a clear blue sky and not a cloud in sight.

There wasn't even a breath of wind; it was perfect weather for entering the no-man's-land.

Pushing open the window, a rush of cool, clean air greets you.

After quickly washing up and packing all our gear and supplies, the three of us met in the courtyard downstairs on time.

Su Qing and Luo Peng were already fully prepared, both wearing professional hard-shell jackets and looking very energetic.

As soon as Luo Peng saw me, he immediately came over, his face beaming with excitement:

"Brother Lin! We're about to enter the no-man's land, aren't you excited? Aren't you feeling the adrenaline pumping?"

I smiled and asked in return, "How did you guys sleep last night? Are you feeling alright?"

"I'm full of energy and full of vitality!" Luo Peng patted his chest, brimming with confidence.

Su Wan nodded slightly, her expression calm, indicating that she was in good condition.

"That's good. Let's go have breakfast first, and once we're full, we'll set off on time."

When we checked out after breakfast, the innkeeper came over and personally presented each of the three of us with a white hada (ceremonial scarf).

The hada symbolizes peace and good fortune and is the most sincere blessing in the local culture.

The owner looked at us and smiled sincerely, "I wish you a safe journey and a smooth crossing of the no-man's-land. When you return, I will waive all your room fees. This is just a small token of our appreciation, and it's also the rule here."

I nodded and said sincerely, "Thank you so much. We appreciate your care these past few days, boss, and for sharing so much practical experience with us. It's been a huge help. I wish you booming business and all the best."

After saying that, I put my hands together and respectfully said, "Tashi Delek".

Everyone got into the car and took their positions. We adjusted the equipment one by one and repeatedly tested the walkie-talkie signal.

After confirming that all equipment, vehicles, and routes were correct, the three off-road vehicles started simultaneously.

Before setting off, all three of our cars honked their horns.

This is not a leisurely trip, but a brutal ordeal of facing the wilderness and challenging life and death.

This simple ceremony instantly ignited the fighting spirit in all of us.

At least for me, at this moment, my blood is boiling, my mind is racing, and I am completely in a state of preparation.

Behind them lay a peaceful, civilized world, and before them stretched an endless, desolate wilderness.

From the moment the car started, I had no way back but to move forward without hesitation and head towards the distance.

The vehicle smoothly drove out of Shuanghu County along the pre-set route.

The further we drove, the fewer people we saw, and the signs of civilization behind us completely disappeared.

What awaits us is a brutal ordeal.

The three vehicles maintained a safe and steady speed, advancing in an orderly manner into the depths of the wilderness.

The vast Gobi Desert was utterly silent and deserted.

In the entire world, only our three speeding cars remained.

After driving for two hours, a solitary stone house finally appeared on the horizon.

This is also the first key fork in the road on the entire route.