Even her parents didn't care about her safety, just as they hadn't the last time she was unintentionally kidnapped and returned home after surviving a disaster. She longed for warmth, but her father was at the gambling table, and her mother was home catering to her favored younger brother. The family didn't even realize she'd been missing for two days.

Growing up, Zoe had become accustomed to disappointment. She'd thought that disdainfully dismissing him would make Sidney leave, but he remained where he stood, teasing, "Did you quarrel with your family?" He kept bringing up things she wanted to avoid, infuriating her. In a moment of irrationality, she did something she would later regret: she jumped over the guardrail, threatening coldly, "Leave, or I'll jump!"

The river flowed calmly, shimmering mysteriously under the night sky. Sidney, outwardly refined and proper, was known to those close to him as silly and annoying. Amused, he whistled, "Do you dare? I don't believe you."

Zoe jumped without hesitation. "What the hell?" Sidney was stunned. He hadn't expected such ruthlessness. She'd jumped before he could react! A moment later, he recovered and jumped in after her.

The water was pitch-black. He surfaced, searching for Zoe. Fortunately, they weren't far apart. He swam over quickly, only to find her leisurely backstroking, gazing at the stars, not drowning at all.

Sidney was speechless. He hadn't needed to worry. Just as he was about to speak, she sighed faintly, "I'm so stupid. I'm a strong swimmer. Why did I choose to jump into the water to die?"

Sidney's eyelids twitched. He'd thought her ruthless, even self-destructive when angry. Mimicking her posture, he swam on his back, gazing at the stars. "I'm sorry," he said. "I was rude. Anyway, this isn't the only debt I owe you. Beat me if it'll make you feel better."

Zoe did. She kicked him, causing him to choke. She finally smiled, her gloom dissipating. "I'm sorry," she said. "It's my fault. No matter what, you had good intentions. I shouldn't have been so mean."

"Then let's settle this," Sidney raised an eyebrow. "Time to go up."

"Okay," Zoe replied, swimming slowly.

The river was shallow near the bank, explaining their nonchalance. Reaching the shore, Zoe still felt lingering fear. Impulsiveness, she realized, was terrifying. The initial thrill had quickly given way to self-reproach. Nothing was more important than life. Fortunately, she was unharmed; otherwise, she would have endangered both herself and Sidney.

Shivering, she looked listless, a stark contrast to her earlier outburst.

"Let's go. I'll take you home," Sidney said, aware they needed to dry off to avoid catching cold.

"Okay," Zoe agreed, unusually cooperative.

She got into Sidney's car. Feeling guilty, she said, "The car wash is expensive, right? The cushions are all dirty…"

"It's okay," Sidney reassured her, dropping her off in her neighborhood.

Returning to her dilapidated house, Zoe felt better than before. Before showering and going to bed, she texted Sidney: [Thank you.]

He replied: [Good night.]

Zoe smiled, grateful for a small kindness in her darkness.

Although Tiffany contacted Zoe regularly, Zoe always maintained a cheerful façade, never mentioning the incident. Tiffany remained unaware of the river jump. Tiffany had been training intensely and was now at ease, having overcome the most difficult period. Her progress was rapid.

The real trial had begun. The instructor explained, "Team ranking will determine this trial's outcome, testing your team cohesion. Individual performance will also be evaluated. The trial takes place behind the mountain; it will be incredibly difficult. If you can't continue or face an emergency, use your communicator. We'll rescue you, but you'll lose."

Two hundred students, divided into ten teams of twenty, were present. The instructor explained the varied obstacles and emphasized the need for unity. "Understood?" he asked. "Get your equipment and assemble at the mountain in ten minutes!"

The teams dispersed to gather their equipment – large backpacks containing food, water, medicine, and self-defense weapons. Tiffany, however, noticed something amiss with her backpack; it seemed shifted, but she lacked time to investigate.

Sandra, her roommate, followed behind, unseen by Tiffany, but with a smug smile on her face. The ten teams entered the mountain, dispersing along designated routes.

Kenneth, leading his team, explained their route and encouraged rest, but urged against falling behind. Sandra, still recovering from an arm injury and unable to carry much, became a priority for the team, with Kenneth shouldering her backpack and offering constant care. Tiffany and Ged remained at the back, observing their surroundings.

The mountain was lush and beautiful, but fraught with danger. Ged was nervous, but Tiffany felt a unique aura, abundant spiritual energy. A thought struck her: Is there a diamond mine nearby? A glint appeared in her eyes. That would be great. Besides the trial, she needed to investigate the possibility of nearby diamond mines.