“You’re the best, honey,” Lionel cooed. “Stop it… Time for bed,” Mindy retorted. “Okay.”

It turned out that getting an early night and conserving their energy was the right call, because the next day, Miranda took them to the Elgerson Wall.

It was another bright, sunny day. Since they left early, the weather wasn’t too hot by the time they arrived.

Standing on the wall and looking out, Lionel took in the magnificent scenery, awestruck by the grandeur of the mountains and rivers before him.

Mindy, on the other hand, seemed a bit lost in thought.

“What’s wrong, Mom?” Miranda noticed her mother staring fixedly at a spot, as if entranced. “Is that the North 8th Tower over there?” Mindy asked. “Yes,” Miranda replied. “It’s also called the Sunrise Viewing Platform, the highest watchtower on the Great Elgerson Wall. Isn’t that where the ‘He Who Has Never Been to the Mighty Wall Is Not a True Man’ stone tablet is?” “Exactly,” Miranda nodded enthusiastically. “Mom, did you actually do some research this time?”

Mindy was a very laid-back traveler. She never made detailed plans and could sit down to enjoy the view wherever she went. So, the fact that she had come prepared this time truly surprised Miranda.

Mindy just smiled, neither confirming nor denying it. But there was a trace of confusion in her eyes.

The truth was, she hadn’t done any research before coming there. She hadn’t even looked up any information about this section of the Elgerson Wall. But somehow, when she saw that spot, the information just came to her as if from memory.

Could it be that in the part of her past she couldn’t remember, she had been here before?

Lionel, who had been full of energy at the start, gave up as soon as they finished taking a picture in front of the “True Man” tablet.

“I can’t do it anymore. I’m exhausted and hot. Let’s rest a bit before going any further.”

Mindy teased him, “Weren’t you the one who confidently said yesterday that you’d be fine? And now look at you—this is just the beginning, and you’re already throwing in the towel?”

Lionel replied, completely unbothered, “I’m no spring chicken anymore. I’ve climbed this far before needing a break. Look at those younger folks–some of them are already turning back, not even making it as far as I did!”

Indeed, down the seemingly endless staircase, there were plenty of younger people already heading back.

Mindy just sighed, shaking her head. There was just no use arguing with him.

Miranda watched her parents bicker and couldn’t help but laugh.

Halfway through her laughter, Mindy caught her in the act, “Why are you laughing so hard? Are you on your dad’s side?”

Lionel winked at her, clearly implying, “Of course, we were always on the same team!”

Miranda smiled, “Dad, Mom, how about I take a picture of you two together?”

“Sure, sure!” Lionel, who had been sitting, immediately stood up, brushing off his clothes to tidy himself up.

Mindy chuckled, “Look at you, trying to be handsome.”

“Of course! Standing next to my wife, I can’t look too shabby. How do I look, sweetie?” he asked, straightening his outfit.

Miranda played along, giving him a thumbs-up, “Very handsome! Ready? One, two…”

“Wait!” Lionel interrupted. He’d just noticed his hat was crooked and struggled to adjust it, unsure of what was off.

Amused by his impatience, Mindy stepped in to fix it for him, shaking her head with a soft smile.

She wore a red chiffon dress with short sleeves, the fabric hugging her slim waist. Her hair was pinned up with a delicate hairpin, giving her an elegant, refined look.

On the other hand, Lionel was dressed casually. Despite being in his 50s, his sharp features and high-bridged nose made him quite dashing. Miranda’s “handsome” compliment wasn’t just for show, after all. As Mindy focused on straightening his hat, Lionel’s eyes never left her. He smiled gently, admiring how beautiful she looked.

Miranda then pressed the shutter, capturing the perfect moment.

That night, the three of them were thoroughly exhausted. They slept soundly and deeply.

The next morning, Miranda got up early, made breakfast, and told her parents she was heading to Christine’s house for a visit.

She left quietly, but when she returned in the afternoon, she found an unexpected guest at home.

“Dr. Jefferson!”