Song Luli was breathing heavily; sweat trickled down her face.
She could see Long Jie up ahead, running. He paused at the foot of a small bridge, turning to face her, smiling mischievously. Song Luli smiled back, and then she ran after him, determined to catch up.
Across the bridge, towards a large hill, Song Luli ran next to Long Jie, racing across the trails of their property. Sometimes Song Luli was taken aback by how athletic Long Jie was. Judging from his stamina, his speed and strength, he had years of experience.
Nonetheless, he was training her to improve her strength, and she began to feel the difference every day. The way she began to run farther without feeling breathless. The way everything felt easier when it came to lifting or tumbling over the bedsheets with him, without getting tired as quickly.
They stepped into the forest, which was the most challenging part of their course.
