After resting for about ten minutes, the teachers gathered everyone to set off again. They were worried that the longer they rested, the less willing these pampered parents and children would be to continue.
In fact, this was indeed the case.
"Teacher, how much further is it to the hot spring you mentioned?" A parent asked, their tone tinged with frustration.
The teacher noticed but patiently replied, "Actually, we are not far from the destination. At our current pace, it will only take another half hour."
"Another half hour..." Many people showed disbelief at the teacher's words. Some even declared they couldn't walk any further and refused to go on.
For those people, the teacher didn't force them. "If you don't want to continue up the mountain, I will arrange for two security guards to stay behind with you. Once you've rested, they will escort you back to the village. Any other parents and children who still wish to go up the mountain, please gather here so I can take a headcount and we can set off."
She pointed to an open space in front of her and scanned the crowd. But several seconds passed without anyone moving.
Deanna noticed the teachers' awkward expressions and decided to help them out by stepping forward. To be honest, she found this school activity very meaningful and didn't think it should be abandoned halfway because of these pampered individuals.
"The four of us will go. Please register us," she said.
"Alright, please wait a moment," the teacher responded quickly, lowering her head to start registering.
Seeing this, Deanna turned to Jessie and asked, "Are you still going up the mountain?"
"Yes," Jessie answered firmly.
As soon as she spoke, the woman who had previously apologized also voiced her support. "Since Mrs. Mercer insists on going up the mountain, I am willing to accompany her."
Hearing this, Deanna frowned. She realized this woman liked to set traps with her words. However, given the current situation, she didn't want to cause more trouble for the teachers, so she said nothing.
With their three statements, more parents gradually stepped forward. On closer inspection, most of these parents were men.
Lance glanced around and understood their intentions but chose not to intervene. Seeing more and more people gathering, the teachers gratefully looked at Deanna. They all knew that these parents were willing to continue mainly because of Deanna and Mr. Mercer's influence.
Soon, they finished registering the new headcount and announced the departure.
Lance was worried Deanna would get tired, so he watched over the two little ones while supporting Deanna. Despite his efforts, Deanna was still exhausted.
Hearing her labored breathing, Lance suddenly walked ahead of her, squatted down, and said, "Get on my back."
Deanna was stunned; she hadn't expected him to be serious. Her heart felt sweet but she still refused. "Get up quickly. I don't need you to carry me; we're almost at the top."
Moreover, with so many people around, being carried by Lance would make her look weaker than the children. She didn't want to lose face.
Lance looked at Deanna's changing expression and knew what she was thinking. He chuckled and said, "Or maybe you'd prefer me to carry you in my arms?"
"I'd rather walk up myself. Be good, stop fooling around. I can still manage," Deanna pleaded softly.
Lance had no choice but to agree.
Finally, after half an hour, they reached the hot spring area. But when everyone saw the hot spring, they were stunned.
The reason was simple: they had expected a large hot spring that could be a local attraction but found it was only as big as a pot.
"This hot spring is too small!"
"I thought it would be an open-air hot spring."
"Me too. I don't see what's so special about such a small hot spring."
People began to criticize the hot spring, expressing their disappointment.
Deanna didn't join in their discussion. With Lance's support, she found a stone slab to sit on and rest. Jessie and Enrique also found a place nearby to sit down.
Seeing how Lance took care of Deanna so attentively, Jessie felt a tinge of envy in her eyes. "You two have such a good relationship. Mr. Mercer must love you very much."
"He is indeed very good," Deanna praised without any modesty.
Upon hearing this, Lance's smile widened.
At this moment, they heard the teacher's voice nearby. "We will rest for ten minutes before we start preparing the food. Later we can enjoy dinner while watching the sunset from here; it's very beautiful."
The teacher pointed to an open area ahead with a good view.
Deanna looked forward to it.
After ten minutes of rest, everyone felt better. The teacher then led them in handling the food they had brought.