At the summit of Kawagarbo, 6,800 meters above sea level, the twilight stained the sea of clouds the color of blood. Wang Suining's crampons scraped harshly against the steep ice wall, her breathing rapid and heavy behind her oxygen mask. She turned to look at Zhou Yuyan behind her; his wind-goggled eyes reflected the sunset, and he raised a hand to give a "thumbs up" sign.
This was their fifth attempt to summit Kawagarbo. As the country's top mountaineering couple, they had vowed to hold a most special wedding after conquering this "sacred mountain." Zhou Yuyan always said he wanted to put a ring on her finger in the place closest to heaven.
"We're only three hundred meters from the peak!" Wang Suining shouted into the walkie-talkie, her voice filled with irrepressible excitement. The entire climbing team was immersed in the joy of impending success, and no one noticed the eerie grey cloud on the distant horizon.
Chapter 74