Zhu Zhuqing's body instantly stiffened, and she did not dare move recklessly again.
She could feel that as she struggled, the wound at her waist truly sent out a sharper burst of pain.
Ignoring her protests, Tang Shuo carried her in his arms and strode toward the exit of the soul arena.
His steps were steady, and his arms were strong.
Held securely in his embrace, Zhu Zhuqing could not feel the slightest jolt.
She could only bury her face against his chest and glimpse the surprised, envious, and teasing gazes around them from the corner of her eye.
Her cheeks were burning.
Her heart pounded wildly and uncontrollably, as if it were about to leap out of her throat.
Humiliating.
Far too humiliating.
But...
His fresh, pleasant scent lingered beneath her nose, while his steady heartbeat and warmth flowed from his chest.
An unprecedented sense of security wrapped tightly around her.
The exhaustion and loneliness of fighting alone these past days seemed to vanish completely at this moment.
This road seemed longer than it had been on the way here.
The gazes constantly cast their way were like needles pricking Zhu Zhuqing's skin, making her uncomfortable all over.
She buried her head even deeper, as though she wanted to burrow into Tang Shuo's bones.
"Y-you should put me down first."
Zhu Zhuqing's voice was muffled.
"I really can walk by myself."
Tang Shuo did not stop walking. He lowered his head and glanced at her, his tone calm.
"Put you down?"
"With that wound on your waist, and the way you were walking just now, are you planning to inch your way back to Shrek step by step?"
"Let me guess. Can you make it before dawn?"
His words were blunt and realistic, leaving Zhu Zhuqing unable to say