The two chatted as they strolled along the path.
Ye Lingling followed quietly behind them in a plain-colored long dress, her steps light and unhurried. She rarely joined in, simply listening to the two ahead laugh and talk.
An unknown amount of time passed.
Her face flushed peach-pink, Zhu Zhuqing shakily put her clothes back on and walked out, supporting herself against the wall.
Hearing the movement, Lin Xiao turned around.
"Zhu Zhuqing, are you all right?"
"Mm..."
No sooner had Zhu Zhuqing answered than her legs gave way, and her body pitched forward uncontrollably.
Lin Xiao immediately stepped forward, slipping one arm around her waist and supporting her upper arm with his other hand, taking some of her weight so she wouldn't fall flat on her face.
Zhu Zhuqing trembled, her breathing a little quick.
Leaning into his arm, she used his support to take two steps backward, trying to pull free of his hold.
But her legs were still weak. She swayed on her feet and fell back into him.
Lin Xiao didn't give her another chance to try.
He bent down, hooked his left hand beneath her knees, and swept her into a bridal carry.
Caught off guard, Zhu Zhuqing instinctively pressed a hand against his shoulder, the tips of her ears turning red.
"Put me down... I can walk by myself..."
"Stop trying to act tough. Look how weak your legs are. You probably can't even climb the stairs. Were you planning to sleep on the sofa tonight?"
There was a teasing note in Lin Xiao's voice as his gaze settled on her fair, flushed cheeks.
"Sometimes, you don't have to be so strong. You don't have to wear yourself out so much.
Try leaning on me a little more. I'll always be your safe