The Small Town was bitterly cold on that winter night, the wind stinging their faces.
But Pu Yu did not feel cold at all.
She jogged all the way to the mouth of the alley.
Sure enough, that tall, slender figure stood beneath the streetlight.
Yuan Su wore his black coat, both hands tucked into his pockets.
Hearing her footsteps, he turned around. His gaze swept over her bundled-up clothes, and only after making sure she was warm enough did he speak:
"Why are you running?"
He took two steps toward her, shielding her from some of the wind. There was a hint of reproach in his voice. "It's not like I'm going anywhere."
"I didn't want to keep you waiting." Pu Yu caught her breath, tilted her face up, and smiled at him. "Let's go!"
North Mountain was not particularly high, but its trails were rugged.
Yuan Su had wanted to carry her up on his back, but Pu Yu insisted on walking.
"You carried me up last time." Pu Yu looked back and said firmly, "This time, I want to climb it myself."
Yuan Su glanced at her and did not insist.
He simply slowed his pace in silence, staying half a step behind her.
The trail was steep, and it was dark.
Several times, Pu Yu nearly fell, but each time she gritted her teeth and steadied herself.
She could feel his gaze behind her, following her, watching over her.
Whenever she stumbled even slightly, Yuan Su's hand immediately reached out, hovering behind her to catch her.
Half an hour later, they finally reached the summit.
Pu Yu was breathless with exhaustion, her cheeks flushed as she turned to look at Yuan Su.
"I made it!"
"Yeah." Yuan Su looked at her and answered softly, "You did