85: Chapter 85 Tender Night

Su Qing was eating when she suddenly remembered something and looked up at Qiao Yichen, asking, "What are your plans for tomorrow?"

Qiao Yichen put down the wine bottle. "We'll get up early tomorrow and go up the mountain. We'll avoid the peak crowds; I've already bought the tickets."

Lin Wei, with her mouth full of meat, mumbled indistinctly, "What thoughtful arrangements—"

Qiao Yichen smiled. "I've already prepared the itinerary. No problem."

Liu Yanran picked up a few more skewers of beef and put them on the grill, listening to them talk while turning the meat. The night breeze blew over, carrying the warmth of the charcoal and the aroma of roasted meat, making everyone feel languid.

Lin Wei took another gulp of her drink, then suddenly asked, "Right, what time are we getting up tomorrow?"

"Seven o'clock, maybe. We'll eat breakfast at seven-thirty and be at the scenic spot entrance by eight," Qiao Yichen said. "If we go early, there will be fewer people, and the photos will look better."

Su Qing nodded. "Okay, then I'll go back and sleep early."

The group continued to grill, eat, and chat.

Wave after wave of meat skewers were grilled. The chives and eggplant were also placed on the rack. The squid edges were slightly curled from the heat; after brushing on the sauce, the fragrance drifted far away.

Lin Wei pulled out her phone, took a picture, and posted it to her Moments with the caption, "Today's happiness is brought to you by barbecue." Su Qing glanced over and said with a smile, "You really can eat."

Lin Wei proudly shook her phone. "That's a given."

Liu Yanran heard this and chuckled along.

By the end of the meal, Lin Wei was leaning against Su Qing's shoulder, patting her stomach and sighing, "It's over, it's over, I ate too much."

Su Qing pushed her head away. "Serves you right. Who told you to grab so much?"

"That's because Boss Qiao's grilling is too delicious."

Qiao Yichen smiled and placed the last few skewers of grilled chives onto a plate. "Fine, if you can't finish them, just leave them."

Liu Yanran glanced at the time—it was nine-thirty. She stood up and started tidying the skewers and empty bottles on the table.

Qiao Yichen also got up, extinguished the fire on the barbecue rack, and gathered the remaining trash.

Lin Wei and Su Qing also stood up, helping to throw the empty bottles and skewers into the trash can.

After the four of them finished cleaning up, they walked along the bluestone path toward their rooms.

...

Pushing open the door, the room still held the lingering fragrance of the tea from the afternoon.

As Lin Wei stepped inside, she suddenly remembered something, turned around, and looked seriously at Qiao Yichen:

"Right, you are absolutely forbidden from coming downstairs later."

Qiao Yichen paused for a moment. "What?"

Lin Wei pointed upstairs. "I'm going to take a bath in a bit."

Qiao Yichen finally understood—the layout upstairs was the same as downstairs; the bathtub was to the right of the bed, and there was only a section of transparent glass separating the bathtub and the bedroom. To the right of the bathtub was the balcony where they had tea that afternoon.

He nodded, understanding immediately. "Got it. I definitely won't come downstairs."

Lin Wei let out a satisfied 'Mhm' and turned to walk further inside.

Qiao Yichen took Liu Yanran's hand, and the two went upstairs.

As soon as they finished climbing the stairs, his gaze fell upon Liu Yanran. In the night, the downstairs lights cast a soft glow on her face. Her eyes held a slight weariness, yet she looked exceptionally captivating.

"You should go take a soak too," he said softly. "Relax a bit."

A blush spread across Liu Yanran's face. She lowered her eyes and nodded gently.

Qiao Yichen walked over and pulled the balcony curtains tightly shut. Then he went to the side of the bathtub and turned on the faucet to run hot water. The warm stream poured into the tub, and white steam slowly began to rise.

Liu Yanran stood by her suitcase, pulled out a change of clothes, and held them to her chest. She glanced up at Qiao Yichen, and seeing he hadn't left yet, her face flushed a little deeper.

"You go wash up over there first," she said quietly, gesturing toward the direction of the washroom.

Qiao Yichen smiled, deciding not to tease her further. He picked up his own backpack, fished out his undergarments, and walked into the washroom.

The door closed.

Liu Yanran stood still, listening to the sound of water coming from the washroom, and took a deep breath. She took off her clothes, pinned up her hair, and then stepped into the bathtub.

The warm water enveloped her body. She let out a soft breath, closed her eyes, rested her head against the edge of the tub, and slowly allowed her entire body to relax.

Ten minutes later, the sound of water in the washroom stopped. After another moment, the door opened, and Qiao Yichen walked out wearing a bathrobe.

His gaze settled toward the bathtub—Liu Yanran was completely submerged in the water. The steam was thick, and her collarbone and shoulders were exposed above the water. Her skin was slightly flushed from the hot water.

He walked to the bedside and sat down, but his eyes did not move away.

Liu Yanran had actually heard him come out long ago. The sound of the door had made her heart skip a beat. But she dared not open her eyes; only her eyelashes trembled slightly.

Time ticked by, second by second.

Qiao Yichen finally stood up and walked to the edge of the bathtub, leaning down behind her.

"Yanran," his voice was very low. "It's not good to soak for too long."

Liu Yanran did not open her eyes, but her eyelashes fluttered.

She finally opened her eyes slowly and turned her head to look at him. Their eyes met, and the bathroom was so quiet only the dripping sound of water could be heard.

"...Carry me out," she said softly.

Qiao Yichen moved around to the side of the tub, plunged his hands into the water, and lifted her out. Water splashed down with a loud sound.

Liu Yanran was held entirely in his embrace, water droplets sliding down her neck and shoulders. Her skin was still a rosy pink from the hot bath, and her damp hair was scattered.

Being stared at so intently by him, Liu Yanran lowered her eyes somewhat self-consciously. After a few seconds of adjustment, she looked up at him—he was still staring.

She finally couldn't help it, and her voice held a hint of playful complaint, "Still looking? Get me a towel."

Qiao Yichen snapped back to reality and quickly grabbed a towel from the nearby shelf.

He unfolded the towel and began to dry her, starting from her shoulders. Her neck, collarbone, arms, back, waist... His movements were gentle, and where his fingertips brushed, there was a faint warmth.

Liu Yanran bit her lip without speaking, but her cheeks gradually turned crimson.

Finally, he straightened up and placed the towel aside.

Liu Yanran took the bathrobe placed nearby, quickly put it on, and tied the sash. She shot him a look and turned toward the bed.

Qiao Yichen followed her, lifted the covers, and slipped inside.

He gently wrapped his arms around Liu Yanran's waist from behind, pulling her whole body into his embrace.

His kisses landed on the back of her neck, her earlobes, and her shoulders.

Liu Yanran's breathing gradually deepened.

She finally couldn't resist turning around to face him. Qiao Yichen pulled her into his arms and leaned down to kiss her.

Liu Yanran closed her eyes, wrapping her arms around his neck. Their breaths mingled, and the air filled with warm humidity.

The light was a warm yellow, falling upon her. Her cheeks were flushed, and her eyes glistened with moisture.

In that moment, the world quieted down until only each other's warmth and heartbeats remained.

After an unknown amount of time, everything settled into peace.

Qiao Yichen held Liu Yanran close and placed a light kiss on her forehead.

"Sleep now."

She nestled against his chest and gave a soft 'Mhm.'

The two embraced and fell into a deep sleep.