Sensing her dependence, he reached back, capturing her hand, intertwining their fingers, and nuzzling his nose against her neck. His hand was warm, and a strange, thrilling sensation coursed through her, a connection forged in the heat of their passion. 

This intimacy, this shared experience, was something she could never achieve alone. "Let's go back," she murmured. 

Zhou Ye responded with a low hum against her skin, followed by a lazy kiss on her neck. "I'll carry you." His energy, seemingly boundless, hadn't yet been spent. After straightening their clothes, he effortlessly hoisted her onto his back, retracing their steps through the moonlit woods. 

The cool silver light painted the path ahead, the rustling leaves whispering around them as they walked. Xia Yao clung to him, his back broad and strong beneath her. After a while, she rested her cheek against him, savoring his warmth. 

She’d always been drawn to warmth, her own hands and feet perpetually cold, even in summer. As a child, her grandmother would warm her icy extremities in her hands, tucked safely within the covers of their shared bed. The memory of that comforting heat, hazy and dreamlike, had stayed with her. Now, sleeping alone, she could only replicate the feeling with a hot water bottle. 

Zhou Ye carried her all the way back to the guesthouse, where the owner and several other guests were gathered around a small table in the courtyard, enjoying beer and barbecue. Seeing the other people, Xia Yao panicked, tugging at Zhou Ye's shirt, wanting to get down. But he held her firm, his grip tightening around her thighs. Unable to withstand the amused glances of the onlookers, she buried her face in his shirt, only her slightly flushed ears visible. As Zhou Ye carried her up the vine-covered stairs, the owner called out to them. "Would you like to join us for some barbecue? We have plenty of food and grills." 

Xia Yao peeked out, recognizing the owner who had checked them in. She considered their strenuous hike and the fact that Zhou Ye had only eaten a bowl of noodles with her that evening. He might be hungry already. Zhou Ye, meanwhile, was thinking of Xia Yao, worried that after their passionate encounter, she’d prefer to rest rather than socialize. He was about to decline when her soft, clear voice floated down from his back. 

"Zhou Ye, let's have some."

He paused, turning his head slightly. "Do you want to?" 

"Yes, I do," she replied, her arms now around his shoulders. "Put me down." 

"...Okay." Zhou Ye turned and descended the stairs, setting her gently on the ground. Hand in hand, they followed the owner to the grill. The courtyard was spacious, enclosed by a railing, with a breathtaking view of the moonlit mountains and a shimmering stream. The owner led them to an empty grill, instructing a staff member to add hot coals. Other guests were busy grilling their own food. 

"Help yourselves to the meat and vegetables, drinks, and anything else you'd like," the owner offered. It was all included in the price of their stay. Zhou Ye had booked the best room for their night of passion, prioritizing privacy, ambiance, and cleanliness. The extra amenities hadn't been a consideration. 

As Xia Yao surveyed the buffet-style setup, it reminded her of the times she’d gone to all-you-can-eat restaurants with her classmates. There were even skewers of cooked meat, prepared by gloved chefs who seemed to be there solely for the guests. Once they were seated, Xia Yao tugged at Zhou Ye’s hand, whispering in his ear, "Is barbecue expensive here?" 

Zhou Ye, putting on gloves and brushing oil onto some beef skewers, saw the worry in her eyes. He looked back at her and smiled. "Don't worry about it. Trust your boyfriend, okay?"