Chapter 82: Just a Little Short!

Time flew by, and by the weekend, Nan Zhiyi had everything meticulously planned.

On Saturday morning, she drove out the family’s spare car herself, playing the role of an experienced driver—a rather terrifying one at that! If Lin’er hadn’t clung tightly to Qin Xuan, she might have gotten carsick on the spot.

Qin Xuan and the others watched as Nan Zhiyi zigzagged farther and farther from the city, stopping now and then to consult her phone’s map.

It wasn’t until Qin Lin’er’s stomach growled in protest that they finally stopped. Qin Xuan got out and noticed that weeds had already crept onto the road, though there were still some footprints left behind. Still...

“Come on, there’s a bit more to go!” Nan Zhiyi called out, turning back to fetch some things from the car.

“I suspect you’re planning to sell us,” Qin Lin’er muttered, glancing around at the deserted surroundings.

Nan Zhiyi chuckled, reassuring her, “Don’t worry, I’m more afraid you’ll eat someone into bankruptcy!”

“Shameless!”

They trekked for another ten minutes or so.

“How about this spot?” Before them lay a small platform, clearly man-made, with a mountain stream trickling nearby, its waters surprisingly clear.

Liu Ruoxi surveyed the area and nodded in approval. “Not bad. I’m quite satisfied!”

Nan Zhiyi shot her a look and shrugged off the hand resting on her shoulder.

Jumping onto the platform, Qin Xuan noticed the place seemed recently tidied up—traces were still visible on the ground. He didn’t think much of it; perhaps the previous campers had left them.

Pulling out two tents, he struggled to pitch them, while the other three lounged nearby, cracking sunflower seeds—much to Qin Xuan’s annoyance.

“All done?” Liu Ruoxi dusted off her pants and ran over, offering Qin Xuan a handful of shelled seeds.

Qin Xuan paused, then opened his mouth expectantly.

Liu Ruoxi promptly tipped them all in, grinning with satisfaction as Qin Xuan ate contentedly.

“Nan Zhiyi, is the water safe to use?” Qin Xuan called out.

“It’s fine!” Nan Zhiyi answered, still chatting with Qin Lin’er. She’d been here many times before.

Only then did Qin Xuan realize he’d left the barbecue grill in the car—how awkward. He called Liu Ruoxi to go back for it with him.

On the way, Liu Ruoxi swung Qin Xuan’s hand back and forth, obviously in high spirits, pausing to sniff at the wildflowers along the roadside.

Seeing her so lively, Qin Xuan couldn’t help but smile.

After much effort, they retrieved the grill and charcoal from the trunk.

“Let’s go,” Qin Xuan said, patting Liu Ruoxi’s head and picking up the supplies.

Without warning, something warm and soft brushed his face. He turned to find Liu Ruoxi beaming at him.

“A reward for you!”

“That’s it?” Qin Xuan scoffed.

Liu Ruoxi understood immediately—since no one else was around...

“Zhiyi, what do we do?” Qin Lin’er and Nan Zhiyi were hiding behind a nearby tree, watching the affectionate scene. Qin Lin’er glanced at the scowling Nan Zhiyi.

“You go! I’ll cover you!” Nan Zhiyi whispered. She wouldn’t dare act out in front of Ruoxi anyway.

“Shameless!” Qin Lin’er cursed, eyes glued to the scene, completely engrossed. Wait, why are they lying down now?

Nan Zhiyi couldn’t take it anymore and chucked a stone, which landed right by Liu Ruoxi’s feet, startling her.

She quickly pushed Qin Xuan away, fussing with her slightly wrinkled clothes. Scoundrel! His hands were never well-behaved.

“Let’s go!” Liu Ruoxi’s cheeks were still flushed, a little breathless. She didn’t dare look at Qin Xuan again, hurriedly carrying the not-so-heavy charcoal ahead with quick steps.

Qin Xuan shrugged regretfully—so close!

Back at camp, Liu Ruoxi noticed the other two were also blushing. Before she could ask, Qin Lin’er cleverly changed the subject.

“Qin Xuan, I’m starving!”

Liu Ruoxi dug a packet of beef jerky from her bag and tossed it over.

When the first aroma rose from the grill, Qin Lin’er couldn’t help reaching for the sizzling meat, only for Qin Xuan to gently slap her hand away.

“It’s not ready yet!” He sighed—she simply couldn’t resist food.

The four gathered around, watching Qin Xuan’s skilled hands—or more accurately, eyeing the heaps of meat.

“How much longer?” Qin Lin’er had been waiting forever; her mouth was practically watering dry.

“It’s done!” Qin Xuan finally handed her a skewer of pork belly.

She bit in without hesitation, despite the juices still bubbling.

“Hot!” She whined, but was reluctant to spit it out, holding the meat between her teeth and frowning in distress.

Liu Ruoxi couldn’t help but laugh, handing her a bowl for good measure, not missing the chance to tease her.

Soon, skewer after skewer was ready. Qin Xuan manned the grill the whole time, but still ate his fill—after all, someone was feeding him. Lucky him.

After the meal, Qin Lin’er lounged on a mat, sipping a bottle of cola, head pillowed on Ruoxi’s lap. Who knew her legs were so comfortable?

Once everyone had digested, Nan Zhiyi led them somewhere unknown. They walked up the mountain path for quite some time.

“Look!”

With one last step, the world opened up before them—they’d reached the summit without realizing it. The sun bathed the clouds in a warm, golden glow, the light soft and comforting on their faces.

“Have you been here before?” Qin Xuan asked Nan Zhiyi curiously.

She turned to him. “I used to come here with my parents.”

“No wonder.”

“Hasn’t this place been developed?” Liu Ruoxi asked, surprised the beautiful spot was untouched.

Nan Zhiyi considered for a moment. “Maybe one day. But I haven’t heard anything yet.”

Liu Ruoxi and Qin Lin’er sat one on each of Qin Xuan’s legs, while Nan Zhiyi massaged his shoulders from behind.

After a while, as the sun sank toward the horizon and they’d savored the last warmth, Qin Xuan patted the two girls on his lap.

“Time to head back—it’ll be dark soon.”

“Brother, my legs feel weak!” Qin Lin’er complained dramatically as she stood.

Glancing at Liu Ruoxi—and noticing she didn’t object—he bent down to let Qin Lin’er climb onto his back.

Going up was fine, but coming down required holding onto trees for balance, especially with Qin Xuan carrying Lin’er, making him extra cautious.

At last, they made it back to camp, Qin Xuan sweating from the effort.

Dinner was simple: pre-made sandwiches, nothing like the barbecue feast earlier.

When it came time for bed, the tent arrangements sparked a dispute.

Qin Lin’er insisted on sleeping with her brother, claiming she was scared to be alone outside, but Liu Ruoxi, emboldened by her status as his girlfriend, wouldn’t have it.

“Brother!” Qin Lin’er protested. She’d always shared a tent with him on trips! Fuming, she tried to plead her case.

But Qin Xuan pretended not to hear, focused on his phone.

In the end, Liu Ruoxi claimed the spot.

Qin Lin’er and Nan Zhiyi took the other tent. Qin Lin’er tossed and turned, unable to sleep. When she was sure Nan Zhiyi was out, she quietly slipped outside...