On a rainy night, the school beauty knocked on my door and asked for shelter

Zhou Yue happened to look up to get some seasonings and saw the two of them gazing at each other with such affection.

She nudged Lin Xiaoxiao next to her with her elbow, and the two exchanged a knowing look that said "I'm totally into this," but they tacitly refrained from making any further noise or teasing, because they couldn't bear to interrupt the quiet and beautiful moment between the two.

Zhao Ya saw it too.

She quietly roasted the corn in her hands, her eyes revealing a faint envy and blessing.

She subconsciously glanced at Shen Xinghe nearby.

Shen Xinghe was still sitting quietly to the side, the firelight flickering on his calm and expressionless face, revealing no emotion.

Chen Mo wiped the hair very carefully, only stopping when he felt the strands in his hands were no longer wet and had become fluffy and soft.

He removed the towel and gently combed Su Yuqing's long hair that was draped over her back with his fingers, the gesture natural and intimate.

"Alright," he said softly, his voice tinged with affection.

Su Yuqing then raised her head and turned to look at him.

Her cheeks were warmed by the firelight, and her eyes were clear and bright, brimming with tenderness that seemed to overflow.

"You've worked hard.

I'll reward you with a roasted chicken leg later.

" Her voice was as light as a feather brushing against your heart, and she replied with a smile and a playful tone.

Chen Mo looked at her delicate face so close to his, his Adam's apple bobbing slightly.

He suppressed the urge to lower his head and kiss her, but instead raised his hand to tuck a stray strand of hair behind her ear.

His fingertips lingered on her warm earlobe for a moment before he said softly, "Then I'll look forward to it.

But you should take care of what's in front of you first, the sausage is going to burn.

"Su Yuqing exclaimed "Oh!

" and quickly turned around to save the sausages that were almost overcooked, which made everyone chuckle again.

As the sun finally sank completely below the mountain ridge, the light quickly faded, and stars began to peek out one by one from the dark blue sky, which was still in a state of semi-darkness.

In the center of the camp, the campfire burned ever brighter, its orange flames becoming a warm source of light in the darkness, while the crackling of the firewood dispelled the silence and chill of the mountains.

The portable folding table and chairs brought by Zhou Yue formed everyone's dining table and seating.

The baked food was removed one by one, placed on pre-prepared silicone plates, and served.

These plates are easy to carry and clean, and are not easily broken, making them extremely useful for picnics.

Everyone sat down around the table, eagerly beginning to enjoy this hard-won outdoor feast.

"Wow!

This mushroom is so fresh!

" Lin Xiaoxiao picked up a piece of mushroom, exclaiming with satisfaction as she breathed on it.

"Sisters, you're so skilled!

The sausages are grilled just right, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside!

" Wang Lan said with a smile to the four girls.

"This free-range chicken is the most delicious.

Uncle's chickens are absolutely amazing!

"The uncle prepared a chicken for everyone, which had been killed and had its internal organs removed.

He instructed everyone to eat it on the first night, and everyone ate it right away.

Exclamations of praise and satisfied chewing sounds rose and fell.

Simple food tastes especially delicious at this moment, not only because of hunger, but also because it is infused with the sweat of cooperation, the scent of the mountains and fields, and the joy of sharing.

Su Yuqing smiled and took down a golden and tempting chicken leg that she had personally grilled, placed it on a clean plate, and handed it to Chen Mo next to her.

"Here, this is for you.

" She smiled, a hint of pride in her eyes.

Chen Mo took it, thanked him, but instead of eating it himself, he put on disposable gloves and carefully tore the chicken leg meat into small pieces for easy eating.

Then, he naturally picked up a piece with his chopsticks and handed it to Su Yuqing's mouth: "You taste it first to see if it's salty.

"This intimate gesture drew suppressed giggles from Zhou Yue and Lin Xiaoxiao across the table.

Su Yuqing blushed, but still opened her mouth to accept it.

The delicious flavor of the chicken melted in her mouth instantly, and she squinted her eyes in satisfaction and nodded.

Chen Mo then smiled and began to enjoy the rest of the food.

Wang Lan ate with the most gusto, chewing heartily while praising indistinctly, "Mmm...

not just the sausages, everything else you grilled was also incredibly delicious!

You guys could open a barbecue stand with your skills!

"His eating habits amused everyone.

Li Zhe was much more refined in comparison.

Shen Xinghe ate quietly and elegantly, but at a considerable pace.

He didn't refuse or put back the skewers of barbecue that Zhao Ya had specially placed on his plate.

Instead, he nodded slightly in acknowledgment and picked them up to enjoy.

This made Zhao Ya feel a little happy.

She sat quietly on the side, eating corn in small bites.

Her gaze would occasionally fall on the leaping flames of the nearby campfire, or inadvertently sweep over Shen Xinghe's face, which was made even more exquisite by the firelight.

Her eyes were full of gentleness.

Everyone sat around the campfire, sharing a simple dinner, drinking the beverages they had brought, chatting about the day's events, and dreaming about where they could explore tomorrow.

The campfire crackled as eight young people sat around it, their laughter and chatter filling the air above the camp.

The fatigue of the day has long been washed away, replaced by abundant energy, deepened friendships, and unique youthful memories created together under this beautiful starry sky.

Looking at Su Yuqing's gentle profile illuminated by the firelight, and listening to his friends' cheerful conversation, Chen Mo felt a sense of peace, warmth, and happiness filling his heart.

This journey was far more wonderful than I had imagined.

After filling their stomachs, the group did not disperse immediately.

Everyone naturally adjusted their positions, sitting more comfortably around the campfire, wrapping themselves tightly in the thin jackets or blankets they had brought to ward off the chill of the mountain forest in the dead of night.

The firelight danced on everyone's faces, reflecting their relaxed and joyful expressions.

The fatigue of the day has long been dispelled by the delicious food and beautiful scenery, replaced by a lazy and satisfied feeling.

Someone looked up first and exclaimed in a low voice, "Look, there are so many stars!

"Upon hearing this, everyone immediately looked up.

Night had completely enveloped the world, and the starry sky here was exceptionally clear and dazzling due to the distance from urban light pollution.

Countless stars are densely packed in the bright night sky, twinkling with a mesmerizing and dazzling light.

"So beautiful...

" Su Yuqing murmured, tilting her head back, her eyes reflecting a myriad of stars.

Chen Mo sat close to her and naturally spread half of his blanket over her.

Under the blanket, their shoulders gradually leaned together, and then their heads touched.

The magnificent sight silenced everyone for a moment, as they were all awestruck by the splendor of nature.

Unlike the others who were sitting, Wang Lan lay sprawled out on the grass, gazing at the starry sky and sighing, "I'm exhausted today...

but why do I feel so good!

All my worries seem to have vanished!

" (End of Chapter)