When Hu Yan returned to the cave, his eyes immediately fell on Su Qinglan.
She was leaning against the cold stone wall in a strange position, her head tilted and her arms loosely resting by her sides. Her face looked pale from exhaustion, and there was a faint trace of tiredness between her brows. It was clear she had fallen asleep.
Hu Yan's chest tightened. A soft sigh escaped his lips. He walked closer and crouched down beside her. For a moment, he just looked at her calm sleeping face and the faint rise and fall of her chest. Then, without a word, he slipped one arm behind her back and another under her knees, gently lifting her into his arms.
Su Qinglan stirred a little at the movement. Her lashes trembled, and she mumbled something faintly. But when she heard his low, soothing voice near her ear, she relaxed again and sank back into sleep.
Hu Yan held her securely and patted her back lightly. "Sleep, Lan Lan… you're safe," he whispered softly.