Su Ming didn't hesitate for a moment. He crouched down, wrapped one arm around Qiu Tong's back, and scooped up her legs with the other. With a slight exertion, he lifted her horizontally into his arms.

"Su Ming!" Qiu Tong exclaimed, "Your shoulder is injured..."

"It's fine!" Su Ming's voice was a bit breathless but steady. "Cousin, just bear with it for a while. I'll carry you back."

He took a deep breath, adjusted his hold, and strode forward.