Chapter 14
The moment his emotions had just settled, they flared up again.
In the cafeteria, the figure of Long Aotian was patrolling.
After spotting Long Aotian's back, Ye Liangchen shot him a fierce glare.
Doesn't Hu Yuying's family struggle financially? How could she be spending her money to buy breakfast for you? Long Aotian, you really deserve to be cursed!
If looks could kill, Ye Liangchen's glare would have taken Long Aotian's life hundreds of times over!
But since looks can't kill, Ye Liangchen clenched his fists and slowly walked toward the window where Hu Yuying was queuing.
Today, he would concede; he would pay for Hu Yuying's breakfast.
But he would remember this debt, and when he grew stronger, he would make Long Aotian pay it back double!
He just loves having women buy him things. One day, I’ll buy a thousand youtiao (fried dough sticks) and watch you eat them!
No!
I’ll buy ten thousand!
If you dare spit it out, I’ll beat you up!
Lost in these thoughts, he had already reached Hu Yuying's side.
“Yuying, let me pay for your breakfast.”
Upon hearing this, Hu Yuying turned to look at Ye Liangchen with a puzzled expression. “No need.”
“Let me handle it.” Ye Liangchen knew Hu Yuying's family wasn't well off.
She had been living with her grandparents for years, but now they were old and had no source of income.
Hu Yuying was frugal, sometimes even taking part-time jobs during holidays. How hard she worked!
Yet that scoundrel Long Aotian still expected Hu Yuying to treat him to food.
He wasn’t just eating breakfast; he was feasting on Hu Yuying’s blood and sweat. How could he stomach that!
In his dreams, he hadn’t realized how tough Hu Yuying’s life was until later.
Regret and frustration filled his heart!
Now that he knew everything, he absolutely couldn’t just stand by and watch Hu Yuying being bullied like this.
“Really, you should pay for your own,” Hu Yuying said, stepping aside to avoid any contact with the boy in front of her.
“Let me do it. Your family isn’t well off, and the money for breakfast could last you several days!”
“I’m doing this for your own good, so stop being so modest.”
Hearing this, Hu Yuying felt a surge of anger. She noticed many people in the cafeteria were looking at her and instinctively wanted to lower her head.
“My little follower doesn’t need your concern.” Long Aotian pulled out his meal card and paid for his breakfast.
Afterward, he glanced around.
Those who had been ready to watch the drama all turned their heads away.
Long Aotian’s action was undoubtedly a declaration to everyone that Hu Yuying was under his protection.
At that moment, Long Aotian suddenly felt grateful to the author for writing him as a character no one dared to provoke, a true villain.
It was quite useful.
He then turned to Ye Liangchen. “Don’t you think you’re being unreasonable?”
“Why are you still standing there? Are you planning to eat while standing?” This was directed at Hu Yuying.
Upon hearing Long Aotian’s words, Hu Yuying bit her lip and nodded.
Then she took her tray back to her seat in the cafeteria.
Watching Long Aotian’s retreating figure, Ye Liangchen mustered his courage. “What’s unreasonable about caring for her? You don’t care about Hu Yuying; you just want to bully her. Why shouldn’t I care?”
His voice was too soft; not only did Long Aotian not hear him, but even the cafeteria lady serving food just looked at him curiously and asked, “What did you say, young man? Speak up!”
Ye Liangchen closed his eyes and exhaled. “Two eggs, two cups of soy milk, and six buns. How much is that?”
---
Chapter 17: Unwavering Self-Love
Seeing Hu Yuying still with her head down, Long Aotian frowned.
“Why are you looking down? Lift your head.”
Hu Yuying glanced up at Long Aotian, biting her lip. Perhaps it was psychological, but she felt as if everyone around was still watching her.
She had wanted to treat her big brother to breakfast, but in the end, he was the one who paid.
She couldn’t help but feel frustrated with herself for being so foolish and unable to do anything right.
If it weren’t for her big brother suddenly showing up, she wouldn’t have known what to do.
Her family situation, while indeed difficult, was no one else’s business. Why did he have to say it in front of so many people?
“You didn’t do anything wrong, so why are you looking down?”
“Lift your head, or I’ll have to punch you!”
Feeling embarrassed, Hu Yuying reluctantly raised her head and cautiously glanced around.
Having a poor family background was nothing to be ashamed of.
But being called out in front of so many people for not being able to afford breakfast was truly hurtful to her pride.
Perhaps Hu Yuying had faced judgmental looks because of her family situation before, which made her instinctively fear encountering those same looks and exclusion again.
“Gossip is everywhere; if you don’t listen, it won’t affect you.”
“What others say won’t take a piece of you. If you really care, then make yourself stronger; that’s the only way to silence them.”
Long Aotian felt like he was becoming a life coach.
In truth, he could resonate with Hu Yuying’s feelings at that moment.
In his past life, he had faced plenty of ridicule.
As a child, he was mocked for being a kid without parents who loved him.
As he grew older, he was called a poor kid who could only scavenge for food.
But look at him now; he had gone from having nothing to owning a car and a house, living well.
“There are always malicious people in this world, but fortunately, you have me as your big brother to back you up. So you must learn to love yourself, unwaveringly.”
This was Long Aotian’s guidance to Hu Yuying, unrelated to anything else.
“There are many people from poor families; who doesn’t have a few generations of farmers in their ancestry?”
“My family isn’t well off either; my dad is a butcher. But look, who dares to mock me?”
“They don’t dare because I can actually fight back. They can’t beat me, so they won’t say anything.”
Hu Yuying looked at Long Aotian and softly said, “So if I become strong too, they won’t dare to say anything or bully me anymore.”
“Exactly. There’s too much unwarranted malice in the world, but that doesn’t stop us from seeking pure kindness. Sometimes, learning to view problems from a different angle can bring new insights.”
“I see your change, and I believe in you. One day, you will become confident and strong.”
“Thank you, Long Ge. I feel so much better,” Hu Yuying said sincerely.
Her gratitude was heartfelt.
Long Aotian’s words had a profound impact on Hu Yuying at this moment.
Those who had long endured oppression desperately needed someone like Long Aotian for psychological support.
Seeing the light return to Hu Yuying’s eyes, he felt a slight relief.
“From now on, avoid those who seem a bit off in the head, got it?”
“Got it.” Hu Yuying chuckled lightly, her eyes sparkling with her unique charm.
“Let’s go, you’ve eaten enough.”
“Mm.”
Walking beside Long Aotian, her beautiful eyes flickered slightly. She bit her lip, took a deep breath, and stole a glance at him, shyly smiling, a hint of blush blooming on her fair cheeks.
But she quickly averted her gaze, her hands gently clasped at her chest, feeling a bit flustered and uneasy, an indescribable sensation.
Back in the classroom.
Hu Yuying began to fulfill her role as a little follower, urging Long Aotian to study.
After yesterday’s guidance, Long Aotian wasn’t stupid; he just hadn’t been using the right methods.
The key was that Long Aotian was willing to learn, and so she was willing to teach.
Li Qian saw that Hu Yuying was indeed studying with Long Aotian.
She couldn’t help but sigh; she had already said everything she needed to say.
If Hu Yuying couldn’t see it for herself, she couldn’t blame anyone else.
But Long Aotian was indeed quite handsome; if only his grades were a bit better.
He had a great physique, broad shoulders, and a narrow waist, and he was tall among the boys.
What’s more, his charm was different from others.
There were many handsome boys in this school, but only Long Aotian had that bad-boy charm.
Just like now, he looked both mischievous and handsome when he smiled.
But Li Qian couldn’t help but wonder if it was just her imagination; she felt that Long Aotian’s aura seemed to have changed.
In the past, he always seemed cold, as if he had no interest in anything other than fighting.
But now, he didn’t have that icy demeanor; instead, he exuded a gentler, more refined vibe.
Thinking of this, Li Qian quickly shook her head. “What am I thinking? That’s Long Aotian, the one who can knock someone out with a single punch.”
...
Back in the classroom.
Ye Liangchen immediately spotted Li Qingxue, who was yawning with her hand over her mouth, looking utterly exhausted.
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