Chapter 132
In front of them lay a small grove, and beyond it, an artificial lake stretched out, vast and expansive.
However, Long Aotian and Hu Yuying did not venture deeper; they simply arrived at the lakeside.
“Ah!”
“Slow down!” Long Aotian quickly steadied Hu Yuying. “Are you okay?”
If it weren't for the glimmer of moisture in her eyes, he might have actually believed her.
“You still say you’re fine!”
Hu Yuying shyly glanced at Long Aotian. “Am I really that clumsy?”
“Tripping while just walking?”
“Yeah, I’m such a klutz. What would you do if I weren’t here? You can’t even take care of yourself.”
He helped her to a large rock by the lakeside and had her sit down.
“Did you twist your ankle?” Long Aotian squatted in front of her, concern etched on his face.
Looking up at him, Hu Yuying dazedly nodded.
It wasn’t until he grasped her ankle that she snapped back to reality, her body involuntarily shivering as she instinctively tried to stop his hand.
“Don’t...”
“What’s wrong?” Long Aotian looked up, puzzled.
Her heart raced. The moment he held her ankle felt like being burned by something scalding, the heat radiating up her leg!
Breathing a bit erratically, she couldn’t bring herself to meet his gaze, her ears, half-hidden by her long hair, flushed a deep crimson. “I—I haven’t washed my feet today...”
【Happy New Year! May everyone find peace, joy, good fortune, health, and happiness in the coming year. Most importantly—stay happy!】
【Year after year, the scenery remains unchanged, and the people stay the same. Please take your seats; the 2025 train is charging up. Countdown: 3, 2, 1, let’s go!】
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Chapter 159: Am I Heavy, Long Ge?
Seeing Hu Yuying biting her lip, half-embarrassed and half-awkward, Long Aotian couldn’t help but chuckle, lightly tapping her head. “What are you talking about? There’s no one as serious as me in this world!”
Hu Yuying touched the spot where he tapped her; it didn’t hurt...
But the next moment, her shoes were pulled off.
She let out a soft hum, tightly clenching her fists.
The sensation of her skin brushing against his palm felt like a jolt of electricity, a fleeting tickle that sent shivers through her.
But then, her whole body trembled, a tingling sensation that made her unable to hold back a soft cry: “Long Ge.”
Her socks were removed, leaving her little feet completely exposed before him.
Clutching the hem of her shirt, she couldn’t bear to look at him, her heart racing as she stammered, “I—I think I’m okay now.”
Long Aotian looked at her cute, rosy toes, slightly curled, and could feel her nervousness and indescribable shyness.
Gulp~
Hu Yuying blinked, momentarily forgetting her embarrassment, and cautiously stole a glance at him.
“Um~~ be gentle...”
She gripped her hands tightly, the tingling sensation making her feel like her whole body was on edge, leaning instinctively toward him.
Long Aotian stared at his own hand, bewildered. “What the heck am I doing?”
Shaking his head, he said, “Don’t be nervous; I’m just checking to see if you hurt your bones.”
Seeing his serious expression, Hu Yuying nodded, a bit dazed. “Oh.”
In the next moment, she bit her lip again. “Long, Long Ge...”
“I’m checking, don’t move.”
“But, but Long Ge, my foot isn’t sprained.”
Long Aotian paused, then realized, “Oh right, look at me getting flustered over nothing. Let me help you put your shoes back on.”
Out of Hu Yuying’s sight, he shook his head vigorously. “I’m a serious person!”
After finishing what he was doing, he stood up and said, “All done, you’re fine. Just rest for a bit, then try to walk again.”
“Mm-hmm.” Hu Yuying lowered her head, her face flushed with youthful shyness, her long lashes fluttering as her fingers nervously twisted the hem of her shirt...
Stealing a glance at him, their eyes met unexpectedly.
Startled, Hu Yuying quickly looked down.
Long Aotian instinctively turned his gaze elsewhere. “The water looks pretty nice.”
Hearing his words, Hu Yuying glanced at the lake. The sky was dark, the water shimmering, reflecting the not-yet-risen moon, and it truly was beautiful.
So she softly replied, “Mm.”
They sat on the rock.
Long Aotian had many questions he wanted to ask.
Hu Yuying had many things she wanted to say.
But neither knew how to voice their thoughts.
As time passed, a park attendant approached, reminding everyone that the east gate of the park would soon close.
“Shall we go?”
“Mm-hmm.” Hu Yuying nodded.
The next moment, she gasped but quickly covered her mouth with her hand. “Long Ge.”
“Shh, I don’t want to hear you chatter, it’s annoying.” Long Aotian turned and walked out, carrying her on his back.
Feeling the strength of his back, Hu Yuying’s cheeks flushed slightly as she whispered, “Long Ge, am I heavy?”
“Not really. I’m well-fed now; I can carry you with one hand.”
Hearing this, Hu Yuying stifled a giggle behind him.
As she laughed, she cautiously wrapped her arms around his shoulders.
“Just hold on tight already! If you keep hesitating, I might get uncomfortable!”
As soon as Long Aotian finished speaking, Hu Yuying no longer hesitated and tightened her embrace.
Her heart raced, and she greedily leaned her head against his back.
She thought, why not just lean for a moment?
And then she didn’t want to lift her head again.
Long Aotian felt a moment of stiffness.
The girl’s figure was developing beautifully.
Her softness pressed against his back, causing his heart to skip a beat.
He could feel her breath, her heart racing, and sensed her initial tension slowly melting away.
A smile crept onto Long Aotian’s lips.
It wasn’t until they got into a taxi that he finally set her down.
His breathing had quickened slightly.
Hearing his breath beside her, Hu Yuying felt increasingly shy, but if given the chance to choose again, she would still want to be carried by him.
Stealing glances at his profile, she shyly extended her finger, gently and secretly brushing against his fingers resting on the seat.
Long Aotian adjusted his breathing, his blood still slightly heated from the exertion, so he didn’t notice the light touch.
Realizing he hadn’t caught on, Hu Yuying lightly placed her fingertip on his.
Suddenly, he moved, and her warm fingertip quickly retreated. Though it was just for a moment, Hu Yuying felt a surge of happiness, her heart bubbling with joy.
“Why are you so happy?” Long Aotian asked with a smile, finding her silly grin quite adorable.
“I won’t tell you.” Hu Yuying felt a moment of pride; it was her little secret.
Having not ventured far from the academy in a while, and with few cars on the road, they quickly returned to the vicinity of A University.
However, even at this hour, there were still many people around the campus.
After getting out of the car, Hu Yuying tried to take a couple of steps. Thankfully, it didn’t hurt as much as it had at first.
Actually, it wasn’t even pain now; it was just a strange sensation, but it didn’t affect her walking!
“Take it slow; there’s still plenty of time before lights out,” Long Aotian said as he walked her to the school gate.
“Mm, I know.” Hu Yuying turned to him, smiling earnestly.
Thinking back, they hadn’t spent a day like this since arriving in Kyoto.
She felt so happy, truly satisfied.
“Goodbye, Long Ge.”
“Let’s go.”
As Hu Yuying walked away, she paused, taking a deep breath.
Turning back, her smile bloomed like a flower, enchanting everyone around.
In their first encounter during her transfer, she had almost cried in front of him.
From then on, he had always been watching her.
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