Chapter 172
Long Ao Tian smiled as he spoke, recalling their last meeting when Li Qingxue mentioned feeling unwell and wanting to find solace within herself.
At that time, there hadn’t been enough time, so he decided to take this opportunity to share his thoughts.
At this age, it’s not just girls; even boys engage in an invisible competition. They want to hide their flaws, to conceal their imperfections in the pursuit of perfection.
Just like what Li Qingxue said earlier: “It’s tough, but it’s so beautiful. For beauty, I can tire myself out all day.”
It wouldn’t be fair to say Li Qingxue was wrong; she found meaning in it, which is why she pursued it.
What Long Ao Tian wanted to convey was that in life, there will always be countless voices from the outside world, and no one can escape them. But please, never let others bully your true self.
“Just like how a person is adorable in infancy, mischievous in childhood, then beautiful and graceful in youth, and finally, as they age, they face decline.”
“Every stage of life offers us different experiences. We cannot resist time, so there’s no need to care about others’ opinions. Worrying about that will only lead the already perfect you into confusion.”
Long Ao Tian looked at Li Qingxue, gently patting her shoulder. “What I want to say is, be a strong version of yourself. Strive to be a better you, not the you that others see.”
“There’s a saying: ‘It’s hard to please everyone, and it’s even harder to satisfy one person’s heart.’”
“No one’s life is perfect. The poor have their struggles, and the rich have theirs. Every household has its own mess; perfection is a myth.”
“But we mustn’t forget to be happy. So now, can I ask Miss Li Qingxue to cheer up?”
Hu Yuying and Lin Wan Ning nodded in agreement from the side.
Sometimes, they envied Li Qingxue’s personality; when she smiled, it felt like the whole world was beautiful.
And her figure was truly perfect; having seen it, they could confidently say so.
While she wished to change, she didn’t realize how many people secretly admired her.
Li Qingxue slightly parted her red lips, a hint of pride showing. “Then say that again.”
Long Ao Tian playfully raised his finger to tap her forehead but replied, “So, can I ask Miss Li Qingxue to let go of her constraints and be happy now?”
“Alright then.” Li Qingxue felt a surge of joy, no longer holding in her stomach. She relaxed, feeling lighter all of a sudden.
Not pressuring herself made her feel so free.
No matter how much time passed, she still loved hearing Long Ao Tian’s comforting words, like lying by the riverbank, basking in the sun, surrounded by grass, flowing water, and the ever-present gentle breeze...
[From now on, I’ll work hard to update more. It’s too cruel; that’s the king of gifts! And I also want to thank the other patrons for their various gifts and support. Thank you so much! The Spring Festival is coming; I wish everyone well and prosperous.]
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**Chapter 208: You’ve Ruined Me**
Lin Wan Ning often found her gaze lingering on Long Ao Tian.
Though his words were directed at Li Qingxue, it was clear he genuinely wanted the best for her, expecting nothing in return.
Sometimes, Lin Wan Ning wished her brother would say such things to her too. At least it would prove that she held some importance in his heart.
“What are you thinking about?” Long Ao Tian turned and noticed Lin Wan Ning lost in thought, smiling as he asked.
Lin Wan Ning shook her head. “Nothing, just feeling that what you said was really nice.”
Long Ao Tian looked ahead at Li Qingxue striding confidently. “Qingxue is a great person, but sometimes she can be a bit stubborn.”
“I think Qingxue’s temper is a lot like yours,” Lin Wan Ning said softly.
“Ah, yes, this girl is quite headstrong too.”
“She’s emotional, just like you.”
This reminded Long Ao Tian of the time when Li Qingxue thought she was being bullied and shed a few tears. How could that not be considered emotional?
“Wan Ning, come here!” Li Qingxue called out from a short distance.
Her smile was so beautiful...
“Coming!” Lin Wan Ning took one last deep look at Long Ao Tian before hurrying to join Hu Yuying and Li Qingxue.
The three of them held hands, strolling under the streetlights in the night.
Long Ao Tian took out his phone and snapped a picture of their backs.
The sound of the camera shutter echoed clearly in the night.
The three girls turned to look at Long Ao Tian simultaneously.
“Long Ao Tian, are you secretly taking pictures of us?” Li Qingxue, feeling delighted by his calling her “Miss Li Qingxue,” transformed into the happiest version of herself.
Lin Wan Ning watched as Long Ao Tian raised his phone, her slender fingers making a “peace” sign next to Li Qingxue’s cheek.
Hu Yuying remained silent, her eyes sparkling with a hint of flirtation as she gazed earnestly at her Long Ge.
After taking the photo, the three girls gathered around Long Ao Tian, eager to see the results and asking him to send them the pictures.
Aside from the unflattering selfies they had taken earlier, Long Ao Tian’s photography skills were actually quite impressive.
“Long Ge, can we take a picture together too?” Hu Yuying asked softly, looking at Long Ao Tian.
As if afraid he might refuse, she stepped closer, gently tugging at his little finger.
No one could resist such a test.
At that moment, at least, Long Ao Tian felt completely captivated.
He could never say no to his little follower...
Setting the phone on a green plant step at a forty-five-degree angle, he adjusted the timer and looked at the three girls. “You all stand still first.”
The three girls obediently lined up.
Compared to Hu Yuying, Li Qingxue and Lin Wan Ning were genuinely nervous about being in the same frame as Long Ao Tian.
“Are you ready?” Long Ao Tian asked with a smile.
“Ready!” the three girls replied in unison.
As their voices faded, Long Ao Tian pressed the shutter and then ran toward them.
As he approached, Hu Yuying smiled, her eyes filled with tenderness, focusing solely on Long Ao Tian’s figure rushing toward her.
Seeing him run over, Li Qingxue and Lin Wan Ning miraculously felt their nerves dissipate. It was the kind of security that only Long Ao Tian could provide; with him around, they felt at ease.
They knew he would always protect them.
Reaching the three girls, Long Ao Tian turned to face the phone, gently placing his hand on Hu Yuying’s head.
Instinctively, Hu Yuying reached up, lightly covering the hand he had placed on her head.
Click!
As the phone finished taking the picture, Li Qingxue and Lin Wan Ning hurried to see the results.
Long Ao Tian, meanwhile, looked down at Hu Yuying, a smile gracing his lips, softening his features.
A gentle breeze blew, and Long Ao Tian’s gaze drifted elsewhere, his body shifting awkwardly as he subtly intertwined his little finger with Hu Yuying’s.
Feeling Long Ge’s finger hook around hers, Hu Yuying’s heart soared with unexplainable joy.
She looked up, and in the night, Long Ge appeared exceptionally clear to her. His lips curled into a sweet smile, utterly charming.
The night was growing darker, but the hint of red on Long Ge’s ears stood out against the backdrop of the night...
Hu Yuying was certain that Long Ge must have developed feelings for her long ago.
Her fingers tightened around his, holding on firmly.
Her once racing heart gradually calmed as she clutched Long Ge’s finger.
This feeling was wonderful; she cherished this simplicity and tranquility.
Though it felt a bit awkward, she didn’t want to let go. So, Long Ao Tian continued to hold onto Hu Yuying’s little finger as they walked toward Li Qingxue and Lin Wan Ning.
“Long Ao Tian, look over there! It’s so beautiful!” Li Qingxue and Lin Wan Ning turned and spotted Long Ao Tian and Hu Yuying’s intertwined fingers.
The two girls were momentarily taken aback before breaking into smiles.
At that moment, their hearts were filled with an indescribable joy and envy.
Seeing the smiles on Li Qingxue and Lin Wan Ning’s faces, Hu Yuying bit her lip shyly, lowering her head while tightening her grip on Long Ge’s finger.
Looking at the photo on the phone, the four of them captured this moment together, their expressions genuine and carefree.
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It may not be the most exquisite, but it was the most perfect in their hearts.
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