I'm leaving first, I'm back

Returning to her room,

Hu Yuying glanced at the time on her phone.

After a brief hesitation, she sent a message to Long Aotian.

After all, Long-ge had told her to text him once she got home safely.

"Long-ge, I'm home."

As soon as she sent the message, Hu Yuying took a deep breath. At this hour, Long-ge was probably already asleep.

But the moment she set her phone down, a notification chimed.

Her beautiful eyes sparkled with joy. "Goodnight, Long-ge."

Clutching her phone, she lay on the bed. Though the room was small, it filled her heart with warmth and security.

A sweet, comforting feeling blossomed inside her.

On the other end, Long Aotian stifled a yawn as he read Hu Yuying's goodnight message. He exited the Snake game but didn’t even have time to put his phone away before drifting off to sleep.

Three days passed in the blink of an eye.

Long Aotian had been happily lazing around, enjoying his free time.

That day, while watching TV, he received a message from Li Qingxue.

After a quick glance, he turned off the TV, slipped on his shoes, and headed out.

By the time he arrived at Riverside Bay, Li Qingxue was already waiting.

It was hard to miss her.

At that age, girls were at their most radiant—her slender figure, the effortlessly tied bun atop her head, exuding both elegance and charm.

"What’s up?" Long Aotian asked as he approached.

Hearing his voice, Li Qingxue turned, her red lips curling into a playful smile.

"I’m leaving for the capital earlier than planned. I wanted to hang out with everyone, but Hu Yuying went back to her hometown."

"Here, these are for you—one for you, one for Hu Yuying. And don’t you dare steal hers again! Last time, she didn’t even get to taste my cookies."

As she spoke, she handed him two carefully prepared jars of cookies.

Long Aotian’s lips twitched as he eyed the containers. "Well... thanks for the trouble..."

Li Qingxue chuckled, a mischievous glint flashing in her eyes. "No trouble at all. Try one—see if they’re good this time."

"They’re good," Long Aotian replied instantly.

"You haven’t even tasted them yet! You always brush me off like this."

"Come on, just one bite. Please?"

Under Li Qingxue’s eager gaze, Long Aotian sighed and opened one of the jars, picking out a bunny-shaped cookie.

He hesitated, mouth half-open.

"Eat it, hurry up!" Li Qingxue pressed, her eyes fixed on his hesitant expression.

"Hold on, this bunny’s too cute—I need to figure out where to take the first bite!"

Crap, she’s watching closely.

If I don’t eat it, she’s not gonna let this go...

Well, she went through the effort. Even if it’s rock-hard, I’ll just say it’s delicious.

With that thought, he took a bite.

The moment he did, Li Qingxue bounced in front of him, hands behind her back, leaning in with a sly grin. "Well? Good?"

Long Aotian chewed slowly, the sweet flavor spreading in his mouth. He smiled. "Yeah. Really good."

"Hmph! I knew they’d turn out well this time." A faint blush colored her fair cheeks as she giggled. "Thank you."

Last time, Long Aotian had snatched the cookies she’d made for Hu Yuying.

Back then, Li Qingxue had naively assumed it was because they were delicious. But when she tried the leftovers at home, she couldn’t even bite into them—they were that hard.

That was when she realized:

Long Aotian had known all along. He’d taken them from Hu Yuying just to spare her the embarrassment.

This rough-around-the-edges guy... was actually really kind.

Watching Long Aotian reach for a second cookie, Li Qingxue stretched lazily. "Alright, I’m off now."

"And don’t you dare eat Hu Yuying’s share!"

"Yeah, yeah, stop nagging." Long Aotian waved her off, watching as she walked away.

Once Li Qingxue was gone, the surroundings fell into silence.

When he first crossed into this world, Long Aotian had loved the quiet.

But now... maybe a little noise wasn’t so bad.

The peaceful days rolled on.

The registration deadline crept closer.

One morning, after finishing breakfast at his usual spot near the rental building, Long Aotian’s gaze suddenly sharpened. He frowned, taking a second look.

A girl in a floral dress stood there, her crescent-moon eyes brimming with laughter. Her delicate, innocent-yet-alluring face carried a dreamy, first-love charm—the kind that made you want to tease her mercilessly.

Maybe even push her until those eyes glistened with tears... That’d be a sight to behold.

"Long-ge." The girl beamed, walking straight toward him.

She stopped right in front of him, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear, a shy smile playing on her lips. "Long-ge... I’m back."

Long Aotian pinched her soft cheek.

"Eep—!" Hu Yuying’s eyes instantly welled up, reddening at the corners.

"Ha! Welcome back. Why didn’t you tell me ahead of time?" Long Aotian grinned, utterly delighted by her teary-eyed reaction.

Rubbing her cheek, Hu Yuying felt no anger—just a flutter of fondness. She turned away slightly, murmuring, "I wanted it to be a surprise."

Then, her eyes lit up as she gestured to a woven bag beside her. "Long-ge, I brought some things for you and Uncle."

She darted over to the bag, proudly pointing. "I know your family doesn’t lack meat, but these are all free-range—much tastier than store-bought!"

Her grandparents, knowing how often Long-ge shared meat with her, had insisted she bring some home-raised chickens, ducks, and fresh vegetables from their farm.

Long Aotian hoisted the bag. "Alright, let’s go."

With that, he led Hu Yuying back to the rental building.

Once inside, he carried the bag to the kitchen.

Unpacking it, he found four cleaned chickens and ducks, along with bundles of garden-fresh vegetables.

Meanwhile, Hu Yuying—now inside Long Aotian’s home for the first time—sat stiffly on the sofa, too nervous to move.

Soon, Long Aotian returned from the kitchen.

"We can’t finish all this. Take some back."

"No, it’s all for you," Hu Yuying insisted.

"Exactly—so take it back and cook it for me. Spicy stir-fried chicken and duck blood vermicelli soup."

Hu Yuying nodded, smiling. "Okay! I love cooking for you, Long-ge."