Brother Long is the best in the world

The moment she spotted Li Qingxue, Hu Yuying excitedly waved at her: "Qingxue!"

Thanks to Long Aotian’s introduction, during their earlier conversations, Hu Yuying had already mentally marked Li Qingxue as her closest friend and companion for the next four years.

"You guys finally made it!" Li Qingxue walked over to Long Aotian and Hu Yuying, grinning just as brightly.

Being alone in an unfamiliar city inevitably brought a mix of nervousness and discomfort.

Especially for Li Qingxue—her parents had left just the day before, and the pang of separation had peaked in her heart.

She wasn’t like Hu Yuying, who had attended elementary, middle, and high school farther and farther from home over the years. Though Hu Yuying still felt some of the disorientation and fear that came with a new city, it wasn’t nearly as intense.

Li Qingxue was different. She’d been born and raised in Haiwan City—kindergarten, elementary, middle, and high school, all within its bounds. Strictly speaking, this was her first time venturing so far from Haiwan City, so far from her parents...

Still, things weren’t so bad now. At least in this unfamiliar city, she had two good friends by her side.

"Let me take you to Haidian District first."

Li Qingxue led the way. Having arrived days earlier, she’d already picked up a few things—like how to ride the subway.

Haiwan City was small and didn’t even have a subway system.

But in Capital City, 80% of people relied on it for daily travel.

Long Aotian adjusted fine. In his previous life, before car loans and mortgages weighed him down, he’d often taken the subway.

Hu Yuying, however, was wide-eyed with amazement. She’d thought the streets above were crowded enough—but the moment they descended into the subway station and saw the surging sea of people, her expression was pure wonder.

"Mind blown, huh?" Li Qingxue laughed. She’d had the same reaction her first time.

The crowds were overwhelming, everyone rushing urgently. Compared to Haiwan City, even a glance made it obvious—this city’s pace of life was fast.

"Mhm." Hu Yuying nodded reflexively.

"Haha, we’ll be spending the next four years here. Better get used to it!" As she spoke, Li Qingxue guided them to a machine to buy subway cards.

"Get a card here, then pass through security to board."

The process was simple, and Hu Yuying quickly got the hang of it.

Through security, swiping their cards at the turnstiles, then waiting on the platform.

When the train arrived, the three squeezed into the packed car.

It was the start of the semester, and between students, migrant workers, and office commuters, the car was packed to the brim.

Even Long Aotian—tall and broad as he was—was jostled relentlessly.

Glancing down at the two petite girls beside him, awkward and overwhelmed, he braced his arms and forcefully carved out a small space, kicking both his and Hu Yuying’s suitcases against the wall.

"Sit."

Hu Yuying obeyed without question, perching atop her suitcase.

Li Qingxue, however, looked up at Long Aotian with a faint smirk before settling onto his suitcase.

Long Aotian stood guard in front of them, using his frame to shield them from the worst of the crowd.

The subway was always a free-for-all—people shoved and elbowed without a second thought. But faced with Long Aotian’s imposing stature, no one dared complain.

If they really minded the crowding, they’d have splurged on a taxi.

The girls were slim, taking up little space, yet Long Aotian still managed to clear a buffer around them.

Hu Yuying’s cheeks flushed pink without her realizing, her gaze flickering up at Long Aotian in fleeting glances.

Li Qingxue found her breathing oddly unsteady. She stole a glance at Long Aotian before quickly looking away, as if guilty of something.

Thankfully, the tension eased when they transferred lines.

By then, it was nearly 11 PM.

After switching trains, they finally escaped the worst of the crowd—even scoring seats.

"Three more stops, then we’re off. How about grabbing a bite before heading to campus?" Li Qingxue suggested.

"Sure." Long Aotian agreed.

Following the flow of passengers out of the station, Li Qingxue led them straight to a small restaurant.

The menu prices stunned Hu Yuying all over again. Back in Haiwan City, stir-fried noodles cost just 7 yuan—here, they were 10, and the portions were smaller.

Catching her dismay, Long Aotian flicked her forehead lightly. "Cheapskate. I’m treating—order whatever you want."

"Then... just fried rice for me."

"One roast duck, three bowls of zhajiang noodles, a soda, and two milks," Long Aotian rattled off to the waiter.

"Huh?" Both Hu Yuying and Li Qingxue blinked in surprise.

Li Qingxue had a decent allowance—more than most—but even she balked at the roast duck’s price.

She could afford it, but part of her would rather spend that money on a new dress...

The wait dragged, but everyone left stuffed.

Afterward, Li Qingxue hesitated, embarrassed. She’d promised Long Aotian she’d treat him once they reached Capital City—but the moment she brought it up, his expression darkened.

While Long Aotian settled the bill, Hu Yuying whispered to Li Qingxue, "Long Aotian said a real man never lets girls pay for meals."

Li Qingxue’s eyes softened as she watched his retreating figure. "A bit of a chauvinist, huh?"

But warmth bloomed in her chest. Kind, considerate, and a little old-fashioned... Not bad.

Her gaze turned wistful as she studied Hu Yuying. "He’s really good to you."

Hu Yuying’s cheeks pinked as she ducked her head. "Mhm. He’s the best in the world."

"What’s the whispering about? Let’s go." Long Aotian hauled both suitcases forward.

"Okay x2."

Watching them, Long Aotian stifled a laugh. Feels like I went from babysitting one kid to two...

At the subway station, the trio parted ways.

They agreed to meet up again in the afternoon after settling into their dorms for a proper meal.

University A and University T were in opposite directions, too far to travel together.

Once separated, Hu Yuying’s mood visibly dipped.

Li Qingxue’s chest ached faintly too, but she teased, "What’s this? Even if Long Aotian’s gone, you still have me."

"Guess a boyfriend does trump a best friend, huh?"

Hu Yuying’s face flamed. "Q-Qingxue! Don’t say nonsense! He’s not my boyfriend..."

[Heh heh heh, time for the daily shameless plea—heart emoji first, then... please feed the power generator!]