An Embarrassing Misunderstanding

"Nothing." Lin Wanning naturally wouldn't voice her speculation—it would be far too disrespectful.

However, spending time with Long Aotian made her feel surprisingly at ease.

She had interacted with other boys before, but never had she experienced this kind of feeling.

He didn’t go out of his way to do childish things just to grab her attention.

Nor did he make her feel any unnecessary pressure—in his eyes, she was simply herself.

"Want to sit for a while?"

"Huh? S-sit for a while?" Lin Wanning stared awkwardly at Long Aotian, her usually cool expression tinged with a faint blush, her eyes flickering slightly. "T-that wouldn’t be appropriate, would it? We... we’ve only just met..."

Seeing how tense she was, Long Aotian sat down on a nearby bench. "What’s inappropriate about it? If you’re worried about misunderstandings, you can sit over here."

Lin Wanning watched his movements, the flush creeping up from her fair neck until it covered her entire face. Her watery eyes darted around nervously. "N-no misunderstandings..."

Though she appeared aloof and hard to approach, she was still just a normal girl with her own youthful desires, drawn to beautiful things like anyone else.

No one could resist longing for a sweet romance. Lin Wanning might have a cold demeanor, but that didn’t mean she was indifferent to love.

Clichéd as it was, the "hero saving the damsel" trope undeniably made it easy to develop feelings for someone.

Lin Wanning wasn’t some overly rigid girl either. Long Aotian was handsome, with a great physique—it was hard not to notice him. If she felt drawn to him, she wasn’t going to deny it.

So, it was only natural that her mind had briefly wandered earlier... Comforting herself with that thought, she quickly sat down beside him, afraid he might notice her momentary lapse.

But the blush on her face? Long Aotian wasn’t blind—he definitely saw it.

Combined with Lin Wanqing’s earlier surprised reaction, Long Aotian, not being some naive eighteen-year-old, quickly pieced things together.

He couldn’t help but find it amusing—this seemingly icy girl had quite the... imaginative mind.

Hearing his chuckle, Lin Wanning grew even more flustered. She could tell he’d caught her in an awkward moment, but she forced herself to stay composed. "W-what are you laughing at?"

"Nothing. Just that you’re more..." He deliberately trailed off.

Lin Wanning’s curiosity burned—she desperately wanted to know what he was about to say.

But her reserved nature kept her from asking outright, no matter how much she wanted to.

"More... interesting than I imagined." Watching her clenched fists and furtive glances, Long Aotian decided not to tease her further.

Finally hearing the answer, Lin Wanning’s embarrassment deepened.

So, this guy wasn’t as simple and honest as he seemed.

Yet, hearing those words from him didn’t bother her—she just felt a little shy.

Stupid dorm life in high school, where her roommates were always watching those kinds of videos... Now she knew too much, and it had ruined her innocence!

"Um, have you been applying the ointment regularly?" Lin Wanning changed the subject, trying to shift the awkward atmosphere.

"Yeah, it works well."

"Mhm." She nodded softly and didn’t say anything else.

They hadn’t known each other long—there wasn’t exactly an endless stream of topics to discuss.

Once she finished her fruit tea, Lin Wanning stood to leave.

"Let me walk you back."

Without thinking, she nodded in agreement.

As they strolled down the street, surrounded by students from University T and the music academy, they didn’t stand out too much—though they did draw some attention.

With Lin Wanning’s cool elegance and striking beauty, it would’ve been strange if no one noticed her.

"Coming through, excuse me!"

Hearing the voice, Long Aotian subtly pulled Lin Wanning closer to him.

A guy rushed past, clutching a bouquet, clearly in a hurry to meet someone.

Lin Wanning felt Long Aotian’s grip on her wrist, her face warming as if the heat had seeped into her heart. Unconsciously, she bit her lip.

Her usual composed expression melted into shyness, her glossy eyes reluctantly tearing away from where his hand held hers.

Normally, she would’ve immediately pulled away if someone touched her like this. But this time was different—she pretended not to notice and didn’t remind him to let go.

So this was what it felt like to be protected...

The first time Long Aotian had helped her, she’d been too shaken and disoriented to process it.

But now, with no panic clouding her mind, she could fully feel the warmth of his hand against her skin—an indescribable sense of security.

She stole a glance at him. "He’s helped me so many times... Does he... like me too?"

The thought alone made her blush.

Actually... being held by a guy like this wasn’t as unpleasant as she’d imagined.

His hand was so big—it completely enveloped her wrist.

If it were on her thigh—

Her mind involuntarily replayed scenes from those videos. If they were in that kind of position... A strange sense of shame bubbled up inside her.

Lin Wanning lightly bit her lip, her cheeks flushed as she looked up at Long Aotian.

"Running with flowers in such a hurry—must be off to confess. You okay?" he asked with a smile.

Hearing his concern, Lin Wanning fought to keep her expression neutral, but her heart raced uncontrollably, a sweet joy spreading through her chest.

Sure, Long Aotian could be smooth and not as proper as he seemed, but if she could... train him—no, if she could get along with him well, maybe he wouldn’t be so improper with others.

At that thought, her heartbeat quickened even more. "I’m fine."

The music academy wasn’t far from University T.

Once they reached the entrance, Long Aotian waved goodbye.

"See you," Lin Wanning murmured before heading inside.

As she walked, her fingers lightly brushed over her wrist, as if tracing the lingering warmth of his touch.

A strange, giddy happiness made her steps just a little lighter...