The Double Standards of Hu Yuying

The two-week military training had finally ended, and a day off was granted.

"Finally, it's over! So, Long Aotian, what are your plans for tomorrow?"

"How about we all hang out together?"

Faced with their questions, Long Aotian answered without hesitation for the first time: "Can't tomorrow. I already made plans with someone."

He had promised Hu Yuying long ago that once training was over, he would take her around the capital. After all, he was the world’s best big brother—he couldn’t go back on his word.

Hearing this, his three roommates immediately perked up.

They’d seen others invite Long Aotian out plenty of times, but it was practically unheard of for him to be the one initiating plans!

"Oho, look at that smug face!"

"Hahaha, what’s got him grinning like that?"

"Wait, this is different. Have you ever seen Long Aotian make this kind of expression before? The anticipation in his eyes is practically overflowing!"

Long Aotian just chuckled and didn’t bother explaining. Truth be told, he really had missed that little girl, Hu Yuying.

He wondered how she was doing at school—had she made friends? Had she grown more outgoing? Was she happy every day?

He opened his phone and navigated to the chat screen.

Before he could tap on Hu Yuying’s conversation, a message from Lin Wanning popped up:

"Bro, you free tomorrow?"

After a moment’s thought, he replied: "No plans. Just meeting up with some friends."

Lin Wanning stared at the message, unsure how to respond.

She had wanted to ask him out herself. But if he already had something going on, she didn’t know how to bring it up.

Then, her eyes brightened as she read his follow-up message: "Wait… is he taking me to meet his friends?"

"Guess my brother isn’t completely clueless after all."

She quickly typed back: "Is that really okay?"

"Of course. Who knows, you might even hit it off with them."

After sending that, Long Aotian exited the chat and switched to Hu Yuying’s conversation. He sent two quick message vibrations to get her attention.

When she didn’t reply immediately, he figured she must be busy. After all, she wasn’t like before—she wasn’t alone anymore.

He set his phone aside and lay down on his bed, waiting.

After a while, he got up and headed out.

——

Meanwhile, elsewhere.

Hu Yuying frowned slightly as she stared at the small cake that had fallen to the ground.

Xue Shaohua scratched his head sheepishly, picking up the basketball at his feet. He mimed a jump shot in front of her before calling out to his friends in the distance, "You guys go ahead!"

Only then did he turn back to Hu Yuying. "Sorry about that. How about I buy you another cake to make up for it?"

"You’re boring. And childish." Hu Yuying turned and walked away without another word.

She had bought two cakes—one for herself and one for Qingxue. Now, both were ruined.

Xue Shaohua smirked and followed after her. "You mad?"

Hu Yuying had no patience for people she disliked, so she ignored him entirely.

But Xue Shaohua found her attitude all the more intriguing. Girls who came running at the snap of his fingers were just too dull.

"Come on, can’t you at least talk to me? Being this cold will leave you with no friends."

At that, Hu Yuying paused briefly. "I have friends. And could you stop following me?"

Xue Shaohua shrugged. "Nah. I upset you, so I gotta make it right. Otherwise, it’d be awkward seeing you in class later."

Before she could protest further, he cut in, "Two cakes, and I’ll leave. Otherwise, I’ll feel too guilty."

Hu Yuying said nothing, simply quickening her pace.

Amused by her helplessness, Xue Shaohua matched her speed, keeping a slight distance but staying close.

Inside the cake shop, Hu Yuying sat by the window, tuning out Xue Shaohua’s endless chatter as she waited for her order.

Her indifference only fueled his interest. He bragged endlessly about how popular and impressive he was.

Then—the chime of the doorbell rang.

Hu Yuying instinctively glanced up.

A familiar figure stepped inside.

Her eyes instantly lit up with joy.

"Long-ge."

Hearing her voice, Long Aotian turned. His gaze cut through the crowd, locking onto hers.

In that moment, everything else seemed to fade. All the waiting, all the longing—it all melted into an irrepressible smile.

Xue Shaohua froze. He had never seen Hu Yuying smile like this—so vividly, so radiantly.

Her eyes sparkled as she stared at the boy across the room, her gaze brimming with undisguised, unreserved tenderness.

Hu Yuying stood and hurried toward him, her breath hitching with every step. The distance was short, yet her heart pounded wildly, uncontrollably.

Watching her run to him, Long Aotian’s grin widened—an inexplicable, overwhelming delight surging through him.

He reached out, ruffling her hair with practiced ease. His eyes, warm and affectionate, held nothing but adoration for her alone. "I texted you."

Hu Yuying pulled out her phone in dismay. Oh no—she’d missed his message!

"Sorry, Long-ge, I—"

Before she could finish, Long Aotian laughed it off. "Was gonna bring you cake, but since you’re here, I’ll treat you instead."

"I already ordered," Hu Yuying said, her eyes never leaving him. "Back at the bay, Qingxue made us cookies. I never got the chance to return the favor, so now that training’s over, I wanted to buy her a cake."

Just then, her order was ready.

Long Aotian paid and handed her the box. "One for you, and one for you and Qingxue to share."

Hu Yuying lifted her face, her smile soft, fond, and full of devotion. "What about you, Long-ge?"

"I’ll take you somewhere even better than cake."

"Mm!" She nodded eagerly, falling into step beside him just like old times.

As the two left the shop, Xue Shaohua stood rooted in place, fists clenched, watching their retreating figures with bitter envy.

Hu Yuying wouldn’t even spare him a word—yet with that guy, she was a completely different person.

Yet in front of that boy, she couldn’t help but pour out every ounce of her tenderness.

This blatant double standard was something the proud Xue Shaohua simply couldn’t stomach.