Dragon, am I heavy

Watching Hu Yuying lightly bite her red lips, her expression caught between shyness and embarrassment, Long Aotian couldn’t help but chuckle. He raised his hand and tapped her head lightly. “What are you talking about? There’s no one as proper as your Long Ge in this world!”

Hu Yuying rubbed the spot where Long Ge had tapped her—it didn’t hurt...

But the next second, her shoe was slipped off.

Hu Yuying let out a soft hum, her fingers tightening around her palm. The sensation of her skin brushing against Long Ge’s hand sent a faint electric current through her, leaving behind a tingling itch.

Then, her whole body trembled. The numbing, almost intoxicating feeling made her unable to hold back a gasp. “Long Ge...”

Her sock was pulled off too, leaving her tiny foot completely exposed before Long Ge.

Clutching the hem of her clothes tightly, she didn’t dare look at him. Fighting back her flustered heartbeat, she murmured with flushed cheeks, “I... I think I’m fine now.”

Long Ge’s gaze lingered on her delicate, pink toes, curled slightly in tension, betraying her nervousness and indescribable shyness.

Gulp—

Hu Yuying blinked, momentarily forgetting her embarrassment as she cautiously stole a glance at Long Ge.

“Mmm... Gently, please...”

Her fingers clenched even tighter as that tingling, ticklish sensation spread through her, making her muscles go weak. Unconsciously, she leaned closer toward Long Ge.

Long Aotian stared blankly at his own hand. “Damn, what am I doing?”

Shaking his head, he cleared his throat. “Don’t be nervous. Long Ge’s just checking if you hurt any bones.”

Seeing his serious expression, Hu Yuying nodded in a daze. “Oh.”

But the next moment, she bit her lip again. “L-Long Ge...”

“I’m still checking. Don’t move.”

“B-But Long Ge... I didn’t sprain this foot.”

Long Aotian froze mid-motion before snapping back to reality. “Ah, right, right! Look at me, worrying too much. Let me put your shoe back on.”

In a spot where Hu Yuying couldn’t see, Long Aotian shook his head vigorously. “I’m a proper guy!”

Once finished, he stood up. “All checked. You’re fine. Rest for a bit, then try walking later.”

“Mm-hmm.” Hu Yuying kept her head lowered, her face tinged with a maiden’s shyness. Her long lashes fluttered slightly, and her fingers twisted the fabric of her clothes restlessly.

She peeked at Long Ge, only for their eyes to meet unexpectedly.

Startled like a frightened deer, she immediately looked away.

Long Aotian, too, averted his gaze awkwardly, staring at the scenery instead. “The water looks pretty nice, huh.”

Hu Yuying followed his line of sight. Under the darkening sky, the rippling lake reflected the faint glow of the rising moon—it really was quite beautiful.

Softly, she replied, “Mm.”

The two sat side by side on the large rock.

Long Aotian had so much he wanted to ask.

Hu Yuying had so much she wanted to say.

Yet neither knew how to begin.

As time passed, a park attendant approached, announcing the closure of the east gate.

“Shall we go?”

“Mm-hmm.” Hu Yuying nodded.

The next second, she gasped but quickly covered her mouth. “Long Ge!”

“Shh. Just don’t wanna hear you nagging. So annoying.” Long Aotian carried her on his back as they headed out.

Pressed against his sturdy frame, Hu Yuying’s cheeks flushed pink. “Long Ge... am I heavy?”

“Not bad. I’ve eaten enough—could probably lift you with one hand.”

Hearing this, Hu Yuying stifled a giggle against his back.

Still smiling, she tentatively wrapped her arms around his shoulders.

“If you’re gonna hold on, just do it properly. All this hesitation is making me uncomfortable!”

The moment Long Ge said it, Hu Yuying tightened her embrace without another thought.

Her heart pounded wildly, and in a moment of boldness, she rested her head against him.

Just for a little while, she told herself.

But once there, she never wanted to lift it again.

Long Aotian stiffened briefly.

The girl’s figure was well-developed.

The softness pressed against his back made his heartbeat skip.

He could almost feel her breathing, the frantic rhythm of her pulse, the way her initial tension melted into quiet contentment.

A faint smile tugged at his lips.

Only when they got into the taxi did he set her down.

Long Aotian’s breathing had grown slightly heavier.

Listening to it beside her, Hu Yuying grew even shyer. But if given the choice again, she’d still pick being carried by Long Ge.

Stealing glances at his profile, her fingers inched closer, lightly brushing against his where they rested on the seat.

Distracted by his own racing pulse, Long Ge didn’t notice.

Emboldened, Hu Yuying let her pinky rest atop his.

Then Long Ge shifted. She quickly withdrew, but even that fleeting touch filled her with giddy joy.

“Why are you so happy?” Long Aotian asked, amused by her poorly hidden delight.

“Not telling.” Hu Yuying grinned—this was her little secret.

The ride back to A University was quick, the roads quiet at this hour.

But even late, the campus gates were still crowded.

After getting out, Hu Yuying tested her foot. It didn’t hurt as much as before—just a strange, lingering sensation. Still, she could walk fine now.

“Take it slow. Curfew’s still a while away,” Long Aotian said at the school entrance.

“I know.” Hu Yuying turned to face him, smiling warmly.

It had been so long since they’d spent time like this after moving to the capital.

She was happy—no, more than happy. Completely fulfilled.

“Goodbye, Long Ge.”

“Go on.”

She walked forward, then paused. Taking a deep breath, she spun around.

The smile that bloomed across her face could have melted hearts.

From their very first meeting after transferring schools—when he’d nearly made her cry—

To every moment after, when his eyes were always on her.

Even now, he was still watching her...