Dragon, you're not alone anymore

Feeling Hu Yuying's heartbeat, Long Aotian realized he might even be less composed than her.

Having spent twenty-eight years as a perpetual bachelor in his original world and then another eighteen years "technically" single in this one, he wasn’t exactly experienced in matters of the heart. Sometimes, he simply didn’t know what to do.

But one thing was crystal clear to him: being with Hu Yuying was effortless and joyful.

This feeling hadn’t just appeared now—it had been there from the very moment they met.

Long Aotian smiled, loosening his embrace but tightening his grip on her hand instead.

If his little follower could be this brave, how could he, as her "big brother," afford to hesitate?

Feeling his firm hold, Hu Yuying lifted her gaze, her beautiful eyes shimmering with amusement as she looked at him.

Sometimes, love struck without warning—a single word, a fleeting gesture. For Hu Yuying, these heart-fluttering moments weren’t rare.

But only twice had Long Aotian reciprocated.

The first time was last night—when they kissed.

The second time was now—when he held her hand so tightly.

Hu Yuying was simple—happiness and sadness were both written plainly on her face. Right now, she was undeniably happy.

"Let’s grab some breakfast first," Long Aotian said, his voice softening at the sight of her smile.

"Okay," Hu Yuying nodded. She’d follow whatever Long Aotian said.

Ever since she took that first bold step to travel with him for business, she had placed unconditional trust in him.

Ah, the little things about love.

It made the mature act a little immature.

It made the timid unexpectedly brave.

And yet, this "little thing" filled every moment with joy.

Hu Yuying rested her chin on one hand, her eyes fixed on Long Aotian with unblinking delight as he devoured one steamed bun after another, his lips curving into that effortlessly charming smile.

Long Aotian grew a little self-conscious under her gaze. She’d stolen glances at him before, but never this openly.

Surely, everyone had experienced this—eating while someone watched with such fond amusement that it became impossible to chew naturally.

But Hu Yuying adored watching him eat.

When he finally set down his chopsticks, she reached for a napkin. Long Aotian extended his hand to take it, but she didn’t stop—instead, she leaned forward and gently dabbed the corner of his mouth.

His body stiffened. After so long fending for himself, he wasn’t used to being cared for like this. "I—I can do it myself."

Hu Yuying’s eyes shimmered, her own shyness not stopping her. "I can take care of you too, Long Aotian."

Her fair neck flushed pink as she continued, "You... you’re not alone anymore. You’ll have to get used to it."

"Back home, we’d say you’ve been independent for too long."

"You don’t dislike being cared for—you’re just afraid of it, aren’t you?"

Long Aotian met her gaze, seeing his own reflection in her pupils. Slowly, the tension in his body eased.

Who wouldn’t want to be looked after by someone they loved?

It wasn’t fear—it was something harder to put into words, especially when Hu Yuying said, You’re not alone anymore.

If he had to name this feeling, it might be... guilt.

He owed her a proper confession.

Her feelings for him were so transparent.

Maybe she thought it unnecessary, but shouldn’t there be one?

Hu Yuying sat back down, fingers nervously crumpling the napkin—far less composed than she pretended.

"I... I just want you to know, I’d do anything for you."

To her, Long Aotian was incredible—capable of anything, solving every problem.

She might not be able to help him in those ways, but she could learn. She wanted to be someone he could rely on too.

Love went both ways. He’d helped her, cared for her, even given her the freedom to distinguish gratitude from affection.

This man who called himself "rough around the edges" had gone so far for someone like her.

He’d already given so much.

So she wanted—no, needed—to show him she could take care of him too.

Their eyes locked, and Long Aotian couldn’t resist reaching out to cup her cheek. Her earnestness tugged at his heart.

Hu Yuying leaned into his touch without hesitation.

Ding-ding-ding!

The sudden video call alert froze them both.

Long Aotian’s lovestruck expression made Hu Yuying blush.

The way her lashes fluttered, so willing, drew a soft sigh from him.

Pulling back, he grabbed his phone. Who on earth—

One glance at the caller ID deflated his frustration into amusement. "It’s Dad."

At those words, Hu Yuying’s eyes lit up—then immediately shifted to panic as she hurriedly smoothed her hair and clothes.

Long Aotian chuckled. "You already look perfect."

But his reassurance only made her more nervous, like a bride meeting her in-laws for the first time.

He answered the call.

"Son!"

His father’s face filled the screen, his voice booming loud enough for the entire café to hear.

The man had only recently learned to use messaging apps—Long Aotian had set up the account for him weeks ago.

Rubbing his forehead, Long Aotian shot an apologetic glance at nearby customers. "Dad, I’m out right now."

"Out with friends, eh?" His father lowered his voice—or tried to, forgetting the speaker was on. The effect was comically ineffective.

But the next words turned that comedy into warmth:

"Take care of yourself, son. I’ll transfer some money later—you’ll need it for food and outings. And get along with your friends..."

"No need, I’ve got enough. Don’t trouble yourself."

"No trouble now! I finally learned how to send money on the phone."

That simple sentence painted a clear picture in Long Aotian’s mind—his father, phone in hand, asking anyone and everyone how to make a digital transfer.