A Pair of Silver Bracelets

The holiday came to an end, and everything returned to normal.

University life wasn’t as hectic as the final year of high school.

Long Aotian now had plenty of time—attending classes when he had them, and checking on the progress of his courtyard house renovation during his free hours.

Occasionally, he’d video call Hu Yuying to share updates and brainstorm ideas for decorating their future home.

Every time this happened, Hu Yuying would light up like a child who’d just been given candy.

All because of one sentence Long Aotian had said: "How should we decorate our home?"

It seemed like everything was moving in a positive direction.

As the holiday faded, the weather gradually turned cooler.

Long Aotian had connections at clothing factories in Yiwu and Guangdong from his previous clothing business. Since he frequently placed orders, he’d built good relationships with them. He shared his plan to open three online stores, paid some deposits, and requested a selection of autumn outfits in different styles.

Meanwhile, at A University, Hu Yuying and Li Qingxue strolled across the campus lawn near the girls’ dormitory, chatting about topics only girls would discuss.

Their conversation was interrupted by a video call notification.

Hu Yuying pulled out her phone, and her eyes curved into crescents at the sight of the caller. "It’s Long Aotian," she said, answering the call.

His voice came through immediately: "Yuying, bring Qingxue along and come home later."

Before Hu Yuying could respond, Li Qingxue, standing beside her, protested, "Who are you calling silly? Watch me step on your foot again!"

Long Aotian laughed. "Oh, you’re there too? Fine, fine, you’re not silly. Come over—I’ve got a surprise for you both!"

The word "surprise" was enough to soften Li Qingxue’s irritation. Whatever it was, the mere promise of something unexpected made her forgive him instantly.

"Alright then, I’ll grace you with my presence," she huffed.

Hu Yuying giggled. "Look at you—your grin’s reaching your ears already."

Li Qingxue shot back, "No it’s not! Say that again and see what happens!"

Long Aotian chuckled. "Alright, I surrender. See you at home."

Hu Yuying nodded, her voice softening. "Okay, Long Aotian… see you at home."

Li Qingxue teased, "Ohhh, look at you blushing just from saying that—"

Hu Yuying quickly ended the call and playfully lunged at Li Qingxue. "I am not!"

Li Qingxue dodged, grinning. "Your face is totally red! You can’t hide it."

Hu Yuying touched her warm cheeks lightly. "It’s just… I can’t help it when it comes to Long Aotian. No matter how hard I try, I just turn into a mess."

Had Long Aotian heard this, he would’ve gently tapped her forehead with his fingertip.

Physical attraction was a primal thing—uncomplicated, undeniable, needing no elaborate explanation.

As the saying goes: A blush says more than a thousand words.

"Long Aotian!"

The moment they stepped out of the campus gates, Lin Wanning’s voice rang out.

Her voice was unmistakable—elegant, distinctive, carrying a natural charm.

"I came as soon as I got your message," she said, waving her phone proudly as she approached him.

Around Long Aotian, she shed her usual cool demeanor, transforming into a younger sister seeking reassurance. Her delicate features softened, like snow melting under the sun, revealing a rare warmth and dependence.

"Let’s head back. Yuying and Qingxue will be there soon," Long Aotian said.

Just then, his phone buzzed with a delivery notification—the packages had arrived and were waiting at the convenience store near the alley.

The thought of Hu Yuying’s surprised expression brought an unconscious smile to his lips.

Back at the courtyard house, Hu Yuying and Li Qingxue hadn’t arrived yet.

"Wanning, go ahead inside. I need to pick something up," Long Aotian said.

Lin Wanning nodded, unlocking the door with her key.

At the convenience store, Long Aotian was a familiar face—he often bought water and cigarettes for the construction workers.

"Uncle, here for my packages," he said.

"Ah, Long Aotian! They’re right here—three big bundles. What’d you buy this time?"

"Just some clothes," Long Aotian replied, locating the three large black packages. Nearby, a smaller parcel caught his eye.

Assuming it was a freebie, he checked the label—only to find Lin Wanning’s phone number on it.

He took everything back with him.

Back in the courtyard, Lin Wanning stared at the three massive bundles in astonishment.

"Long Aotian, what is all this?" she asked.

The look on her face satisfied him. "You’ll see in a bit," he said mysteriously.

Lin Wanning chuckled at his secrecy. "I’ll go check if Yuying and Qingxue are here yet," she said, stepping out of the courtyard.

As soon as she left, Long Aotian started unpacking.

The three bundles contained clothes tailored to Hu Yuying’s, Li Qingxue’s, and Lin Wanning’s personal styles.

Having lived in a world ahead of its time, Long Aotian’s fashion sense was decades ahead of current trends.

As he unpacked, he absentmindedly opened Lin Wanning’s smaller package too.

Outside, Lin Wanning was about to call Li Qingxue to ask where they were when her phone buzzed with a delivery update—the package had been retrieved minutes ago.

Her heart skipped a beat as she recalled the bundles Long Aotian had brought back.

Panic flickered across her usually composed face before she dashed back inside.

There, she found Long Aotian holding a pair of silver handcuffs, tilting them under the sunlight with deep contemplation.

The cuffs gleamed brilliantly, almost… beautifully.

Lin Wanning’s breath hitched. She forced calm into her voice as she snatched them from his hands, hiding them behind her back.

"Long Aotian! You can’t just open my mail!"

He frowned. "Why’d you buy these?"

Seeing his expression, she instinctively wanted to smooth the crease between his brows. Softly, she explained, "Our department’s preparing a play. I’m playing a police officer—these are props."

Long Aotian’s frown melted into a smile. "Oh! I’ll come cheer you on then."

Lin Wanning nodded, relieved. He’s so easy to fool.

Trying to divert his attention, she pointed at the black bundles. "So, what’s in these?"

She discreetly tucked the handcuffs away.

Just then, the gate creaked open.

"Long Aotian! Where’s my surprise?" Li Qingxue’s voice rang out.

Hu Yuying hurried over, stopping in front of Long Aotian with stars in her eyes. "Long Aotian," she said softly.

He pinched her cheek affectionately. "This is your surprise."

"Clothes?"

"Thirty pieces each!"

The stunned expressions on all three faces were exactly the reaction he’d hoped for.

Lin Wanning had indeed seen the clothes, but receiving thirty pieces per person truly astonished her once again...

["Thank you for the gifts, love you all—sending a big heart..."]