No more pounding, no more, never again

In her sleep, Hu Yuying felt as though her body no longer belonged to her.

As the person beside her stirred awake, she slowly opened her eyes.

Seeing Hu Yuying’s drowsy, kitten-like expression, Long Aotian curved his lips into a smile and leaned closer—so close that only inches separated their breaths—before whispering softly, "Sleep a little longer. No one will disturb us today."

As he spoke, he reached up to tuck a stray lock of hair behind her ear. The brush of his fingertips against her cheek sent warmth flooding through her face.

Especially now, under Long Aotian’s gaze, she quickly turned her head away, both nervous and shy.

But then, reconsidering, she shot him a glare, pouting. "Long Aotian... you’re such a bad guy..."

Last night, he had promised to be considerate of her feelings and comfort.

Yet, in the end, he had completely lost control.

That sensation—like drowning in the clouds—had left her questioning everything...

Long Aotian crouched in front of her, taking her hand and pressing it to his lips. "Does it still hurt?" he asked gently.

This was entirely his fault. He had promised to hold back, but... he hadn’t been able to restrain himself. No words could change that fact.

All he had wanted was to give her the best, the absolute best...

Now, all he could do—all he had to do—was be even better to her.

Having spent two lifetimes alone, Hu Yuying was his first woman.

Naturally, he would pour his all into cherishing her, this gentle girl whose body he had taken—who had only pouted in frustration before forgiving him.

Hu Yuying felt the warmth of his lips against her hand and listened to his tender concern.

Her heart swelled with emotion, her cheeks burning uncontrollably. "N-next time... could you not be so rough?"

Last night, she had begged him, but he hadn’t let her go...

It wasn’t that she couldn’t take it, nor did she truly blame him... it was just... it really hurt...

Burying his face in the crook of her neck, Long Aotian couldn’t suppress a low chuckle. "I’ll be more careful next time. I promise."

"Really?" Hu Yuying trusted him completely. Hearing his assurance, she blinked her innocent, wide eyes and asked earnestly.

"Really."

Instantly cheered, she wrapped her arms around his neck, trying to get up.

But the moment she sat up, she realized just how exhausted her body was.

At this point, Hu Yuying was on the verge of tears.

Long Aotian wanted to persuade her to rest longer—after all, she had only fallen unconscious near dawn.

Yet Hu Yuying insisted on getting up. After a night without cleaning, she glanced at the traces beneath her and flushed with embarrassment. "Long Aotian, don’t look."

"Let me take you to bathe."

Glancing down at herself, Hu Yuying bit her lip and nodded, her face scarlet. "T-then... could you turn around first?"

Last night, in the darkness with the lights off, nothing had been visible.

But now, in broad daylight, everything was laid bare.

She still couldn’t help feeling shy and exposed.

Long Aotian understood. Since he had broken his word, he would comply with her wishes.

After dressing, Hu Yuying lifted the covers and saw the crimson stain on the sheets. Her already flushed face burned even hotter.

Carefully, she began to peel the sheet away.

Hearing the rustling, Long Aotian turned and saw the mark. He stepped forward and took it from her hands.

"Long Aotian, don’t wash it," Hu Yuying murmured, her eyes darting away, unable to meet his gaze.

Pausing, Long Aotian looked at her—this suddenly grown-up version of Hu Yuying—and felt as though he were dreaming.

Somehow, he had taken her innocence.

Her gentleness seemed etched into her bones, her allure reserved solely for him.

"N-no, I... I want to keep it," he stammered, momentarily at a loss for words.

Hearing his flustered tone, Hu Yuying pressed her lips together, suppressing a soft laugh.

Perhaps it was because she had truly become a woman now, but the natural allure in her eyes as she smiled sent another wave of desire crashing through him.

Though, to be honest, her tightness had left him aching too.

Taking a deep breath, he forced down the restless energy simmering inside him.

Folding the sheet neatly, he emptied the suitcase of its contents onto the floor and placed the sheet inside.

Once done, he turned and gently pulled her into his arms.

Resting his chin atop her hair, he murmured, "It feels like a dream. My heart was empty, but holding you like this—it suddenly feels whole."

Hu Yuying nodded lightly. She felt the same way.

Everything from last night had been so sudden—nothing like what she’d seen in those videos.

From the beginning to the end, and even now, everything truly feels like a dream—if not for the lingering marks and exhaustion on my body...

Taking the initiative to hold Long Aotian's hand, Hu Yuying softly whispered, "This isn't a dream. Your little girl is yours now."

With the gentlest voice, she brought Long Aotian back to reality.

"Let’s go take a bath first. Soon, our home will have everything we need."

"Mhm, I’ll listen to you, Long Aotian."

After just a few steps, she couldn’t help but take a deep breath, her hand instinctively resting on her waist.

She couldn’t even remember what time she fell asleep last night, but it certainly wasn’t for long. Otherwise, her head wouldn’t feel so heavy now, coupled with the soreness in her waist, the weakness in her limbs, and the faint ache in her lower abdomen. No wonder her body felt so drained after just a short walk.

Long Aotian took two steps forward and crouched down in front of Hu Yuying. "Come on, I’ll carry you."

Hu Yuying looked at Long Aotian, who was now kneeling before her. He had always been this good to her, unwavering.

Meeting Long Aotian, being able to walk this path with him—she felt so lucky, so incredibly happy.

"What’s wrong?" Seeing her eyes well up again, Long Aotian’s heart melted. He turned to face her, his voice softening even more.

"Long Aotian, I’m just... really moved. I couldn’t help it. Please don’t scold me, okay?"

"No more scolding, no more. From now on, you can scold me instead. If I ever make you angry, hit me, hit me as hard as you want."

Hu Yuying laughed through her tears, throwing herself into his arms and burying her face against his shoulder. Her voice muffled, she murmured, "I’d never hit you, Long Aotian."

Carrying Hu Yuying out of the narrow alley, this time, the little girl no longer had to sneak around. She held onto her Long Aotian openly, her arms wrapped tightly, so tightly around him. The smile on her face was sweet, tender—and full of warmth.