Then I must be too beautiful.

The hand rubbed over her clothes, stroking her lower abdomen with a tingling, ticklish sensation.

Hu Yuying giggled, wanting to roll over to escape Long Aotian's mischievous grasp.

But the moment she turned, Long Aotian quickly shifted closer, closing the distance again.

The little girl could only look at him helplessly, though her heart swelled with delight.

The more Long Aotian clung to her, the more it proved how important she was to him.

"Long Aotian, you're so clingy with me now," Hu Yuying teased, her fingertip lightly tracing circles on his chest.

"Of course, I love clinging to my little girl. You're my remedy," he murmured, wrapping his arms around her waist and pressing his face against the soft curve of her lower back, completely abandoning any pretense of restraint.

"Long Aotian, you're so shameless," she chided, yet she didn’t resist his embrace.

"Before I had you, I had to keep up a proper big brother image. But now that you're mine, why hold back? I just love holding you," he declared openly, leaving no room for doubt about his affection.

"Me too," Hu Yuying whispered, turning back into his arms. "I love you, Long Aotian, and I love being held by you."

Her gaze met his, earnest and tender. "I love waking up every day in your arms."

"Well, don’t complain if I never let go. I could hold you forever," he chuckled.

The truth was, as long as they were together, every moment was pure happiness.

"I need to go out for a bit later. What do you want me to bring back for you?" he murmured, holding her close.

"I want to go with you," Hu Yuying insisted, blinking up at him with an expression that clearly said, If you leave me behind, I’ll be upset.

In just a few short days, Hu Yuying had experienced a whirlwind of emotions—anxiety, tension, tenderness—but today, the moment Long Aotian found her, all those feelings melted away.

Her desire to be with him had reached its peak.

At least for today, she didn’t want to be apart from him for even a second.

Wherever her man went, she would follow.

Unable to resist the pleading look in her eyes, Long Aotian finally relented. He knelt down and took hold of her delicate, fair foot.

"L-Long Aotian, I can do it myself!" Hu Yuying instinctively tried to pull her foot back—how could she let him put her shoes on? That was something she should be doing for him.

"Stay still, or you’re staying home," he warned, his hand easily enveloping her small foot.

After playfully squeezing it for a moment, he finally slipped her shoe on, amused by her flushed cheeks. "Let’s go."

"Mm." She obediently followed behind him, stealing a glance at his profile. He really loves playing with my feet…

They arrived at an electric scooter dealership.

"Want me to take you for a spin?" Long Aotian asked, grinning after picking out a mid-sized scooter.

"Okay!"

"Boss, we’ll take this one. Install the battery—I’m taking it for a test ride."

While the staff prepared the scooter, Long Aotian led Hu Yuying to pick out helmets.

He placed a pink-patterned one on her head. "This one looks cute."

In return, she chose a black-and-yellow striped helmet for him. "Will you wear this one, Long Aotian?"

"Sure. Doesn’t it match those cups you won at the ring toss?"

"That’s exactly why I picked it!" she beamed.

"Same here," he laughed.

Their shared understanding and unspoken connection were the source of their joy.

She hadn’t forgotten.

Neither had he.

Soon, the scooter was ready.

Long Aotian swung his long leg over the seat, effortlessly putting on his helmet before turning to Hu Yuying, who stood waiting. "Careful."

"Mm-hmm." She cautiously climbed on behind him.

This time, she didn’t hesitate—she wrapped her arms around him without restraint.

Nothing could make her happier than this moment.

Feeling her soft body press against his back, Long Aotian smirked. Her warm breath tickled his ear.

"I’m ready, Long Aotian," she murmured, hugging him tightly.

"Let’s go."

The scooter hummed to life, carrying them down the open road.

It felt just like their days in Haibin City—Long Aotian riding his tricycle with her sitting sweetly behind him.

Different city, different scenery, but the same two hearts.

"Long Aotian, I feel so happy right now."

"If this is enough to make you happy, you’re way too easy to please. I’ll make sure you’re even happier in the future."

"That sounds perfect," she giggled, squeezing his waist as they rode on.

After a leisurely ride around the neighborhood, they returned to the shop to pay before heading home together.

......

"Why?" Xue Shaohua flicked his hair aside, revealing the earring on his left ear as he stared at his phone, his chest hollow.

Hu Yuying hadn’t been at school all day.

Assuming she might be unwell, he had texted one of her roommates (they were mutual friends, and he had once tried—unsuccessfully—to get Hu Yuying’s contact through her).

The reply? She’s not in the dorm. She left early this morning. Around 8 AM, I heard a guy’s voice on the phone—probably her boyfriend.

The words stabbed at him.

Tilting his head back, Xue Shaohua gazed at the sky, as if seeking some kind of enlightenment.

Slowly, he stretched out his arms, then closed his eyes and did something he’d never been able to before—he hugged himself.

Just last week, he had her. And now, not even a full week later, Long Aotian has taken her away again.

Maybe right now, Hu Yuying was lost in bliss, completely content.

But—

She never once considered how I feel. Never thought about how lonely and empty I am.

With a bitter sigh, Xue Shaohua dialed a number.

When the call connected, his voice was heavy with defeat. "Hu Yuying’s with Long Aotian again. He called her away this morning..."

"Damn that psychopath! Has he completely lost it? Now he’s even taking her away during class?"

"Is there anything he won’t do?"

"Did you get those photos developed yet?"

At that, a shadow flickered in Xue Shaohua’s eyes. "Of course..."