The Little Girl's Cunning

The next morning.

Hu Yuying felt nothing but warmth.

Lazily opening her eyes, she found herself nestled in Long Aotian's embrace.

Being held so snugly by him, how could she not feel warm?

She quietly slipped out of his arms, stretched contentedly, and gazed at Long Aotian, still fast asleep. A faint giggle bubbled up inside her.

Somehow, he looked even more handsome while sleeping.

A light stubble had even begun to shadow his jaw.

Studying every detail of his face, she suddenly blushed. Would he notice if she stole a kiss?

With that thought, she carefully leaned in, planted a quick peck, then immediately burrowed under the covers, leaving only her sparkling eyes peeking out to watch him.

Long Aotian subconsciously licked his lips, a faint smile curling at the corners.

How wonderful.

Her Long Aotian was just too adorable.

Tiptoeing out of bed, she dressed and left the room.

The air in Capital City after the weather turned cooler wasn’t particularly fresh—instead, a thin mist often lingered in the early hours.

The streets were already bustling with people, all striving to make a living in this busy city.

Gazing at the distant skyscrapers, Hu Yuying couldn’t help but wonder: would she stay in Capital City after graduation?

What would life be like in this fast-paced place?

But then again, as long as Long Aotian was by her side, everything would surely be fine. Of course, she’d work hard too.

After queuing for breakfast, she returned home to find Long Aotian still asleep. She pressed her chilly fingertips lightly against his cheek.

"Long Aotian, wake up."

With her gentle nudges and soft calls, Long Aotian stretched with a chuckle, finally blinking awake.

Seeing her perched by the bed, smiling down at him, he pulled her into his arms and rolled over, bringing her back onto the bed.

"Seeing you first thing in the morning—this feeling is perfect."

Holding her close, his heart swelled with joy the moment he woke.

This gentle, innocent, beautiful girl—she was his. All his.

It felt like a dream. In his old world, he’d been an orphan, a single 28-year-old office drone.

Here, he had a father figure, wealth beyond imagination, a courtyard home in Capital City, and most importantly—her.

"Time for breakfast."

"I just want to hold my girl a little longer."

At that, Hu Yuying bit her lip lightly, tilting her head to meet his gaze with a smile. "Just a little longer?"

"Mhm. How is it that I can never get enough? You’re so soft, so small... I love it."

"If we don’t get up now, breakfast will get cold." Though she adored being in his arms—his warmth was irresistible.

"You still owe me a good morning kiss."

Like a child craving affection, he pouted playfully. Hu Yuying almost laughed. Wasn’t he the clingy one here? Even more than her.

"Mwah."

The kiss left Long Aotian grinning, sweeter than honey.

"Up we go!"

"Ah—!" Hu Yuying covered her eyes. "Long Aotian, how can you just...?"

Peeking through her fingers, her sparkling eyes betrayed her fluster. It wasn’t her first time seeing him like this—they’d even bathed together before.

Yet every time, it stirred something new in her.

A lingering shyness, impossible to shake.

Long Aotian glanced down helplessly. Morning reactions weren’t exactly under his control.

Besides, after all this time, why was she still blushing?

His little girlfriend was just too easily embarrassed.

Leaning close to her ear, he murmured, "You’ve seen it all before. That red face of yours only makes it worse."

The words turned her cheeks, ears, even her neck a deep pink.

"You’re shameless!" She spun toward the table, fists clenched, taking a steadying breath.

Though they’d crossed every line, Hu Yuying still couldn’t fully let go around him.

But that was normal. Girls weren’t like boys—especially not ones as bashful as her.

It just meant they needed more time.

Now that they were officially living together, she’d grow more comfortable eventually.

But this hurdle was hers to overcome.

They had their whole lives ahead of them—this was just the beginning.

His large hand enveloped hers.

Hu Yuying looked up at him.

With a soft sigh, Long Aotian tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "My shy little girl, every part of me is yours. You’ll learn to accept all of it, bit by bit."

Bit by bit. She repeated it silently, then nodded firmly.

Like when he’d taught her to be bolder—practice, adapt, until even his body no longer flustered her.

"Then you have to accept all of me too. E-even my body."

Delighted, Long Aotian pulled her into a crushing hug. "Well said. Let me inspect it first."

Recognizing his teasing grin, Hu Yuying shielded her chest. "No! You’re such a pervert!"

"The big bad wolf loves eating little bunnies. Nom nom—!"

Thankfully, this scene played out at home, with no audience—otherwise, breakfast would’ve been unnecessary. They’d already feasted on love.

After the meal, Long Aotian rode Hu Yuying to A University on his bike. "I’ll pick you up at noon."

"Okay! Let’s buy groceries and invite Qingxue and Wan Ning for lunch, alright?"

"Alright."

He’d never refuse any request of hers.

"Yay! I’ll tell Qingxue and Wan Ning later. They’ve been craving your stir-fried chicken forever—they’ll be thrilled."

"You three are really close."

"Like you said, friends can be few, but they’re a must. We get along so well, it’s natural we’ve grown closer."

At the university gates, Hu Yuying hung her helmet on the bike and beamed. "Be safe!"

"Ahem. Forgetting something?"

She blinked innocently.

"Here." He shamelessly tapped his cheek.

With a sly smile, she obliged—of course she hadn’t forgotten.

She just wanted him to ask. It’d sweeten her entire day.

Feeling the warm, tender touch on his cheek, Long Aotian couldn't help but smile at the little girl. Her little schemes were quite obvious. Yet, he was more than willing to play along with his darling...