Hmph, let's see if Brother Long still dares to criticize me

The three girls always ended up fooling around whenever they were together.

Just then, Lin Wanning’s phone buzzed with a notification.

She pulled it out and glanced at the screen.

Her cool, composed eyes suddenly sparkled with amusement.

It was a message from her brother.

Reading it, Lin Wanning couldn’t help but regret her decision to come here earlier.

Brother: "Wanning, Yuying must’ve told you—we’re having lunch at home today. I’ll pick you up from A University soon."

She felt like crying. Originally, she was supposed to come with her brother.

She’d never ridden on the back of his bike before, and maybe she could’ve even hugged him along the way.

He should’ve remembered her…

With a soft sigh, she replied, letting him know she’d already arrived at A University.

Putting her phone away, Lin Wanning turned to Hu Yuying and Li Qingxue, who were still messing around. "My brother says he’ll be here in ten minutes."

"Perfect timing!" Li Qingxue calculated and found it matched their schedule.

"Hurry up, we can’t keep Long Aotian waiting," Hu Yuying said, tugging Li Qingxue and Lin Wanning toward the school gate.

"More like we shouldn’t be kept waiting," Li Qingxue teased. "You two will ride off with him, while Wanning and I have to suffer on the subway."

"Ugh… I’m going crazy," Lin Wanning groaned, feeling like she’d just missed out on a fortune.

"Yuying, look at Wanning—she’s totally sulking!"

"Qingxue, you talk too much."

Li Qingxue was in an especially good mood today.

By the time the trio reached the school gate, Long Aotian had just arrived.

"Look at you, panting like this—don’t you know your own limits?" Long Aotian scolded lightly, using his thumb to wipe the sweat from Hu Yuying’s forehead.

He couldn’t help but think this girl was reckless with her health.

"Brother, don’t blame Yuying. She just wanted to see you sooner and not keep you waiting," Lin Wanning defended.

"Yeah, yeah! If you keep picking on Yuying, we won’t let it slide," Li Qingxue chimed in.

"Hmph! See, Long Aotian? You can’t scold me now," Hu Yuying said triumphantly.

Long Aotian chuckled. "Oh? So the three of you are ganging up on me now?"

"Absolutely! Teamwork!" Li Qingxue declared before darting away.

"Stupid brother, stupid brother!" Lin Wanning followed, giggling.

Before Hu Yuying could even react, the other two had already bolted.

She barely took a step before Long Aotian caught her.

"Where do you think you’re going?"

Hu Yuying shrank back, looking up at him with wide, pleading eyes. "Long Aotian, I didn’t say anything bad about you!"

Long Aotian smirked, leaning close to her ear. "Ever heard of ‘making an example out of one to warn the others’?"

He gently tapped her nose before placing a helmet on her head. "I’ll deal with you properly tonight."

His low, teasing voice sent a shiver down her spine.

Hu Yuying’s ears burned, her cheeks flushing adorably.

"Hop on. We’re going grocery shopping," Long Aotian said. The other two had keys, so they could let themselves in—no need to worry.

"Okay…" Hu Yuying obediently climbed onto the back of the scooter.

Gazing at Long Aotian’s broad back, she suddenly grinned and wrapped her arms tightly around him.

"Such a silly smile," he murmured, though he couldn’t help smiling too.

"It’s not silly!"

"Ready?"

"Yep!"

They soon caught up to Li Qingxue and Lin Wanning. "Go home and wait. We’ll be back after shopping," Long Aotian called out as they passed.

"Got it!" the two replied.

On the way, Hu Yuying asked softly, "Long Aotian, any side dishes you’d like?"

"I’m easy to please—not picky at all."

"We still have potatoes at home, so we just need bell peppers, Sichuan peppercorns, and chicken."

Long Aotian glanced back, briefly squeezing her hand. "Marrying you would save me so much money in a year."

"Of course! I’m great at budgeting—I won’t let you waste a single penny."

"I’m really lucky."

Hu Yuying pinched his waist playfully. "Are you making fun of me?"

Long Aotian laughed. "Wouldn’t dare! You’ve got me wrapped around your finger—spoiling you is my priority."

She nuzzled her nose against his back. "I must be sick—I can’t sleep without holding onto you."

"No such thing. I love it when you cling to me."

"Hehe, thanks for indulging my little habit." Hu Yuying hugged him tighter, adoring how he always humored her whims.

She was so easily satisfied—both physically and emotionally. To Long Aotian, she was perfection.

Soon, they arrived at the market.

Hu Yuying picked the groceries while Long Aotian carried the bags. Their sweet, casual affection drew envious glances from passersby, especially elderly couples who smiled fondly, as if seeing their younger selves in the pair.

When they returned to the courtyard house, Li Qingxue and Lin Wanning were nowhere in sight.

But the unlocked gate and the freshly cleaned pot confirmed they’d arrived.

Just as Long Aotian wondered where they were, their voices drifted over.

Following the sound, he found them exploring one of the rooms still under renovation.

The entire space had been opened up, preserving much of the traditional courtyard style while blending modern, minimalist, and slightly Nordic-inspired decor.

The main color scheme stayed warm and woody, creating a cozy atmosphere.

"Wow, doesn’t this layout look just like what I suggested to Long Aotian? It’s going to be amazing when it’s done—he’ll be over the moon!"

Lin Wanning stayed quiet, her gaze fixed on another section of the room—simple, rustic, with a touch of American farmhouse charm.

When Long Aotian had first planned the renovation, all three girls had eagerly pitched in with ideas.

They knew nothing about interior design—just their own dream visions of the perfect room.

Yet he’d brought every one of them to life.

It was impossible not to feel moved.

"Yeah, yeah, all thanks to your brilliant suggestions," Long Aotian teased as he and Hu Yuying approached.

"You’re finally back!" Li Qingxue exclaimed.

"Got held up shopping. Let’s get started on lunch!"