Long Aotian, Surrender Quickly

Seeing Li Qingxue's serious expression, Lin Wanning secretly let out a sigh of relief. Though Qingxue loved to have fun, she understood what mattered most. The more solemn Lin Wanning appeared, the more seriously Qingxue would take it—she wouldn’t go around gossiping.

Having spent so much time together, they knew each other's personalities well. It was precisely because their temperaments matched that they got along so effortlessly.

Faced with Li Qingxue’s earnest promise, Lin Wanning gently embraced her. "Thank you."

Feeling the comfort in Lin Wanning’s arms, Li Qingxue chuckled softly. "What’s there to thank me for? We’re best friends, after all. If he ever dares to treat you badly, I’ll definitely stand up for you."

A faint smile touched Lin Wanning’s lips as she murmured in a voice so soft no one else could hear, "He’s good... very good..."

"So, can you tell me what it’s like to... you know, be with a man?" Li Qingxue asked curiously. "When I asked Ying before, she just blushed and didn’t know how to describe it."

Human nature was like this—when faced with something unknown yet intriguing, the urge to dig deeper was irresistible.

With both of her close friends now having boyfriends and transitioning from girls to women, that curiosity only grew stronger.

"There’s a bit of pain, but also an indescribable pleasure... a mix of both."

The first time, she had taken the initiative, mounting him. Maybe it was due to inexperience, but that was how it had felt for her.

The second time, she had annoyed him, and his raw intensity had nearly crushed her into his body—rough, almost like an act of venting...

"But it’s also a wonderful experience."

Lin Wanning recalled the tenderness her brother had shown that day—every movement, every kiss, bringing a dual ecstasy to both body and soul.

Especially at the climax, it was like floating among the clouds, rising and falling, making her want to drown in that sensation forever...

Listening to Lin Wanning’s description, Li Qingxue took a deep breath, her legs unconsciously crossing. The elegant curve of her collarbone, rising with each breath, resembled the graceful arc of a butterfly’s wings.

Seeing Li Qingxue’s physical reaction, Lin Wanning found it amusing. At their age—blossoming youth, brimming with hormones and curiosity about the opposite sex—such reactions were perfectly normal, yet undeniably blush-inducing.

"Want to experience what it’s like to soar among the clouds?" Lin Wanning whispered into Li Qingxue’s ear.

Her mischievous hands trailed slowly along Li Qingxue’s delicate frame—neck, collarbone, abdomen...

Especially when they reached her stomach, Li Qingxue’s breathing grew heavier, her legs tightening further.

But reason ultimately prevailed.

Li Qingxue caught Lin Wanning’s wandering hand, her face flushed—whether from shyness, surging emotions, or the heat, it was hard to tell.

"We can’t do this."

Her bright eyes shimmered. "I want to save this kind of happiness for someone I truly care about."

As she spoke, an unbidden memory surfaced—leaning against Long Aotian’s shoulder while boating, his amused gaze resting on her...

That smile had blurred in her memory, yet even now, recalling that moment brought a faint warmth to her heart...

Seeing the light flickering in Li Qingxue’s eyes, Lin Wanning seemed to sense her emotions.

But she wasn’t like her.

Lin Wanning’s life had been a mess from the start—abandoned by her parents, raised by her doting grandparents, only for her birth mother to return and drag her into another chaotic life. The arrival of her younger brother had completely alienated her from their world...

So she had nothing to lose. Things couldn’t possibly get worse than this.

Even if this love had to stay hidden, she had no regrets.

Li Qingxue, on the other hand, came from a loving family—open-minded parents, an only child showered with affection.

She was like a little princess, always cradled in the palms of those who cherished her.

She had her own pride, which gave her that admirable quality—a bold, unapologetic spirit, capable of both fierce love and decisive detachment.

In some ways, she and Long Aotian were the most alike...

But there was no point in dwelling on what-ifs.

Her radiant smile could outshine everything, yet it carried a trace of melancholy that didn’t belong in her otherwise bright world.

After showering and tidying up, Lin Wanning finally felt like her body was hers again.

The lightness made her stretch lazily.

"Let’s go see how Yuying and Long Aotian are doing with their vegetable planting," Li Qingxue suggested, stretching as well with a grin.

"Sure. Let’s grab some snacks on the way."

The afternoon was perfect—snacking, basking in the sun, chatting. Pure bliss.

Arriving at the courtyard, they pushed open the gate and walked straight in.

"Long Aotian, don’t put the seeds in yet—water them first!" Hu Yuying’s cheerful voice reached them before they even saw her.

"Long Aotian, you big dummy!"

"Brother, you big dummy!"

Neither of them knew much about gardening, but that didn’t stop them from teasing Long Aotian.

Hearing the words "Brother, you big dummy," Long Aotian, who had been happily wearing a straw hat and planting vegetables with Hu Yuying, stiffened slightly, his smile fading.

Looking up, he saw Lin Wanning and Li Qingxue walking in with a large bag of snacks.

When his eyes met Lin Wanning’s, a faint smirk curled her lips before she turned her gaze to Hu Yuying.

"You’re here!" Hu Yuying greeted them warmly, stepping forward.

Dressed in a straw hat and gloves, she looked effortlessly pure and natural.

"Have a seat. We’ll be done soon," Hu Yuying said, leading them to the freshly tilled soil. "The workers are still renovating over there, so don’t go near. There’s hot water inside if you’re thirsty..."

She had just boiled tea for the workers and filled a thermos, worried Long Aotian might get thirsty later.

Only then did Lin Wanning and Li Qingxue notice the painters still at work.

"We’ll help!" Li Qingxue took the hose from Hu Yuying and grinned at Long Aotian. "Long Aotian, surrender! You’re surrounded!"

Long Aotian glanced at Lin Wanning before playing along, raising his hands. "Alright, alright, I surrender..."

Amused by his cooperation, Li Qingxue laughed brightly. Once he stepped aside, she turned on the hose and started watering with glee.

Long Aotian hadn’t expected that even something as simple as watering plants could turn into a game that kept the three of them entertained...