The Isolated Dragon Proud Heaven

Long Aotian was naturally in high spirits as he washed the vegetables.

Every now and then, he would glance at Hu Yuying, his face beaming with such goofy delight that it almost seemed silly.

Sensing his gaze, Hu Yuying told herself she wouldn’t look back—but his eyes were so intense that she couldn’t help stealing a glance.

Then, pressing her lips together, she turned her face away, though the corners of her mouth curled into an involuntary smile, radiant and sweet.

Noticing this, Lin Wanning slowly crouched beside Hu Yuying. "Sister, you mean so much to him. He truly adores his little girl."

"I’m not saying this to convince you to forgive us. What I did was shameful, and I have no right to ask for your forgiveness. Blame me entirely—Wanning. From now on, I’ll defer to you in everything. I’ll accept any punishment you give."

All of this had started because of her. If she hadn’t interfered, Long Aotian and A-Ying would never have ended up like this.

Guilt and remorse twisted in her heart.

Seeing Hu Yuying punish Long Aotian but not her only made her feel worse.

Hu Yuying looked at Lin Wanning, who had lowered herself almost to the ground beside her, and sighed softly.

She reached out and pulled Lin Wanning up. "I spoiled Long Aotian too much before. Even though he confessed this time, a mistake is still a mistake. We’re stuck with him for life, but he needs to know I can get angry too."

As for Lin Wanning’s punishment, she had already dealt with it that morning.

Even though Lin Wanning had given herself to Long Aotian, Hu Yuying had already proven that in this household, Long Aotian would always prioritize her.

His words to her, his promises—they were always trustworthy.

His love for her was one hundred percent genuine. If he had truly wanted to deceive her, he wouldn’t have confessed. He could’ve kept hiding it.

That man who once stood tall to protect her—he was a good man. He just wanted everything to be perfect...

The mistake had already happened. No matter how much she yelled or cried, it wouldn’t change a thing.

Now, by securing her authority in the household and claiming a larger place in his heart, she could ensure that whatever he did in the future, he would have to consider her feelings.

He wanted her to punish him, to not give him the silent treatment.

Fine, she would punish him—by not speaking to him all afternoon.

That was the harshest punishment Hu Yuying could think of for Long Aotian.

She was too kind.

To her, Long Aotian would always be her man.

"What are you two whispering about?" Li Qingxue teased Long Aotian before noticing Hu Yuying and Lin Wanning in their hushed conversation. She quickly walked over, eager to join in.

"We’re discussing how to punish Long Aotian for misbehaving today."

Hearing this, Li Qingxue’s first reaction was shock.

Hu Yuying had always indulged Long Aotian before—today, she was actually taking charge and punishing him!

But seeing Long Aotian all alone, squatting by himself as he washed vegetables, she couldn’t help but chuckle.

Hearing the laughter, Long Aotian, still crouched over the vegetables, turned his head to look.

The moment he was caught by Li Qingxue, she immediately tattled to Hu Yuying: "Yuying, look, Long Aotian isn’t even washing the vegetables properly—he’s too busy sneaking glances at us!"

Long Aotian was so furious he nearly saw stars.

But after taking in the sight of the three girls together, he sighed softly and went back to washing the vegetables.

Once he finished quickly, he hurried over to Hu Yuying to show off his work.

Hu Yuying shot him a reproachful look, leaving him to interpret it himself, then said, "Let’s ignore him."

Li Qingxue, never one to miss a chance to stir the pot, chimed in with an enthusiastic agreement.

Lin Wanning stifled a laugh but still sided with Hu Yuying, offering Long Aotian an apologetic glance: "I’ll listen to my sister."

That single word—"sister"—carried warmth and sincerity, melting straight into Hu Yuying’s heart.

Hu Yuying’s gentleness was etched into her very bones. She glanced at Lin Wanning, who, sensing her gaze, shrugged with a smile: "You are my sister."

Once upon a time, she had longed so deeply for an older brother or sister.

And just like that, Long Aotian found himself ostracized by the trio.

No matter how hard he tried to engage them, they refused to acknowledge him, united in their alliance with the girls.

Dinner was soon ready.

Lin Wanning scooped the first bowl of rice, her eyes flickering toward Long Aotian. He grinned, about to rise—

Only for the bowl to land squarely in front of Hu Yuying.

Lin Wanning knew exactly where the hierarchy stood in this household.

Hu Yuying smiled, and seeing her expression soften, Long Aotian moved closer, only for her to turn away with a light huff before he’d taken two steps.

Lin Wanning handed him the second bowl: "Go make it up to her. She does care about you, you know."

"I know, you—"

Before he could finish, Lin Wanning cut in softly, "I won’t talk to you. Listening to my sister isn’t just empty words."

After the meal, while Lin Wanning and Li Qingxue were clearing up,

Long Aotian stealthily sidled up to Hu Yuying and caught her hand in his.

Hu Yuying stomped on his foot in protest: "What are you doing? Let go!"

She shot him a sidelong glare: "Don’t think I didn’t notice Wanning talking to you earlier."

At that, Long Aotian’s lips curled into a smirk: "Yeah."

Hu Yuying hmphed, surprised he’d actually admitted it. She’d planned to give him an out later, but now? She couldn’t stand him for another second.

Yet Long Aotian, ever the rogue, pulled something from his pocket—she couldn’t see what—and tugged her along: "We’re going out."

This time, Hu Yuying dug in her heels, refusing to budge, but Long Aotian’s strength was no match for her. He simply scooped her up effortlessly.

Perched on the back of his scooter, she grumbled, "What’s this about?"

Long Aotian replied as if it were obvious: "Just giving my future wife a little gift."

Then, ignoring her protests, he revved the engine and took off.

Hu Yuying stared at his back, marveling. Her own boldness might’ve been learned from him, but she’d never imagined his audacity could reach such heights.

So she deliberately put distance between them—even on the same scooter, she left a gap wide enough for two fists.

Yet Hu Yuying had underestimated Long Aotian's shamelessness. With a shift of his hips, he closed the gap between them, leaning snugly against her.

Hu Yuying pushed him away in disgust. "I—I haven’t forgiven you yet," she protested. "And I already said I wouldn’t talk to you today."

Long Aotian chuckled softly at her words. "But you just did."

Flustered, Hu Yuying stumbled over her reply before stubbornly insisting, "That didn’t count."