It's so ugly

The next morning!

Pulling back the covers, Long Aotian listened to the sound of chopping filling for dumplings outside and let out a sigh. He glanced at his phone and muttered, "Isn’t this a bit too diligent?"

Not that he could blame the three girls. Li Qingxue had always been treated like a little princess at home—when had she ever stepped into the kitchen?

Lin Wanning, used to being alone, mostly survived on instant noodles because, compared to cooking, they were just more convenient.

These two, who had never cooked before, were beyond excited when they learned it was the Winter Solstice and time to make dumplings.

Early in the morning, they dragged Hu Yuying out of bed to start preparing the filling.

Since only Hu Yuying knew how to make the filling, the other two stood by, ready to roll out the wrappers and wrap the dumplings.

"Qingxue, go wake up Long Aotian. Tell him to light the stove in the sunroom. We’ll make dumplings there—it’s warm, and we can cook them right away," Hu Yuying instructed.

"Got it!" Li Qingxue gave a determined salute and dashed off to Long Aotian’s room.

Peeking inside, she saw him still buried under the blankets, fast asleep. Instantly annoyed, she scolded, "Wake up, you lazy bum! Go start the fire!"

When he didn’t budge, a mischievous glint flickered in her eyes.

Kicking off her shoes, she tiptoed onto the bed, yanked the covers away, and raised her foot as if to stomp on his face—but stopped short at the last moment.

Long Aotian blinked groggily up at her, utterly bewildered.

Li Qingxue’s face turned beet red as she took in his completely naked form.

That night, she hadn’t gotten a good look before he’d had his way. Now, seeing it in full daylight—was that really what it looked like?

Disgusted, she stomped on his face. "You—you—why aren’t you wearing clothes, you exhibitionist?!"

Long Aotian felt this was completely unfair. He was sleeping in his own room! Whether he slept naked or upside down, it shouldn’t bother anyone else!

"Ugh, it’s so ugly! Long Aotian, you—you predator, what’s wrong with your brain?!" She smacked it hard.

"Ow—!" The sharp pain jolted him fully awake.

Before he could even scold her, Li Qingxue covered her face and bolted from the room.

Curled up in bed, Long Aotian watched her flee and sighed. "What even was that?"

Still, her slap had one undeniable effect—he was wide awake now. Grumbling, he dragged himself out of bed.

"Why’s your face so red just from waking him up?" Lin Wanning teased as Li Qingxue scurried over, flustered.

Li Qingxue rubbed her cheeks, forcing down her embarrassment. "Nothing! I got him up, that’s all."

Sure enough, moments later, the door creaked open, and Long Aotian emerged, his hair a complete mess.

Hu Yuying glanced at him and chuckled. "Long Aotian, go light the stove. We’ll be in soon."

"Got it."

He dipped two fingers in cold water, rubbed his eyes, and headed straight for the sunroom.

The three girls exchanged looks of utter disdain. Who "washed" their face like that?!

Lin Wanning turned to Hu Yuying. "Sister, is he always like this at home?"

Hu Yuying’s lips twitched. "Not usually. Maybe he just didn’t want to touch cold water today?"

"Is this some kind of man-period? But still, this is just ridiculous," Li Qingxue groaned, unable to look.

"What’s with those looks? And if you’re gonna talk about me behind my back, at least keep your voices down!"

Long Aotian hadn’t expected such blatant disdain.

"I’m just trying to save time so you guys can get warm faster!" he defended.

"Alright, alright, we don’t actually mind," Hu Yuying soothed.

"Once the inside stove’s lit, get the outside one going too."

"On it."

Assigned a task, Long Aotian perked up. At least he was contributing.

"Wow, he really listens to you," Li Qingxue remarked, watching him trot off cheerfully.

"Yeah, look at him—he can’t even hide how happy he is just lighting a fire," Lin Wanning added.

Hu Yuying smiled faintly. She’d recently realized something about men.

They weren’t complicated creatures. In fact, they were more like command-driven beings—simple and straightforward.

If you said you were thirsty, they’d say, "Then drink something," because they did care.

But if you said, "Long Aotian, could you pour me some water?" he’d not only do it happily but practically skip to the kitchen.

Yesterday, when Long Aotian offered to buy groceries, Hu Yuying had stopped him for a reason.

If he went, he’d only buy groceries—nothing more.

Telling him, "Get some leeks, eggs, and meat" was useless.

Men’s interpretation of "some" was… unique.

You had to specify: two bunches of leeks, one carton of eggs, three pounds of pork belly—even the peppers had to be counted.

Otherwise… well, the results were just funny.

It was easier to go herself.

Soon, Long Aotian had the sunroom stove blazing.

He moved outside to light the second one.

By then, Hu Yuying had finished the filling.

After transferring it to the sunroom, she kneaded the dough, divided it into small portions, and handed the wrapping duties to the eager duo.

Meanwhile, she waited for Long Aotian to finish the outdoor stove, set a pot of water to boil, then took him out to buy mutton and seasonings.

Dumplings for lunch, lamb soup for dinner—this would be the happiest Winter Solstice Hu Yuying had ever had.

And for Li Qingxue and Lin Wanning, the most meaningful one yet.

Walking down the street with Hu Yuying, Long Aotian glanced at her, his fingers lightly hooking around hers.

"Why bring me this time instead of them?"

"Because we need to buy lamb bones and a head."

Long Aotian feigned disappointment. "Ah, so I’m just the muscle."

Hu Yuying bit back a smile, squeezing his hand. "Because Long Aotian is stronger, that’s all."

He shrugged. "True. I am very strong…"