We Are Together

"Brother Long." Hu Yuying called softly.

"Mhm."

"Close your eyes."

Watching Long Aotian tightly shut his eyes, Hu Yuying leaned forward, gradually drawing closer.

The moment their lips met in a tender touch, her lashes fluttered faintly—she hadn't closed her eyes.

Too shy, she even lightly covered Long Aotian's eyes with her hand.

Slowly withdrawing her palm, her bright eyes studied his brow with earnest focus.

A rosy blush spread across her delicate face, her heartbeat seeming just a little faster than usual.

[Next stop, Haiwan Station arriving shortly. Please...]

The announcement echoed in her ears.

Hu Yuying pulled back, hands covering her now-warm cheeks, stealing a glance at Long Aotian, who still had his eyes closed but couldn't suppress a smile. "O-okay, that's enough," she whispered.

He opened his eyes. "Now it's my turn."

"Yuying, close your eyes."

"No." She pressed her lips together and shook her head.

They were about to arrive, and this insatiable man would surely leave her dazed with kisses again—getting off the train like that would be mortifying. No more kisses for Brother Long!

Her coy, charming demeanor made him ache to kiss her senseless, if only it were appropriate.

The train pulled into the station.

Few passengers were headed all the way to Haiwan Station, so Long Aotian and Hu Yuying exited the platform smoothly.

"It's snowing!"

The train had passed through many cities—some blanketed in white, others without a trace of snow.

Haiwan City, however, was getting a heavy snowfall, thick flakes visible to the naked eye.

Nestled near the Haiwan River, the air here was damp, making it feel much colder than Capital City.

Hu Yuying's cheeks and nose were already tinged pink from the chill.

"Brother Long, come buy the bus tickets with me?"

"Sure, take it slow." Watching her excitement, Long Aotian couldn't help but smile.

After purchasing the tickets, Long Aotian stowed Hu Yuying's luggage and fetched some warm food from a nearby breakfast stall.

"Eat something warm, drink something hot, get home safely, and message me..."

Hu Yuying suddenly giggled, gazing fondly at him. His nagging habit always kicked in when they parted, as if she were some clueless child.

Maybe in his eyes, she was still that timid, easily bullied girl from before.

Yet she loved hearing him fuss over her.

She'd remember every word, because his care for her was something she felt deeply.

"What’s so funny? Did you even listen to me?" He pinched her frost-reddened nose in mock annoyance.

"Got it! Your little follower will remember every word." She even saluted playfully.

Amused by her antics, he sighed and pulled her into a light hug. "Get on the bus, it's cold out here."

"Just a little longer." Her voice was barely a whisper. "Hold me a little longer."

Unlike Capital Station, Haiwan Station wasn't crowded at this hour.

As departure time neared, Hu Yuying finally let go and boarded the bus. Through the window, she said, "Brother Long, go home now."

"Okay."

He always said "okay," but his feet never moved.

Just like countless times before, she knew he'd still be there if she looked back.

As the bus pulled away, Long Aotian gradually shrank from view until he disappeared entirely.

Then her phone chimed—a unique tone reserved for one contact at the top of her list.

[Wait for me.]

Two simple words dissolved her melancholy into a quiet, happy smile.

Once the bus was out of sight, Long Aotian wheeled his suitcase toward the exit.

Stepping outside the station—

"Son!" A familiar voice rang in his ears.

Turning, he saw an old man grinning from ear to ear on a tricycle.

"Son, I’m here to take you home."

Long Aotian walked over, noticing the layer of snow on the old man’s shoulders. His eyes softened with emotion.

Brushing off the snow, he didn’t ask how long his father had waited—the evidence was plain to see.

Standing at the back of the tricycle, the cold wind and snowflakes couldn’t dampen the warmth in his heart.

They soon arrived home.

The house was spotless, with no trace of the liquor bottles that once littered the place.

"That little teacher... she went home?" the old man ventured cautiously.

During video calls, he’d always seen her with his son but never dared to ask. Now, alone, he couldn’t hold back.

"Yeah, she went home."

"And you two...?"

"We’re together..."

The old man burst into laughter, repeating "good" over and over.

Since Long Aotian’s arrival in this world had mended their strained relationship, his father had visibly regained his youthful spirit.

Checking his phone, the old man said, "I’ve cleaned your room. There’s money on the table—buy whatever you need. I’ve got to get back to the market."

Business was booming, especially as the Lunar New Year approached.

"I’ll come help later."

"No need. Take a break and enjoy your vacation."

After his father left, Long Aotian felt an emptiness gnaw at him. He pulled out his phone and video-called Yuying.

She picked up immediately.

"Brother Long, you’re home?"

He panned the camera around. "Yeah, just got back."

"Didn’t know what to do, so I thought I’d call you."

In Capital City, aside from school, his life revolved around three people.

Li Qingxue was still traveling with her parents.

Lin Wanning was at home in Capital City, preparing for the second round of her competition.

Only Yuying remained on her journey home.

"And... Uncle?" Hu Yuying asked softly, blushing even through the screen.

"Just left. You doing okay?"

She smiled. "Brother Long, I’ve grown up. I’m a capable woman now. I’ve taken this route countless times—I’ll get home safe."

Haiwan City wasn’t far from her hometown; the bus ride took just over an hour.

"Brother Long, my phone’s about to die. I’ll message you when I’m home."

"Okay."

After hanging up, Long Aotian changed clothes and headed out toward the nearby market...