Little Girl, Shame on You

For the next few days, Long Aotian stayed at Ying’s home.

They ate, drank, chatted with her grandparents, or had Ying take him around the village.

With the New Year approaching, almost everyone who had been away for school or work had returned.

Long Aotian insisted that Hu Yuying introduce him to all her relatives and friends in the village.

Ying hesitated, feeling it might be inappropriate and a little embarrassing.

But she always gave in when Long Aotian teased, "Am I not presentable enough?"

Truthfully, Long Aotian wasn’t trying to show off. He simply wanted to acknowledge the people who had helped Ying before. That way, if there was ever anything he could assist with in the future, he’d be quicker to step in.

Most importantly, once the new semester began, Ying would leave again.

By visiting her relatives and leaving a good impression—along with some gifts—they might take better care of her elderly grandparents while she was away.

"Brother Long, Sister Ying, take care on your way back."

"Shihao, no need to see us off. We’ll be home soon," Ying waved. This year, with Brother Long here, she felt truly happy.

"Alright, Brother Long, come visit again sometime."

"Will do. Head back now," Long Aotian replied, taking Hu Yuying’s hand as they walked home.

"Happy now? You’ve met every single relative of mine," Ying said, swinging her arms lightly, her joy radiating more vividly through her movements than her words.

"Very happy—"

Before he could finish, a loud crack split the night sky, and dazzling fireworks illuminated the darkness.

The sudden burst of beauty made Long Aotian and Hu Yuying look up in unison.

A second firework followed, its shimmering glow reflecting on Ying’s delicate face, leaving Long Aotian mesmerized.

"You’re so beautiful."

Ying froze at his words, then smiled faintly, the darkness hiding her flushed cheeks.

"Why say that all of a sudden?"

Her shy, girlish tone amused Long Aotian.

He adored seeing her flustered like this—it never got old.

"Let’s go home," Long Aotian said, tapping her forehead lightly.

Ying rubbed her forehead and chased after him in mock protest. "That’s my home, you know."

"Right, right, it’s my little girl’s home. So, can I stay over tonight?"

Ying pretended to think seriously before relenting. "Fine."

When they returned, a small lamp glowed in the living room.

The lights in the grandparents’ room were already off—elderly folks tended to sleep early.

They had come back a bit late, and the grandparents were already resting.

"Are they asleep?" Long Aotian whispered like a thief.

"Yes, they go to bed early. They must be asleep by now," Ying replied. "We should sleep too. It’s late."

Long Aotian glanced at their room, then pulled Ying into his own.

Ying bit her lip, amused, and let herself be led inside without resistance.

"Brother Long, what are you doing?" she asked softly, her hands clasped behind her back, nervously clutching the hem of her clothes.

"I want to show you something special," Long Aotian said mysteriously.

Hearing these words, Hu Yuying's eyes immediately flickered, her rosy lips turning pale from being lightly bitten. "T-this isn't appropriate..."

"What's inappropriate about it?" With that, he pulled Hu Yuying to the edge of the bed.

Sitting on the bed, Hu Yuying took a nervous deep breath and then closed her eyes.

This feels so embarrassing...

After waiting for what felt like forever, she still didn't feel Long Aotian push her down.

So she opened her eyes slightly to peek.

(If you can't find the book by its title, try searching for the author—maybe it was just renamed!)

Instead, she saw Long Aotian looking at her with amusement.

Her cheeks instantly flushed red.

Suddenly, Long Aotian leaned closer to her. "What were you thinking about?"

His warm breath brushed against her face, sending a ticklish sensation. Hu Yuying averted her gaze, too flustered to meet his eyes, and muttered guiltily, "N-nothing."

"Such a shy little girl."

This is so awkward...

The next moment, a gentle warmth pressed against her lips.

Staring at Long Aotian, who was now inches away, Hu Yuying blinked softly before slowly closing her eyes again.

"Tomorrow, I’ll be going out. Wait for me at home," Long Aotian whispered as he held Hu Yuying.

"Where are you going?" She nestled obediently and quietly in his arms.

"It’s a secret."

If he wouldn’t say, she wouldn’t ask.

Glancing at the time, Hu Yuying gently pushed against Long Aotian’s chest. "I should sleep. Tomorrow’s New Year’s Eve—won’t your dad be lonely if you don’t go home?"

"That old man would be thrilled if I stayed here longer."

"Especially since he knows you’re coming to see him. You have no idea how happy he is."

How could she not know?

She had been right beside Long Aotian when he video-called his dad.

She had seen the joy on his father’s face clearer than anyone.

4 a.m., the world outside still pitch black.

Hu Yuying got up to turn off her alarm.

Moving quietly, she slipped out of bed and returned to her own room.

Last night, after Long Aotian had pleaded with her—promising he wouldn’t do anything—she had let him hold her as they slept.

But to avoid any misunderstandings from her grandparents, she had set an alarm to sneak back early.

Just as she lay down again,

A soft knock came from the wall.

Then, a message from Long Aotian popped up on her phone.

"Back in your room?"

"Yeah... Did I wake you?"

"No. But my arms felt empty without you, so I woke up anyway."

Reading his words, Hu Yuying pressed a hand lightly to her chest.

She knew that feeling too—back in Kyoto, whenever she woke up and Long Aotian wasn’t there, her heart would ache with loneliness. It really was unpleasant.

The door creaked open.

Hu Yuying tiptoed back in, quickly pecked Long Aotian’s cheek, and whispered tenderly, "Sleep a little longer. I’ll come get you when breakfast is ready."

......

After breakfast,

Long Aotian rode off alone on a tricycle.

Grandma turned to Ying.

Hu Yuying watched Long Aotian’s retreating figure with a soft smile. She had asked him last night, but he still hadn’t told her.

So she just shook her head lightly. "I don’t know. But it’s New Year’s Eve tonight, Grandma—let’s make something delicious."

"What does Xiao Tian like to eat the most?"

After spending these past days together, Grandma could tell—Long Aotian wasn’t picky. He enjoyed every meal with gusto.

Because he enjoyed everything he ate with such relish, Grandma still couldn’t figure out what Long Aotian’s favorite dish was.

“Stir-fried chicken, braised lamb with vermicelli soup, and fish...” Hu Yuying replied. She knew exactly what Long Aotian liked to eat.

After all, she was his personal little chef...