Long Aotian Transforms into a Mother Hen

A week may not seem long, but it’s not exactly short either.

Yet, the day has finally arrived.

"Tomorrow, we’ll embark on a brand-new starting point. It’s time for Hu Yuying to prove herself. Are you nervous?"

Long Aotian felt a mix of excitement and anxiety.

"A little," Hu Yuying replied obediently.

"It’s normal to feel that way. Just treat this exam like any other test, except the venue has changed," Long Aotian said to Hu Yuying, though his own fists were clenched tightly in nervousness.

In his previous life, he had dropped out of school early, never experiencing the college entrance exam. He had entered society prematurely, experiencing the ups and downs of life.

Now, a different path lay before him—one entirely unlike his past life. This was his chance to make up for the regrets he once carried.

Hu Yuying’s eyes curved into a smile as she looked at Long Aotian, who was clearly more nervous than she was but still tried to comfort her. She felt a warm, happy sensation in her heart.

"Long Aotian, don’t be nervous either. Don’t stress yourself out. Just read the questions carefully. I believe you’ll do just fine," Hu Yuying cheered him on.

"Don’t cook breakfast at home tomorrow. Get up early and grab something on the way to the exam center. Go to Zhao’s Breakfast Shop—their food is clean and hygienic. Oh, and also..."

At this moment, Long Aotian sounded like a fussy parent, listing off one thing after another in Hu Yuying’s ear.

Since their exam centers were in different locations, they would truly have to take care of themselves separately tomorrow.

Hu Yuying didn’t find Long Aotian’s nagging annoying at all. On the contrary, she listened attentively.

She even thoughtfully poured him a glass of water. "Long Aotian, have some water."

Long Aotian took a sip, moistening his throat, and felt much better.

Suddenly, as if remembering something, he turned his head and glanced at Wang Shuo.

Perhaps the intensity in Long Aotian’s gaze was too strong, as Wang Shuo felt a chill run down his spine. He turned around and met Long Aotian’s eyes.

After a moment of thought, Long Aotian walked over, towering over Wang Shuo. "Come with me."

Wang Shuo scratched his head, trying to recall if he had done anything recently to upset Long Aotian. He couldn’t think of anything.

"Hurry up!"

Wang Shuo stiffened. "Coming, coming."

Once outside the classroom, Long Aotian frowned, looking down at Wang Shuo. "You little..."

Not long after, the two returned to the classroom one after the other.

Long Aotian went straight back to his seat.

Meanwhile, Wang Shuo pulled something out of his pocket, showing it off proudly.

The people around him widened their eyes in envy as they saw what he had.

"Long Aotian, what were you doing just now?" As his little follower, she probably shouldn’t have asked, but she couldn’t help her curiosity.

"Nothing. Just get a good night’s sleep tonight. Stay in top condition for tomorrow’s exam."

"Mm, I will. You take care too, Long Aotian."

That night, the old man came home early, preparing a meal and waiting for his son.

Over the past six months, he had witnessed the changes in Long Aotian, and it warmed his heart.

Though rough around the edges, his love for Long Aotian was no less than any parent’s.

That same night, Hu Yuying video-called her grandparents in the countryside.

Though they weren’t educated, they understood the importance of the college entrance exam. They gave her their most sincere blessings and love.

This night was anything but ordinary.

As the first rays of the rising sun pierced through the darkness, they cast light upon the world, bringing pure warmth to everyone.

Each person had their own exam admission ticket and exam center.

Long Aotian rode his bicycle swiftly toward his designated location.

Hu Yuying also got up early, bought breakfast at Zhao’s, and boarded the bus.

Having visited the school where his exam would take place beforehand, Long Aotian was familiar with the place. Just as he finished locking up his bike, he heard a cheerful voice call out, "Long Aotian!"

"Which classroom are you in?" Long Aotian asked Li Qingxue, feeling a slight stir in his heart. It was nice to run into someone familiar at the same exam center.

"Let me see your admission ticket," Li Qingxue said.

After looking at Long Aotian’s ticket, she grinned mischievously. "I’m in the classroom next to yours."

"Ah, what a shame. It would’ve been great if you were right next to me."

Li Qingxue snorted. "Even if I were, you wouldn’t be able to copy my answers."

"Otherwise, we’d both be in trouble!"

"Look at you, all scared. Let’s go," Long Aotian said, deciding not to tease her further. He led the way into the unfamiliar school.

When they reached the floor where their classrooms were, Long Aotian stopped in front of his classroom and turned to Li Qingxue. "Good luck."

He gave the lively girl a thumbs-up.

"Good luck," Li Qingxue replied, making a cheering gesture toward him.

As Long Aotian turned to enter his classroom, Li Qingxue’s eyes flickered. "Long Aotian, I’ll treat you to a meal when we get to the Capital City."

Without looking back, Long Aotian waved his hand and walked into the classroom.

Li Qingxue chuckled softly. "Such a show-off!"

As the exam papers were handed out, Long Aotian took a deep breath, his grip on the pen tightening until his knuckles turned white.

"I’m really looking forward to this new chapter of life!"

With that, he immersed himself in the questions.

Not only did Hu Yuying have to deliver a satisfactory result for herself, but he also had to do the same!

The morning exam went smoothly, much to Long Aotian’s satisfaction.

At least this subject was in the bag.

He handed in his paper, left the classroom, and prepared for the afternoon exam.

"Long Aotian."

Looking up, he saw Li Qingxue at the classroom door, waving at him with a smile. "How did it go?"

"No problem at all," he replied confidently. At least, until the results came out, he’d say it was no problem.

"Are you going home for lunch or eating out?"

"I’ll just grab something quick outside. Want to join me?" Long Aotian asked.

"Sure. What do you like to eat?"

"I’m not picky. Anything works."

......

Hu Yuying sat quietly on the unfamiliar school grounds, a simple meal of pickled vegetables and steamed buns beside her.

Without Long Aotian around, she tended to make do with whatever was convenient. It was a habit, partly to avoid hassle and partly because she was frugal. As long as it filled her stomach, it was enough.

"Hey, I’ve been looking all over for you."

Hearing the voice, Hu Yuying looked up in confusion.

She saw Wang Shuo jogging toward her.

Having been bullied by him before, she instinctively wanted to distance herself and quickly began packing up her things.

"Here, this is for you."

Before Hu Yuying could finish, Wang Shuo had already placed a boxed meal and some side dishes in front of her.

"W-what’s this for?" Hu Yuying shifted away, putting distance between herself and Wang Shuo.

Noticing the pickled vegetables she hadn’t yet put away, Wang Shuo’s expression turned odd. "Long Aotian was right."

Hu Yuying looked at him, puzzled.

"Long Aotian said that without him around, you’d probably just make do. He asked me to buy this for you."

Looking at the meal in front of her, Hu Yuying’s lips twitched upward, though she tried to suppress her smile with Wang Shuo still there. "How much do I owe you?"

"Long Aotian already paid," Wang Shuo said, clearly pleased. After all, Long Aotian had not only covered the cost of the meals but also given him two packs of premium cigarettes as a bonus...

[Three chapters in one day—pretty impressive, right? How about a little support? (smug)]