Approach Him, Go to His Side

Hearing this,

Hu Yuying gently bit her red lips and obediently opened the lunchbox and side dishes placed on her knees.

The moment the food entered her mouth, the smile on her lips could no longer be restrained, rising high, and even her eyes turned into crescent moons.

Though it was just the simplest meal, Hu Yuying felt as if she had tasted the most blissful delicacy in the world.

He had thought of everything for her.

This was the first time since her parents left, after so many years, that someone had made her feel so valued.

Even though he wasn’t by her side, he still took care of her with meticulous attention.

"I wonder what Brother Long is doing now."

Her thoughts began to drift.

On the other side, Long Aotian and Li Qingxue returned to the examination hall early after finishing their meal.

"Thanks."

"It’s just a meal. You can treat me back some other time."

Hearing this, Li Qingxue chuckled, "Alright, I’ll treat you to a meal another day."

"Let’s go sit over there for a while," Long Aotian pointed to the shade of a tree not far ahead.

"Mm, it’s so hot today," Li Qingxue fanned herself with her hand and walked with Long Aotian toward the shade.

"I used to always wonder what life would be like after the college entrance exams, but now that the day has come, I feel mostly excited, though there’s also a hint of reluctance. What about you?"

After sitting down, Li Qingxue leaned back on her hands and looked up at the distant sky.

When transitioning from elementary to middle school, her heart was filled with excitement.

From middle school to high school, it was mostly joy.

Now, from high school to university, as she grew older, the bonds with her friends deepened, and she couldn’t help but feel a little reluctant to part.

"That’s just how youth is—always rushing past, missing things, and then meeting new ones."

As he said this, Long Aotian glanced at Li Qingxue, "The most common line in those youth dramas on TV is: 'Youth will eventually fade, but memories remain forever.'"

"This is just one of those inevitable experiences on our life’s journey. But what can we do? We can’t freeze time at this moment."

Li Qingxue stretched her body, "You’re right, but this is my ordinary yet passionate youth, and it’s slipping away this summer."

"Look at you, so sentimental. If you’re so reluctant, why not just enjoy this summer to the fullest?"

Li Qingxue nodded in agreement, then clenched her small fists and declared earnestly, "You’re right. After the exams, I’m going to put on some makeup, go shopping, eat ice cream, have fun, and live freely and carefree."

"Alright, alright, do whatever you want. But now it’s time to head back to the exam hall."

"Oh, you’re such a buzzkill..."

Two days passed quickly.

After submitting the final exam paper, summer truly began!

The moment Long Aotian stepped out of the exam hall, he felt as if the weight on his heart had finally lifted, and even the afternoon air seemed sweet.

He couldn’t help but stretch lazily.

"It’s over," Li Qingxue walked over with a bright smile, taking a deep breath and then exhaling heavily.

"Ah, it’s finally over!" After stretching, Long Aotian looked at Li Qingxue, "Come here, I’ll tell you a secret."

Hearing this, Li Qingxue narrowed her eyes, her sly expression wrinkling her delicate nose as she took a step back, "I’m not a three-year-old anymore. If you dare tease me like a kid again, I’ll hit you."

She raised her small fist as she spoke.

"Ah, you caught me."

"Hmph, of course I did," Li Qingxue was quite proud of herself.

As they walked out of the school gate together, Li Qingxue immediately spotted her mother waiting outside.

"My mom’s here to pick me up," her voice filled with happiness and joy.

"Goodbye."

"Of course, I’ll see you again. I owe you two meals, and I’ll pay you back."

"Do I look like I’m short on food?" With a laugh, he walked toward where his bicycle was parked.

Li Qingxue watched Long Aotian’s retreating figure with a light chuckle, then went to her mother’s side.

Seeing Li Qingxue come out, her mother approached, "My dear daughter, tell me, how did the exams go?"

"Not bad," Li Qingxue replied with a coquettish smile.

Hearing "not bad" from her daughter, her mother knew everything was fine.

"Let’s go home. I’ll cook you a feast. You’ve really worked hard these past few months, my precious daughter."

Just as Long Aotian unlocked his bicycle,

he paused for a moment, his heart inexplicably stirred.

It was a strange feeling, as if something was guiding him...

He turned around, his expression first stunned, then breaking into a helpless smile.

Hu Yuying was running through the crowd toward him.

Hu Yuying had just gotten off the bus when she spotted Long Aotian. Now, as their eyes met, her breath quickened, unsure if the wind had disrupted the rhythm of her heartbeat.

The boy stood in the sunlight, his smile reflecting the sun’s rays, shining brightly.

"Hu Yuying!"

The three words seemed to send an electric current through the girl’s heart. Her smile widened, her heartbeat quickened, her cheeks flushed, and it felt as if every cell in her body was screaming, "Get closer, go to his side."

"Why did you come?" Long Aotian asked, looking at her seriously.

During the exam period, they had visited each other’s exam halls, which were quite far apart.

Hearing Long Aotian’s question, Hu Yuying felt a bit unsure and cautious, her hands and feet not knowing where to place themselves, "I... I finished early." After saying this, her cheeks turned even redder, reaching her ears.

This was probably the boldest thing Hu Yuying had ever done in her life.

Seeing Long Aotian raise his hand, Hu Yuying instinctively ducked her head, expecting him to pat her head, but that didn’t happen.

Instead, she felt a warm hand gently caressing her long hair.

She peeked up at Long Aotian.

Long Aotian said with feigned annoyance, "Get on the bike!"

Sitting on the back of Long Aotian’s bicycle, as the breeze brushed her cheeks and lifted her hair, Hu Yuying smiled. At least for this moment, she felt free and alive.

The scenery around them passed by in reverse, and the girl looked at the boy’s tall, strong back from behind, her smile radiant.

Tentatively, she lightly grasped the boy’s clothes. In this moment, finishing the exam early didn’t seem so important anymore.

Because they were so close, so very close...

Close enough for her to clearly smell the scent of laundry detergent on him.

Close enough for her to feel the warmth radiating from his body.

In the midst of the congested road, a bicycle carrying the beauty of youth weaved through.

In a nearby car, a girl glanced sideways and caught sight of the scene, her gaze lingering.

Until the bicycle disappeared into the traffic and out of sight,

the girl lowered her eyes and smiled softly, though not as happily as one might expect...