Her legs involuntarily crossed together. Her cheeks flushed crimson. Her breathing quickened uncontrollably. Gently rubbing her cheek against Long Aotian's hair, she murmured, "L-Long, Long-ge, I... I think I need to use the bathroom." The dampness snapped Hu Yuying out of her dazed, floating state. How embarrassing—how could she have ended up ? She secretly reached down to check. Relief washed over her when she confirmed it wasn’t what she feared. If Long-ge had noticed, she’d never be able to face him again. Hearing Hu Yuying’s soft whisper, Long Aotian slowly lifted his head from her neck, planting a kiss at the corner of her lips. "Just go in the courtyard. No need to go outside." His words made Hu Yuying even more flustered, and she shyly lowered her head. But after only a few steps, she paused, fingers clutching the hem of her clothes. After a moment’s hesitation, she asked softly, "Long-ge, do you have any tissues left?" The tissues were usually on the small table, but now they were gone. "There are plenty in the suitcase." Hu Yuying quickly retrieved the tissues from the suitcase, then hurried out to the courtyard with her head down. Once outside, she covered her face with her hands, squirming in embarrassment. She really had made a fool of herself. The mouth could lie, but the body couldn’t. These strange, undeniable reactions were the most honest sensations... Soon, two knocks sounded at the door. "Ah-Ying, it’s been fifteen minutes. Aren’t you coming back in?" Though her heart still raced with shyness, she hurried to the door at the sound of his voice. Long Aotian leaned against the doorframe, amusement lacing his tone. "What, are you waiting for me to fall asleep before you come in?" She couldn’t bring herself to meet his eyes, yet she could feel his gaze lingering on her, making her cheeks burn. "N-No, I... I was just admiring the moon. It’s really beautiful tonight." Her voice wavered, betraying her lack of conviction. It felt as if all her little secrets had been laid bare before him. The next second, an arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her firmly against him. "Don’t hide from me. I’d never hurt you." His warm breath brushed against her ear, sending her heart into a frenzy. She knew he had misunderstood—he thought she was avoiding him. "That’s not it, Long-ge," she rushed to explain. "You don’t need to say anything. I already know." With that, he scooped her up and carried her back to bed. Just seeing her flushed face told him everything. Some things were too embarrassing for her to say aloud, but he understood. What a precious girl she was. He’d truly found a treasure. "Long-ge, what do you know?" Hu Yuying let him hold her, her hands clinging to his shoulders as she stared up at him, unblinking. Long Aotian leaned close to her ear, his voice low and rough. "I can tell how sensitive my little Ah-Ying’s body is." His words perfectly captured her embarrassment. Her face burned, and she lightly covered his mouth with her hand. "D-Don’t say that..." "Or else... I won’t listen to Long-ge anymore..." She was both flustered and desperate. "Kiss me, and I’ll consider it." Teasing his shy little girl was an inexplicable delight. No sooner had he spoken than he felt a soft press of lips against his cheek. "Not quite." Long Aotian pointed to his right cheek. "You only kissed the left one." "You haven’t kissed my forehead yet." He then tapped the tip of his nose. "Still missing one here." Hu Yuying bit her lower lip, knowing full well he was teasing her—but she didn’t mind. In one swift motion, she straddled his waist, cupping his face in her hands. "Mwah, mwah, mwah..." "Is this enough now?" She nuzzled her nose against his, giggling sweetly. Finally satisfied, Long Aotian wrapped his arms around her, holding her close. Hu Yuying squirmed slightly. "Long-ge, if you keep holding me , I can’t fall asleep." "Then what should we do?" Her eyes sparkled like a rabbit spotting a feast of carrots. She leaned in, whispering softly against his ear. Whether from videos or mere theory, nothing compared to firsthand experience. "If Long-ge doesn’t say no, I’ll take it as a yes." With that, her small hand slipped beneath the covers. Last time, she hadn’t managed to touch it—and had been punished for it. The next second, her eyes widened in shock as she stared at Long-ge in disbelief... For the first time since arriving in the capital, Long Aotian didn’t get up immediately after waking. He tried several times to move Hu Yuying’s hand away, but failed each time. She clung to it as if it were her own possession... Today was the last day of their holiday. They’d have to return to school in the afternoon. With that in mind, he let her be. After all, it was rare to see her sleeping so soundly. Gradually, his restless heart settled, and he finally managed to slip away. He pinched her cheek playfully. "You just wouldn’t let go, would you?" As Long Aotian stepped into the courtyard, Hu Yuying—who should have still been asleep—quietly opened her eyes, her lips curling into an irrepressible smile. When Long Aotian returned with breakfast, Hu Yuying had already tidied the room and was sitting obediently on the lounge chair, waiting. Seeing that he’d brought all her favorite foods, she felt like the luckiest girl in the world. "Wash your hands before eating." "Long-ge, I already did! Here, smell." She stood on her tiptoes, pressing her hands to his nose. Long Aotian tugged her collar up slightly. The love mark he’d left on her collarbone had deepened overnight, now a vivid red. Nᴇw novel chapters are publɪshed on 𝕟𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕝✶𝓯𝓲𝓻𝓮✶𝓷𝓮𝓽 "Is this Long-ge’s special mark?" Hu Yuying pulled her collar down proudly to show it off. He pinched her soft cheek. "Ah-Ying, you’ve changed. The old you would never say something ." She tilted her face up, letting him play with her cheeks while her arms looped around his neck. "The old Long-ge wouldn’t leave marks on Ah-Ying either." With a gentle tug, she drew him closer. "Long-ge, I brushed my teeth." [Thank you for all the lovely gifts! The vulture loves you all—sending hearts and kisses...]