"Don’t turn around, or you’ll get your clothes wet. It’s cold out," Long Aotian reminded.
"Got it," Hu Yuying replied softly, glancing back at him.
She knew those words were meant for her.
What should have been a quick watering task ended up taking much longer thanks to the three of them fooling around.
Only after they’d tired themselves out did Long Aotian pull on his rubber boots and start dropping seeds into the holes Hu Yuying had dug earlier.
"I’ll go get you some water," Hu Yuying said, heading toward the small house.
"I’ll help with the cups," Li Qingxue chimed in, following her.
Lin Wanning sat on a small stool, propping her chin on one hand, her gaze fixed intently on Long Aotian.
As soon as he finished his task and stood up, Long Aotian met her eyes.
It was as if her entire world had narrowed down to just him.Noticing his attention, Lin Wanning parted her red lips slightly, miming a playful "nom nom" motion before lightly licking the corner of her mouth, her eyes sparkling with amusement as she smiled at him.
So brazen.
Long Aotian cleared his throat and looked away. "You feeling okay?"
Hu Yuying had mentioned that during their video call the night before, Lin Wanning had looked pale and utterly exhausted. He knew exactly how much he’d pushed her.
"One night’s rest was all I needed," she said, blinking playfully. "I’m actually pretty tough, you know."
"If you want me, Wanning can handle it."
Hearing her tone, Long Aotian figured she was probably fine.
He didn’t press further—who knew what outrageous things might come out of her mouth next?
He pulled off his gloves and set them aside just as Hu Yuying returned with a water pitcher.
"Here, Long Aotian, drink up." She poured him a cup and handed it over.
Today, he’d done most of the work, much like the husbands in her village who toiled in the fields—always greeted with the first cup of water and the first bowl of food upon returning home.
Long Aotian downed the water in one go and grinned at her. "Tastes great."
Hu Yuying blushed, shooting him a shy, reproachful glance while Li Qingxue and Lin Wanning watched. "It’s just plain water. How can it taste ‘great’?"
Long Aotian only laughed.
Seeing him smile, Hu Yuying couldn’t help but smile too, though she quickly turned away, addressing the other two. "You two should drink as well."
Li Qingxue wrinkled her nose and shook her head. "Too gross. I can’t drink this—the stench of love is overpowering."
The teasing remark even drew a laugh from Lin Wanning.
"Qingxue!" Hu Yuying stomped her foot. "Stop making fun of me!"
Her cheeks still pink, she stole a glance at Long Aotian, who was just grinning goofily at her. The warmth in her heart was indescribable.
How could she not adore someone who always put her first?
Normally, she’d have tickled Li Qingxe for that, but with the workers still around, she held back. They were close friends, but it was better to behave properly in front of others.
Long Aotian reached out and gently smoothed down the unruly strand of hair on Hu Yuying’s head—he hadn’t even had time to brush her hair today.
Watching their intimacy, Lin Wanning pressed her lips together and looked away.
She was afraid she wouldn’t be able to stop herself from wanting the same treatment—Long Aotian patting her head, praising her with a "Wanning, you’re amazing..."
Just that would make her heart swell with happiness.
"Wanning, what are you spacing out for?" Li Qingxue waved a hand in front of her face.
"Nothing," Lin Wanning said, snapping back to reality. She looked at Hu Yuying and Long Aotian. "Yuying and my brother’s relationship is really enviable."
Her gaze lingered more on Long Aotian, her longing unmistakable—though only he could truly understand it.
Hu Yuying, hearing this, turned to Long Aotian with a smile. Yes, she too thought their bond was special.
Long Aotian glanced at Lin Wanning but kept his focus on Hu Yuying.
Even so, Lin Wanning was content.
As long as he still cared for her, wasn’t that enough?
He wanted to say something to her, but before he could, Lin Wanning perked up again.
There wasn’t an ounce of pretense between her and Hu Yuying.
If not for that day on the lounge chair—when she’d been restrained, her emotions laid bare—it would’ve been hard to guess Lin Wanning’s true feelings.
Yet it was precisely this girl who had complicated things, making him question himself in ways he still struggled to accept.
Even now, Long Aotian couldn’t explain why, but seeing her cry while clinging desperately to him had felt like a boulder crashing into his chest...
That one moment of vulnerability had led to this.
"Brother."
The call snapped him out of his thoughts.
Lin Wanning stood before him, hands behind her back, her playful smirk making him pause. "Huh?"
She giggled at his dazed expression. "We’re taking Yuying out. You stay home and keep watch, okay?"
Long Aotian looked at Hu Yuying, who nodded eagerly—yes, they were going out to play.
He couldn’t help but laugh. Wasn’t staying by his side better?
A tiny pang of jealousy flickered, but he played it cool. "Fine. I’ll go buy groceries later. Don’t stay out too late."
The three chimed in unison, "We won’t~!"
Once outside, Hu Yuying piped up, "I know a really pretty spot. I’ll take you there."
"Perfect! I could use some new material anyway," Li Qingxue said, nudging Lin Wanning. "Wanning’s been slacking."
Lin Wanning had been the one gathering material before, but those two days... well, she’d been otherwise occupied.
Most of her time had been spent in bed, leaving no chance for scenery hunting.
Before long, Long Aotian’s phone chimed—a special notification tone reserved for one person. He didn’t even need to check to know it was Hu Yuying.
The first message read: [Long Aotian, we’re near the market now. We’ll buy groceries and head back soon.]
The second was a photo.
A small bridge, a babbling stream, and a pair of delicate, fair feet dipping into the clear water—looking all the more tempting for it.
Long Aotian’s expression darkened.
Her period wasn’t even over yet. He’d been fussing like a mother hen earlier, warning her not to play in the water, and the moment he wasn’t around, there she was, splashing around again...
He decided then and there: when Hu Yuying got back, she was getting a proper scolding.
No amount of cute antics would save her this time—her backside was definitely in for it.