Watching Xue Shaohua's retreating figure, Ye Liangchen narrowed his eyes. If it weren't for the fact that Xue Shaohua still had his uses, the audacity he showed today by acting smug in front of him would have surely earned him a lesson—at the very least, a reminder of who truly held the upper hand.
Slowly withdrawing his gaze, Ye Liangchen looked up at the night sky and took a deep breath. His mind was filled with the unrestrained image of Hu Yuying that Xue Shaohua had described—a side of her he had never even glimpsed in his dreams during his past life.
"Hu Yuying, I’ll make sure you know who loves you the most in this world."
"Though I’m your knight in shining armor, even knights grow weary and need loving embraces."
"What are you doing now? Have you ever spared a single thought for me...?"
"Thinking of you," Hu Yuying replied with a soft smile, her cheeks flushing like a bashful young girl.
Every time Long Aotian saw Hu Yuying blush like this, an inexplicable itch stirred in his heart.
A girl so gentle, so pure, with eyes only for him—how could he not be moved?
Especially after having tasted her sweetness, his resistance grew even weaker.
"Then, Long-ge, have you missed me too?" Hu Yuying asked in a tiny voice. She had noticed it herself—lately, she couldn’t help but cling to Long-ge more than ever.In the past, she would never have asked such a question. But now, for no reason at all, she wanted to hear him say he missed her too, even if the question felt silly.
This change was beyond her control, as if every girl falling headfirst into love underwent the same shift in emotions.
"Of course. I miss you every second," Long Aotian replied with an amused chuckle.
"Hehe, happy!"
Hearing the answer she longed for, the little girl couldn’t contain her joy.
Seeing her radiant smile, Long Aotian wished he could rush to University A right then, sweep her into his arms, and tease her mercilessly.
As if reading his thoughts through the screen, Hu Yuying giggled like a cunning little fox. "No way~"
Having witnessed Long-ge’s passionate side before, she could easily tell when his energy was overflowing again.
"What’s that supposed to mean? Do I really seem like that kind of person to you?" Long Aotian feigned seriousness.
Faced with his stern expression, Hu Yuying playfully held up two slender, fair fingers. "Long-ge lied to me twice."
At that, Long Aotian gave an awkward laugh. Even with his thick skin, his face reddened slightly.
He had indeed deceived her twice—both times to indulge in her—and now he couldn’t help but feel a little sheepish.
He almost blurted out, "Want me to spank you?"
But the words stuck in his throat.
Somehow, the power dynamic between them had completely reversed.
Against this little girl, he found himself utterly helpless.
Scolding her? He couldn’t bear to.
Punishing her? His hands wouldn’t obey.
What else could he do? Spoil her, of course.
But once they met again, he’d teach her a proper lesson—one where she’d beg for mercy, only for him to refuse. Hmph...
The next day, campus life carried on as usual.
"Cover for me if there’s a roll call."
"You’re not going today?"
"Nope."
"Don’t forget we have that gathering in the afternoon," Huang Fei reminded him. The get-together was meant to ease the tension between Lao Ao and Shen Mengjie.
If Lao Ao didn’t show, Shen Mengjie would surely assume he was unwilling, and another tantrum might follow.
"I’ll be back before afternoon training," Long Aotian said before slipping on his jacket and leaving the dorm.
"Ugh, Lao Ao’s always so mysterious. Makes me want to tail him and see what he’s up to," Xu Shuai joked, stretching lazily.
"Go ahead. I’ll support you in spirit," Li Longlong replied with a grin. "And while you’re at it, grab me breakfast on your way back."
The weather had turned chilly, and mornings were unbearable—staying curled up in bed was far more appealing.
"Shut it. Last time was my turn. It’s yours now."
"Bull. You only got food because you were buying some for your dear Juan. We were just an afterthought..."
"Still counts..."
"Coming!" Shen Mengjie answered, adjusting her half-tied hair and smoothing her clothes. The face mask she’d just applied clung to her skin.
"Thanks~"
Han Xiaojing shot her an exasperated look. Ever since the campus forum incident, Shen Mengjie had stopped hiding her full-blown green-tea persona.
As a fellow woman, Han Xiaojing had to admit—Shen Mengjie was dangerously skilled, like a captivating yet villainous character.
Sometimes, Han Xiaojing wondered: If she were a guy, would she fall for Shen Mengjie too?
The answer was yes.
"Could you at least tone it down?" she muttered.
Shen Mengjie giggled and tugged at Han Xiaojing’s hand. "Huang Fei’s treating us to a gathering today."
"Got it." Wang Lijuan was also in the dorm, and since her boyfriend Xu Shuai was in Huang Fei’s room, she’d naturally tag along.
But before agreeing, Han Xiaojing had one small question.
Lowering her voice, she asked, "Can I ask… how do you really feel about Huang Fei now?"
"Dunno." Shen Mengjie’s pupils flickered as she tossed her phone onto the bed and sighed. "If I had to say, I guess we’re friends now?"
After the forum scandal, Huang Fei had still stood by her side. Even though she’d rejected him outright, his declaration of a "one-year promise" had left her unable to refuse again.
Shen Mengjie wasn’t sure what difference a year would make, but her playful nature made her want to try.
That was just how she was—her interests flared up fast and burned out just as quickly.
As Shen Mengjie left first, Wang Lijuan let out a quiet sigh from her bunk. "I don’t think they’re a good match."
Xu Shuai had shared plenty with her, and combined with Shen Mengjie’s current attitude, Wang Lijuan couldn’t help but voice her doubts.
Han Xiaojing nodded. "Yeah, even we can see it. But Huang Fei just won’t give up."
"You could call him devoted—but sadly, he’s fallen for Shen Mengjie. Any other girl would’ve been won over by now."
Han Xiaojing glanced toward the balcony. "Who can say for sure how these things turn out?"
"Let’s just hope Mengjie doesn’t regret it later..."