Arriving at the bathhouse, when the owner asked whether they wanted the communal pool or a private room, Long Aotian—usually so decisive—glanced at Hu Yuying this time.
Though he had taken her innocence, it didn’t mean he could make decisions for her. On the contrary, from now on, he would adjust his actions based on her words.
Hu Yuying lowered her gaze, her small hands occasionally clutching the hem of her clothes. She could sense that Long Aotian was deferring to her now, and it made her heart flutter with quiet delight.
Turning her eyes away, she murmured softly, "Maybe... maybe the private room?"
"Private room, please," Long Aotian said with a foolish grin, scratching his head.
Their interaction drew a chuckle from the bathhouse owner, who teased, "Haven’t been dating long, have you? Look how shy your girlfriend is."
Realizing the owner was addressing him, Hu Yuying peeked up at Long Aotian and saw his ears burning red—his usual composed demeanor replaced by flustered, bashful awkwardness. It was unexpectedly... adorable.
She couldn’t help stealing another glance. It was hard to believe the normally steady Long Aotian could blush like this.
"The girl isn’t even this shy, yet here you are, a grown man, turning red. Room 8," the owner said with a laugh.
"Ahem, it’s nothing," Long Aotian coughed, though his reddening ears betrayed him.Taking Hu Yuying’s hand, he led her toward Room 8.
Once the door closed behind them, they stood facing each other in the small, private space.
Only then did Hu Yuying realize why Long Aotian had been so embarrassed earlier.
Watching her cheeks gradually flush, Long Aotian couldn’t suppress an amused smile, his gaze brimming with tenderness. "Need help?"
"I’ll draw the bath for you. Come here soon," he said before walking further inside.
Out of the corner of her eye, Hu Yuying caught a glimpse of his toned back. She quickly averted her gaze, pressing her lips together, her snow-white neck—half-hidden by her hair—flushing with shame.
Last night had happened in darkness. She hadn’t truly seen his body, nor had he seen hers.
So that was why he’d blushed earlier...
Listening to the sound of running water, Hu Yuying took a deep breath and reached for her buttons and zipper.
Some time later, Long Aotian heard the soft shuffle of slippers.
He turned—and his heart raced at the sight before him.
Hu Yuying’s face was flushed, her shy eyes shimmering like pools of spring water, her slightly swollen lips a tempting shade of pink from earlier kisses.
Too embarrassed to meet his gaze, she stole a glance upward—only to lock eyes with his burning, adoring stare.
As Long Aotian stepped closer, a wave of heat washed over her, and the sensations from last night quietly resurfaced in her chest.
Her legs weakened, and she leaned against him without thinking, her cheek pressed to his pounding heartbeat.
When she looked up, his expression sent a jolt through her—enough to make anyone lose their senses.
"Ah..." Hu Yuying whimpered softly, her face burning.
"L-Long Aotian, we should... bathe first..."
"I’ll scrub your back," he said sternly, frowning. "Relax. Don’t you trust me?"
She nodded emphatically. "I trust you."
......
After truly being with Hu Yuying, he found himself utterly addicted.
"Long Aotian, you liar... You keep tricking me... My waist is about to break..."
Hu Yuying pouted, refusing to indulge him anymore. He’d promised just a bath, promised to behave—yet where had those hands wandered?
Seeing her adorable, reproachful expression, Long Aotian shook his head.
If this continued, they’d never finish bathing.
"Let me wash you properly."
At his words, Hu Yuying crossed her legs, shielding herself as she turned her back to him.
"Long Aotian, no more... Let me rest, okay?"
"You can’t keep going like this... It’s bad for your health..."
Her voice grew smaller, bracing for more teasing—until she realized he really was just washing her.
Only then did her tightly crossed legs loosen slightly.
"I’ll listen to whatever you say, A-Ying."
Two hours later, they left the room, Hu Yuying trailing behind Long Aotian like an obedient little wife.
Amused by her habit of following him, he stopped and held out his hand.
She placed her small palm into his warm, broad one.
"Let’s grab breakfast, then go back and rest."
While washing her earlier, he’d noticed her soreness.
Regret had gnawed at him, but at his age, restraint wasn’t always easy.
And this silly girl... She indulged him no matter what.
......
After a quick meal, Long Aotian insisted Hu Yuying rest without another thought.
His gentleness and concern, paired with her exhaustion, made her drowsy.
Once she was in bed, he told her not to move—then left the room.
Lying there quietly, Hu Yuying’s eyes sparkled with happiness.
As Long Aotian had said, everything felt like a dream.
Even his brief absence stretched unbearably in her heart.
She wanted to cling to him more and more...
Before long, she heard movement.
Turning toward the door, she saw Long Aotian return—his ears faintly red again.
Before she could ask where he’d gone, he produced a box from behind his back.
Inside was a set of women’s undergarments.
"Here... change into these."
Hu Yuying flushed crimson. She’d tried hiding the slight stain, but he’d noticed anyway.
Taking a deep breath, she accepted them and began changing.
The initial shyness had lessened now that he’d already seen everything.
Besides... she was his now.
Watching him through the window as he sat on the steps outside, washing her clothes, her heart swelled with joy.
She was his for life.
No one else could ever replace the safety and tenderness he gave her.