Chapter 174: Has Your Heart Ever Fluttered Just for Me?
Staring at Lin Wan Ning, who was clearly blushing her cheeks off right in front of him, Dragon Brother’s heart suddenly welled up with a strange, indescribable feeling.
He never expected that his little sister—no, this sister in front of him—would turn out to be… well, like this.
Before Long Ao Tian could even speak, Lin Wan Ning bravely continued: “I know this might be a little sudden for you, big brother. During the time we’ve spent together, I can tell what kind of person you are.”
At this point, Lin Wan Ning courageously lifted her chin. Even though her dainty face was burning bright and she didn’t really want anyone to see her shy little act, she still glanced up—letting her bashfulness seep into Dragon Brother’s eyes.
“Big brother is such a wonderful person—probably the nicest person ever. It seems you’ve never been in a relationship, and Wan Ning hasn’t either. This time, I’m actually mustering all the courage I have in this lifetime.”
“If you, big brother, also feel a little something for Wan Ning, could you maybe try dating me?”
“I’m not forcing you to choose. Loving someone is—ahem—actually a really beautiful thing. Wan Ning is just putting a stamp on you first. If you don’t like anyone, that’s fine too.”
Watching this tiny, girl-like creature before him, Dragon Brother’s mind was in a mess. Truly, in this world, no two people can ever fully understand each other.
The first time he saw Hu Yu Ying, he understood her immediately. Not because he was a mind reader, but because they had similar past experiences, so he “got” her more than most.
But right now, looking at Lin Wan Ning, for a fleeting moment he thought he understood her too.
Because of her bravery. Because of her honesty.
A girl—beautiful and usually surrounded by an endless stream of suitors—having the nerve to lay her heart bare right in front of him…
She hopes he’ll see her feelings, and that’s why he felt something too.
“Don’t worry, big brother. You don’t need to feel nervous. We just met not long ago. Maybe you don’t really know me yet, but surely one day, you’ll understand me a little more, right?”
“I just don’t want to miss out. I’m not trying to pressure you. Look at you now—like I’ve scared you half to d*ath. I’m not some beast from a nightmare.”
Lin Wan Ning chuckled lightly—all of this was from her heart. People meet many, many people in this life, but to meet someone you actually like… that’s really not easy.
She’s sure of her own feelings, and she can sense the different ways Hu Yu Ying and Li Qing Xue feel about Dragon Brother.
So, hey, Lin Wan Ning just wanted to be brave, just like she said—liking someone isn’t wrong. In fact, it’s a beautiful thing in its core.
If that’s beautiful, then why can’t she courageously chase after it?
Lin Wan Ning turned and left. Watching her back fade into the distance, Dragon Brother sat on the curb, his mind crashing into chaos.
There still seemed to be a faint, special scent lingering around her—something belonging only to Lin Wan Ning.
And honestly, he found himself amused. Compared to her, he’s actually a bit of a coward.
Always hiding behind that eighteen-year-old body and a twenty-eight-year-old soul, treating them like little kids.
If he were eighteen and someone boldly confessed to him—what kind of feeling would that be?
Honestly, he had no idea—because no girl ever did that to him at eighteen, so he’s never experienced it.
But it definitely wouldn’t be like this now—no, it’d be different.
In simple terms, he’d be a chicken.
Thinking of Lin Wan Ning covering her mouth with a shy giggle, her eyes forming the shape of a crescent moon, recalling her little tears at the corners of her eyes and her soft, flushed face before leaving him—she had said: “Big brother, if you’re unsure, just ask your heart—has it ever fluttered, even once, because of me?”
“Before I met you, my heart was so peaceful. I’m not the kind to show emotions openly, but after meeting you, my heart has fluttered for you more than once…”
He gently reached out, stroking his own trembling, pounding heart.
“Wow, my heart is beating so fast.”
He listened intently, feeling his own heartbeat.
This sensation of his heart pounding wasn’t new—he’d felt it before…
Suddenly, his phone buzzed.
That unexpected noise made Dragon Brother freeze for a moment—obviously still lost in the previous scene.
He took his phone to check the caller ID.
And immediately answered the call.
It was Cui Yong, sounding a little excited and exhilarated: “The house ownership info is all clarified, but let’s meet up to discuss the price—less talk, more action, right?”
“How much?” Dragon Brother asked straight away. The courtyard house—whether in location or size—he was pretty satisfied with it.
“Two hundred eighty thousand.”
He thought for a moment. “Two hundred sixty thousand.”
“This price, I…”
Before Cui Yong could finish, Dragon Brother cut him off: “You negotiate for me. If we can settle it, I might need you to look for a few more suitable houses afterward.”
Hearing this, Cui Yong, who had been hesitating just a second ago, suddenly sounded different—almost pounding his chest: “Got it, got it! I’ll go talk again right now. Just wait for my call, bro.”
“Alright, I’ll wait for your call.”
Dragon Brother didn’t really mind Cui Yong’s eagerness—he knew it would work out. Nobody doesn’t like money, and Dragon Brother himself loved money. Anything tied to his own benefit—he’d be more anxious than anyone to get it done.
That’s just human nature—nothing else to it.
And right now, that courtyard house wasn’t worth much anyway—at least until next year’s sports meet, when housing prices in Kyoto would skyrocket. Its value would become incalculable.
Initially, Dragon Brother wanted to find a small courtyard house, around fifty or sixty thousand—that kind of price, suitable for quick upgrades and easy to resell.
Ten times, a hundred times the value was an easy flip.
Today, seeing that courtyard house, although it wasn’t initially part of his plan, he couldn’t help but feel really satisfied deep inside.
After hanging up, Dragon Brother stood up, patted his b*tt, and then headed toward the subway entrance.
Sitting on a bench, he looked at the latest post on his social media feed—a post from Lin Wan Ning:
【Finally brave this once. What I want to say is, I’ll try to let you understand me slowly, without crossing boundaries…】
Simple words, but Dragon Brother could read her determination, bravery, and a faint hint of joy hidden behind them…
Maybe not entirely accurate, but that’s how he felt.
“Silly girl,” he liked and liked her comment.
Soon, underneath his reply, Lin Wan Ning sent him a funny emoji.
Watching her amusing comments, Dragon Brother suddenly understood why Li Qing Xue liked scrolling through social media so much…
