Chapter 198: Oh Heaven, Can You Hear My Cry for Help?
No longer being bothered by Xue Shao Hua’s annoying clinginess.
Hu Yu Ying’s mood visibly improved a bit.
She’s kind of annoyed by people like that—no, not just because they keep pestering her (although that’s part of it), but mostly because they’re so darn fake.
Clearly eyeing her with longing and possession, yet pretending to be all serious and proper.
Honestly, it’s so hypocritical it’s laughable. Such insincerity reminded Hu Yu Ying of Ye Liang Chen—the guy always acting all high and mighty.
Like accepting his help is a privilege.
Like only he deserves happiness.
Ye Liang Chen always throws around words like “saving himself” as if he’s a hero.
Xue Shao Hua always talks about “making friends.”
In reality, they’re basically two peas in a pod—both pretentious, both pretending to be noble. Hu Yu Ying doesn’t like that kind of attitude, so she’s kind of annoyed.
“Alright, Yu Ying, don’t let some random strangers ruin our good mood,” Li Qing Xue softly comforts her.
“Yeah, complexion and looks are pretty much natural gifts,” Qing Xue continues. “You’re so sexy, some people will definitely be lusting after your beauty, drooling over your body. Let’s just ignore them.”
Hearing Lin Wan Ning’s words, Hu Yu Ying’s face froze in an expression that clearly said, “You’re joking, right?”
She couldn’t quite imagine such words coming not from Qing Xue’s normally ice-cold demeanor but from Lin Wan Ning.
Seeing Hu Yu Ying’s shock, Li Qing Xue couldn’t help but giggle secretly. She’s personally seen how mischievous that seemingly pure and reserved Lin Wan Ning can be.
Behind the refined, cold beauty, she’s actually a little pervert.
But Hu Yu Ying quickly adjusted her mood. Today was for fun, no way she’d let others spoil their cheerful outing.
“Let’s go browse the marketplace! Today’s gonna be super lively,” she suggested.
Without hesitation, Hu Yu Ying and Lin Wan Ning nodded in agreement.
This market was definitely more lively than last time. Now with some entertainment setups—though not as comprehensive as dedicated arcades—it was lively enough to gather a lot of folks.
“Qing Xue, Wan Ning, there’s some ring toss over here!” Hu Yu Ying exclaimed excitedly after spotting it.
“Are you gonna play this, Yu Ying?”
She nodded vigorously. “Brother Long took me to play before, and I even got two cups! I’m pretty proud of myself—Brother Long still uses that very cup.”
Li Qing Xue and Lin Wan Ning exchanged curious looks.
They’d played ring toss plenty of times, but never seen Hu Yu Ying this excited.
Lin Wan Ning wasn’t sure, but Qing Xue knew—Hu Yu Ying rarely shows such enthusiasm about anything.
Plus, considering her usually frugal lifestyle, both girls could sort of imagine Hu Yu Ying’s earlier days.
“So, want to give it a shot?”
Three pretty girls trying their luck at the ring toss drew a huge crowd.
Watching their cautious approach, the onlookers couldn’t help but smile.
Especially when Hu Yu Ying managed to hook a bunny plushie, and the three of them excitedly hugged each other—smiling and giggling like they had just discovered treasure—they looked utterly adorable.
This youthful innocence? Simply beautiful.
Afterward, they bought some clothes. Kyoto was getting cooler, and they each picked out a jacket.
Once trying them on, Hu Yu Ying looked around and suddenly said, “I’ll go check over there.”
Qing Xue and Wan Ning followed her gaze. That spot mostly sold men’s clothes.
They instantly understood Hu Yu Ying’s plan and couldn’t help but silently inwardly thank themselves for not coming up with it.
They quickly followed.
After choosing a few items, Hu Yu Ying held up a shirt and asked, “What do you think? Does this look good?”
“It really suits Brother Long.”
“Long Aotian will definitely chuckle secretly when he sees it.”
Hu Yu Ying also thought it’d look great on Brother Long. “Don’t let his big self fool you—he doesn’t really take care of himself.”
She recalled how she’d gone back home for a few days and Brother Long hadn’t eaten properly. She couldn’t help but chuckle.
“Maybe I should show him this innerwear,” she said, and Lin Wan Ning immediately started browsing the inner wear too.
Li Qing Xue looked at Hu Yu Ying slightly pursing her lips. “Even though Long Aotian always likes to bicker with me, he’s actually quite kind to me. I’ll buy him a pair of pants.”
As they left the market, all three girls felt like they’d gained a lot. They looked forward to seeing Long Aotian’s surprised and confused expression when he saw what they picked.
“Where to next?” Lin Wan Ning glanced at her watch. It was still early, and Brother Long was probably busy now.
“Maybe we should soak in the hot springs?” Qing Xue suggested.
“Whatever’s fine,” Wan Ning said; she was easygoing.
“But I just took a shower at school last night,” Hu Yu Ying quietly added.
Li Qing Xue grabbed her arm. “School can only give you a quick rinse; I really want a bath. Come with me, please?”
Faced with Qing Xue’s pleading, Hu Yu Ying laughed. “Fine then.”
“Let’s go!”
They arrived at the women’s changing room.
Hu Yu Ying took off her shoes, slipped into slippers, and started undressing.
As she shed her clothes, Qing Xue and Wan Ning blinked in surprise.
“Yuying, why are you—so big?”
Li Qing Xue even stepped forward, measuring Hu Yu Ying’s waist with her hand, then comparing it to her own. “How come you’re so slim?”
Hu Yu Ying awkwardly covered herself with her clothing, too embarrassed to admit that Brother Long probably prefers girls with better figures—so she works out once in a while.
“You’ve got to feel mine too. Why does it feel so small after you put clothes on?”
“What are you talking about, Wan Ning?” Hu Yu Ying froze for a moment. Just moments before, Wan Ning had said she was coveting her body—and she thought she’d misheard. But now, it didn’t seem so.
While Hu Yu Ying was still stunned, Lin Wan Ning had already grabbed one of her arms, pinched her—no gloves, just a gentle squeeze.
“Wan Ning, how could you…?” Hu Yu Ying trembled, blushing fiercely.
“I want to feel too,” Qing Xue suddenly chimed in, grabbing Hu Yu Ying’s other arm.
“Stop it! Wan Ning, you shouldn’t do that…” came the playful scolding from the bathroom.
Soon after, Hu Yu Ying was soaking in the hot spring, lying back against the pool’s edge, cheeks flushed, looking utterly worn out.
She sneaked a glance at Wan Ning’s long, beautiful legs, bearing faint red marks.
Then at Qing Xue, also exhausted from the water, with her perfect figure perfectly relaxed.
The three of them exchanged smiles—finally, peace restored.
Stepping out of the bathhouse, they all felt their bodies lighten, an inexplicable comfort flooding through them.
“Oh heavens, can you hear my plea…?”
