Chapter 308: The Way We Were at the Beginning, Gradually Getting Better
“You took Ah Ying away, so now it’s just me.” Li Qing Xue chewed on her straw, feeling weird without Hu Yu Ying by her side—like suddenly losing her favorite plushie.
“Just not staying overnight anymore. Besides, you’ve got the house keys, right? Just come over during your days off and hang out.” Long Ao Tian said casually while helping his little girl put on her safety helmet. Safety first, fun second!
“Hmph, that’s not the same…” Even though Qing Xue was a bit spoiled, at this moment she still threw a tiny tantrum—pouting and making a fuss.
Ever since that day we arrived in Kyoto, she and Hu Yu Ying hadn’t been apart except for class. Talk about a true bromance or sapphic soulmate—depends on who you ask.
Long Ao Tian gave Qing Xue a light tap on the head, teasing, “You’re making me look like the villain who tore you guys apart.”
Hu Yu Ying wasn’t having it. She hurriedly reached up, rubbed her sore spot where Ao Tian smacked her, then reached out to give his waist a gentle pinch.
“See? We’re still better, right?” Li Qing Xue smirked proudly, crossing her arms.
“When your house is renovated, you should move in too,” Ao Tian said, ruffling the little girl’s cheeks with a doting look. Their quaint courtyard of over 300 square meters, once decorated, would comfortably fit everyone—no big deal.
Hu Yu Ying and Li Qing Xue exchanged a glance and said in unison, “Okay.”
“Take your time on the way.” Qing Xue waved as Hu Yu Ying and Ao Tian headed into their car. Softly, she whispered, “Don’t drive so fast, okay?”
“Relax, I’m a master driver. Ask Ah Ying, she knows,” Ao Tian said confidently.
Hu Yu Ying, lost in thought, suddenly pinched Ao Tian’s waist again—feeling it wasn’t enough—she even threw a couple of tiny fists at him.
Ao Tian was caught off guard, rubbing his waist, and mumbled, “We’re leaving now.”
Meanwhile!
Just about to buy some booze, Xue Shao Hua suddenly spotted an e-bike zoom past him.
“Long Ao Tian? Hu Yu Ying?”
A flash of realization struck him. Clutching his fist, he muttered bitterly, “d*mn it, Hu Yu Ying is already so exhausted—how dare you still want her!”
His heart pounding, he immediately chased after the tail lights in the distance.
“No way, no way. She’s fragile—what kind of beast are you?” Xue Shao Hua’s protective instincts kicked in. All he could think about was what would happen if Ao Tian took Hu Yu Ying away—his mind flashed back to that guy he saw in the public restroom. Totally creeped out.
Even though Hu Yu Ying was so delicate, why couldn’t he just leave her alone?
Seeing the woman he loved in pain, Xue Shao Hua felt like a fearless knight charging into battle—nothing but love fueling his rush.
But no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t catch up. Instead, he was left in the dust, panting, reaching for his phone.
“She’s been taken…”
“What?! Explain clearly.”
“Hu Yu Ying… she was taken by Long Ao Tian again…” Xue Shao Hua finally managed to spit it out, trembling.
“Ugh, d*mn it…”
……
“Long Ge, you have no idea how much I miss you after we separated,” Hu Yu Ying whispered softly as she sat behind Ao Tian in the car, hugging him tightly, rubbing the spot she had just pinched. Her eyes sparkled with affection.
“You’re doomed—you’ve fallen into my love trap,” Ao Tian chuckled, teasing.
Hu Yu Ying giggled, resting her chin on his shoulder. “Then what should I do?”
“There’s no way out. You’re destined to be mine forever. Just accept it,” Ao Tian sighed dramatically, feigning seriousness.
“Okay, then I guess I’m accepting my fate. From now on, I’m yours,” Hu Yu Ying declared, cheeks flushing with embarrassment. She clung to Ao Tian for dear life, trying to hide her blush.
Perhaps, for the two of them right now, this was pure happiness.
“Let me open the door,” Ao Tian said as they approached home.
Hu Yu Ying got out, unlocked the door, then, after Ao Tian came in, she swiftly locked the door again and chased after him, giggling: “Heehee, it’s so dark…”
Ao Tian turned around and scooped her into his arms, joking, “Ah! I’m the Great Demon King—got you now, and I’m going to eat you up…”
He buried his head in her neck, breathing greedily.
Ticklish and shy, Hu Yu Ying shrank back with a grin, pretending to be scared. “Please, Great Demon King Ao Tian, don’t eat me, okay?”
Enough mischief for today.
Ao Tian started boiling water.
“Drink some red sugar water first, then soak your feet in warm water. Bedtime soon.”
“Got it, Ao Tian.” Hu Yu Ying obediently took the warm drink, smiling warmly at her busy lover.
Being cared for felt wonderful—especially when it came from someone you liked. It made everything better.
She fished out the underwear she forgot last time from her bag, asking, “This is all cleaned and dried. Want to change now?”
“Mm.”
After washing her feet, she pulled out a tampon from her coat pocket and held the clean underwear, about to head outside.
“Where are you going?” Ao Tian looked surprised.
Hu Yu Ying blushed and mumbled, “Um… outside… it’s… dirty…”
But the story isn’t over yet—click to the next page for more exciting stuff!
She didn’t want Ao Tian to see the smell, afraid he’d think she’s gross…
“Change here,” Ao Tian whispered softly, gently kissing her on the forehead, “My little girl is so good.”
Soon, Hu Yu Ying pushed open the door, carrying a trash bag. “Ao Tian, you go wash your feet. I’m going to throw out the garbage.”
There was a bin outside, so no worries.
After washing her feet, they both lay on the bed, turning to look at each other, unable to hide their smiles.
“This feels like being in Haìwān City. If the kitchen gets finished, I can cook for Ao Tian every day.”
“Just take it slow. Everything will be fine, just like in the beginning.”
“Yeah, everything slowly gets better,” they agreed.
Looking back at themselves at the start, now they could see how much they had changed little by little.
It all feels so miraculous.
“Ao Tian, I want to lie in your arms,” the little girl said shyly, lifting her innocent face.
Ao Tian opened his arms wide. “Come on in, anytime.”
Hu Yu Ying flicked her long hair and pressed her head against his chest.
She loved hearing his heartbeat—the sound of love.
Listening to that steady heartbeat, she yawned softly, snuggling into the warm embrace until she drifted to sleep.
He gently stroked her long hair, breathed in her faint floral scent, and tightened his arms, holding her close. Both closed their eyes, lost in perfect peace.
