Chapter 393: It’s So Ugly!
Next morning!
As he peeled back the blanket and listened to the outside sounds of dumpling filling being chopped, Dragon Brother took a deep breath and looked at his phone: “Is this too diligent?”
No wonder the three little ones—Li Qing Xue at home is like a little princess, never setting foot in the kitchen.
Lin Wan Ning was used to doing things alone, mostly just eating instant noodles because, honestly, cooking is just too much effort.
Two people who’ve never cooked a day in their life, but today is Dongzhi (Winter Solstice), and they’re supposed to make dumplings—talk about a brewing storm of excitement!
Bright and early, they tugged Hu Yu Ying out of bed to start preparing the dumpling filling.
Since only Hu Yu Ying knows how to make the filling, the two of them stayed nearby, ready to roll out wrappers and wrap dumplings.
“Qing Xue, go call Brother Long. Tell him to get up and light the stove in the sunshine room. Later, we’ll be packing dumplings there—warm and perfect for eating immediately!”
“Got it!” After receiving Ah Ying’s message, Li Qing Xue immediately made a promise-and-perform gesture, then zipped off in a run to Dragon Brother’s room.
Peeking inside at his still-covered head sleeping peacefully, she instantly looked annoyed: “Lazy bum, wake up and go light the fire!”
She called out, but Dragon Brother, still buried under the covers, made no move.
Li Qing Xue’s eyes sparkled with mischievous grin.
Silently, she slipped off her shoes and tiptoed to the bed.
She lifted the blanket with excitement, about to stomp her foot on Dragon Brother’s face.
But in the end, she didn’t go through with it.
Half-asleep, Dragon Brother looked up dumbly at Li Qing Xue staring down at him, totally confused—no, beyond confused.
Seeing his nearly n*ked face, Li Qing Xue’s cheeks started turning crimson, visible to everyone.
She didn’t notice last night, but Dragon Brother took advantage of her without even paying attention.
Now, upon seeing it plainly, that’s… what she realized.
Immediately, she stomped her foot onto Dragon Brother’s face: “You—what are you doing not wearing clothes, you pervert!”
Dragon Brother felt like this was totally unfair, sleeping in his own room—barely sleeping, hanging upside down—you’re not bothering anyone!
“Ah~ It’s so ugly! Dragon Brother, you total grass-eater, what are you even thinking?!” she spat, slapping that thing.
“Ouch~” This slap snapped Dragon Brother out of his dazed state in an instant.
Just about to say something back, she covered her face and ran out.
Lying on the bed, Dragon Brother sighed inwardly: “What the heck just happened?”
But that slap worked wonders—he was instantly wiped of sleep, dragging himself out of bed slowly.
“Calling Brother to wake up and somehow turning your own face red?” Lin Wan Ning chuckled when she saw Li Qing Xue rushing over, face flushed.
Li Qing Xue rubbed her cheeks with her hand, trying to hide her embarrassment: “It’s nothing. I already woke him up!”
Sure enough, not long after her words, the door swung open, revealing Dragon Brother with his messy hair.
Hu Yu Ying gave a soft laugh: “Long Ge, go light the fire. We need to get inside soon.”
“Okay, I’ll go now.”
Dragon Brother pinched a bit of water with two fingers, wiped his eyes, then headed towards the sunshine room.
The three little ones immediately started complaining—they had never seen someone wash their face like that.
Lin Wan Ning looked at Hu Yu Ying: “Sister, is Brother at home always like this?”
Hu Yu Ying twitched her mouth: “Usually, no. Maybe today he didn’t want to touch cold water?”
“Is this the legendary ‘Great Auntie’? But isn’t Dragon Brother a bit too sloppy like this?” Li Qing Xue honestly couldn’t look anymore.
“What are your eyes doing? Also, next time you talk about someone behind their back, could you make it quieter?” Hu Yu Ying chided softly.
“I’m just trying to save time—getting the fire started so everyone can stay warm,” Li Qing Xue explained, looking innocent.
Dragon Brother did not expect the three little ones would dislike him that much. He hurriedly defended himself.
“Alright, alright—we’re not criticizing you,” Hu Yu Ying soothingly said.
“Once the inside is burning, the outside should be too.”
“Got it, I’ll go light it,” Dragon Brother happily accepted his task—at least he was involved now, right?
“Now Dragon Brother really listens to you,” Li Qing Xue teased, watching him trot around enthusiastically.
“Yeah, look at him—he can’t hide the smile on his face while lighting the fire.”
Hu Yu Ying cast a side glance at Dragon Brother, and this was her latest realization: boys don’t actually have many little schemes. They’re more like straightforward command-based creatures.
They’re quite simple in life.
If you say you’re thirsty, they’ll say, “Go drink some water,” but genuinely care about you.
But if you ask, “Can you help me pour a glass of water, Brother Long?”—not only will he be happy, he’ll dash off to do it immediately.
Yesterday, Dragon Brother was going grocery shopping. Hu Yu Ying initially didn’t let him go—because it wasn’t just about shopping.
Ask him to buy some chives, eggs, and meat? Nope.
That’s pointless.
Men understand “a little” very differently!
You need to specify: two bundles of chives, a box of eggs, three jin of pork belly, and even green peppers—down to how many stalks.
Otherwise… it’s just hilarious.
That’s exactly why Hu Yu Ying prefers to do the shopping herself—way easier.
Soon, Dragon Brother managed to light the stove in the sunshine room.
He then moved outside to start another fire.
Hu Yu Ying prepared the dumpling filling, kneaded the dough, divided it into small portions for easier wrapping, and handed the dumpling-making task to the two always eager little ones.
She waited until Dragon Brother finished lighting the outside stove, filled the pot with water, then took off to buy lamb and seasonings.
For lunch, dumplings; for dinner, lamb soup—this Winter Solstice promised to be Hu Yu Ying’s happiest one yet!
And also the most meaningful Winter Solstice for Li Qing Xue and Lin Wan Ning.
Walking down the street with Hu Yu Ying, Dragon Brother suddenly turned his head, lightly hooking his finger around Hu Yu Ying’s little finger.
“Why are you taking me out this time? Not bringing them two?”
“Because we’re going to buy some lamb bones and a lamb’s head later.”
Dragon Brother feigned a slightly sad expression: “So, I’m just your strong labor?”
Hu Yu Ying pursed her lips and chuckled, flicking her gaze at Long Ge, tightening her fingers around his: “It’s because, Brother Long, you’re stronger.”
Dragon Brother shrugged indifferently: “That’s right, I am quite strong…”
