Chapter 17: Love Yourself with Steadfast Dedication
Dragon Brother frowned as he watched Hu Yu Ying still lowering her head.
“Why are you drooping your head? Lift it up.”
Hu Yu Ying looked up at Dragon Brother, pouting softly—probably mind tricks, but she still felt like everyone around was watching her.
Attempting to treat her big brother to breakfast turned out to be a losing game—he ended up paying. She felt annoyed, dumb even—like she couldn’t do anything right.
If only Big Bro hadn’t shown up suddenly—she’d be at a total loss.
Sure, her family was not exactly rich, but that was none of that guy’s business. Why did he have to say it out loud in front of so many people?
“You’re not doing anything wrong, so why are you drooping your head?”
“Lift it up, or I’ll give you a punch!”
Hu Yu Ying awkwardly raised her head, then carefully looked around at everyone.
Having a poor background was no big deal—until someone openly said she couldn’t afford breakfast. That really bruised her pride.
Maybe she had been judged harshly before because of her family’s less-than-stellar condition, so now she instinctively feared more of that scrutiny and exclusion.
“Idle talk all day, no listening won’t help.”
“What others say, you won’t lose any meat from your bones. If it really bothers you, then become stronger—only then can you shut their mouths.”
Dragon Brother felt like he was turning into a life coach.
Honestly, he kind of resonated with Hu Yu Ying’s feelings right now.
In his previous life, he wasn’t short of being mocked himself.
As a kid, he was ridiculed as the kid unloved by parents.
As he grew older, people called him a pauper, a garbage picker, just to buy food.
But he still rose from nothing to a life—buying a car, a house, living a proper life.
“There’s no shortage of people with malice in this world, but luckily you have me, your big bro, backing you. That’s why you’ve got to learn to love yourself—Love yourself with unwavering resolve.”
This was Dragon Brother, as an experienced elder, guiding Hu Yu Ying, nothing more.
“Everyone’s family isn’t perfect—who doesn’t have ancestors who were farmers for three generations?”
“My family isn’t wealthy either. My dad’s a slaughterer. But nobody dares to mock me.”
“They don’t dare because I’d actually punch them. They know they can’t win, so they don’t even try.”
Hu Yu Ying looked at Dragon Brother and softly said, “So, as long as I become strong too, they won’t dare talk about me or bully me.”
“Exactly. The world is full of unfounded malice, but that doesn’t stop us from seeking pure kindness. Sometimes, viewing things from another angle can give you a fresh perspective.”
“I see your change, and I believe in you. One day, you’ll be confident and powerful.”
“Thank you, Brother Long. I feel so much better,” Hu Yu Ying said genuinely, with heartfelt gratitude.
Dragon Brother’s words had a huge impact on Hu Yu Ying now.
People under long-term oppression desperately need someone like him to help them find their mental peace.
Seeing Hu Yu Ying’s eyes sparkle again, he let out a sigh of relief.
“From now on, avoid those who look like they’re not too bright.”
“Got it,” Hu Yu Ying chuckled softly, her eyes shining with her unique charm.
“Eat up, let’s go.”
“Mm.”
Walking beside Dragon Brother, her beautiful eyes flickered slightly. She bit her lip, took a deep breath, then secretly stole a glance at him, shyly smiled, her fair face flushing with a pink hue.
She quickly looked away, clutching her hands nervously at her chest—a weird, indescribable feeling fluttering inside her.
Back in the classroom.
Hu Yu Ying began acting as a little follower, urging Dragon Brother to study.
Thanks to yesterday’s guidance, Dragon Brother wasn’t stupid—he just hadn’t used the right methods.
The key was that he was willing to learn, so she was willing to teach.
Li Qian saw that Hu Yu Ying was still studying with Dragon Brother and couldn’t help but sigh. Well, she had said everything she could anyway.
Hu Yu Ying obviously couldn’t see things clearly—no blame on her.
But Dragon Brother really was pretty handsome. If only his grades were a bit better…
His broad shoulders, narrow waist, and not-too-short height among guys—it was a good package.
Most importantly, his good looks weren’t typical “pretty boy”—they had that mischievous, bad-boy charm.
Like now, smiling so slyly and handsome—just the right amount of naughty.
But maybe it was Li Qian’s illusion—she felt Dragon Brother’s aura had changed.
Before, he always seemed cold, like he only liked fighting—couldn’t care less about anything else.
Now, he seemed warmer, more gentle, and somewhat refined.
Thinking this, Li Qian shook her head and scolded herself: “What was I thinking? That’s Dragon Brother—he can knock people out with one punch.”
——
Back in the classroom.
Ye Liang Chen spotted Li Qing Xue, who was yawning with her hand over her mouth, looking exhausted as usual.
He paused, then immediately masked his internal happiness—no need to seem overly happy, right?
Li Qing Xue’s sleep was pretty stable. After knowing her for so long, unless she had something on her mind, she wouldn’t look this tired.
She hadn’t contacted him for just a day—could she be losing sleep over that?
If this kept up, she’d end up coming to talk to him soon enough.
He felt secretly pleased at the thought.
It’s true—people only realize their true feelings after they lose what they treasure.
He straightened his back, lifted his chin, and walked nonchalantly past Li Qing Xue without even looking at her.
“Ye Liang Chen,” she called softly, tired but with a hint of longing in her voice.
Yep, Li Qing Xue.
Ye Liang Chen’s pace paused.
A slight smirk tugged at his lips—maybe he had overestimated her. Just one day, and she already couldn’t wait to talk to him.
“What’s up?” he asked without turning around.
He figured that being clear about his attitude would make him more attractive.
What’s unavailable always seems more tempting.
That’s how Li Qing Xue was now.
They’d known each other so long that she simply couldn’t see through his true feelings. She always thought their bond was just friendship.
But in truth, she’d fallen for him gradually—unnoticed by herself.
Now, she was confused about her own feelings.
It seemed that yesterday’s firm rejection had already made her aware of her inner love.
If he kept pushing, the chase could turn into a complete dead end…
