Chapter 88: A Whisper of Sweetness Fills the Heart
Stepping out of the alleyway.
They arrived on a broader, more open road.
Hu Yu Ying didn’t ask where they were headed. She simply tagged along beside Dragon Brother, walking forward, step after step.
In the past, Hu Yu Ying was all about studying—like, aside from textbooks, she didn’t know what else to do with herself.
But now? Her favorite thing—besides studying—is just walking with Dragon Brother. Doing nothing special, just a simple stroll down the street.
It’s a strange kind of comfort—an unshakable sense of peace.
A slight smile quirks at her lips as she feels the sunshine, the gentle breeze. She tilts her head slightly, hair fluttering, secretly watching Dragon Brother beside her.
This feeling—ah, it’s so good.
Suddenly, Dragon Brother stops in his tracks. Hu Yu Ying’s eyes dart away quickly, like a thief about to be caught.
“Wait a sec,” Dragon Brother says, eyes fixed not far ahead on Snowflake Dew.
“Mm-hmm, I’ll wait for you, Big Brother Dragon,” Hu Yu Ying beams brightly, giving a serious nod.
“You silly goose,” Dragon Brother can’t help but smile when he sees her cheerful face.
It’s not long before—
Dragon Brother returns carrying two cups of Snowflake Dew.
He hands one over. “Try this. It’s super cooling and heat-relieving.”
It’s cool, and Hu Yu Ying gently presses her straw into the drink, takes a sip.
Her eyes curve into tiny moons. She lifts her gaze to Dragon Brother: “So sweet.”
In the sunlight, her eyes are crystal clear, sparkling like countless stars.
So sweet. Really, so sweet.
Sweet treats seem to always lift the mood.
Dragon Brother watches Hu Yu Ying look up at him with a smile, a little surprised—he’s momentarily stunned.
Just a cup of Dew, just a bit sweet.
Yet, this little touch of sweetness fills Hu Yu Ying’s heart completely.
That girl—just how much hardship has she endured before…
He looks toward the sunset’s lingering glow and says, “Of course. Life’s like that—there’s a bit of busyness, a bit of trouble, sometimes a touch of bitterness. But you always need a bit of sweetness to balance things out.”
“Yeah, yeah,” Hu Yu Ying cups her Snowflake Dew, feeling that unique sweetness—given by Big Brother Dragon.
They keep walking, as if aimless.
Eventually, Dragon Brother takes Hu Yu Ying to Water Bay Riverbank.
Afternoon here is even more lively than the morning—more bustling, and not just noisy, but crowded.
They find a grassy spot and sit down.
First time lying on the grass, looking up at the sky. It reminds her of being with Dragon Brother—on the school playground grass.
Second time, near the river, the breeze is a bit stronger, carrying the scent of grass and soil. Hu Yu Ying slowly closes her eyes, savoring it peacefully.
Unlike Li Qing Xue, who’s used to finding comfort in nature, Hu Yu Ying feels truly at ease the first time she’s in the outdoors.
Because everyone’s mind is different.
Like Dragon Brother said—he understands Hu Yu Ying.
But no one else could say they truly understand her like Dragon Brother.
Dragon Brother reclines on the grass, eyes closed, quietly letting her rest.
Learning is dull and monotonous, needing some relief for the soul.
This place might not be a perfect paradise—there’s flowing water, rustling wind, grass, dirt—yet, it calms the mind.
Lying there, Hu Yu Ying opens her beautiful eyes, gazes at Dragon Brother’s back.
She watches silently—like her eyes can only hold his presence.
The girl doesn’t know what “heart-flutter” really feels like; she just knows being with him makes her happy.
“Yu Ying,” his lazy, carefree voice sounds after a long while.
“Huh?”
“College entrance exams are coming up.”
Hu Yu Ying’s heart suddenly skips a beat. “Mm.”
“Your second start in life—Big Brother Dragon is telling you—just tell me you can ace it easily.”
Hu Yu Ying opens her mouth, her smile stiffening.
Dragon Brother doesn’t look at her, says calmly, “You’ve worked hard, never abandoned your faith. This time, not only do you want to give yourself a satisfying answer, but also meet your family’s hopes and your big brother’s expectations. Tell Big Brother Dragon—you can do it.”
The air seems to pause—silence, even sound disappears, only Hu Yu Ying’s soft whisper: “Mm.”
Dragon Brother smiles, turns to look at her: “Step by step, you’ll reach the top of your life. And when I boast about you in the future, I’ll be so proud!”
“I’m your big brother,” he says with a smile, yet there’s weight behind it.
When Hu Yu Ying meets his smiling eyes, she doesn’t laugh like before; instead, she nods, then gives a heavy “Mm” in return.
This time, Hu Yu Ying doesn’t speak.
“Dazed and confused, what are you dawdling about? I’ll give you a smack,” Dragon Brother teases.
“Big Brother, we—”
Before she can finish, he chuckles and cuts her off.
“The sun will rise every day, and everyone will move toward the same unchanging direction—like silent, turning clock hands—they’ll meet on that long road.”
“I really look forward to seeing what Hu Yu Ying will be like in four years—more beautiful, more mature, more confident—or maybe still quietly unnoticed…”
“Just so you know,” he adds, “if you don’t do well, don’t go around claiming I’m your little follower anymore.”
Ooh, dear reader, there’s more to this chapter—click next page for even more exciting stuff!
Hu Yu Ying’s voice, very soft, very gentle: “It won’t happen.”
“Oh? Looks like my little follower is confident! Well then, Big Brother Dragon! I’ll be watching!” Dragon Brother ends with a fist bump right in front of her.
Hu Yu Ying glances at his fist, confused, looking up at him.
Dragon Brother laughs helplessly, sighs.
He slowly loosens his fist, revealing a tiny pinky finger.
Seeing his pinky extended, Hu Yu Ying purses her lips and chuckles softly, then also jabs out her pinky, saying as she does: “Link and hang, a hundred years…”
She pauses a moment, then looks seriously at Dragon Brother: “A hundred years, you’re not allowed to change.”
Then she gives a thumbs-up—seal of approval.
Click!
A photo sound blares.
Both Dragon Brother and Hu Yu Ying turn their heads simultaneously.
Click!
This time, the flash is so bright it stuns their faces.
“What are you doing?” Dragon Brother rises to step forward, tall and strong, quickly reaching the photographer.
“Relax, relax,” the photographer says nervously, “You can tell I’m an artist just by looking at me.” He messes with his long hair and pushes up his glasses, hurriedly explaining.
While he talks, two pictures pop up on his camera.
One shows Dragon Brother and Hu Yu Ying’s tied pinky with the stamp, back view.
The second shows them looking back at the sound, both turning their heads at the same time.
“I’m a writer, traveling between cities gathering inspiration,” he says while showing them the photos.
“Since you guys liked these two shots, I’ll give them to you.”
“I’ve traveled a lot over the years, taken many pictures—seeing your backs just now reminded me of a young couple in Magic City. Couldn’t help but snap it.”
“Not sure how they’re doing now. Hope you don’t mind.”
Hearing “young couple,” Dragon Brother and Hu Yu Ying exchange glances, both silently.
【Night owl, bats, good night, get some rest.】
