Chapter 119: Because I Believe
“Life’s disappointments are like ten out of eight—impossible to avoid. But only by breaking free from troubles can we grow,” Dragon Brother whispered softly. “At least I’ve seen the strength and independence in you.”
The sudden rush of grievance came and left just as quickly. Hu Yu Ying sniffed, tears gone, no longer crying or upset.
“So, will Dragon Brother come to eat tomorrow?” Hu Yu Ying loosened her grip on Dragon Brother’s hand slightly and whispered.
She kept her eyes sneaking a peek at Dragon Brother’s face as she spoke.
“Huh?” Isn’t that a quick jump in thought? Just a moment ago she was crying, and now she’s worried if he’ll come to dinner tomorrow?
But Dragon Brother still said, “We’re about to report in soon. These days, handle all the remaining goods first. Leave some time — you weren’t planning to go home for a bit, were you?”
Hearing that, Hu Yu Ying nodded lightly. “Mm, thank you, Dragon Brother.”
“Thank me for what?” Dragon Brother chuckled.
“Thank you for still remembering,” Hu Yu Ying said earnestly.
Seeing how sincere she looked, Dragon Brother gently rapped her on the head. “Stop being so silly all the time. And don’t get all self-congratulatory just because someone shows a little kindness. Never underestimate the ugliness of human nature.”
“Is Dragon Brother a bad guy?” Hu Yu Ying asked with a mischievous glint.
One word made Dragon Brother freeze mid-sentence. Facing Hu Yu Ying’s trusting gaze, he opened his mouth: “I have a bad side too.”
“But I believe in Dragon Brother,” Hu Yu Ying said with a sweet, innocent look, wanting to show her purest trust.
To be so trusted by a little girl like that—Dragon Brother found it a little amusing. “One day I’ll sell you, and you’ll just idiotically help me count the money.”
“It’s okay, I’ll come back on my own,” she said confidently.
“What if you can’t come back?”
“Then I’ll wait for Dragon Brother to find me.”
“You crazy? I already sold you, how could I come back looking for you?”
Hu Yu Ying grinned sweetly. “Because I believe.”
Facing Hu Yu Ying’s words, Dragon Brother was momentarily at a loss for words.
He could feel her unconditional trust in him.
But honestly, maybe it’s not so good.
Yet, part of him felt it was kind of nice.
The bad part was trusting too much. The good part, trusting too much.
Humans are like tangled animals—constantly flipping, choosing, and ultimately getting all tangled up…
“Rest early. Starting tomorrow, our big money-making plan begins!”
“Okay!” Hu Yu Ying clenched her tiny fist, full of motivation.
“Goodbye, Dragon Brother.” Hu Yu Ying watched Dragon Brother’s back and waved as best she could.
“See you tomorrow.” Dragon Brother waved back and headed to the alley’s end.
This time, the feeling was different from last time when he left.
There was a sense of relief—his body felt lighter.
“I’m back.” Upon opening the door, Dragon Brother saw the Old Man munching on pig head meat. “Eat less greasy tonight. I’ve already had some, so I’ll wash up and sleep first.”
The Old Man held up the pig head morsel, neither eating nor not eating, finally chuckling. “Kid, you look pretty cheerful today.”
After a shower, lying back on his bed, Dragon Brother looked at his phone and furrowed his brow slightly. “Why didn’t anyone ask if I got home safely?”
Just as he thought, a message arrived.
Li Qing Xue: “I just checked online—T University isn’t too far from A University. How are you guys planning to go?”
“I’m getting a ride with my dad. Since it’s on the way, we can ride together,” Dragon Brother replied.
“First time in a strange city hundreds of miles away, should look out for each other.”
He pondered and replied: “Thanks, but better not bother. When we get to Kyoto, we’ll stay in touch.”
He appreciated her good intentions, but riding in someone else’s car depends on their schedule. If he’s taking Li Qing Xue straight to Kyoto, he’ll likely go a few days early.
Their family of three would enjoy the scenic route, and once arrived, they’d definitely take Li Qing Xue around Kyoto.
Since she took the initiative, he couldn’t be ungrateful. He’d take Hu Yu Ying along for the ride.
Earlier, Dragon Brother had checked: there’s a direct train from Bay City to Kyoto.
He’d just bring Hu Yu Ying and head straight over.
Li Qing Xue: “No need to thank me. Having someone you know in a strange city is actually pretty nice.”
After sending this, Li Qing Xue clenched her tiny hand and finally asked, “By the way, are the cookies gone? I can bring you some tomorrow.”
After clicking send, Li Qing Xue sneakily rolled into bed, feeling inexplicably embarrassed—she just knew that asking that way might be a little awkward.
Seeing her message, Dragon Brother chuckled, as if he suddenly remembered something. He reached into his pocket, retrieved a ‘rabbit’ cookie, pinched it, feeling its hardness…
“Maybe next time. Tomorrow’s the start of work, so I better clear out all the goods before reporting in,” he thought.
Li Qing Xue, lying under her quilt, heard her phone’s notification.
She peeped out a little, feeling a strange rising surge of excitement that gradually settled. “Selling clothes?”
“Yeah, selling clothes,” Dragon Brother replied.
“Where are you selling them?”
“Somewhat far. To the usual town.”
“Oh,” Li Qing Xue sighed helplessly. “I’ve been there once at the market, a long time ago. I kind of forgot what it was like now,” she said with a shrug.
“I’ll send you pictures tomorrow,” Dragon Brother promised.
Seeing that, Li Qing Xue’s face lit up again. “Good, don’t lie to me now!”
“When have I ever lied to you?”
Li Qing Xue clenched her fist. “You always treat me like a kid, messing with me. Like I’m so silly in your eyes…”
After sending that, she looked at her phone with a little stubborn pout: “I’m not stupid!”
She closed the chat, opened her album, scrolling through photos taken today. Her fingertips slid over the screen, and images flashed by.
She paused at the sunset glow, the silhouette of a boy raising his arm, unwittingly curling her lips into a smile.
……
Dragon Brother put down his phone, pulled a blanket over his navel, and prepared to sleep.
Just as he lay down, the notification sounded again.
He reached for his phone.
Hu Yu Ying: “Good night.”
“Good night,” Dragon Brother replied.
In the pitch-dark room, only the glow of the phone lit up her delicate, slightly bashful face in the dark—an innocent smile, with a touch of flirtation.
That night, it felt as if everything returned to the very beginning…
【Thanks for all the gifts, fellow bald eagle! Much appreciated. And everyone, don’t forget to stay warm and healthy!】
