Chapter 397: Night Owl Extraordinaire
“Phew~” A big breath was expelled.
Long Ao Tian sprawled lazily on the bed. “Finally hit my workout goal for the day. Keep exercising regularly, and I won’t have to worry about turning into a waddling old guy.”
Hu Yu Ying playfully kicked Long Ao Tian with her foot. But her kick was so soft it was like tickling him, making him feel as though she was giving himself a gentle scratch.
Watching the little girl who was lying on his chest, not wanting to move an inch, Long Ao Tian even thoughtfully pulled the blanket over her.
Just as he did, Hu Yu Ying kicked the blanket away.
Earlier, she told him to stop for a bit. He waited patiently, but he didn’t listen. Now she’s acting all righteous?
Plus, there was a tiny fire in the stove beside them, and with all the sweat from earlier, being under the blanket would be uncomfortably hot.
“What’s wrong?” Long Ao Tian softly asked, glancing at the unhappy little girl.
“Brother Long, you’re just a big liar,” Hu Yu Ying pinched his cheek. “You promised me something last time, didn’t you forget it all?”
Long Ao Tian chuckled slyly. “No way, I swear! I even thought you were shy just now!”
Seeing his shameless grin, Hu Yu Ying sighed helplessly. There was truly nothing she could do with him.
So she suggested, “Let’s use a secret code.”
“Hmm, okay, I’ll listen to you.”
“Really?” Hu Yu Ying eyed him suspiciously. “Don’t trick me again, or I’ll refuse to let you touch me!”
“Sure, sure.”
Long Ao Tian’s vague response made Hu Yu Ying roll over and turn her back to him.
Even if she’s normally gentle, she could still pretend to be mad!
But on the other hand, she could also feel that Bro Li’s control was still intact.
At least, this time, he didn’t hurt her.
“I swear, I swear,” seeing her like that, Long Ao Tian couldn’t hold it anymore and immediately surrendered.
Hearing that!
Hu Yu Ying finally turned around and looked at him with a light smile. “So, what should our secret code be?”
“You should just call me by my name,” he suggested.
This idea made Hu Yu Ying’s eyes brighten. She loved calling him Bro Long the most. “Alright then.”
Seeing her happy, Long Ao Tian leaned in a little. “Can we sleep now?”
He was already very tired himself, but after working out, Hu Yu Ying was full of energy and didn’t want to sleep yet.
“I’ve turned you into a night owl,” she sighed softly.
“Who knew I’d unconsciously teach you a new skill?” He grinned. “What should I do to thank me?”
“Bro Long, you’ve changed. Before, you only taught me good things. Now, you’re also teaching me bad ones,” she teased.
“Half good, half bad,” he replied.
While talking, Hu Yu Ying yawned and snuggled into Long Ao Tian’s embrace.
He gently patted her back until her breathing steadied.
Carefully, he pulled the blanket over her, then lightly nudged her nose with a playful smile. “Even this makes you a night owl.”
Seeing her nose tickle and her trying to rub it against his chest, he couldn’t help but chuckle softly.
The next morning.
When Hu Yu Ying woke up, it was already past eleven.
She looked at the clock and instantly felt rejuvenated. She hurriedly dressed and got out of bed.
At this hour, it was time to cook. Blame Bro Long for being mischievous last night.
She tied up her messy hair, opened the door—spotless and empty outside, not a single soul in sight.
She called out, but no one responded.
She checked the rooms where Wan Ning and Qing Xue stayed. They were tidy, but no one was there either.
Just when she was puzzled…
A sound from outside caught her attention.
She dashed outside and saw Long Ao Tian carrying a lunchbox.
“Brother Long, where are Wan Ning and Qing Xue?”
“Wan Ning took a call this morning about their school’s New Year’s Eve show and went back to the music conservatory early for rehearsals,” he explained.
Wan Ning placed great importance on this show because she wanted to promote their online shop during the event.
Plus, there was the upcoming “Happy Girl Voice” audition. If she could secure a good position at the school’s performance, it would be a big plus for her.
Most importantly, like the sports meet at T University, the music conservatory has professional judges and teachers watching. A good performance would win their favor, paving the way for a smoother future.
That’s also why, despite being the biggest love-struck nerds and notoriously avoiding trouble with meals, Long Ao Tian chose to train extra the day before the sports meet—a big reason he was willing to do so.
“Qing Xue couldn’t sit still. She planned to invite you and Wan Ning to watch the rehearsal at their school. I didn’t let her, so she went with Wan Ning instead,” he said.
Hu Yu Ying sighed softly.
Her own college also had New Year’s activities planned.
So she definitely couldn’t sneak out to watch Wan Ning’s performance or Bro Long’s rehearsals that day…
In the midst of her wandering thoughts, her phone suddenly vibrated.
A video message from Li Qing Xue.
In the video, Lin Wan Ning nodded gently at the camera, accompanied by music.
The girl’s soft, slightly sweet voice started to sing, matching the rhythm.
Her clear yet warm voice blended gradually with the music, creating an inexplicable captivating effect. Even just watching the recording, Hu Yu Ying found herself momentarily immersed in Wan Ning’s singing.
Wan Ning’s unique tone and melody soared and curved with the music, casting a magical spell that effortlessly touched the listener’s heart, making one almost surrender under her voice…
After hearing the song, Hu Yu Ying took a deep breath and smilingly initiated a video call to Li Qing Xue.
Clicking it on, Li Qing Xue whispered with her hand over her mouth, “Wan Ning is practicing her rehearsal now. Let’s keep our voices down.”
Then she turned the camera, revealing Lin Wan Ning on stage.
The three little ones knew each other way too well.
Although Wan Ning didn’t hear Hu Yu Ying and Li Qing Xue’s conversation, just seeing Li Qing Xue aim her phone at her made her realize—her older sister was watching her on the other side of the screen.
She blinked those cool, crystal-clear eyes and asked shyly, “Can we do it again?”
She was talking to her accompanying music, but her gaze never left the phone’s camera. Her voice lingered at the end of her phrase, making it seem like she was just flexing her cuteness.
Only those who knew better understood she was essentially acting adorable.
Seeing this, Hu Yu Ying couldn’t help but cover her mouth and giggle. “She’s getting more and more good at acting cute.”
“She definitely has changed a lot,” she nodded.
The usually aloof girl was no longer the same high-and-mighty person. Her smile was genuine, and she looked more lively than before.
The once gloomy, self-doubting girl had blossomed into a confident, serious big sister.
Even the coldest girl could become bright and cheerful because she genuinely cares and feels happy…
