Slowly pulling apart, Lin Wanning gazed at the red imprint on Hu Yuying’s lips and reached up to wipe away the excess lipstick. "Sister’s lips are so fragrant."

Hu Yuying lightly pursed her reddened lips. "No one applies lipstick like you."

Kissing a girl was a completely different sensation.

Soft, sweet...

"Ah, sister, don’t worry about that. Let’s hurry over—Brother and Qingxue will be waiting impatiently soon," Lin Wanning said, tugging at Hu Yuying’s hand playfully.

Hu Yuying looked at her with amusement. "I’ve noticed you’re getting more and more mischievous."

Before leaving, the two returned to the main hall of the courtyard house to take a look.

In just a few days, the reserved room had been fully renovated.

The windows and door were already installed.

If they weren’t in a hurry, they could decorate it further.

But if they were, they could simply buy a bed today and move in right away.

"I love you so much, sister. Let’s sleep together tonight."

Hu Yuying, nestled in Lin Wanning’s embrace, chuckled. "Fine. Why don’t we all stay over tonight? We can wake up tomorrow and make dumplings together."

"Mmm~ I want to sleep in."

"Sleep in? The first round of eliminations is coming up soon. Shouldn’t you focus on training?"

"Happy Girl’s Voice" followed a regional elimination system. Contestants from each area would first compete locally, with only the top few advancing to the televised national stage.

"Don’t worry, sister. I love music, and I love singing even more. I have confidence in myself," Lin Wanning said earnestly.

Her family had originally opposed her attending university, dismissing music academies as third-rate institutions with little practical value.

But she had fought her way in—writing an original song that earned her a partial scholarship and an exception for admission.

As long as she didn’t cost them money, they didn’t care what she did...

So when it came to music, Lin Wanning carried her own pride and confidence. Thɪs chapter is updatᴇd by novel⚑fire.net

"I believe in you. We all do. Maybe our Wanning will become a big star someday."

"It’s not that exaggerated," Lin Wanning laughed. "Let me get through the eliminations first, then we’ll celebrate."

"Once you pass, I’ll treat you to a feast," Hu Yuying declared, patting her chest—a rare promise from the usually thrifty girl.

Laughing, the two left the courtyard together.

......

"Long Aotian, I want ice cream," Li Qingxue said, stopping in her tracks when she spotted the dessert stand, her hand still in his.

The mall’s central heating made it warm after a while.

Long Aotian glanced at the ice cream, then at her. "No. It’s too cold. You can’t have it."

"But I want it." Li Qingxue planted her feet stubbornly, refusing to budge no matter how he tugged.

"You’ll get a stomachache!"

"Stop treating me like a child. I won’t!"

When Long Aotian remained firm, Li Qingxue pouted and shot him a pitiful look. "You hurt me so much last night..."

At that, Long Aotian immediately turned around. "Fine. We’ll get it."

She licked the ice cream triumphantly, casting him a sidelong glance. Can’t outsmart me, can you?

Long Aotian cleared his throat. "Hurry up. If Yuying and the others see, they’ll want some too."

"We girls aren’t as fragile as you think," Li Qingxue muttered.

Then she stepped closer, pulling down the zipper of his jacket. "Is your coat made of gold? You’re sweating, and you still won’t unzip it."

She pulled out a tissue, stood on her toes, and dabbed the sweat from his forehead.

"Want a bite? I’ll share."

Her words were full of sass, but her heart was full of affection.

Long Aotian took one big bite, devouring nearly the entire ice cream. Li Qingxue stared in shock, first at him, then at the tiny bit left in her cone. "Long... Aotian..."

"You shouldn’t have too much cold stuff. A taste is enough," he said, exhaling sharply from the chill, his words muffled.

It wasn’t about whether girls were strong or fragile—women were naturally more prone to cold sensitivity. Especially in this weather, it was better to avoid it.

They were still inside the mall now, but once they stepped out, she’d freeze for sure!

"You’re such a pig! You ate almost all of it!"

"Who said that? Look, there’s still some in the cone."

"That’s barely anything!"

Just as Hu Yuying and Lin Wanning found them, they saw Li Qingxue pouting at Long Aotian.

Watching Long Aotian’s helpless yet indulgent expression, the two exchanged a smile and walked over.

The moment she spotted them, Li Qingxue rushed to tattle.

After hearing the story, Hu Yuying laughed and swatted Long Aotian’s arm. "Glutton."

Then she turned to comfort Li Qingxue. "Let’s not waste our energy on this greedy man."

Seeing how easily Hu Yuying soothed her, Long Aotian sighed inwardly—this household would fall apart without her.

He exhaled quietly. It seemed like ever since Wanning joined them, his standing in the family had plummeted.

Back then, they at least listened to him. Now? ...Tch.

As the trio walked ahead, Long Aotian resignedly jogged to catch up.

Hu Yuying had been keeping an eye on him. When she saw him following, she smiled and led the way to the second floor.

They had visited this mall many times now, and what had once felt intimidating had become familiar. Confidently, they guided Long Aotian to the men’s section.

A warmth spread in Long Aotian’s chest. Truthfully, they took good care of him.

Come to think of it, ever since arriving in the capital, every piece of clothing on his back—every shoe on his feet—had been picked out by these three.

What more could he ask for?

Each of them chose a thick winter outfit for him.

Three sets, three different styles. Long Aotian muttered, "Not bad," but his heart was full.

Watching his tsundere act, the girls could only roll their eyes.

Are all men like this?

When buying things for the three of them, he didn’t bat an eye. Splurging on an expensive bed? No hesitation. Hunting for stylish factory deals? He’d clear the shelves if he could.

But when it came to shopping for himself? Suddenly, nothing was good enough.

Yet the moment something was in his hands, that barely suppressed grin gave him away—even as he insisted, "It’s just okay..."

[Hehe...]