Tofu, blood curd, vermicelli, and cubed white radish stewed in mutton broth—the flavor was absolutely divine.

Apart from Long Aotian, each of the three girls had two big bowls. The rest was polished off by Long Aotian alone.

Stuffed and satisfied, they lounged on the sofa, stools, or recliners, too lazy to move a muscle.

Long Aotian patted his bloated stomach. "I’m a little too full."

Hu Yuying chuckled. "Then let’s go for a walk to digest?"

"Sounds good. I’m seriously stuffed this time," Li Qingxue chimed in, raising her hand. "My little belly’s back..."

Back at A University, she used to jog in the afternoons, keeping her figure slim and toned. But today, after just a little overindulgence, her tummy was round again.

"I don’t even want to move right now," Long Aotian groaned, sprawled on the recliner, basking by the fire and patting his belly contentedly.

Hu Yuying gave his stomach a playful smack. "If you don’t exercise, you’ll end up dead last in the sports meet."

"Exactly! Big Bro, you’ve gotten so lazy since Sister started spoiling you. Keep this up, and you’ll grow a little belly too," Lin Wanning teased, giggling at the thought of his abs turning into a soft paunch.

Hearing this, Li Qingxue protested, wrapping her arms around Lin Wanning’s waist. "What’s wrong with a little belly? Those gorgeous belly dancers all have tummies like mine!"

"A little softness is sexy too!" She defended her belly with pride. The rightful source is novel⚑fire.net

"Let me see just how sexy," Lin Wanning said, placing her cold hand on Li Qingxue’s nape.

Li Qingxue yelped and jumped away, startled by the chill.

The energy of youth had a way of breathing life into even the laziest moments.

Long Aotian, sluggish as he was, was eventually dragged up by the three girls.

The four of them stepped outside for a stroll to walk off their meal.

After winter’s arrival, the days grew shorter, and the streets quieter.

The walk felt a bit lonely under the early night sky.

"I wonder when the first snow of the year will fall," Lin Wanning mused, gazing up at the bright moon and twinkling stars.

"You like snow?" Li Qingxue asked.

"Yeah, I love it. There’s nothing cozier than snuggling under blankets when it snows."

Li Qingxue nodded in agreement, then turned to Hu Yuying. "What about you, A-Ying? Do you like snow too?"

"I do, but I prefer heavy snow—the kind that paints everything white: the ground, the trees, the whole world as far as you can see."

Back in her village, Hu Yuying had seen snow blanket the fields and mountains, transforming the landscape into something breathtakingly beautiful.

"Why aren’t you asking me?" Long Aotian interjected, nudging Li Qingxue to include him.

"You wanna join our girly talk? Long Aotian, shame on you!" Li Qingxue wagged a finger at her own cheek mockingly.

"Eh, I’ve got thick skin."

With a dramatic sigh, Li Qingxue turned to face him, walking backward as she asked, "Then, Mr. Long, do you like snow?"

Mr. Long? She was really laying it on thick.

Clearing his throat, Long Aotian replied, "I do love snowy days."

"And why is that?"

"Because you all do."

Three pairs of eyes locked onto him.

Under their collective gaze, he shrugged. "Don’t look at me like that. I mean it."

"I really do love snow."

(Note: The unrelated technical note about bookmark syncing across devices has been omitted for coherence.)

Hearing this, the three girls, who’d been briefly touched, rolled their eyes in unison.

Ignoring him, they linked arms and walked ahead.

Watching their retreating figures, Long Aotian smiled softly. "I really do love and cherish you all," he murmured, almost too quiet to hear.

"Wait for me!" he called after them.

"No way," Lin Wanning replied coolly, her voice laced with playful dismissal.

"Yeah! If you want us, catch us, you big dummy!" Li Qingxue taunted with a light huff before sprinting off.

Lin Wanning followed suit.

Hu Yuying, slower to react, gasped and tried to run—only to be caught by Long Aotian in the next second.

"Long-ge, I didn’t say anything about you!" Hu Yuying blinked up at him, feigning innocence with a sweet smile.

"But I can’t catch them. They’re too fast."

"Long-ge, how about a kiss?" Her eyes sparkled mischievously.

Long Aotian’s throat bobbed as he glanced around awkwardly. "We’re still on the street—"

Before he could finish, Hu Yuying slipped free, laughing. "Long-ge, you’re such a dummy!"

She dashed off, calling, "Qingxue! Wanning! Wait up! I got away!"

"Sis, hurry! We’re right here!" The two cheered from a short distance ahead.

Catching up, Hu Yuying panted, "Next time, warn me first! You two always tease Long-ge, but I’m the one who gets caught!"

"Sis, you’re always a step behind. What’s on your mind?"

Hu Yuying mumbled, "I was thinking of ways to tease Long-ge..."

"Run! The big bad wolf’s coming!" This time, none of them lagged.

Long Aotian shot Li Qingxue an exasperated look. "That nickname’s terrible!"

"How about ‘the grass-grazing fiend’?"

"You’d better hope I never catch you!"

"Pfft. Maybe you can catch me now, but in a few years, when you’re too old to keep up, I’ll tease you mercilessly."

To Hu Yuying and Lin Wanning—now women—the implication in Li Qingxue’s words was clear. They smirked at Long Aotian. "If you don’t pace yourself, we’ll ditch you for other grandpas at the square dance when you’re too old to move."

"Wow, you’re all getting way too bold!"

His athleticism kicked in, and in a flash, he caught all three.

"Who was it that said they’d dance with other grandpas?"

The trio clammed up, heads bowed like chastened chicks.

Back home, Long Aotian held Hu Yuying back.

Noticing his clinginess, she stifled a laugh. Long-ge really was such a softie.

In their room, he pinned her with a look. "Was it you who said you’d dance with other grandpas when I’m old?"

"Wait, hold on—stop, stop—"

"No waiting!"

Propped on one elbow, Hu Yuying lay on the bed, pouting. Last time, he’d promised to pause when she said "stop." Liar...

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