Long Jinyu froze for a moment. The familiar fragrance of phoenix blossoms, carrying a faint fiery scent, drifted around his nose, instantly relaxing him.
He lowered his head and looked at Ma Xiaotao, whose face was buried deep in his chest and whose shoulders trembled slightly. A little bewildered, he hugged her back, his palm gently stroking down her spine again and again.
"Senior Sister?"
The end of his voice still carried the hoarseness and softness of having just woken up, along with a hint of helpless indulgence. "What's wrong? Easy, easy—I can barely breathe..."
Ma Xiaotao abruptly raised her head. Her eyes were still somewhat red and swollen, but a relieved smile had already bloomed across her face. The lingering fear in her brows had yet to fade, while her grievance spilled out first. "You little brat! You're finally awake! Do you have any idea how scared you made me?!"
As she spoke, she unconsciously tightened her grip on the fabric at his waist, as though afraid he would disappear.
"Don't get worked up, Senior Sister~"
Seeing her looking both fierce and soft, gazing at him so eagerly, Long Jinyu let out a low laugh tinged with weariness.
He raised his hand, first lightly brushing the reddened corner of her eye with his fingertips. Feeling the moisture there, he gently wiped away the remaining tear tracks with the pad of his finger. "Aren't I perfectly fine? Look, I can still beg for mercy when you hug me too tightly. What could possibly be wrong?"
"You're such a smooth talker!"
Ma Xiaotao paused at his words, then punched him on the shoulder with feigned annoyance. Yet her blow was utterly soft; rather than anger, it felt more like coquettishness.
Her words were fierce, but two faint blushes quietly rose on