Long Mo reacted instantly, dodging the white fox’s sudden attack.

“You—”

Just as he was about to question this unprovoked aggression, the fox shifted into human form, fists flying towards him, punch after punch.

Caught off guard, Long Mo took two solid hits, his golden eyes flaring with cold rage. He clenched his fist, ready to strike back, when he suddenly recognized the face in front of him.

It was Hu Qingyuan?

Seeing it was Hu Jiao Jiao’s older brother, Long Mo withdrew his fist, his voice icy. “Hu Qingyuan, what’s the meaning of this?”

Hu Qingyuan sneered and delivered another two blows, forcing Long Mo back with a fury that could no longer be contained.

“Long Mo, how dare you treat my little sister like this? Today, if I don’t beat you until you’re looking for your teeth on the ground, then I’m not Hu Qingyuan!”

Long Mo furrowed his brow, but before he could respond, Hu Qingyuan’s fists flew at him again, not giving him a moment to explain.

Suppressing the urge to fight back, Long Mo kept dodging. Despite dodging, a few hits still landed, and Hu Qingyuan seemed determined to aim for his face.

Long Mo soon noticed Hu Qingyuan’s outfit looked familiar. The clothes looked identical to the ones Hu Jiao Jiao had given him, except for a small white fox embroidered on the chest. He seized Hu Qingyuan’s collar, his tone tense.

“Where did you get this? Did she make it?”

Hu Qingyuan ripped his collar free, his face flushed with indignation. “You have the nerve to ask about my clothes? My sister put her heart into making those clothes for you, and you didn’t even try them on before turning them down as ‘ugly!’”

He pointed at the white fox on his chest. “Every outfit she makes is crafted with care. She even stitched a special dragon design onto yours. If you insulted her effort, then I’m not leaving until I’ve taught you a lesson!”

No one can bully his sister on his watch!

Just as he raised his fist again, Long Mo froze, murmuring, “She… made it just for me?”

Could he have been wrong about her intentions?

Hu Qingyuan gave a derisive snort, patting the fox emblem proudly. “Of course she did! Jiao Jiao worked hard on each piece. That outfit she made for you? She even added a dragon motif, you blind fool.”

Long Mo remembered her face as she had offered him the garment with such hope. Guilt surged within him.

“So… that outfit Ying Yuan was wearing—she made it too?” he asked in a low voice.

Nearby, Hu Jing had overheard. She approached, calling out in her usual bold tone, “What are you talking about? The clothes Ying Yuan wore were stitched by Mian’er, and each stitch was made by her own hands, so stop spreading nonsense!”

“Mian’er was just copying Hu Jiao Jiao’s design, and she made a matching one for Ying Yuan,” Hu Jing continued impatiently. “Honestly, she taught us all how to make them. Mine has a tiger stitched on it.”

Something clicked, and Long Mo froze. He had misjudged her.

In a swift motion, he transformed into his dragon form, abandoning his duties to return home.

“Hey! I’m not finished with you!” Hu Qingyuan called after him, his voice echoing in irritation.

Hu Jing shook her head, hands on her hips. “I swear, Long Mo is not just clueless—he has got the worst eyesight!”

Qingyuan looked back at Hu Jing, surprised by her no-nonsense approach.

“Thanks for that,” he said, rubbing his neck. He gave her a grin, genuinely grateful for the help.

Hu Jing blinked, a bit caught off guard by his broad smile. She turned away quickly, muttering, “It’s not a big deal; I just didn’t want Mian’er to worry.”

Qingyuan observed her thoughtfully. He’d never paid her much attention, as he’d sided with his sister in the past. But after seeing Hu Jing’s loyalty to her friend, his impression of her shifted.

“Well, regardless, if you ever need help, just say the word. I owe you one!” Qingyuan flashed her another of his easygoing smiles.

Hu Jing could only watch, momentarily stunned, as he shifted into his white fox form and sprinted away.

Once he was gone, her cheeks flushed as she whispered, “What’s he got to smile about like that, anyway…”