Residual Bloodstains

Finally, Ye Feng had to use the excuse of continuing to tutor Li Mucheng to end the commotion.

"Remember to explain everything clearly to your father later, okay?"

"I know, I’ll tell Dad thank you for trusting me, and that I’ll work hard with you, Teacher... oops!"

Seeing Li Mucheng pouting and glaring at him, Ye Feng sighed deeply, "Seems like you didn’t take anything I said seriously."

"I know, I’ll tell Dad it was all a misunderstanding."

Only under Ye Feng’s stern gaze did Li Mucheng reluctantly mutter these words, still pouting.

"That’s more like it. Alright, it’s getting late. You should head back now, young lady."

"Hmph! Mean teacher!"

Li Mucheng stomped her foot in frustration, but then she thought about everything that had happened today—enough to fuel her imagination for many nights to come—and gradually calmed down.

"Hey, Teacher."

"Hmm?"

When Ye Feng looked up to see what trick Li Mucheng was up to now, a pair of delicate hands suddenly wrapped around his waist, and a soft pair of lips kissed his cheek.

"Mu... Mucheng!"

"Hehe~"

Li Mucheng quickly darted away, escaping before Ye Feng could react, and at the doorway, she turned back to flash him a smile.

"Thank you, Teacher!"

"Mucheng..."

The girl’s smile was filled with complex emotions, but her radiant, blooming beauty froze Ye Feng in that moment. By the time he snapped out of it, Li Mucheng had already disappeared from the doorway.

This girl... really... sigh...

After a second thorough examination, Ye Feng was finally cleared to leave the hospital. Eager to get home and check on Xie Yuyan, he got dressed and headed to Li Jing’s office.

"Knock, knock."

With the help of a bodyguard, Ye Feng arrived at a private office area in the hospital. After knocking, Li Jing’s voice came from inside.

"Who is it?"

"It’s me, Ye Feng."

"..."

Ye Feng heard a sigh from inside before Li Jing spoke again.

"Come in."

"Alright."

As soon as Ye Feng entered, he saw Li Jing sitting with his eyes closed, his expression suggesting he hadn’t fully recovered from the morning’s chaos.

"Um... Mr. Li, actually..."

"I know, Ye Feng. It was Mucheng’s doing, wasn’t it?"

"..."

Ye Feng didn’t answer, but Li Jing already knew the truth. He was aware that Ye Feng would never do such a thing, though seeing it still left him unsettled.

"What is it you need?"

"My health has improved, so I think it’s time for me to leave the hospital."

Ye Feng replied.

"That’s not a problem. Are you worried about the expenses? I’ve already taken care of that."

"That’s not what I meant. I came here to talk to you about Mucheng."

"About Mucheng?"

"Yes. Mucheng might have been frightened by the recent incident. While she seems fine on the surface, I noticed a hint of fear in her eyes. That’s probably why she came to me despite the risk of you finding out."

"Is that so? I didn’t notice."

"That’s why I wanted to suggest that you have a doctor prescribe some calming medicine or herbal remedies for her before she goes to bed. It’ll help her recover and prevent any long-term effects."

"I understand. Thank you, Ye Feng."

Li Jing was surprised by how thoughtful Ye Feng was. Perhaps it wouldn’t be a bad idea for Mucheng to be with him.

"Don’t mention it. By the way, Mr. Li, how is Ah Fu doing?"

"Don’t worry. Ah Fu is out of danger and should be discharged soon."

"That’s good. I still owe him some money."

Ye Feng said with a smile.

"Then I’ll head home now. Please let Mucheng know if she asks about me."

"Alright. Do you need a driver?"

"No need to trouble yourself. Goodbye, Mr. Li."

With that, Ye Feng left Li Jing’s office. Li Jing watched him go, a rare smile appearing on his face as he muttered to himself.

"Maybe I should have him call me Uncle Li next time..."

......

"Beep... beep..."

Standing at the foot of his apartment building, Ye Feng stared at his phone, which showed no response to his calls. His expression grew increasingly serious.

Something must have happened!

Without hesitation, Ye Feng pressed the elevator button. As the elevator rose to his floor, his unease grew.

With a heavy heart, Ye Feng unlocked his door and stepped inside...

The living room was pitch black, and Ye Feng’s alertness heightened. After closing the door, he quietly checked every corner of the apartment. Everything seemed normal—the neatly made bed, the folded clothes, even the dinner Xie Yuyan had left for him in the fridge days ago. The only thing out of place was Xie Yuyan herself. She was gone.

On the living room table, Ye Feng found the phone he had bought for her, placed there untouched. She had returned it to him... Had she chosen to leave quietly?

Perhaps. Maybe she had her own life to pursue.

Seeing the multiple missed calls and unread messages on the phone, Ye Feng realized Xie Yuyan had been gone for at least three days.

"She really left... Well, at least she’ll be happy, right? Living with someone like me was never going to work. I’m destined to have no future."

Ye Feng’s heart was a mix of emotions. Somehow, his time with Xie Yuyan had added color to his life, and now that she was gone, everything felt different.

This system... it’s terrible...

But maybe this is just my fate...

Putting down Xie Yuyan’s phone, Ye Feng headed to his bedroom to rest. As he lay down on his bed, he caught a familiar scent.

This smell... is it Xie Yuyan?

That’s impossible. It’s been three days; any scent should have faded by now...

Which means she must have been here within the last day or two!

Ye Feng bolted up and carefully inspected his bedsheet. Sure enough, he noticed a faint trace of bloodstains on it...