The She Who Lost Her Radiance

"By then, even if I want to protect you, there will be nothing I can do."

As she spoke, the director of the welfare home began to cry. In her heart, she was deeply reluctant to part with Shen Mengli, such a sensible child. But she knew that continuing to hide the truth would not only put Shen Mengli in danger but also jeopardize the entire welfare home.

"But... but Mengli, I can't bear it... You're the child I've raised since you were little. How can I bear to push you away with my own hands... But I truly don’t know what else to do..."

"Director Mom..."

Shen Mengli looked at the director, who was covering her face in anguish, and her own eyes grew uncertain.

Just when she thought everything was going to get better, reality had dealt her a harsh blow. If she were to lose the support of the welfare home, where would she go?

At that moment, the image of Ye Feng suddenly flashed through her mind, but she immediately dismissed the thought.

No! I absolutely can’t drag Xiao Feng into this... No matter what, I can’t burden him.

"I understand, Director Mom."

Shen Mengli didn’t show any signs of panic, maintaining her usual calm demeanor. However, her pale fingers betrayed the turmoil in her heart.

"All these years, I’ve been so grateful for your care. In my heart, you’ve always been like a mother to me, never leaving my side. I have no complaints."

"Mengli... sob..."

Hearing Shen Mengli’s words, the director cried even harder. She had once clenched her teeth, determined to do everything in her power to protect Shen Mengli. But she knew that doing so would be unfair to the other children in the welfare home.

Director Mom—first a director, then a mother. She had to fulfill her duties.

"Don’t worry, Director Mom. I believe I’ll find a better life. When I do, I’ll come back often to visit, just like the other children who’ve left the welfare home."

Although Shen Mengli spoke lightly, she knew that with her fragile body, finding a place to belong would be nearly impossible. The thought of leaving the place she had called home for so many years brought tears to her eyes.

Huh? How strange... I promised myself I wouldn’t cry. I’m an adult now, and I should show the strength of an adult in front of Director Mom... But... but why can’t I hold back?

"Waaah!"

This time, Shen Mengli could no longer maintain her composure. As she threw herself into the director’s arms and cried uncontrollably, it became clear that her plans for a new life had completely fallen apart.

Why... why is this happening to me... I... I even made a promise with Xiao Feng to live on... Why does it have to end like this...

"......"

After what felt like an eternity, Shen Mengli lifted her head from the director’s embrace.

"Mengli..."

"Don’t... don’t worry, Director Mom. I’ll take care of myself."

Shen Mengli’s eyes had lost their sparkle. Her dull gaze seemed to reflect her final fate, though the director didn’t notice.

"Mengli... actually, I’ve already told Mr. Ye Feng about this. He expressed that he’s willing to take you in..."

"No!"

Before the director could finish, Shen Mengli’s sharp cry interrupted her.

"Don’t tell Mr. Ye Feng... don’t..."

"Why, Mengli? You know what kind of person Mr. Ye Feng is. He can help you..."

"I don’t want to... I don’t want to trouble Mr. Ye Feng!"

Shen Mengli suddenly raised her head, her tone growing more intense as she spoke of Ye Feng.

"Of course I know how kind Mr. Ye Feng has been to me, but I absolutely refuse to be a burden to him! Do you know how much trouble my frail body would cause him, Director Mom?"

"I’d rather never have met Mr. Ye Feng than drag him down... absolutely not..."

"Mengli..."

"Thank you, Director Mom. I’m sorry for raising my voice. Could you let me be alone for a while?"

After addressing the topic of Ye Feng, Shen Mengli’s resolve seemed to harden. It appeared she wanted to seal away all thoughts of Ye Feng. Her crimson eyes radiated a coldness, starkly different from their usual brilliance. Now, they were like the button eyes of a stuffed bear, lifeless and dull.

"Alright... I understand. Mengli, if there’s anything, you must tell me, okay?"

"Don’t worry, Director Mom. I’ll handle my own affairs. Please don’t worry about me."

"Mengli... sigh..."

The director’s face seemed to age in an instant. As she disappeared down the hallway, she turned back several times.

Surrounded by the tranquility of the garden, Shen Mengli’s body no longer had the strength to hold itself up. She leaned back in her wheelchair, staring blankly at the fountain, motionless like a statue.

......

"Mengli..."

Unbeknownst to Shen Mengli, Ye Feng had been hiding behind a tree in the garden, listening to everything. He couldn’t help but feel sympathy for her plight, while also marveling at how much she cared for him.

They had only known each other for a few days, yet Shen Mengli was willing to suffer alone rather than trouble him. Normally, a drowning person would cling to anything they could grasp as a lifeline, but Shen Mengli would rather sink than drag him down with her.

This only strengthened Ye Feng’s resolve to take her away.

I’m sorry, Mengli, but I can’t let you have your way. Since you don’t want my help... then I’ll have "someone else" help you instead.

Ye Feng seemed to have come up with a plan. Seeing that Shen Mengli wouldn’t be moving anytime soon, he quietly climbed over the wall and headed home.

......

By evening, Shen Mengli was still sitting in the garden, wearing a thin black dress. She gazed at the moon, obscured by dark clouds, lost in thought.

"Big sister~ Why aren’t you back in your room yet? It’s so late."

Suddenly, a childish voice broke the silence. Startled, Shen Mengli turned to see Wenwen rubbing her eyes and walking curiously toward her.

"Wenwen? Why are you still up so late?"

Shen Mengli was surprised to see Wenwen out at this hour. She quickly hid something under her cushion and asked casually, as if nothing was wrong.