The Dream of Sherlock Holmes

"Ahem... Mengli, is this really okay?"

Ye Feng inhaled the delicate fragrance of Shen Mengli's hair, finding it suddenly difficult even to swallow. Holding her soft, jade-like figure only made his body stiffen further.

Though Shen Mengli had certain physical limitations, her figure was by no means lacking—ample where it should be, slender where it ought to be. While not particularly striking in any single aspect, paired with her uniquely captivating features, everything else seemed secondary.

"What’s wrong, Xiao Feng? Can’t you see the pictures on the phone?"

Shen Mengli tilted her head up, blinking curiously as she noticed Ye Feng shrinking back slightly, her hands resting lightly on her lap.

"N-no! It’s fine!"

Ye Feng turned his face away in embarrassment. Of course, he couldn’t admit that he was too flustered to look closer. Instead, he forced a composed tone.

"I think since you’re a girl, Mengli, you’d naturally have a better eye for what suits you. So I won’t disturb you here. Keep the phone and browse—I’ll go take a shower!"

"Eh?"

Before Shen Mengli could react, Ye Feng swiftly gripped her waist and lifted her up as effortlessly as if she were a plush teddy bear.

"X-Xiao Feng?"

In the midst of her surprise, Ye Feng darted into the bathroom like an arrow, leaving Shen Mengli on the sofa, still holding his phone.

......

"Shhh—"

"Haah... huff... haah..."

Under the steady stream of the shower, Ye Feng’s restless nerves gradually settled. For some reason, Shen Mengli’s gaze always seemed to pierce straight through him. Every time her eyes met his, he instinctively wanted to retreat.

Is Mengli my kryptonite? No way... maybe I’m overthinking it.

Recalling how she had sat in his lap, looking up at him with those eyes, Ye Feng’s thoughts only grew more turbulent.

...Better stay in here a little longer.

"Mmm..."

Meanwhile, Shen Mengli studied Ye Feng’s phone screen intently.

"I haven’t used phones much, but Director Mom’s phone probably isn’t too different from Xiao Feng’s. The contacts app should be this little phone icon, right?"

Once Ye Feng had disappeared into the bathroom, she quietly tapped open the shopping app—only to then start snooping through his phone for clues.

She had sensed something amiss ever since she noticed a strange scent on Ye Feng’s clothes. And sure enough, that woman named Mu Cheng who showed up later must have been one of the sources!

Now, with a rising sense of urgency, Shen Mengli refused to sit idle. Though fate had brought her and Ye Feng together late, she was still the one closest to him now. Complaining about her circumstances wouldn’t change anything—she had to act.

With that in mind, she began investigating the secrets hidden in Ye Feng’s phone. Opening the contacts list, she found a handful of names:

Ah Fu, Li Jing, Li Mucheng, Su Wanli, Su Yuxin, Xie Yuyan...

The list wasn’t long, which at least saved her time.

Ah Fu... must be someone very important to Xiao Feng. Why else would they be listed first—and without a full name?

Transformed into a detective, Shen Mengli relied on her sharp instincts.

Mhm! She’s definitely the closest to him. I need to learn more about her first.

She committed Ah Fu’s name to memory and continued scanning the list.

Li Mucheng...

The name felt familiar. Narrowing her eyes, Shen Mengli recalled—this was the woman who had called Ye Feng earlier. And the other "Li" contact was likely her parent, since Ye Feng had mentioned working as a tutor.

But what about Su Yuxin and Su Wanli? Is Su Yuxin another student of Xiao Feng’s? So many rivals...

After skimming the first few names, her eyes landed on the last one: Xie Yuyan.

She’s probably insignificant, ranked at the very bottom. The threat level here is minimal. Better focus on the other three.

Detective Mengli nodded sagely after her analysis, then checked if Ye Feng’s phone held any other clues—but aside from a few novel apps, there was nothing noteworthy.

Click.

Just then, Ye Feng stepped out of the bathroom, towel-drying his damp hair. Shen Mengli quickly closed the phone and turned to him with an innocent smile.

"Xiao Feng, you’re done?"

"Yeah. So, did you find a dress you liked?"

He draped the towel over a nearby chair and walked over to her.

"I looked around, but I think that white dress you showed me earlier is already perfect."

"Oh? So I’ll order that white dress for you?"

"Mm. Thank you, Xiao Feng."

Shen Mengli nodded softly and handed the phone back.

"Come on, Mengli, no need for thanks. Haven’t I told you that before?"

"Hehe, I know."

Halfway through, Shen Mengli tugged lightly at Ye Feng’s sleeve, hesitating as if she wanted to say something but couldn’t.

Ye Feng noticed immediately. "What is it, Mengli? Something on your mind?"

"...N-never mind."

"Don’t say never mind. Just tell me—whatever it is, I’ll figure it out for you."

He patted his chest confidently, and only then did Shen Mengli muster the courage to mumble:

"I... I wanted to ask you for a favor..."

"Sure."

"It’s... um... I want to take a bath..."

"No problem! Just go ahead and—"

Ye Feng’s cheerful agreement came to an abrupt halt as he realized the issue. While Shen Mengli could manage daily hygiene and bathroom needs on her own—his home had a proper toilet setup with supportive aids—bathing was another matter.

At the orphanage, the director had always helped her. But here? He was a healthy young man.

"Uh... this..."

"What’s wrong, Xiao Feng? Can I not?"

Shen Mengli tilted her head at his sudden hesitation.

"Is it... because there are no extra towels?"

"Eh? Towels?"