You're Not Allowed to Escape

“Mengli! Mengli!”

Seeing Shen Mengli still determined to throw herself into his arms, Ye Feng quickly raised his voice to stop her.

Shen Mengli sat dazed beside Ye Feng, tears welling up in her eyes as she muttered words like “you’re abandoning me” under her breath.

Realizing the situation was turning dire, Ye Feng swiftly pulled Shen Mengli into his embrace, gently patting her back as if comforting a child.

“Mengli, don’t worry—I’m not saying I’m leaving you or anything like that. Haven’t I told you we’re friends? Friends don’t just abandon each other. I just... have something important I want to discuss with you. That’s all. I’m not going anywhere.”

After speaking firmly, Ye Feng continued soothing her with light pats on her back until her ragged breaths gradually steadied. Only then did he slowly loosen his hold.

Seeing Shen Mengli’s expression, he finally let out a sigh of relief.

Though the tears in her eyes had receded, her unsettled expression still radiated unease—like a helpless puppy, gazing up at him with pitiful eyes.

“R-Really? You’re really not leaving me, Xiao Feng?”

“Of course not. Look, I’m still right here with you, aren’t I?”

“Mmm...”

Shen Mengli sniffled, gripping the hem of Ye Feng’s sleeve tightly, her distrust still lingering.

“Seems like you still don’t believe me.”

With a sigh, Ye Feng rose from the couch—prompting Shen Mengli to clutch his sleeve even harder, her face tensing with panic.

Without hesitation, Ye Feng turned and scooped her up into his arms, carrying her toward his room.

“Xiao Feng...”

Her body went weightless as she murmured his name, her anxiety easing slightly in his embrace.

After gently settling her onto the bed, Ye Feng sat beside her, meeting her gaze. “Feel better now?”

“...Mhm.”

She didn’t answer aloud, simply nodding.

“Then can we talk properly now?”

“Wh-What did you want to say, Xiao Feng?”

“Mengli... do you want to stand up again?”

“......!”

The moment those words left his lips, Shen Mengli’s crimson eyes flickered, her gaze piercing as if searching for meaning behind them.

“Xiao Feng... what did you say?”

“I asked if you want to stand up again.”

“I do... more than anything.”

Her answer came instantly, without a shred of hesitation.

“But... back then, the director took me to a major hospital once. The doctors said with current technology, there’s only one way—prosthetics...”

Her head drooped, the resignation in her voice unmistakable.

Prosthetics? How was that any different from being confined to a wheelchair? The emptiness inside her could never be filled.

Watching the light fade from her eyes, Ye Feng reached out, covering her hand with his.

The warmth made her lift her head.

“Xiao Feng?”

“Mengli... if—just if—there was something that could restore your legs and let you walk again... but it came with unknown side effects... even a risk to your life... would you still take it?”

“......”

For a moment, Shen Mengli fell silent. Though her first instinct was to answer immediately, she stopped herself, her gaze locking onto Ye Feng.

“If this had been before... I wouldn’t have hesitated. But now...”

Her fingers tightened around his hand, a soft smile gracing her lips.

“Ever since you came into my life, Xiao Feng... I don’t think I could. Because to me, you’re the most important person in my world.”

Her smile was radiant, brimming with genuine happiness.

“Mengli...”

Ye Feng nodded slowly.

“I understand. I’ll respect your choice. And... thank you for trusting me.”

“But, Xiao Feng... was what you just said real?”

Her eyes widened as she searched his face for clues.

“Ah, n-no! It was just a hypothetical,” he stammered, quickly deflecting.

Having gotten his answer, he decided against mentioning the “Marrow-Restoring Pill.” If she knew, it would only torment her with indecision. This was enough.

“...Really?”

Her gaze bore into his evasive eyes, as if sensing something amiss.

“Yeah, just a random thought. But don’t worry, Mengli—technology keeps advancing. One day, there’ll be a better solution.”

“Mmm... thank you, Xiao Feng.”

Noticing his shift in topic, Shen Mengli didn’t press further—though she quietly filed it away in her mind.

“Well... it seems like we’ve got nothing else planned today. How about you take a nap? They say midday rests are good for you.”

“Okay.”

“Great. I’ll let you rest, then—”

As Ye Feng stood to leave, a familiar tug on his sleeve stopped him.

“Mengli? Something else?”

“Didn’t you just say napping helps with energy?”

“Y-Yeah... why?”

“Then it’s no good if only I rest. You have to too!”

“I’m fine—full of energy already. No need to worry about me—”

“So you are abandoning me again?”

“W-Whoa! That’s slander, Mengli! When have I ever abandoned you?!”

“Then to prove your innocence... shouldn’t you demonstrate it?”

With a playful smirk, she patted the empty space beside her on the bed—her intention crystal clear.

“Mengli, I really can’t sleep right now. What if I end up disturbing you? Maybe another time...”

“No excuses, Xiao Feng! You brought up resting—so you should lead by example. Otherwise, how can you expect others to follow?”

“So... no running away~”