First Encounter in the Elevator

“Teacher, can I ask you a question?”

Li Mucheng hesitated for a moment as the end of the class was approaching, but she couldn't help but speak up.

“What is it?”

“What do you like to do in your free time, Teacher?”

“That’s quite a broad question, but what I look forward to most is buying a small house of my own when I have the money. I’d like to grow some vegetables and fruits in my spare time and live a carefree life.”

Seeing that Li Mucheng didn’t respond, Ye Feng continued talking to himself.

“Sounds pretty unambitious, doesn’t it? In a bustling city like this, who would want to live a rural life?”

“Not at all!”

Li Mucheng shook her head in denial.

“I think your idea is wonderful, Teacher. It sounds so peaceful and happy.”

It seemed that Li Mucheng had already imagined herself living Ye Feng’s life, her eyes filled with his image.

“Is that so? I guess we think alike.”

“Hehe.”

“Well, it’s getting late. Miss, you should rest now. I’ll take my leave.”

“Mmm... Goodbye, Teacher~”

This time, Li Mucheng didn’t try to stop Ye Feng from leaving. She could see a hint of weariness in his expression, and she knew it was because of the trouble she had caused him.

“Goodbye.”

As Ye Feng left, Li Mucheng’s smile instantly vanished. She stared at the empty chair beside her, lost in thought.

...

“Ding dong.”

As the elevator doors opened, the crowd inside rushed to exit, and Ye Feng quickly stepped aside to avoid any unnecessary conflict.

Sure enough, Ye Feng noticed a frail figure struggling to stay upright in the chaotic flow of people, at risk of being trampled.

“Ugh...”

Su Yuxin looked around, overwhelmed by the crowd, unsure of where to go. In her panic, she ended up standing still, which only made things worse as people bumped into her shoulders.

Her fragile body couldn’t handle the repeated collisions. After one particularly hard bump, she lost her balance and fell straight to the ground.

Su Yuxin was so scared that she could barely think straight. She regretted not telling her family about her plan to visit Li Mucheng. If only she had brought a bodyguard along after hearing the news.

Just as she was about to hit the ground, a strong arm caught her, and her head buried itself into a warm chest.

“Umm...”

“Are you okay?”

A soothing voice echoed in Su Yuxin’s ears, filling her with a sense of security and warmth.

“So... so warm...”

“Miss? Are you listening?”

“Huh?”

Under the gentle reminder, Su Yuxin finally snapped back to reality. She realized she was still in someone’s arms and quickly pulled away, her face as red as a ripe apple.

“Th-thank you, really, thank you so much~”

Su Yuxin bowed repeatedly like a little chick pecking at grains, her movements almost mechanical.

“It’s alright, as long as you’re safe. Next time, don’t just stand still in a crowd like that. It’s dangerous.”

“I’ll be careful, thank you.”

Su Yuxin finally looked up to see the face of her savior. When she recognized Ye Feng’s features, she froze, her mouth hanging open.

“Hmm? Did I have something on my face?”

Seeing her dazed expression, Ye Feng touched his own face.

“Ah!”

Realizing her rudeness, Su Yuxin frantically waved her hands.

“N-no, it’s not that, I just...”

“Alright, don’t worry about it. The elevator’s empty now, so I’ll head out. Goodbye.”

With the crowd mostly cleared, Ye Feng took the opportunity to step into the elevator, completely unaware that Su Yuxin had more to say.

“I just wanted to know your name... Huh?”

Blushing, Su Yuxin finally voiced her thoughts, but when she looked up, Ye Feng was already gone.

“Strange... where did that kind man go?”

Disappointed, Su Yuxin pouted and made her way to Li Mucheng’s ward.

Soon, with the help of a nurse, Su Yuxin arrived at Li Mucheng’s room. Ah Fu, who was guarding the door, immediately stood up when he saw the daughter of his boss’s good friend. He greeted her with a bow.

“Miss Su, hello.”

“Ah Fu, is Mucheng in there?”

“Yes, Miss Su. You can go right in.”

“Thank you.”

Excited, Su Yuxin knocked on the door and entered.

Li Mucheng noticed the door opening and initially thought it was Ah Fu with something to say. But when she saw it was Su Yuxin, she was surprised.

“Yuxin? What are you doing here?”

“Mucheng~ Are you okay~”

Seeing her best friend safe and sound, Su Yuxin’s heart finally settled. She rushed to Li Mucheng’s bedside and hugged her.

“You scared me to death. If it weren’t for my father telling me you were sick, I wouldn’t have known.”

“Wait, Yuxin... how did your father know I was sick?”

“Well, it was Mucheng’s father who told my father over the phone. Actually, Uncle Li...”

Su Yuxin suddenly realized she was venturing into forbidden territory and quickly changed the subject.

“Anyway, that’s how I found out. What? Are you keeping this from me too?”

“No! I just didn’t want you to worry about me, Yuxin. You’re my best friend.”

“Well, you should have told me, Mucheng! You can’t keep things from me next time!”

“Alright, alright, I understand.”

Li Mucheng finally showed a genuine smile in front of Su Yuxin, knowing she was her only true friend.

“By the way, Mucheng, do you have time next weekend? Let’s go to the amusement park together~”

“Uh...”

Li Mucheng apologized and shook her head, declining Su Yuxin’s invitation.

“Sorry, Yuxin, I might be busy next weekend.”

“Why? You haven’t come to see me in ages, Mucheng.”

Su Yuxin’s mood visibly dropped when Li Mucheng still refused. Ever since the kidnapping, it was as if Li Mucheng had changed, distancing herself from her.

“Because... I missed some classes, and my teacher decided to make up for them this week. That’s why I won’t have time.”

“Oh... okay, then. Mucheng, just let me know when you’re free, alright?”

Li Mucheng held Su Yuxin’s hands and nodded seriously.

“Of course, no problem!”