Shen Mengli Receives a Gift

“Meng Li? Are you really not going to eat?”

After ensuring all the children in the welfare home had finished their meals, the elderly matron walked into the garden and softly addressed Shen Mengli, who was lost in thought while staring at the flower beds.

“You should eat something. Mr. Ye Feng might have already had his meal. It won’t do if you end up starving yourself.”

“It’s alright, Matron. I’m not very hungry right now.”

Shen Mengli forced a faint smile before lowering her gaze, her hands resting on her wheelchair as if lost in contemplation.

“Matron, do you think Xiao Feng got stuck in traffic on his way back? Or maybe he’s still having dinner? It’s so late, and he hasn’t returned yet... Could something have happened?”

“Don’t worry, Meng Li. Mr. Ye Feng promised he’d return soon, and he will.”

“But... but for some reason, my heart won’t stop pounding...”

Shen Mengli hung her head, too hesitant to voice the rest of her thoughts.

“Meng Li...”

The matron grew anxious seeing her like this, but just then, a figure suddenly appeared before her.

......

“Matron, I miss Xiao Feng so much. But... but I don’t want to bother him now. He must have something important keeping him away.”

Shen Mengli gazed at the darkening sky, her expression downcast.

“I wonder how Xiao Feng is doing? He must be having a wonderful time with that young lady. I wish I could go out with him too...”

Just then, Ye Feng’s voice suddenly came from behind her: “Of course you can. If Meng Li wants to go anywhere, there’s no problem at all.”

“How could that be? Xiao Feng, look at me—where could I possibly go in this state... Huh?”

After saying this, Shen Mengli seemed to realize something and quickly turned around. Sure enough, Ye Feng was standing behind her, smiling warmly.

“Xiao... Xiao Feng?!”

“Good evening, Meng Li. Did you miss me?”

“Xiao... Xiao Feng... You heard everything?”

“Every word.”

“P-Please forget it right now!”

Shen Mengli ducked her head like a flustered little quail, unable to meet Ye Feng’s eyes.

Ugh! Why did I embarrass myself in front of Xiao Feng again? The timing couldn’t have been worse!

“Oh? But I remember it all very clearly.”

“N-No more! If you keep talking... I... I won’t go back with you...”

Unable to think of a better excuse, Shen Mengli resorted to threatening him with her own refusal to leave.

“Alright, alright, I’ll stop. I just never knew Meng Li had such rich inner thoughts.”

“Xiao... Feng... Please, no more...”

Within moments, Shen Mengli’s voice had grown as shrill as a boiling kettle, her face burning with embarrassment.

“Fine, I won’t say another word.”

Ye Feng chuckled as he grasped the handles of her wheelchair, then turned to the matron, who was watching them with a knowing smile.

“Sorry for keeping you waiting, Matron. Thank you for taking care of Meng Li today.”

“Oh, Mr. Ye Feng, don’t mention it. I’m just happy you brought Meng Li to visit. The doors of this welfare home are always open to both of you—you’re welcome anytime.”

“Thank you, Matron. You’ve worked hard today. We’ll be heading off now.”

Ye Feng nodded gratefully before crouching down to meet the gaze of Shen Mengli, who was still covering her flushed face with her hands.

“Meng Li, anything else you’d like to say?”

“N-No...” she mumbled.

“Then let’s go. Oh, Matron, I left a small gift on your desk—something for the children.”

“You’re too kind, Mr. Ye Feng. I’ll thank you on their behalf.”

“Matron... goodbye.”

Shen Mengli peeked through her fingers, whispering her farewell.

“Goodbye, Meng Li~”

......

Creak, creak

By the time they returned home, Shen Mengli’s embarrassment had faded. Pressing her lips together as if steeling herself, she turned to face Ye Feng directly.

“What is it, Meng Li?”

“Did... did you have fun today, Xiao Feng?”

“I did.”

“I see...”

Hearing his reply, Shen Mengli’s shoulders slumped, the hopeful glimmer in her eyes dimming visibly.

Of course. Without me around, Xiao Feng is happier. To him, I’m just...

Her thoughts were abruptly cut off when a shopping bag suddenly appeared in her line of sight.

“Wh-What’s this?”

Startled, she looked up at Ye Feng, who was smiling at her. The gesture had clearly taken her by surprise.

“A gift. For you.”

“For... me? A gift?”

Her eyes widened in disbelief before she blinked rapidly, trying to compose herself. But the sudden joy was hard to suppress—especially when it came from the person she cherished most.

“Huh? B-But why? Why would Xiao Feng give me a gift? Th-This doesn’t make sense...”

Clutching the bag to her chest, Shen Mengli fidgeted nervously.

“What, do I need a reason to give you something? Aren’t we good friends?”

Seeing her hesitation, Ye Feng pretended to take the bag back.

“Fine. I went through the trouble of buying it, but if Meng Li doesn’t want it, I’ll just throw it—”

Before he could finish, Shen Mengli lunged forward and snatched the bag back, hugging it tightly.

“No!!”

“Oh? I thought you didn’t like it. Why take it now?”

“Who said I didn’t?! I... I just never expected Xiao Feng to be so kind to me. I haven’t done anything to deserve a gift, and yet... I don’t even have anything to give you in return.”

Her voice trembled, on the verge of tears. Ever since meeting Ye Feng, Shen Mengli—who had once been emotionally reserved—found herself overwhelmed by feelings she couldn’t control.

“Gifts are just a way to express feelings, not obligations. I just wanted to see Meng Li happy—that’s all that matters.”

Ye Feng’s heart ached at her cautious demeanor, and without thinking, he reached out to gently stroke her silver hair.

“Come on, today’s supposed to be a happy day. Don’t you want to see what’s inside?”