Paper That Cannot Contain Fire

Dream Li, did you misunderstand what I just said?

Ye Feng looked helplessly at Shen Mengli, who was full of anticipation.

"What I meant was, Mengli, even though you're wary of everything, this particular matter isn’t something to worry about. But you should also know there’s still goodness in this world."

"I know that."

Shen Mengli met Ye Feng’s gaze, her voice sweet.

"Xiao Feng... is the most important person to me. The best part of my world."

"Mengli, you..."

"That’s why I want to protect you properly! I absolutely won’t lose you, so Xiao Feng, promise you won’t lose me either, okay?"

Shen Mengli interrupted him, her eyes glistening with unshed tears by the end. It was clear she already knew her words were just a feeble attempt to hold onto Ye Feng’s affection.

At that moment, Ye Feng’s large hand gently rested on Shen Mengli’s head. Watching this girl—whom he had brought home, who had gradually opened her heart after so much confusion—filled him with warmth.

"Okay."

"Mhm."

Shen Mengli was clearly satisfied with his answer. Slowly, she leaned toward him, resting her head on his shoulder. When he didn’t move, she let her full weight settle against him.

"Xiao Feng... what are you going to do with these clothes?"

"Ah, these... I’ll probably wear them. After all, it’s Yu Xin’s kind gesture. Besides, she’s just as cute and sensible as you are. Maybe I should introduce you two sometime? I’m sure you’d get along."

"Really? I’m curious to meet this Sister Yu Xin."

Shen Mengli nodded slightly, though she knew competing with a wealthy heiress was impossible. But Ye Feng was her one and only. No matter what, she wouldn’t let anyone take him away. If she couldn’t protect him, she’d make sure no one else could hurt him either.

"Mengli, it’s about time. I should go wash the dishes. Do you mind sitting here for a bit?"

"Okay~"

Obediently, Shen Mengli pulled her head back, watching Ye Feng’s retreating figure while clutching the hem of her skirt tightly.

If... if only I could stand up... maybe Xiao Feng would like me a little more?

Why... why did he stop mid-sentence earlier? I have this strange feeling—like he wanted to say something about my legs.

......

"Young Miss, you must stay calm! My investigation is still preliminary. We can’t confirm whether Ye Feng and Su Yuxin have any connection yet, so there’s still room for—"

"Hmph."

Li Mucheng’s icy snort cut off Ah Fu’s attempts to dissuade her.

"Room? What room is left? I know Su Yuxin all too well. The moment she saw Teacher, she was jumping around like an excited monkey. And now they’ve been spotted together? It’s obvious she found out about him... after I did!"

On the other end of the call, Li Mucheng gripped her bedsheet tightly, the joy she’d felt earlier about Ye Feng’s upcoming lesson evaporating instantly.

Hearing the growing chill in her voice, Ah Fu tried again to calm her.

"Y-Young Miss, actually—"

Click.

Before he could finish, Li Mucheng hung up. Sensing disaster, Ah Fu immediately dialed Ye Feng’s number.

This is bad! Is the Young Miss planning to— No, no! This will end in disaster!

Ring... "Sorry, the number you are calling is currently busy..."

The busy tone felt like a plunge into an icy abyss. Ah Fu’s hand fell limply to his side.

"It’s over..."

......

"Hello? Mucheng? What’s up so late?"

Ye Feng, who had just finished washing the dishes, was chatting with Shen Mengli on the couch when the phone rang, shattering the peaceful atmosphere. Shen Mengli glared at the device, resentment clear in her eyes.

"Good evening, Teacher. I called because there’s something I’d like to ask you."

Li Mucheng’s tone was calm, but Ye Feng couldn’t shake the feeling there was something unspoken beneath her words.

"Uh... maybe wait until tomorrow’s lesson?"

"That’s not up to you, Teacher. I want my answer now."

In an instant, her voice turned frigid—just like when they’d first met.

"Then... go ahead. What’s so urgent?"

"You already know, Teacher."

She paused, as if waiting for him to fill in the blanks.

"If you tell me now, maybe nothing will happen~"

"......"

Ye Feng fell silent. Only when he felt a gentle tug on his sleeve did he snap back to reality.

Seeing Shen Mengli’s worried expression, he gave her a reassuring nod. But she could clearly see the tension in his face. Her dislike for this "Mucheng" grew, but so did her concern for Ye Feng.

"Sorry, Mucheng. I really don’t know what you’re getting at."

"I see... Teacher has been bewitched by her, hasn’t he?"

Her voice grew faint, as if she’d given up on something.

Staring at the fox mask in her hand, Li Mucheng’s vision blurred.

Why? Why would you lie to me, Teacher? The one who should be by your side is me! Why are you teaching Su Yuxin? And why are you protecting her...

No! Teacher must be under some kind of coercion—or temptation! He risked his life to save me. That proves he cares. It has to be that!

"Hey... Teacher, have you been secretly teaching someone else behind my back?"

Suddenly, she shifted the topic.

"Of course not! You know you’re my only student right now."

Ye Feng answered instantly. Su Yuxin had made him promise not to tell Li Mucheng—though he didn’t understand why. Afraid hesitation would betray him, he didn’t pause for even a second.

No good, no good at all~