The Perplexed Ye Feng

"Tomorrow, I should go and properly apologize to Li Mucheng. If I explain things well, I’m sure she’ll understand."

Ye Feng recalled how Li Mucheng’s personality had brightened under his guidance. Perhaps, with enough sincerity tomorrow, everything would resolve itself smoothly.

"It’s getting late. Time to sleep."

After steadying his emotions, Ye Feng stood up and turned off the bathroom light. As the sudden darkness enveloped him, he relied on his instincts and the faint visibility to make his way toward his bed.

Click.

After gently closing the door, Ye Feng noticed Shen Mengli’s blanket lay perfectly still, suggesting she was already asleep. Careful not to disturb her, he tiptoed to his bedside, sat down slowly, and then slipped under the covers.

"Huh?"

The moment he settled in, warmth from the sheets and blanket enveloped his entire body.

Strange... Why is the blanket so warm? Even after a hot shower, it shouldn’t heat up this fast...

Just as he shifted deeper into the bed, his body bumped into something—followed by a startled yelp from beneath the covers.

"Eek!"

"Wh—did the blanket just come to life?!"

Startled, Ye Feng quickly threw off the blanket and grabbed his phone from the nightstand. The dim screen light revealed the true identity of this "blanket spirit."

There, curled up under the covers, was Shen Mengli, blinking up at him with watery eyes. Her nose and cheeks were flushed pink, and as Ye Feng lifted the blanket, she took small, quick breaths of fresh air.

"Mengli?! What are you doing in my bed? What’s going on?"

Ye Feng hadn’t expected Shen Mengli to be hiding under his blanket. Any exhaustion from the day vanished instantly, replaced by sheer bewilderment.

"I... I..."

Shen Mengli clutched her hands to her chest, too embarrassed to meet his gaze. Her voice was barely a whisper.

"I was worried you’d catch a cold after your shower... so... I warmed the bed for you..."

"W-Warmed the bed?"

"Mhm... This is the only thing I can do for you, Xiao Feng."

"......"

Hearing her words, Ye Feng’s initial urge to scold her faded. He fell silent, watching as Shen Mengli lowered her head under the glow of his phone light. Quickly, he turned it off.

"Mengli, you..."

Ye Feng lowered the blanket and gently tucked it around her. Soon after, Shen Mengli peeked out from under the covers.

"I... I’m sorry, Xiao Feng. Did I scare you? I meant to tell you beforehand, but you took so long to come back... I must’ve dozed off..."

"Don’t apologize, Mengli. Don’t."

Sitting on the edge of the bed, Ye Feng looked at her with warmth swelling in his chest. He knew she was just trying to comfort him in her own small way.

"I see now."

"See what?"

"You really are like a little angel—so kind and gentle."

His voice softened, and for some reason, his eyes stung. Shen Mengli had no obligation to go this far for him. If anything, he was the one who owed her an apology. He’d grown so accustomed to her tenderness that he’d forgotten what it truly meant.

"Eh? A... a little angel?!"

Flustered by his words, Shen Mengli covered her face with her hands—but soon peeked through her fingers, not wanting to miss the sight of Ye Feng’s smile.

"Xiao Feng, I’m not as good as you say... I just... didn’t want you to feel so worn out."

Propping herself up, Shen Mengli gazed at Ye Feng with her captivating ruby eyes—eyes he could never tire of.

Without realizing it, she reached out, cupping his face in her hands before tilting her head with a sweet smile.

"I don’t care what happens to the world. As long as you stay by my side, that’s enough for me."

"Mengli..."

Their faces were now inches apart, and for a long moment, neither spoke, unwilling to break the serene atmosphere. Finally, Shen Mengli moved, pressing herself gently against Ye Feng’s chest. Listening to his racing heartbeat, her lips curled into a soft smile.

"Xiao Feng, can I ask for something selfish?"

"Selfish? Like what...?"

"I want... to take away your exhaustion."

"You mean... like a massage?"

"Well... not exactly..."

Her tone shifted as she lifted her head, meeting his gaze with newfound boldness. Their eyes locked, and Ye Feng suddenly sensed something amiss. Instinctively, he tried to pull back—but he was too late.

"Mengli, wait— Mmph—!"

Before he could react, Shen Mengli cradled his chin and pressed her lips to his.

......

The moment their lips touched, a jolt like electricity shot through Ye Feng’s body, leaving him frozen in place.

Shen Mengli, equally inexperienced in matters of love, relied purely on instinct, leaving them locked in an awkward standstill.

Ye Feng felt an inexplicable pull toward her, his mind blank and body paralyzed. Then, like a flash, the image of another beautiful figure crossed his thoughts. His vision cleared, and he abruptly broke away.

"Mengli..."

Seeing him retreat, a flustered Shen Mengli assumed he was just as overwhelmed as she was. She lowered her head and murmured, "Xiao Feng... that was my first kiss."

Silence lingered. When she finally looked up again, his expression was strange—almost regretful, as if he’d done something wrong.

"Xiao Feng?"

At her call, Ye Feng snapped out of his daze. The sight of her tender gaze filled him with indescribable turmoil.

"I... I’m sorry, Mengli. I..."

"......"

Reading the conflict in his eyes, Shen Mengli felt as though a dagger had pierced her heart. Still, she forced a smile.

"It’s okay, Xiao Feng. I just wanted to ease your burdens. Could you... come closer for a moment?"

But Ye Feng didn’t move. His heart only grew heavier.

What in the world is happening...?