Shen Mengli's Counterattack

Noticing that Ye Feng seemed somewhat uneasy, Shen Mengli didn’t back down. She knew this might be her only chance! If she didn’t seize it properly, Ye Feng might never be this close to her again.

Absolutely! She absolutely couldn’t retreat!

Just as Shen Mengli had anticipated, Ye Feng was subtly inching toward the door. If she didn’t stop him now, he would likely make up an excuse to distance himself in the next second.

"Uh... Mengli, I should—"

"Xiao Feng!"

Shen Mengli cut him off, then patted the blanket beside her with a gentle look.

"Come sit with me, okay?"

"No... Mengli, I just want some time alo—"

"Sit! Down! Here!"

Shen Mengli frowned, her tone rising sharply. It was clear she was revealing a side of herself she rarely showed—all to keep Ye Feng from leaving.

"......"

Meeting her resolute gaze, Ye Feng took a deep breath. Reluctantly, he finally sat beside her.

"Mengli, whatever it is, just tell me directly. I think between us..."

As Ye Feng began to voice his thoughts, Shen Mengli suddenly reached out and cupped his face in her hands.

"Mengli?"

"Do you trust me, Xiao Feng?"

"Of course I do. Why?"

"Then relax and let me take care of everything, okay?"

Hearing this, Ye Feng couldn’t help but recall the earlier intimate moment between them and quickly shook his head. "No, that’s not necessary. Mengli, you’re a grown woman, and we shouldn’t..."

"Shh."

Placing a finger on his lips, Shen Mengli gently guided his head down onto her lap. Then, in a soft whisper near his ear, she murmured:

"I know you’ve been under so much pressure lately, but I can’t bear... can’t bear to see you hurting yourself because of it. All I want is for you to be healthy. That’s enough for me."

"Mengli..."

Lying in her embrace, Ye Feng looked up at her tender expression, and the tension in his heart slowly melted away.

"There isn’t much I can do for you, Xiao Feng, but for your well-being, I’d give anything to ease even a little of your pain. So... will you let yourself relax for me?"

"......"

When Ye Feng remained silent, Shen Mengli grew more confident. She began massaging his temples with delicate fingers, continuing in that same soothing tone.

"Don’t feel embarrassed, Xiao Feng. To me, you’re like the dearest family I could ask for. Since you’ve made me feel that way, of course I’ll treat you the same. Meeting you has been the happiest thing in my life so far."

"Mengli..."

Under her sweet words, Ye Feng’s defenses crumbled completely. He lay quietly in her arms, breathing in her faint, comforting scent, until his consciousness grew hazy. The exhaustion in his body deepened with every moment of relaxation she gave him, until finally, he could no longer resist and drifted into a deep sleep.

"Xiao Feng..."

Looking down at his peaceful face, Shen Mengli exhaled in relief, pressing a hand to her chest. She knew—if she hadn’t called him back in time, an invisible wall might have formed between them forever. That wasn’t what she wanted.

But thankfully, she’d succeeded.

Gently stroking his cheek, she whispered: "Who is it? Who is the person in Xiao Feng’s heart?"

That person must mean so much to him.

The thought sent another pang through her chest. She knew she was too late, and she couldn’t help but envy the woman Ye Feng still longed for.

But from the looks of it, that woman had abandoned him. Which meant... there was still a chance!

If she just... took it slow, step by step, until he let his guard down completely... Even if that woman returned, it would be too late by then.

Clenching her fists, Shen Mengli seemed to solidify her resolve.

I’ll make sure Xiao Feng sees only me!

......

"Clang—"

A dagger clattered to the ground with a metallic ring. Following the sound, a slender figure cloaked in black stood holding a bloodstained blade, while before her stretched a sea of crimson.

"Haah... Haah..."

Xie Yuyan glared down at the lone survivor kneeling before her, her gaze icy with disdain.

"Is this all you’ve got? Genetic modification—what a joke."

"Hah... Do you really think that, Cold Snake?"

The man chuckled weakly, lifting his head. Though barely clinging to life, he still managed a twisted smile.

"The Pavilion Master said... she’s waiting for you on the island. Everything ends there. You’ll learn what it means to oppose the Shadow Pavilion..."

"Slice—"

A flash of steel cut through the air. Without hesitation, Xie Yuyan turned and strode away. This had been the Shadow Pavilion’s last stronghold. Now, only one target remained—the place she despised most in this world.

"Xiao Feng... Wait for me. Just one last step. You must have been so lonely without me, right? But don’t worry... When I return, we’ll be together... every day... every night... forever..."

As if recalling something sweet, a chilling yet beautiful smile curved her lips—like a lone blossom blooming in a blizzard.

Strange. Why did her chest feel so tight? As if... she was about to lose something.

...Must be her imagination.

......

"Mmm..."

A ray of morning sunlight streamed through the window, rousing Ye Feng from sleep.

But instead of his own ceiling, the first thing he saw was Shen Mengli’s radiant smile.

"Good morning, Xiao Feng."

"M-Morning, Mengli!"

The moment he registered her presence, Ye Feng jolted upright.

Glancing around, he realized he was still nestled in her arms—and she hadn’t moved an inch from how she’d held him all night.

"M-Mengli! Were you like this the whole time?!"

"Mhm."

"Wh-Why?!"

"Didn’t I tell you yesterday? For you, I’d do anything. So please... don’t leave me, okay?"