Ye Feng's Speculation

"To be honest, I never initially considered becoming Yuxin's tutor. At the time, I received a message that Director Su wanted to see me. When I arrived at the Su Group Building, Director Su proposed that I become Yuxin's private tutor. Due to his acquaintance with Director Li, I couldn’t easily refuse, so I agreed to his terms."

Ye Feng briefly explained the situation to Li Mucheng, who was nestled in his arms. His hands naturally rested at his sides as he glanced down at her motionless figure before continuing.

"As for why I didn’t tell you about this... I was worried it might affect your studies. Besides, Yuxin—Su Yuxin—mentioned that you two are close friends, so I let it go."

From Ye Feng’s explanation, Li Mucheng pieced together several key details. First, Su Wanli’s knowledge of Ye Feng was likely relayed directly by Su Yuxin—meaning Yuxin had already set her sights on Ye Feng back when Li Mucheng was hospitalized due to illness. Second, the only person who could have connected Su Wanli to Ye Feng was her own father. As for Ye Feng’s claim about protecting her studies? She doubted it. Knowing Su Yuxin, the girl was a wolf in sheep’s clothing—outwardly sweet but inwardly calculating, willing to do anything to get what she wanted.

"Is that so, Teacher...?"

"Yes. So don’t worry, Mucheng. You’re my most important student—why would I ever leave you?"

Ye Feng reached out and gently stroked her hair, his tone reassuring.

"Most important student..."

Li Mucheng took a deep breath before sitting up, her dark eyes locking onto Ye Feng with unsettling intensity.

"Then let me ask you, Teacher—who matters more? Me or Su Yuxin?"

Thud.

The question hit Ye Feng like a hammer to the chest.

"Well... Mucheng, I don’t think it’s necessary to compare you two. In my eyes, you’re both my students, and as a teacher, I must remain fair—"

"Who. Is. More. Important?"

She knew he was dodging the question. Her repetition was sharper this time, leaving no room for evasion.

"......"

The coldness in Li Mucheng’s gaze told Ye Feng she was forcing him to choose—and if his answer wasn’t what she wanted, things might turn dangerous.

Could the system’s earlier warning have been about Mucheng?

The more he thought about it, the likelier it seemed. Her home was supposed to be safe—no intruders, no threats. But if the system had triggered an alarm, the danger wasn’t to her... but to him.

Yet how could Li Mucheng ever harm him? Despite her stubborn streak, she’d always been kind. So why...?

Gulp.

Ye Feng swallowed hard before cautiously answering under her piercing stare.

"Of course... you’re more important."

"Really~?"

Instantly, the tension in Li Mucheng’s expression melted away. She nestled back into his arms, clearly pleased.

"I knew it. Teacher, you’re the best~"

"Hahaha..."

Relieved by her return to normalcy, Ye Feng exhaled and patted her shoulder.

"Mucheng, my stomach’s acting up. Mind if I use the bathroom?"

"Huh?! What’s wrong?"

Alarmed, Li Mucheng jerked upright, pressing a hand to his abdomen.

"Should I call the private doctor? It must be that junk food Yuxin fed you—I knew it wasn’t safe!"

"No, no, just a minor stomachache. I’ll be fine after using the restroom."

Forcing a smile, Ye Feng stood and edged toward the door.

"Rest for a bit. I’ll be back soon."

"Okay, Teacher. I’ll wait... forever if I have to."

With a sweet, almost eerie smile, Li Mucheng tilted her head. Her enchanting eyes gleamed like a bewitching black rose.

The moment Ye Feng left, her smile vanished. She uncurled her palm, revealing a tiny electronic needle labeled "For animal use only." After pocketing it, her expression turned icy.

"Su Yuxin... my dear former best friend. Your methods are disgusting. Don’t think your family name lets you take whatever you want. Some things... you’ll never deserve."

——

Hah... Hah...

Inside the locked bathroom, Ye Feng braced himself against the sink, gasping for breath.

Forget about Mucheng for now. The system’s warning—I need answers. A girl like her would never hurt me.

Clutching his intuition, he summoned the long-dormant system panel.

Whoosh.

The panel appeared, first displaying his unclaimed rewards from the earlier mission involving Su Yuxin’s kidnapping. But along the edges, a faint red glow pulsed ominously.

Ignoring the rewards, Ye Feng’s eyes snapped to the flashing red light in the "Archive" section. Tracing it, he noticed something off about Li Mucheng’s profile.

Two progress bars—both at 99%. The second one, however, blazed in crimson text, the characters dripping like blood. Just looking at it made his skin crawl.

What does this mean? The top bar tracks time spent with Mucheng... so is the bottom one a rage meter?

It reminded him of a boss’s enrage mechanic in games—once it hit 100%, all hell would break loose.

So the alarm was warning me to spend more time with her? To keep her from getting angry?

Because an angry girl... was the hardest to pacify.

Ye Feng nodded with his eyes closed, clearly quite pleased with his own deduction.