The Game Between Ye Feng and Shen Mengli

Xie Yuyan had already noticed the appearance of the box. Without hesitation, she hurled the long blade in her hand toward the Pavilion Master’s forehead—but it was too late.

With a sharp tearing sound, the master of the Hidden Pavilion vanished from this world. Yet, the mocking smirk on her lifeless face made it clear—she had left a final trap for Xie Yuyan.

"Tsk, tsk..."

The faint crackling of fire beneath her feet revealed the Pavilion Master’s intent. Gunpowder had been buried there—she intended to drag Xie Yuyan down with her.

"Ha!"

Xie Yuyan let out a sharp cry, kicking off the ground as she curled her body into a tight ball. She minimized her exposure to the blast’s shockwave while propelling herself away from the epicenter.

Sure enough, moments after she leaped, a violent surge of energy erupted from deep underground. The explosion shattered the earth into fragments, and a massive shockwave upheaved the entire ground. A sturdy slab of stone shielded Xie Yuyan from the worst of the impact, but the force still sent her flying.

......

"Crackle, crackle..."

She didn’t know how much time had passed when the sound of flames roused Xie Yuyan from unconsciousness. Her clothes were caked in dust, and blood seeped from wounds across her body.

"No... I can’t pass out. I’ll lose too much blood."

Gritting her teeth against the fog of exhaustion, she forced herself to stand, biting her lip hard enough to draw blood. Fortunately, her injuries hadn’t crippled her. Step by step, she staggered toward the medical supplies.

Each wave of drowsiness made her bite down harder. By the time she overcame it, her lips were raw and bleeding.

Ye Feng... Ye Feng is still waiting for me. And those damned vixens are still eyeing him greedily. I can’t collapse now—not when success is right within my grasp!

Clutching the last threads of her consciousness, Xie Yuyan finally reached the medical supplies. With practiced hands, she bandaged her wounds and applied medicine, finally allowing herself a breath of relief.

Closing her eyes, she recalled the night she had left—her cheeks flushing crimson at the memory.

Ye Feng and I are a perfect match. Our chemistry is undeniable, especially when we come together like a symphony. Those were the most beautiful moments of my life.

Ye Feng... I wonder if you’ve missed our time together? But don’t worry. This time, I won’t let you face the world alone.

......

"I won’t let you be alone anymore, Xiao Feng! From now on, I’ll walk beside you—forever, until the very end!"

Listening to Shen Mengli’s impassioned words, Ye Feng smiled and nodded. To him, this was just her way of expressing gratitude. Once she recovered, he’d arrange a home for her, just like he had for Xie Yuyan, so she too could live an ordinary life.

Maybe the two of them would even find common ground and become close friends, like Li Mucheng and Su Yuxin.

As for himself? Once he rid himself of this damned system—or at least secured enough lifespan—he’d find a quiet place to live in solitude. Better to avoid any more "urgent missions" cropping up unexpectedly. He valued his life too much to risk it recklessly.

With that thought, Ye Feng stretched lazily, his motivation renewed.

Shen Mengli watched him silently, sensing he carried some unfathomable secret but choosing not to pry.

"Xiao Feng, I finished it."

"Ah, already? Mengli, do you want another bowl? The more nourishing soup you drink, the faster you’ll recover."

"Sorry, Xiao Feng... I really can’t drink any more."

Shen Mengli lowered her head, patting her soft, rounded belly as if to prove she was full.

"Alright, then. Let’s rest for a bit before bed. Tomorrow, after I finish teaching my weekend class, I’ll have time to continue your rehab training."

The moment Shen Mengli imagined Ye Feng holding her close, supporting her weight against his body, her face lit up with anticipation. Normally, he only carried her in a princess carry—but today was the first time they’d stood face-to-face like this. And without a doubt, this way was far better.

"Xiao Feng, actually... I think we could start rehab now. The fish soup needs time to digest, and this way, I’ll absorb the nutrients while exercising."

"Hmm... Fine. But just five minutes, okay? Any later, and I’ll be late tomorrow."

Why five minutes? Because this position was far too intimate. With Shen Mengli’s soft body pressed against him and her delicate features stirring his nerves, five minutes was already the limit of his self-control.

If a beautiful girl with snow-white hair and crimson eyes collapsed into his arms, anyone would feel flustered!

"Okay~"

Shen Mengli didn’t push for more. Every second counted—she had to seize Ye Feng before that other important person in his heart reappeared.

"Ahem... Mengli, are you steady?"

"Steady."

"Then let’s start the timer."

By the sofa, they embraced just as before. Shen Mengli nuzzled deeper into Ye Feng’s chest, savoring the moment, while he supported her waist to keep her balanced—though the gesture carried its own hint of ambiguity.

Earlier, Ye Feng had suggested alternatives, like letting her lean against a wall, but Shen Mengli insisted she couldn’t stand without his support. In the end, he relented.

"Thump, thump..."

Listening to Ye Feng’s accelerating heartbeat, Shen Mengli realized he was barely holding on through sheer willpower.

Seems I’ll have to play a little trick. This is like a game between us—I’m the attacker, and he’s the defender.

So what surprise move will make Ye Feng crumble?

After a moment’s thought, Shen Mengli lifted her head.

"Xiao Feng."

"Hmm? What is it?"

As Ye Feng looked down, Shen Mengli suddenly tightened her embrace.

"Hold me tighter, please... I’m so cold..."