The Bridge to Strengthen Bonds

"Hey! Mengli, are you sure you're cold? Why does it feel like you're so warm you're sweating?"

The moment Shen Mengli hugged him, a wave of heat surged toward Ye Feng.

Shen Mengli's embrace paused briefly before she stammered, "N-no... I'm not warm at all..."

"But this sweat..."

"It's cold sweat!"

She cut Ye Feng off, then unceremoniously burrowed deeper into his arms.

"Now it's much cozier."

Though Shen Mengli was glistening with sweat, Ye Feng didn’t catch even a hint of unpleasant odor—instead, there was a faint, delicate fragrance.

Was this the special constitution of a beautiful girl? Or... was it because of that pill?

As Ye Feng pondered, Shen Mengli adjusted herself into a comfortable position and settled down.

"Xiao Feng... you wouldn’t dislike me if I smelled, would you?"

"Huh? Of course not! You smell... I mean, no, there’s no issue at all."

Ye Feng nearly blurted out that she smelled lovely but caught himself, realizing it might sound inappropriate. He quickly corrected his words.

"Mmm... as long as it’s fine."

Shen Mengli had clearly heard the word "lovely." Reassured that he didn’t mind, she shifted slightly against him.

"Alright, Mengli, if you keep this up, you’ll push me right off the bed..."

"Mmm... so warm..."

"......"

"Xiao Feng, what time will you be back tomorrow?"

Just as the atmosphere grew quiet, Shen Mengli abruptly changed the subject.

"Probably around the same time as today. Why, is something up?"

"Just... there’s a small favor I’d like to ask."

Her murmur brushed against Ye Feng’s ear, her warm breath tickling his neck—close enough to send a stiffening shiver down his spine.

"Sure, just tell me what you need."

"I... I want to be able to reach you when you’re not home. It’d make me feel better."

"I see..."

Ye Feng nodded. The memory of Shen Mengli’s fall earlier had shaken him badly. Maybe it was time to get her a phone so she could contact him.

Wait—speaking of phones... didn’t he have two? He could just give her one of them!

"Mengli, I’ve got an idea."

"Eh? That was fast!"

"Yeah."

He explained the situation.

"One of my students gave me a phone for tutoring sessions. I usually only carry it when I’m teaching, otherwise it just sits at home. You could use that one to call me."

"But what about your own phone?"

"Mine’s pretty old, and I’m used to it, so..."

"I want yours."

Shen Mengli’s sudden request caught him off guard. He’d assumed she’d prefer the newer one, but here she was insisting on his old device. Flustered, he tried to dissuade her.

"But mine might be inconvenient for you..."

"It’s fine."

She nuzzled against his chest, her voice soft.

"I just need it to contact you. That’s all."

"W-well... alright."

Seeing her determination, Ye Feng relented, gently patting her head.

"It’s getting late. Time to sleep."

"Mmm. Goodnight, Xiao Feng."

"Goodnight, Meng—"

Before he could finish, Shen Mengli suddenly leaned in, pressing a quick kiss to his cheek before retreating again.

"Th-that’s a goodnight kiss. I read about it in a fairy tale when I was little."

"Y-you really don’t have to do that."

Ye Feng’s lips pressed into a thin line, equal parts flustered and bewildered. Lately, Shen Mengli had been getting... awfully close.

"Goodnight."

She neither agreed nor refused, simply uttering the word before falling silent—though her arms tightened around him.

"...Yeah."

After a long stretch of stillness, Ye Feng finally exhaled, staring at the ceiling. With her curled against him, his heart refused to calm, leaving him frozen in place as if spellbound.

Slowly, exhaustion pulled him under, and his arms unconsciously wrapped tighter around Shen Mengli.

Everything was peaceful... serene...

"Mmm..."

A sliver of sunlight slipped through the curtains, rousing Ye Feng. His eyelids fluttered open—only to meet Shen Mengli’s gaze, already awake and watching him. The sight jolted him fully alert.

"M-Mengli? You’re up too?"

"Mmm, just woke up. Guess we’re in sync, huh?"

She giggled behind her hand, though in truth, she’d been awake since before dawn, quietly admiring his sleeping face until now.

Xiao Feng... I’ll always be watching over you. Always...

"Haha, well... time for breakfast. Mind letting go?"

"Sure."

Obediently, Shen Mengli released him. She knew not to push her luck—too much mischief would only make him wary. A little compliance now would pave the way for deeper affection later.

"Good morning, Xiao Feng."

"Morning, Mengli."

Ye Feng slid out of bed, surprised by the pang of reluctance he felt when she released him so easily. The strange emotion only tangled his feelings further.

"Something wrong, Xiao Feng?"

Her concerned voice snapped him out of his daze. He stood abruptly.

"Nothing! Just... wanted to check if you’re still feeling any side effects. Any discomfort left?"

"Oh, that..."

Her eyes sparkled with mischief. Clearly, she planned to milk this "side effect" for all it was worth.

"Not at the moment~"