Li Mucheng Appears Out of Nowhere

"Ding ding ding!"

With the crisp sound of an electronic ringtone, Ye Feng handed his phone to Shen Mengli.

"Mengli, I've already set up the ringtones and contacts for you. If anything comes up, just call me directly. But during class hours, it's safer to text me, okay?"

"I understand. Thank you, Xiao Feng."

Shen Mengli took the phone from Ye Feng with both hands, secretly delighted. On one hand, she was using something that carried traces of Ye Feng's presence, and on the other, she could learn more about him through his phone.

"Also, I’ve already prepared lunch for you in advance. Make sure to take good care of yourself, alright?"

"Don’t worry, Xiao Feng. I will."

Shen Mengli flashed Ye Feng a sweet smile and waved at him with the tiny paw of the teddy bear plushie in her hand.

"Then... take care on your way, Xiao Feng."

"You silly girl."

Seeing Shen Mengli, who had grown healthier and more cheerful, Ye Feng couldn’t help but smile warmly. Watching her gradually move in a positive direction was a good thing for him too.

After saying goodbye to Shen Mengli, Ye Feng stepped out the door...

"Hehe."

Once Ye Feng was gone, Shen Mengli poked her fair, slender thigh. After confirming once again that she could feel it just like yesterday, she slowly wheeled herself to the couch and began examining Ye Feng’s phone.

"Hmm... Xiao Feng’s contacts are still the same as before, and the call log looks normal too. Is there anything I might have missed?"

She tapped through the photo album, messages, and other icons on Ye Feng’s phone but found nothing unusual. Just as she was about to give up, she suddenly noticed an icon labeled "Browser."

"Oh? What’s this? It looks like something you can browse with. I’ve used the headmistress’s phone before, but I’ve never seen this."

Curious, Shen Mengli opened Ye Feng’s browser. As various pop-ups—news or ads of little importance—appeared, she quickly grasped its function.

"It’s like a TV where you can browse all sorts of things..."

She skimmed through casually until her eyes landed on an icon in the middle of the screen labeled "My Favorites." Like a treasure hunter who had just struck gold, her eyes instantly sparkled.

"This... this must be what Xiao Feng is most interested in!"

Without realizing it, she let out a small gasp and eagerly tapped the icon with her finger...

......

"Huh? Why do I feel like someone’s watching me?"

Ye Feng shivered as he stepped out of the apartment, an inexplicable unease creeping over him, though he couldn’t pinpoint the reason.

Just then, a figure suddenly appeared in front of him. As Ye Feng moved to sidestep, he realized it was Li Mucheng, dressed in casual homewear.

"Good morning, Teacher~"

"Wha—?! Mu... Mucheng?! What are you doing here?"

Before Ye Feng could recover from his shock, Li Mucheng suddenly looped her arm through his and rested her head against his shoulder. She whispered softly into his ear:

"Shh... Teacher, keep your voice down. I sneaked out—if anyone finds out, it’ll be bad."

"What? Mucheng, why would you do this? I already told you it’s dangerous for you!"

"I’m sorry, Teacher... I just wanted to see you..."

Li Mucheng lowered her head apologetically, her voice tinged with dejection.

"I thought you’d be happier to see me..."

"No, no, Mucheng, I’m not scolding you. I’m just worried about your safety."

"I understand, Teacher. It’s just... I’ve been feeling a little uneasy."

Li Mucheng clung tightly to Ye Feng’s arm. After what had happened the day before, her health had improved. But ever since she’d tucked away the symbol of her and Ye Feng’s love, her mind had been filled with thoughts of him—even in her dreams. At the same time, she couldn’t shake her unease about Su Yuxin’s appearance. She’d barely slept all night, trying to figure out how to deal with Su Yuxin.

Her worries had led her to Ye Feng’s apartment early in the morning. Thanks to the tracker, she’d been able to follow his movements and intercept him outside.

Looks like Teacher is still living alone... I don’t know why I was so worried.

"You really shouldn’t be so reckless. What if Ah Fu finds out and reports to your father? Mucheng, you’re not usually this impulsive."

"I know, Teacher. I won’t do it again."

Li Mucheng nodded slightly, putting on the obedient student act.

"Good. Have you eaten breakfast yet?"

Li Mucheng didn’t answer, only shaking her head.

"You..."

Ye Feng tapped her forehead lightly with his finger, sighed, and then led her toward a nearby breakfast shop.

"Teacher, where are we going?"

Li Mucheng clung to his arm, curious. This was the first time she and Ye Feng were chatting outside of home. Is this what people call... a date?

At the thought, her usually cold cheeks flushed slightly, and she tightened her grip on his arm.

"Mucheng... Could you go find a seat first? The shop right in front of us is a breakfast place. Since you haven’t eaten, you should at least fill your stomach. It might not be as fancy as what you usually have, but it’s better than nothing."

"O-okay. I understand."

Li Mucheng nodded and let go of his arm. Hearing how much Ye Feng cared for her, she obediently took a seat at one of the shop’s benches.

"Phew..."

Ye Feng exhaled deeply. He hadn’t expected Li Mucheng to show up at his doorstep like this. Thankfully, she hadn’t barged in like Su Yuxin had last time—otherwise, Shen Mengli’s presence would’ve been exposed.

Better to avoid unnecessary trouble. Ye Feng didn’t want to stir up more complications, so he quickly ushered Li Mucheng away from the apartment.

"It’s just simple fare. I hope you don’t mind, Mucheng?"

After buying a basket of steamed buns, Ye Feng placed a bowl of soy milk in front of Li Mucheng. Steam rose from the food as he handed her a pair of disposable chopsticks.

"Thank you, Teacher."

Li Mucheng took the chopsticks and looked up at him.

"Aren’t you eating, Teacher?"

"Me? I already ate at home. Who knew I’d run into you?"

Ye Feng shrugged helplessly, then gestured to the soy milk.

"Eat while it’s hot. It won’t taste as good once it cools down."