The Obligations That Important People Should Fulfill

Li Mucheng gazed at the plate of steamed buns and soy milk in front of her before lifting her eyes to meet Ye Feng, who sat across from her.

"What's wrong? Don't you like it, Mucheng?"

"No."

Li Mucheng shook her head, picking up a steamed bun with her chopsticks and bringing it to her lips.

"I’ve never eaten in such a lively, ordinary place before. Now that I think about it, it feels quite nice."

Ye Feng understood what she meant—someone of her status, a young lady from a prestigious family, naturally wouldn’t dine in places like this.

Seemingly worried that Ye Feng might misinterpret her words, Li Mucheng quickly set the bun back in her bowl and hurried to explain, "Teacher, please don’t misunderstand. What I meant was that eating with you, no matter where, is..."

"I get it, Mucheng. It’s good to experience new things once in a while."

Ye Feng waved his hand dismissively, showing he wasn’t bothered, then glanced at the still-steaming buns and urged her.

"Alright, Mucheng, eat up before it gets cold. That wouldn’t be good for you."

"Mm, thank you for understanding, Teacher."

Li Mucheng gave a slight nod before taking a small bite of the bun. After chewing a few times, she realized it wasn’t as unappetizing as she’d imagined. Instead, it was fragrant and delicious, prompting her to pop the whole bun into her mouth.

"How is it? Not bad, right?"

"Mm."

Li Mucheng nodded with her cheeks puffed out, but she soon caught herself, covering her mouth with one hand and lowering her head as she chewed vigorously. Only after swallowing did she finally lower her hand.

"Sorry, Teacher. I got carried away..."

"It’s fine. No need to be so formal with me. Why bother with all those stiff manners between us?"

"Y-Yes... After all, we’re already so close..."

"Huh? What was that last part, Mucheng?"

"Ah! N-Nothing! I just meant you’re absolutely right, Teacher."

"Alright, alright. Try the soy milk. I don’t know if you like it sweet, but you can add more sugar if it’s too bland."

"Okay."

Li Mucheng lifted the cup of soy milk and took a sip, then pursed her lips slightly.

"The flavor is just right. The rich bean aroma is quite smooth."

"Glad you like it."

Seeing Li Mucheng in such a different state compared to yesterday, Ye Feng finally relaxed. Though he wasn’t sure how she felt about Su Yuxin, since she hadn’t brought it up, she’d probably moved on. It was better not to pry—letting things settle quietly might be for the best.

"Oh, Teacher."

Between small bites of her bun, Li Mucheng spoke up.

"How are you feeling today? Any discomfort?"

"None at all. In fact, I feel refreshed—must’ve slept well."

"I see... Teacher, your body is quite... sturdy..."

"Mucheng, that’s the wrong word. ‘Sturdy’? More like ‘healthy,’ don’t you think?"

"Ah! Right! Healthy... healthy..."

Li Mucheng buried her face low, as if afraid Ye Feng might notice something amiss.

After finishing breakfast, Ye Feng hailed a cab to take them to the apartment. During the ride, he gave Li Mucheng a light scolding.

"Mucheng, I know you want to experience new things, but sneaking out like you did today can’t happen again, understand?"

"Okay... I was being selfish today. I’m sorry, Teacher."

"Huh?"

Ye Feng hadn’t expected her to be so unusually compliant. Aside from sneaking out to see him, she hadn’t argued with a single thing he said—just listened obediently.

Has Mucheng been possessed? She’s never like this...

"Mucheng?"

"Yes, Teacher?"

At his call, Li Mucheng lifted her head and looked at him meekly, not uttering a single unnecessary word.

"Mucheng... don’t you have anything to say?"

"Say what? What do you mean, Teacher?"

"Like... being your usual lively self?"

"I don’t quite follow, Teacher."

Li Mucheng folded her hands over her skirt, then—to Ye Feng’s surprise—leaned slowly against his shoulder.

"M-Mucheng?"

"Teacher... is this lively enough?"

"N-No! That’s not what I meant! You always had your own opinions before. Why are you just going along with everything I say now? It’s... unsettling."

"As your student, shouldn’t I listen to you? Besides... you’re already someone important to me. I might not know what to do next, but I’ll fulfill my duties as... someone important should!"

"Wait—"

Ye Feng was utterly baffled by her words. Something felt off, like they were having two entirely different conversations.

"Teacher... could I ask a small favor?"

Suddenly, Li Mucheng’s lips brushed close to his ear as she whispered.

"I woke up a bit too early this morning. Would it be alright if I rested my head on your shoulder for the ride? Just a short while..."

"That’s not a problem, but Mucheng, you’re the young lady of the Li family. If someone sees us like this—"

"It’s fine, Teacher. Just for a little while, okay?"

"Alright... fine."

Considering they were in a cab and the driver was focused on the road, Ye Feng reluctantly agreed. The moment he did, Li Mucheng’s head settled against his shoulder, her dark hair cascading down his arm. A faint floral scent drifted from her, forcing Ye Feng to stare rigidly out the window.

Strange. Since when did my self-control get so weak? The old me wouldn’t be this affected. Is it because I’ve been around these girls too long?

Lost in thought, he only snapped back to reality when the driver announced their arrival, gently nudging the dozing Li Mucheng awake.

"Mucheng, wake up. We’re at the apartment."

"Mmm... Teacher..."

"Let’s get out first. We’ll talk more inside."

Seeing her dazed, half-asleep expression, Ye Feng suspected she wasn’t fully awake yet. He opened the car door and guided her out...