The Black Swan at the Banquet

"Mengli... This isn’t quite appropriate, maybe we should..."

Feeling the warmth radiating from Shen Mengli's thigh, Ye Feng couldn’t deny how much he was enjoying it. But Shen Mengli hadn’t fully recovered yet, and he worried this might burden her.

Just as Ye Feng was about to sit up, Shen Mengli gently pressed her hands against his head, holding him in place.

"Mengli?"

Ye Feng looked at her in confusion, clearly puzzled by her actions.

"Xiao Feng."

Shen Mengli called his name softly, then smiled at him.

"You know, Xiao Feng, it’s okay for you to rely on me a little more when you need to. Even if I can’t help much, as long as it’s something you need, I’ll do everything I can for you."

With that, she cupped his face in her hands. Before Ye Feng could react, she leaned in closer, her cascading white hair obscuring his surroundings, leaving only her beautiful face in his vision.

"Mengli..."

"Will you promise me, Xiao Feng?"

"I... I promise."

"Mmm~ Hearing you say that makes me so happy~"

Shen Mengli then lowered herself further, pressing her lips lightly against his in a fleeting kiss.

Though the contact was brief, the lingering sweetness of her lips left a faint fragrance on Ye Feng’s mouth.

"Consider this kiss our promise, okay~"

"......"

Ye Feng stared at her, momentarily speechless, as if she were a painting too exquisite to disturb. He had no idea how to respond.

"Xiao Feng?"

"Ah? Oh! Sorry, Mengli, I should go prepare the ingredients for dinner."

"Alright~"

Watching him hurry away, deliberately avoiding her gaze, Shen Mengli didn’t stop him. Instead, she smiled tenderly, satisfied with his reaction. Her plan had worked.

If she could slowly carve out a place in Ye Feng’s heart, then one day, when he felt lost, it would be her name he called out, wouldn’t it?

"Haah..."

Ye Feng exhaled deeply, staring at the running water in the sink.

What’s wrong with me? Why am I becoming so weak-willed? I wasn’t like this before...

I have to stay firm. I can’t let myself fall. I can’t hurt them. Absolutely not.

Closing his eyes, flashes of the girls he’d grown close to flooded his mind, their shared moments merging into a torrent that surged deep into his heart.

What... should I do?

......

"Old Li, why the long face? Did something happen?"

At the evening banquet, Su Wanli, as usual, sought out Li Jing for a casual chat.

"Ah, Old Su, you’ve really landed me in trouble this time."

Li Jing’s expression darkened further as he looked at Su Wanli.

Earlier, he’d received a report from Ah Fu about Li Mucheng’s reaction. It was clear that all the goodwill he’d painstakingly built up had been wiped out in an instant. He knew his daughter too well—when Li Mucheng appeared calm, it meant the situation was dire.

"What did I do? Are you having business troubles? How is that my fault?"

"Don’t play dumb. Not long ago, Mucheng found out about Ye Feng tutoring Yu Xin. According to Ah Fu, she’s furious."

"What?! Mucheng knows?!"

Su Wanli nearly dropped his wine glass, barely catching it in time. His face mirrored Li Jing’s worry.

"We agreed to keep this under wraps, but now there’s no fixing it. No room for negotiation."

Li Jing sighed deeply, then turned to Su Wanli, who was frowning in thought.

"Well? Aren’t you going to say something? You were full of ideas before."

"Old Li... I’m at a loss too. You’re her father—you know Mucheng’s temper better than anyone."

Seeing Su Wanli at a loss for words, Li Jing waved his hand dismissively. "Fine. So you’re leaving me to clean up this mess alone."

"Look, I had no choice! Yu Xin insisted, and how could I say no?"

Su Wanli’s voice grew quieter, his guilt evident.

"Who’d have thought that kid would be so charming? Even Yu Xin, who’s always been so well-behaved, has become so mischievous lately..."

"Uncle Su, Teacher Ye is not a 'kid.'"

A cold voice cut through the air from behind Su Wanli, freezing him mid-sentence.

"Ah! Right, right! My mistake—I shouldn’t have misspoken."

Su Wanli turned awkwardly, rubbing the back of his head as he faced Li Mucheng, who stood there in an elegant black gown.

Dressed for the banquet, Li Mucheng’s attire was understated yet stunning, her poise and beauty making her the most dazzling presence in the room—like a diamond shining in the dark.

"Good evening, Mucheng. I didn’t expect to see you here tonight."

"Good evening, Uncle Su."

Li Mucheng greeted him politely, though her tone remained icy.

"Uh... Mucheng, about this whole situation..."

"It’s alright, Uncle Su. I understand you were just looking out for Yu Xin."

Her expression remained calm, betraying no anger.

"But don’t you think making such a decision without consulting the people involved is a bit... discourteous?"

"Ah... You’re right. I didn’t think it through properly. My apologies."

Su Wanli looked genuinely remorseful.

"No need to worry. Actually, I came tonight hoping to chat with Yu Xin. Is she here?"

"Yes, of course! It’d be great for you two to catch up. If I remember correctly, she’s in the lounge having cake. You should find her there."

"Then I’ll take my leave. Goodbye, Uncle Su. Father... goodbye."

"Take care..."

Li Jing watched Li Mucheng walk away, pressing a hand to his forehead as his breathing grew heavy.

"Old Su... Do you think hiring Ye Feng was the right decision after all?"