First Encounter

"There are pros and cons, after all, none of us expected things to turn out like this, did we?"

"Sigh."

Li Jing heaved a deep sigh.

"But Ye Feng genuinely cares about Mu Cheng. As for how things will develop from here, that’s beyond our control."

"True, I quite like that kid Ye Feng too. Yu Xin keeps mentioning him all the time. I wonder what kind of charm he has—back in the day, I, Su Wanli, was quite the dashing gentleman myself."

"Pfft, you’re practically old bacon now, yet you still call yourself a 'dashing gentleman.' Have some shame."

......

"Mmm... this is so delicious. If only Brother Ye Feng were here, he’d love it too."

Meanwhile, in the lounge, Su Yuxin was happily nibbling on a strawberry-flavored cake, her cheeks puffed up like a little hamster. Just as she swallowed, she heard the sound of the lounge door opening.

Huh? Did Father finish the banquet already? Well, that’s fine—I can go home and start planning a special surprise for Brother Ye Feng’s next lesson!

With that thought, Su Yuxin turned around with a smile, only to freeze in place the moment she saw the figure standing motionless at the door.

"Li Mucheng? What are you doing here?"

"Hmph."

Li Mucheng let out a cold snort as she took in Su Yuxin’s shocked expression.

"You seem awfully happy, Su Yuxin. Care to share what’s got you so delighted?"

"Oh? Look who it is—our esteemed Miss Li."

Su Yuxin didn’t hold back either, tilting her head with a mocking smile as she eyed Li Mucheng with disdain.

"To what do we owe the pleasure of your presence, oh untouchable goddess? Slumming it with us mere mortals?"

"Of course. Someone needs to teach a certain thieving little cat to keep her paws to herself."

"Oh~"

Su Yuxin’s expression turned knowing. It was obvious—Li Mucheng had found out about Ye Feng giving her private lessons.

"How impressive, Miss Li. Gathering intel must be child’s play for you. But... between me and Brother Ye Feng, you’re the outsider here."

"Brother Ye Feng? How shameless. I was the one who met Teacher first. Our family was the one who hired him as a tutor. What right does a homewrecker like you have to say such things?"

"Shut your mouth, Li Mucheng!"

Su Yuxin could no longer contain her anger. She pointed a trembling finger at Li Mucheng, her voice rising.

"Homewrecker? Brother Ye Feng doesn’t belong to you! He’s not your property! Just like how you call him 'Teacher,' you should remember your place as his student instead of throwing your weight around!"

"......"

Li Mucheng’s silence caught Su Yuxin off guard. She knew Li Mucheng well—the girl never let herself be cornered. Yet now, she just stared back with something almost like pity.

"Su Yuxin, ever heard the saying 'the early bird catches the worm'?"

"What’s that supposed to mean?"

As Li Mucheng took a step closer, Su Yuxin squared her shoulders defiantly, though her heart clenched like a knife had been driven into it.

No... She’s just trying to provoke me. There’s no way she’d make a move on Brother Ye Feng. And someone like him would never see her that way anyway.

Su Yuxin desperately rejected the thought, but Li Mucheng’s words had already struck a nerve.

"What do I mean? Oh, you’re not worthy of knowing. After all... this is a little secret just between Teacher and me~"

A smug smile curled on Li Mucheng’s lips, though to Su Yuxin, it was nothing but mockery laced with triumph.

I can’t back down now. She’s bluffing. I won’t let her rattle me with a few cheap words.

Su Yuxin lifted her chin proudly, like a dazzling little peacock.

"Hah! You think you’re the only one with secrets? Brother Ye Feng and I have our own things we can’t just share with anyone, you know~"

"Hmph."

Li Mucheng scoffed. To her, Su Yuxin was just putting on a brave face. She’d never recklessly spill anything about Ye Feng—if word got back to him, it’d be disastrous.

"Listen well, Su Yuxin. Stay away from my Teacher. If you keep harassing him, don’t blame me for what happens next."

"I’ll throw those words right back at you, Li Mucheng! Don’t think your high-and-mighty status gives you the right to do whatever you want! Brother Ye Feng would never fall for someone like you!"

That last remark was like a spark igniting gunpowder in Li Mucheng’s heart. When it came to Ye Feng, she couldn’t control her emotions.

"Just you wait, Su Yuxin. It won’t be long before you learn who the real loser is."

Without another glance, Li Mucheng turned and strode out of the lounge. The gauntlet had been thrown—both girls now had the same goal: to win Ye Feng for themselves.

"Li... Mu... Cheng!"

Su Yuxin clenched her fists, her heart in turmoil. With her plans exposed, the road ahead would only get harder.

She’d hoped to quietly deepen her bond with Ye Feng without Li Mucheng’s interference, eventually winning his heart. But now, with Li Mucheng on the warpath, her only chance was to make the most of their next lesson.

"Li Mucheng, you’re destined to lose."

......

"Meng Li, isn’t it about time?"

"Not yet~ Don’t be so impatient, Little Feng~"

Shen Mengli nestled into Ye Feng’s arms, her eyes closed in contentment. Ever since her "special rehabilitation training" began, their physical closeness had increased—and with the excuse of "side effects," Ye Feng couldn’t exactly refuse.

"Purrr~"

Watching her curl up like a purring kitten, Ye Feng’s breathing grew uneven.

"Little Feng, if I ever walk again... will you take me to see the ocean?"

"Hmm? The ocean?"

"Yes, the ocean."

Shen Mengli lifted her head, gazing deeply at the man who’d reignited her will to live.

"My parents and I... we were on our way to see the ocean when the accident happened. So..."

"Of course I will!"

Before Shen Mengli could finish her sentence, Ye Feng interrupted her, his voice brimming with determination.

"Let’s go see it together—the ocean."

"Little Feng..."

Tears shimmered in Shen Mengli’s crimson eyes, his words sending ripples through her heart.

"Okay, let’s go together~"