Let Me Be the One for You...

And so, Ye Feng carried Shen Mengli in his arms to a public beach chair, where the two of them lay together, soaking in the scent of the ocean.

Under the gentle caress of the sea breeze, waves crashed rhythmically against the golden sand, sending ripples across the water's surface. Shen Mengli gazed intently at the long-dreamed-of scenery, finally fulfilling her wish to see the sea.

Sitting beside her, Ye Feng didn’t disturb Shen Mengli’s moment. Instead, he quietly watched the ocean alongside her, his heart tangled in complicated thoughts.

What path should he take from here? Should he remain a machine controlled by the system, or find a way to break free from its shackles?

At this moment, Ye Feng felt as though the road ahead was like the unfathomable depths of the sea—mysterious and fraught with danger.

What... should he do...?

After an unknown amount of time, Shen Mengli snapped out of her reverie and realized Ye Feng had been silent for a while. Curious, she turned her gaze toward him.

"Xiao... Feng?"

"Hmm?"

Hearing her call, Ye Feng withdrew his distant gaze and turned to face her.

"What’s wrong, Mengli? Is the sea breeze too cold?"

Shen Mengli shook her head, shifting her legs slightly to lean closer to him. Then, with a sweet smile, she stretched out her arms and said, "Xiao Feng, can you carry me to your chair? There’s something I want to tell you."

"Wouldn’t it be easier if I just sat next to you?"

"Ah... right."

Seeing that her little trick hadn’t worked, Shen Mengli let out a soft huff but quickly adjusted, making space for him by propping herself up with her hands.

The moment Ye Feng settled onto the sun lounger, Shen Mengli immediately scooted closer, resting her head against his shoulder and pursing her delicate lips, savoring the warmth radiating from him.

"Mengli... with so many people around, isn’t this a bit... inappropriate?"

"What’s inappropriate about it? Xiao Feng, don’t worry about what others think. Our relationship isn’t for them to judge."

"You always see things so clearly, Mengli."

Seeing how unbothered she was, Ye Feng didn’t press further.

"Alright, Mengli, what did you want to talk about?"

"Actually, it’s nothing major. I just wanted to have a heart-to-heart with you."

Shen Mengli tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, her voice softening as if confiding in someone dear to her.

"Xiao Feng, do you ever feel lost?"

Ye Feng hadn’t expected her to bring this up. Caught off guard, he replied,

"Lost? W-what are you talking about? Look at how carefree I am—does it seem like I’m lost?"

"Seems like Xiao Feng can lie too~"

Shen Mengli covered her mouth with a quiet giggle, then reached out to cup Ye Feng’s face, gently pulling him closer.

"Mengli?!"

Ye Feng’s pupils dilated as her face nearly touched his. Just as he was about to turn away, Shen Mengli withdrew her hand. Still, he averted his gaze, trying to steady his racing heart.

"See? You can’t even look me in the eyes. Still saying you’re not lying?"

Shen Mengli tilted her head, locking eyes with him, clearly pleased with his reaction.

"......"

After a brief silence, Ye Feng finally explained,

"The only reason I didn’t look at you was that we were too close just now. I thought—"

"Thought~ what~?"

Shen Mengli narrowed her eyes like a sly little fox, practically wagging her tail in anticipation of his flustered response.

"Never mind. How did you know I’ve been feeling lost?"

Ye Feng deftly sidestepped the question, steering the conversation back to the original topic.

"Because of your eyes."

Shen Mengli didn’t press him further. Her playful expression softened as she took Ye Feng’s left hand and placed it on her lap.

"Eyes never lie, Xiao Feng. Yours... they look just like mine did when I was lost."

"Like yours back then..."

Ye Feng repeated her words, lowering his head to gaze at her with clouded eyes.

"Am I really that lost? Why can’t I feel it?"

"Yes. I can tell something’s troubling you."

With that, Shen Mengli cupped Ye Feng’s face in her hands, looking up at him with deep affection. For a moment, time seemed to stand still, the world slowing around them.

Her bell-like voice whispered gently in his ear.

"Back then, it was you who pulled me from the abyss. It was you who stayed by my side and gave me hope when I had none. So... let me help you find your way too~"

Ye Feng froze, as if wrapped in a warm current. Before he could react, Shen Mengli leaned in closer.

"Mwah~"

Their voices faded, leaving only the sound of the waves—each ripple like a plucked string resonating in Ye Feng’s heart...

Time slipped by before Ye Feng finally snapped out of his daze. The lingering sweetness on his lips sent an electric tingle coursing through his body.

"Mm!"

Only when he jerked backward did he break free from her embrace. Seeing Shen Mengli’s smug smile, Ye Feng immediately stood up from the lounger.

"Mengli! You... I..."

"Xiao Feng, what are you talking about? I don’t know anything~"

Shen Mengli stuck out her tongue playfully, feigning innocence.

Breathing in the salty air, Ye Feng found his heart still racing, as if shattered by a hammer.

"I... I need to walk for a bit..."

Without another word, he strode away from the beach chair, leaving Shen Mengli lying there, thoroughly pleased.

"Mmm, hehe~"

Resting a slender finger on her lips, Shen Mengli couldn’t help but giggle like a lovestruck girl. Because as Ye Feng left, she had seen it all—the way his eyes darted away, the flustered fumbling as he stood, and most telling of all, the faint blush creeping up to the tips of his ears.