Rising Wind

"Of course I know you're worried about me, Xiao Feng... but hearing you say it feels like you're questioning me."

As the saying goes, relentless offense is no match for measured back-and-forth—otherwise, you’ll leave an opening.

After voicing her thoughts, Shen Mengli pouted and buried her face back into Ye Feng’s chest.

"Xiao Feng... do you admit your mistake?"

"My bad, my bad. I shouldn’t have doubted you like that, Mengli."

"That’s more like it. Since it’s your first offense, I’ll spare your life this time. But next time... it won’t be so easy~"

Hearing the playful tone return to Shen Mengli’s voice, Ye Feng finally relaxed and nodded. "Many thanks for the lady warrior’s mercy. Might this humble scholar inquire if milady desires a meal? I shall venture to the inn to fetch some sustenance."

"Hehe~"

Shen Mengli covered her mouth with a light laugh at Ye Feng’s theatrics, then raised her head to meet his gaze.

"Then... I’ll trouble the young master for his kindness~"

"Only natural... only natural."

With that, Ye Feng helped Shen Mengli onto the bed. As he stood to leave the room, he caught her casting a resentful look his way.

"What’s wrong, Mengli?"

"Young master, you truly lack romance. Are you just going to abandon me here like this?"

"Alright, enough acting. We’re already out of character here."

"Pfft—hahaha~"

Shen Mengli finally burst into laughter, her silver-bell-like giggles brimming with joy. She rested her hands on her thighs and waved at Ye Feng.

"Remember to come back soon, okay?"

"Mm."

......

"Ding."

"Hah... hah... hah..."

As the elevator doors slid open, Xie Yuyan stepped out, panting heavily. The unchanged hallway only amplified the restlessness churning inside her.

"Ye Feng... I want... I want to see you right now."

"No... I can’t rush this! It’s been so long since I last saw him. If I’m too eager, I’ll ruin the mystery."

"Should I dive right in the moment he opens the door? I can’t wait any longer to savor Ye Feng’s taste~"

Muttering to herself, Xie Yuyan wandered until she stood before Ye Feng’s door.

Gazing at the all-too-familiar entrance, a blissful smile curled her lips.

Home... this is my home...

Mine and Ye Feng’s home.

Standing outside, she reminisced about their journey—from their first meeting to their growing closeness, to the delicate relationship that blossomed when she fell for him. Throughout it all, Ye Feng had treated her with unwavering gentleness. For a killer like her, it was an unfamiliar warmth. The moment his kindness thawed her frozen heart, she knew she was addicted to this man named Ye Feng.

After steadying her emotions, Xie Yuyan slowly raised her hand, pursed her lips, and lightly knocked.

"Knock knock."

"......"

Did... Ye Feng not hear her?

Her smile faded when no response came. After a few seconds, she knocked again, harder this time.

"Knock knock knock."

Even now, she clung to the hope that he might be showering or asleep.

"Pitter-patter."

"Boom."

The rain and thunder outside grated on her nerves. She hadn’t expected her long-awaited homecoming to turn out like this.

"Hah..."

Taking a deep breath, her eyes sharpened. She hammered on the door with even greater force.

"Bang bang."

"......"

Still, silence answered her.

"Ye Feng... you’re... being naughty."

Three attempts with no reply finally wore her patience thin.

Her voice turned icy as she slid a slender hand to her collar and reached inside—

(Key)

—pulling out the key she’d carefully preserved. Without hesitation, she inserted it into the lock.

"Disobedient children need to be taught a lesson. Ye Feng, you’d better be prepared."

"Click."

The lock turned, and Xie Yuyan stepped inside......

"Bang bang bang."

Carrying a takeout bag from the hotel restaurant, Ye Feng froze mid-step as a sudden pang gripped his chest. His breath hitched, and for a moment, he couldn’t move.

"Hah... hah..."

Leaning against the wall, he gasped for air, fighting to stay conscious.

What’s happening to me? Why this sudden reaction?

Clutching his chest, he staggered toward his room, deciding at least to reach safety first.

"Beep beep beep."

Just as his vision blurred, the system’s alarm blared in his mind.

Waves of distress crashed over him, but he pushed them aside, forcing himself forward step by step.

"Click."

With great effort, he turned the key and shut the door behind him.

Meanwhile, Shen Mengli, sitting on the bed, was about to ask why he’d taken so long—until she saw his state. Instantly, she bit back her words, scrambling toward him without care for her own legs. She snatched the takeout bag from his hand, set it aside, then tugged him closer by his collar.

"Xiao Feng, I’m here... I’m right here with you! It’s okay, it’s okay."

At first, Ye Feng resisted weakly, but hearing Shen Mengli’s voice in the haze, he gradually relaxed, letting her pull him in.

After a herculean effort, she hauled him onto the bed and checked his condition.

A quick inspection revealed nothing unusual beyond his racing heartbeat. Chalking it up to exhaustion, she propped his head on her pillow and began massaging his temples.

"It’s alright... you’ll be fine, Xiao Feng. I’m here. I’ll stay with you. No matter what, I won’t leave your side. So please, don’t worry, okay? I won’t go anywhere..."