Wriggling Like a Bug

"Meng Li, how do you feel?"

"Hmm... I'm not sure, but I can try."

"Are you really okay with this?"

"Mm... Little Feng, don't worry."

"Alright then... I'm... letting go now."

After lifting Shen Mengli from the bed, Ye Feng carefully placed her on the floor. Outside, the heavy rain continued to pour, but the two of them paid it no mind.

Once he released his supportive hold on Shen Mengli, Ye Feng kept a close watch on her movements, ready to catch her at the slightest sign of unsteadiness.

"Hmm..."

Shen Mengli held her arms out slightly, as if balancing herself. At first, when Ye Feng let go, her body swayed left and right, but she managed to steady herself before falling.

"Meng Li, you... you're standing!"

Ye Feng looked down at Shen Mengli’s feet firmly planted on the ground, his face lighting up with joy. Ever since he had given her the Bone-Restoring Elixir, he had been eagerly awaiting this miracle. And today... it had finally happened.

"Yes, Little Feng... I’m standing..."

But unlike Ye Feng’s excitement, Shen Mengli’s emotions were more subdued. She knew that the moment she could stand again, she would lose some of Ye Feng’s attentive care. Though reluctant, she understood she couldn’t keep him bound to her forever under the pretense of her condition. Besides, if he noticed something amiss later, explaining then would be too late.

Still, this wasn’t entirely a bad thing. She could clearly sense that Ye Feng’s feelings were gradually tilting in her favor. With a little more time, she was certain she could firmly capture his heart.

With that thought, Shen Mengli steadied herself further, standing firmly as she smiled at Ye Feng.

"Little Feng... I did it! I can stand now!"

"That’s great. Meng Li, do you think you can try walking? Don’t worry, I’ll catch you if anything happens."

"Mm."

Shen Mengli nodded softly, placing one hand in Ye Feng’s palm while lowering her gaze to focus on her bare feet. Taking a deep breath, she lifted her leg and took a step forward...

Tap.

The moment her foot touched the cold floor, a look of delight crossed her face. Ever since regaining sensation in her legs, she had longed to walk. Now that she was actually taking steps, how could she not be overjoyed?

"Little Feng, I can... Ah!"

Just as she was about to excitedly announce her success, her eagerness made her lose balance. With a startled cry, she began toppling backward.

"Careful!"

Ye Feng moved swiftly, wrapping an arm around Shen Mengli’s waist and pulling her firmly against him.

"Phew, are you okay, Meng Li?"

He looked at her with concern, noticing she still seemed shaken from the scare.

"I-I’m fine."

Shen Mengli patted her chest lightly before shaking her head.

"Sorry, Little Feng. I got too excited and took too big a step..."

"As long as you’re unhurt, that’s all that matters. Your recovery is what’s important."

"Yes. Just a little more time, and I’ll be... just like a normal person."

Tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear, Shen Mengli smiled softly.

"It’s all thanks to you, Little Feng."

"I made you a promise—I’d never go back on my word."

"Honestly... Little Feng, do you know how easily words like that can make someone’s heart race?"

The sudden shift in Shen Mengli’s tone made Ye Feng stiffen, and he quickly took a few steps back, putting a safe distance between them.

"Giggle~"

Watching him retreat like a startled mouse, Shen Mengli covered her mouth, amused.

"Little Feng, what’s with that reaction? It’s not like I’m going to eat you."

"......"

Ye Feng glanced at her uncertainly, only to realize from her teasing gaze that she had been messing with him.

"You little... you tricked me?"

He marched forward with mock fierceness, glaring at her.

"Don’t say strange things like that anymore, got it? You should know..."

Before he could finish, Shen Mengli suddenly looped her arms around his neck. Just as Ye Feng braced for another prank, soft lips pressed against his.

Mwah~

"Wha—"

Mmm~

Shen Mengli leaned her full weight against him, her intoxicating scent flooding his senses like an addictive drug, stirring his heart.

Chu~

Seemingly well-practiced, Shen Mengli pulled away before Ye Feng could react, slipping out of his grasp and retreating to her bed. She slowly crawled under the covers, leaving Ye Feng standing there, stunned.

"......"

"Meng Li, didn’t I tell you—"

"I don’t care about that. I said I wouldn’t give up. One day, Little Feng, you’ll accept me."

"......"

It was as if Shen Mengli had made up her mind—she was going to cling to Ye Feng no matter what. No matter how he tried to explain, his words always bounced back like a kicked ball.

"Sigh..."

With a deep exhale, Ye Feng ignored the figure hidden under the blankets and headed for the bathroom.

Once the sound of his footsteps faded, Shen Mengli peeked out from under the covers. Confirming he had gone to shower, she quickly rolled herself up like a sushi roll, wriggling around as if to leave her scent all over the blankets.

Sure enough, moments later, she tossed her own blanket onto Ye Feng’s bed and dragged his over to hers.

"Mission accomplished~"

Pulling Ye Feng’s blanket over herself, she snuggled in. The sound of rain outside masked any noise.

"Let my presence linger around Little Feng forever. Once he gets used to it... he’ll find he can’t live without me."

As she murmured this, she touched her fingers to her lips, replaying the memory of their kiss. Blushing, she buried her face and squirmed like a happy little worm.