A Call from Shen Mengli

"Ye Feng... does your wound still hurt?"

Perhaps Xie Yuyan didn’t want their morning conversation to end so abruptly. She immediately asked, nuzzling her head against Ye Feng’s chest as she spoke.

"The wound is healing quite well. It shouldn’t take much longer to fully recover."

Ye Feng assessed the condition of his abdomen—compared to yesterday, it seemed to be healing remarkably fast. Was this the enhancement his skill provided?

"Mmm... as long as you’re okay."

Just as Ye Feng was about to get up, Xie Yuyan pressed him back down and said,

"Ye Feng, rest a little longer, okay? I’ll go prepare breakfast."

"No, Xie Yuyan. Even if I wanted to rest, I can’t. My body’s just used to this routine."

Ye Feng declined her suggestion. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to rest, but ever since Xie Yuyan had slept beside him, the entire blanket was now filled with her intoxicating fragrance—one that left his mind anything but calm. Trying to relax under these conditions would be impossible.

He didn’t understand why Xie Yuyan had this effect on him. It was as if something about her drew him in irresistibly. If he had to compare it to anything... it would be like Shen Mengli’s eyes.

"Well... alright then."

Seeing his insistence, Xie Yuyan didn’t press further. With a slight nod, she reluctantly released his arm and sat up from the bed.

"Mmm~ ah~"

She stretched her graceful figure, the morning light casting an alluring glow over her.

Ye Feng wasn’t sure if it was intentional or not, but even though Xie Yuyan had changed into the dress he’d bought her after last night’s shower, one of the shoulder straps had slipped down. Though nothing scandalous was revealed, the situation still carried an awkward tension.

"Heh~"

Xie Yuyan turned her head curiously, sensing Ye Feng’s gaze suddenly shift. Almost as if she’d figured something out, she hummed a little tune and leisurely left the bedroom.

Only after hearing her footsteps fade did Ye Feng finally exhale in relief. At that moment, his phone on the nightstand buzzed to life.

"Huh? Who’s calling this early?"

Curious, he picked it up and saw the caller ID: the director of Hope Welfare Home.

It’s probably Mengli.

Without hesitation, he answered. Before he could even speak, Shen Mengli’s voice came through.

"Xiao Feng!"

"Ah, I knew it was you. Good morning, Mengli."

"G-Good morning."

On the other end, Shen Mengli seemed to realize her tone had been too urgent. She quickly steadied herself, responding with deliberate softness.

"Mengli, did you sleep well at the welfare home last night?"

Ye Feng couldn’t help but ask, concerned. Though he trusted the director would take good care of her, a part of him still worried.

"Xiao Feng... thank you for asking. The director and everyone have been very kind to me. It’s just..."

"Just what?"

Shen Mengli tightened her grip around the stuffed bear’s belly, pausing briefly before continuing.

"Xiao Feng... when are you coming to take me home? I... I want to come back."

"Ah..."

Ye Feng was about to agree when it hit him—Xie Yuyan was now in the picture. Bringing Shen Mengli back might complicate things.

In that split second, his mind raced through the implications. First, the apartment simply wasn’t big enough for more people. If he brought Shen Mengli home, he’d likely end up on the couch—but more importantly, he wasn’t sure how Xie Yuyan and Shen Mengli would interact. Given Xie Yuyan’s volatile state yesterday, the odds of harmony were slim.

Second, his body hadn’t fully recovered yet. Fetching Shen Mengli now would be physically taxing. But deep down, he’d already made a decision: if Shen Mengli truly wanted to return, he’d move heaven and earth to bring her back. That was his promise to her—to stay by her side as long as she needed him.

He couldn’t just abandon her after she’d helped him complete the system’s task, could he? The mere thought disgusted him. He’d never do something so heartless.

"X-Xiao Feng? Are you still there?"

Hearing no response, Shen Mengli’s voice wavered with unease.

"Ah! Mengli, I’m here. You were saying you wanted to come back?"

"N-No, I just... wanted to ask. If you’re busy, it’s okay. We can do it another time."

"Of course not. If you want to come back, I’ll come get you right now."

Ye Feng caught the dejection in her voice and quickly reassured her.

"R-Really?"

On the other end, Shen Mengli’s heart, which had been hanging in suspense, finally settled. Relief washed over her—maybe her fears had just been paranoia. She was about to ask him to pick her up immediately; every second apart from Ye Feng felt unbearable.

"Absolutely. But there’s something I need to tell you first. It’s about..."

"About?"

"That girl I mentioned before. She’s also—"

Before he could finish, a sultry voice cut in from the bedroom doorway.

"Ye Feng~ who are you talking to?"

"Huh? Xie Yuyan?"

Xie Yuyan?

The name instantly triggered Shen Mengli’s memory. Back when she’d first scrolled through Ye Feng’s contacts, she’d seen this name. At the time, she’d assumed Xie Yuyan was just another acquaintance—but now, this woman was with Ye Feng?

Why? Why is Xiao Feng with her?

Shen Mengli’s grip on the bear tightened. She’d only parted ways with Ye Feng yesterday, and now this woman was already in his home? That meant she’d been by his side the moment he returned.

A cold realization dawned on her: the scales were tipping irreversibly against her. In her current state, competing with this woman was a losing battle. So this was the person Ye Feng had always had in his heart?

What do I do? What can I possibly do...

"Ye Feng, answer me. Who are you talking to?"

Xie Yuyan’s tone was different now—still honeyed, but laced with an unmistakable edge of menace.