The Two with Swords Drawn and Bows Bent

"Ahaha, Xie Yuyan, you're here."

Ye Feng sensed the awkward tension in the air and let out a nervous laugh, hoping to diffuse the situation.

"Who were you talking to on the phone?"

Xie Yuyan had no intention of dancing around the subject. She cut straight to the point, though she already had a good idea who was on the other end of the line. Her question was more of a test—to see if Ye Feng would lie to her.

"I told you before, didn’t I? It’s that girl who used to live with me."

"Oh, is that so~"

Xie Yuyan nodded thoughtfully, her expression softening slightly at Ye Feng’s honesty. Still, the thought of that "vixen" having once shared a home with Ye Feng made her skin crawl. But for the sake of the bigger picture, she didn’t want to push him away. Harsh tactics might bring fleeting satisfaction, but deep down, what Xie Yuyan truly wanted was a happy life with Ye Feng.

"Then, Ye Feng, would you let me have a little chat with this sister? I’d love to get to know this girl who’s had such a rough time."

"Uh..."

Before Ye Feng could finish hesitating, Shen Mengli’s voice suddenly came through the phone.

"Xiao Feng, please hand the phone to her."

"Mengli? Are you sure about this?"

Ye Feng was taken aback. Shen Mengli had always been reserved—when he first met her, her cold demeanor practically screamed "stay away."

"It’s fine, Xiao Feng. I’ve always been curious about the sister who lived with you. I wonder just how charming she must be."

Shen Mengli’s tone was calm, betraying no hint of emotion. She sounded genuinely interested in meeting Xie Yuyan.

"Well, if neither of you mind... then I guess it’s settled."

Ye Feng handed the phone to Xie Yuyan, who had stepped closer. As she took it, the corners of her lips curled up in a faint smirk. Without hesitation, she sat right beside Ye Feng and rested her head on his shoulder.

Ye Feng stiffened in surprise. "Xie Yuyan, you—"

"Shh~"

Xie Yuyan cut him off, pressing a finger lightly against his lips as if to hush him. Yet her own voice remained loud and clear—almost as if she wanted Shen Mengli to hear every word.

"Xiao Feng? Are you okay?"

On the other end, Shen Mengli’s chest tightened as if gripped by an invisible hand. She clutched at her shirt, breathing unevenly.

"Ah! I-I’m fine, Mengli. Just got startled, that’s all."

Ye Feng tried to shift away, but Xie Yuyan wasn’t about to let him escape so easily. She wrapped her arm tightly around his, all while greeting Shen Mengli with saccharine politeness.

"Hello there, Shen Mengli~"

After hearing that sickly sweet tone, Shen Mengli took a few deep breaths to steady herself before responding.

"Hello, sister."

"My, what a lovely voice you have, Shen Mengli. I bet you’re just as beautiful in person."

"You flatter me, sister. Your voice is far more enchanting—I could never compare."

"Such a sweet talker, no wonder Ye Feng adores you~"

Xie Yuyan’s smile widened, though a closer look would reveal it never reached her eyes—like a mask painted with cheer.

"And you must be quite dear to Xiao Feng as well. He often mentions you to me at night."

"......"

"......"

After exchanging these words, both women fell into silence. The first round had ended in a stalemate.

"Shen Mengli, it seems we hit it off quite well despite just meeting."

"I feel the same, sister. I can’t wait to meet you in person~"

Listening to their back-and-forth, Ye Feng couldn’t help but marvel.

Is this how girls bond? They’ve only just started talking, and they’re already this close. Maybe Xie Yuyan and Shen Mengli will even become good friends.

"Oh, by the way, Shen Mengli, thank you for taking care of Ye Feng while I was away. He can be such a slacker—I hope he didn’t embarrass himself too much?"

"Don’t be silly, sister. My Xiao Feng has been nothing but happy living with me. He never once seemed sad about your absence~"

"My, my~ Is that so~"

Xie Yuyan’s grip on Ye Feng’s arm tightened, and she shot him a sharp glare. Confused, Ye Feng blinked—he could only guess at their conversation from Xie Yuyan’s words and had no idea why she was suddenly looking at him like that.

"Wh-what’s wrong?" he whispered.

"Nothing~"

Xie Yuyan pressed her lips together and shook her head, already forming a plan. She turned her attention back to the phone.

"Well, Shen Mengli, let’s call it a day for now. I should start making breakfast for Ye Feng. If you ever visit, I’d love to treat you to my cooking—even Ye Feng can’t get enough of it~"

Her words deliberately positioned herself as the host, while Shen Mengli was merely a guest. If Shen Mengli accepted, she’d be acknowledging Xie Yuyan’s status. But if she refused, she’d come off as rude—letting Xie Yuyan play the gracious, wounded party and win points in Ye Feng’s eyes.

"......"

A long silence followed. Just when Xie Yuyan thought she’d gained the upper hand, Shen Mengli finally spoke.

"How nice. Though, at home, I’ve always eaten meals prepared by Xiao Feng. He never complains, even though my health makes things difficult for him. I’d love to try your cooking someday, sister~"

"O-oh? Well then, it’s a date, Shen Mengli~ I’m sure we’ll meet soon~"

"Mm. Could you pass the phone back to Xiao Feng? There’s something else I’d like to say to him."

"Of course~"

Xie Yuyan lowered the phone and handed it to Ye Feng, her smile vanishing the moment it left her hand.

"Here, Ye Feng. Shen Mengli has more to say to you."

"Okay."

Ye Feng took the phone uneasily. Just as he was about to raise it to his ear, Xie Yuyan suddenly threw herself into his arms...