Shen Mengli's Scheme

"Xie Yuyan?"

"Mmm..."

Feeling a warmth in his arms, Ye Feng was momentarily confused about what Xie Yuyan was doing. But when Shen Mengli's voice suddenly came through the phone, he had no choice but to focus on the call.

"Xiao Feng?"

Hearing the unusual noise on the other end, Shen Mengli had initially been pleased with her small victory. However, Ye Feng's next question immediately unsettled her. After her conversation with Xie Yuyan, she had become convinced that the figure in her vision was indeed Xie Yuyan. This likely meant the vision was a glimpse of something that would soon happen. The fact that Ye Feng was still here with her now must be because her actions had altered the original course of events.

Shen Mengli had been feeling helpless about her lack of advantage in the competition for Ye Feng's affection. But now, this vision seemed like an unexpected boon—a way to guide her. If she could avoid the pitfalls and earn Ye Feng's trust before the others, she might just win his heart completely. Then... she would be the ultimate victor!

Regaining her composure, Shen Mengli's eyes hardened with determination. Her top priority now was to curb Xie Yuyan's influence over Ye Feng. Their earlier conversation had made it clear that Xie Yuyan would be her most formidable rival. When it came to Ye Feng, Xie Yuyan's persistence matched her own.

But going head-to-head with Xie Yuyan alone would be nearly impossible. She needed a careful strategy—only the one who lasted till the end would triumph.

"Ah! Mengli, what were you saying? I spaced out for a second."

After shooting a reproachful glance at the mischievous Xie Yuyan, Ye Feng finally turned his attention back to the call.

"Hmm... Ye Feng, are you okay?"

"I'm fine. I’m perfectly healthy—how could anything be wrong? Mengli, I’ve been thinking—what if I come pick you up now? You and Xie Yuyan seem to get along. Maybe you could even become good friends."

"Good friends? I’d like that. It’d be nice to meet someone like Sister Xie Yuyan who shares my... interests."

"Shared... interests?"

"That’s right, shared..."

Shen Mengli’s voice trailed off, and before Ye Feng could ask when he should come for her, she spoke again.

"Xiao Feng, would it be okay if I stayed at the welfare center for a while longer?"

"Eh? Why?"

Ye Feng was baffled by her response. Just yesterday, she had been eagerly awaiting his arrival—why the sudden change?

"It’s not that I don’t want to come back. It’s just... I’ve been feeling my legs getting stronger. I’d like to stay here a little longer to train."

"But... couldn’t you train at home just as well?"

"Xiao Feng... thank you."

Her heart warmed at his words. She knew he genuinely cared, and that he hadn’t forgotten their promises. This emotional reassurance only strengthened her resolve.

"Somehow, I feel like it won’t be long before I can stand like a normal person again. So I want to make the most of this time to train. That way, when I meet Sister Xie Yuyan, I’ll be at my best."

"Mengli, you could still train if you came back..."

"No, Xiao Feng. This is my choice. I want you to see the best version of me."

Though she felt a pang of sadness, Shen Mengli knew she had to do this. Only by becoming stronger could she gain the upper hand.

"I understand."

This time, Ye Feng didn’t try to persuade her. He knew her stubbornness—once she set her mind to something, nothing could change it.

"Then take care of yourself there, okay? If anything happens, promise you’ll call me."

"Mm. Don’t worry, Xiao Feng. Who knows? I might just sneak back one day."

"Alright..."

Just as Ye Feng was about to say more, Xie Yuyan, who had been silently clinging to him, suddenly stirred. She lifted her head and deliberately pressed her lips close to the phone, her tone playful yet displeased.

"Alright, Ye Feng, it’s time for us to eat. From now on, it’s our time~"

"Xie... Xie Yuyan?"

Before Ye Feng could even say goodbye, Xie Yuyan grabbed the phone from his hand and ended the call.

"Enough! You’ve talked long enough. Ye Feng, you’re still recovering—don’t overthink things. Whatever it is, it can wait until you’re fully healed, okay?"

"Fine... fine."

Ye Feng figured he’d said all he needed to Shen Mengli, so he relented. As he tried to push himself up from the bed, Xie Yuyan suddenly pressed him back down.

"Xie Yuyan?"

He looked up at her, puzzled by her serious expression. Something was off.

"Now that Shen Mengli’s matter is settled, it’s time to talk about us."

"Us?"

"That’s right~"

Leaning down slightly, her hair carrying a faint fragrance, she parted her lips and spoke softly.

"Ye Feng... are you a responsible man?"

"Responsible? What do you mean, Xie Yuyan?"

He sensed something loaded in her words, but he didn’t want to revisit that night. Even though it had started because of him, Xie Yuyan had played her part too. Burying the past was for the best.

But the truth was, their lives were now tangled. If he let things continue unchecked, by the time he wanted out, it might be too late.

"My meaning is simple, Ye Feng. You’re the one who gave me this wonderful life. Until I find what I’m looking for, don’t even think about slipping away~"

"Otherwise... I’ll be very, very angry."

Though her tone was light, Ye Feng knew she was dead serious. When pushed, she wouldn’t hesitate to act.

"Ahaha... Xie Yuyan, it’s getting late. What’s for breakfast today?"

She recognized his attempt to dodge the question, but his evasion pleased her. A vague answer meant she could interpret it however she liked—and when the time came, she’d have her own way of making him comply.