New Ideas

"Does it still hurt? Your palm, I mean."

After finishing the household chores, Ye Feng settled back onto the sofa. Xie Yuyan was staring at her bandaged hand, secretly smiling to herself.

"Xie Yuyan?"

"Ah!? Ye Feng? When did you get here?"

"I’ve been here since I walked over. Am I really that startling?"

"Mmm... I was just thinking about something else..."

Xie Yuyan stole a glance at Ye Feng before immediately lowering her head, silent. Her timid demeanor made it obvious she was embarrassed about what she’d just done.

"So? Finally realizing your mistake? How many times is this now?"

"I’m sorry... I just had no other choice."

"No other choice? You might as well have written 'on purpose' across your face. Why don’t you ever listen to me?"

"It’s not that I don’t believe you, it’s just... I don’t want you to leave."

"I’m right here, aren’t I? What are you so worried about, Xie Yuyan?"

"Sorry..."

Seeing Xie Yuyan’s pitiful expression, Ye Feng couldn’t bring himself to scold her further. His lectures had fallen on deaf ears too many times to count.

"Alright, alright. As long as you’re okay. So, does your hand still hurt?"

"It huuurts~"

Xie Yuyan clutched her injured hand, exaggerating a pained expression before inching closer to Ye Feng on the sofa.

Ye Feng immediately saw through her act and grabbed her wrist.

"Eep~"

Xie Yuyan let out a soft gasp, surprised by his sudden move. Was he finally responding to her charms? A smug thrill ran through her.

So... should I play hard to get? Or resist fiercely? Or maybe... just drop the act altogether~

Just as she was lost in anticipation, Ye Feng abruptly said, "If it hurts, just endure it. Might help toughen you up."

"......"

The moment those words left his mouth, Ye Feng noticed Xie Yuyan’s gaze sharpen. Before he could even stand, she flopped onto his lap.

"Mmm~ You’re absolutely right, Ye Feng. Enduring pain does build character. So... mind if I help toughen you up too?"

"Me? What do I need toughening up for? Xie Yuyan, you’re injured too. I’d advise against any funny ideas—unless you want me to break out my special technique."

"Ye Feng, that’s slander! What ‘funny ideas’? My thoughts are perfectly focused!"

She wasn’t wrong—just that her focus was entirely on him.

"Ye Feng, are you still tutoring those two students?"

Though puzzled by the sudden topic shift, Ye Feng answered honestly.

"Yeah, lessons are ongoing. Why?"

"No reason, just curious. You’ve been working so hard lately—maybe you should quit?"

"I’ve considered it, but not yet. There’s still material to cover."

Xie Yuyan noticed his gaze flicker away briefly. Something about those students was being kept from her.

Why... why so many secrets? Ye Feng, can’t we just be honest with each other? I want... I want to see what’s buried in your heart.

If not for Ye Feng’s hidden cards, she wouldn’t be stuck in this push-and-pull with him.

"Fine. I just don’t want you overworking. Between tutoring, taking care of Shen Mengli, and everything else, I worry about your health."

"I’m fine, Xie Yuyan. I’m tough. And... could you get off me? We’re way too close."

"I just want to rest against you a little. These quiet moments are rare—I have to cherish them."

"At least sit on the sofa properly."

"Oh, it’s basically the same~ I’m sure the magnanimous Ye Feng won’t nitpick over such a small thing, right?"

"Xie Yuyan, stop squirming while you talk."

A sense of foreboding struck Ye Feng. He grabbed Xie Yuyan and tried to shove her off, but it was too late.

......

"Sis!"

At Hope Orphanage, Wenwen bounded into the garden where Shen Mengli was practicing walking with the director’s support.

"Wenwen, you’re here."

Hearing her voice, Shen Mengli turned and smiled before resuming her exercises.

"Mengli, slow down! It’s only your first day—your body needs time to adjust. You’ve never been this impatient before."

The director watched Shen Mengli’s anxious expression with concern. Just yesterday, she’d been cheerful—until a phone call with Ye Feng changed everything. The director had tried gently probing for details, but Shen Mengli stayed silent, insisting only on starting rehab immediately.

"It’s fine, Director. I just want to recover faster. I need more time... to live properly with him."

Shen Mengli quickened her pace, her determination unmistakable. Clearly, "him" meant Ye Feng. But what could have happened between them to cause such a drastic shift overnight?

"Sis, let me help!"

Wenwen, standing behind them, was too young to grasp the complexities of adults. She was just thrilled Shen Mengli could stand again and eagerly offered her tiny hand.

As Wenwen’s fingers curled around hers, Shen Mengli smiled softly. The warmth around her soothed her restless heart—and sparked a new idea.

"Thank you, Wenwen."

......