The track is filled with competitors.

"Miss Meng Li, would you like me to call Mr. Ye Feng first for you?"

After finishing her workout and while Wenwen was in class, Shen Mengli asked the orphanage director for a phone, saying she wanted to inform Ye Feng that she was safe. When the director brought the phone over, she made the offer.

"N-no... It's alright, Director. I can call Xiao Feng myself."

Shen Mengli reached out eagerly to take the phone, her tone slightly flustered.

"Alright then. I’ll go check on the children’s class. You rest here for a while, Meng Li."

Having spent many days with Shen Mengli, the director could tell she had something she couldn’t bring herself to say. Understanding, she didn’t press further and instead gave Shen Mengli some space.

"Director..."

Just as the director had taken a few steps away, Shen Mengli, clutching the phone, called out to her.

"What is it, Meng Li? Is there something else you wanted to say?"

"Th-thank you."

"Silly child, no need for such formalities. Everyone here will always support you. And I’ll be quietly rooting for you to find your own happiness."

"Director..."

Watching the director leave, Shen Mengli nodded firmly before turning her attention to the phone.

"If I remember correctly... her number should be this..."

......

"Mmm~"

Li Mucheng opened her bleary eyes. Having tasted forbidden fruit for the first time, it was as if she had stepped into a new world. A strange sensation deep within her heart, like vines creeping through darkness, gradually tainted her once-pure heart—and Ye Feng was the source of that corruption.

"Mmm... When exactly did I fall asleep last night...?"

Li Mucheng’s disheveled hair still bore traces of sweat, clearly showing she hadn’t fully regained her senses.

"I need to take a shower quickly... or else I’ll have to wash the sheets again."

At this thought, her delicate body shuddered. She pushed herself up from the bed, her graceful figure on full display—like a slender, supple willow branch. Her long legs instinctively pressed together, her skin smooth as silk. Yet her dark eyes remained disturbingly hollow.

"Teacher is supposed to give Su Yuxin a lesson tomorrow. I need to intercept him before he leaves."

Li Mucheng muttered to herself. No one understood Su Yuxin better than she did. To the public, Su Yuxin might seem like a sweet, well-behaved darling beloved by all, but in truth, she was full of cunning schemes.

For instance, before knowing Ye Feng, the two of them had once attended an auction where they both took a liking to the same expensive item. Since the auction was hosted by a guild under Su Wanli’s control, the item was abruptly pulled from the listing for "special reasons" and later disappeared. It wasn’t until Li Mucheng investigated that she discovered Su Yuxin had used her connections to claim it for herself—justifying it as "preserving their friendship."

Still, in this regard, Su Yuxin was just like her: willing to go to any lengths to obtain what she desired. Now, their sights were set on the same target again, and this time, Li Mucheng refused to lose.

Just as she stepped barefoot toward the door, her phone suddenly rang.

"Hmm?"

Li Mucheng turned her head in surprise, her gaze shifting to the phone on the nightstand.

This was her private number—unless she willingly gave it out, no one could possibly trace it. And her contacts were few: aside from Ye Feng (who had a custom ringtone), only Ah Fu and her father had this number.

"Did Ah Fu uncover something new?"

Ignoring the chill on her skin, she strode over on long, slender legs. But when she saw the unfamiliar number on the screen, her brows furrowed.

"Who is this?"

......

"Beep... beep..."

The phone rang for a long time before Li Mucheng finally answered—but only after noticing the caller’s location was Shu City.

A brief connection tone passed before a gentle voice came through.

"Hello, is this Miss Li Mucheng?"

"Who are you?"

The woman’s voice startled Li Mucheng. Quick-witted as ever, she immediately pieced together the implications. Suppressing her shock, she responded with icy authority.

"What do you want?"

"My, Miss Li Mucheng is even sharper than I imagined. I believe we’ll reach an understanding after this call."

"......"

That soothing voice inexplicably filled Li Mucheng with disgust—like the instinctive repulsion between like charges.

"If you don’t identify yourself, I’ll have people track you down within hours."

"Now, now, Miss Li Mucheng, no need to be so hostile. Aren’t we both striving for the same goal?"

At this, Li Mucheng finally grasped the true meaning behind the caller’s words.

"There’s only one winner—and it will be me."

"Brave words, but reality isn’t so simple."

"What do you mean?"

Li Mucheng’s expression darkened instantly, her voice turning frigid. Her beautiful face hardened, her nails digging into her palms as she awaited the response.

"This race is far more crowded than you think—and I’m one of the runners. I reached out because a formidable contender has already taken a huge lead. If we don’t act soon... the competition might as well be over."

Li Mucheng froze as if struck by a spell. She knew exactly what "race" meant—but she never imagined there were so many participants. Just when she thought she had outpaced Su Yuxin and was nearing the finish line, this bombshell dropped. No matter how much it stung, she couldn’t afford to lose control now. She wouldn’t allow anyone to surpass her.

"Name a place. Let’s meet."

"Gladly. I’ve been curious about what Miss Li Mucheng looks like."

"If we’re discussing cooperation, we should at least be honest with each other, no?"

"Shen Mengli."

"Shen Mengli... I’ll remember that."

"I’ll text you the location. Until then, Miss Li Mucheng."

"......"