Su Wanli with a solemn expression

"Xie Yuyan, what happened in the hallway earlier was indeed a bit excessive, but you’ve already realized your mistake, haven’t you? And this whole mess happened because we didn’t communicate properly."

"I’m not deliberately criticizing you. I just hope you’ll be more rational next time. After all, you used to be someone who always kept a level head—how did you lose control like that?"

"I... I don’t know either. When it comes to you, Ye Feng, I just can’t seem to control my emotions. Like what happened in the hallway..."

Xie Yuyan lowered her head as she recounted her thoughts at the time. She had managed to hold back when Ye Feng was injured at Li Mucheng’s estate, but this was something she couldn’t tolerate at all. There was a surge of frustration in her heart that demanded release.

"Enough. Let’s just put this behind us. But Xie Yuyan, you have to promise me this won’t happen again. It’s dangerous—not just for you, but for your future."

Of course, there was another meaning behind Ye Feng’s words—he was indirectly protecting himself. Right now, he only had one substitute puppet left, a trump card for survival. He couldn’t afford any more risks.

"Alright, I understand."

Xie Yuyan nodded seriously, but then continued, "But Ye Feng, you can’t hide anything from me anymore. And you’re not allowed to leave me! Otherwise... otherwise, I’ll be really angry."

"Got it. We’ll both stick to the rules, deal?"

"Fine! You said it yourself!"

With Ye Feng’s promise, Xie Yuyan felt much more at ease. She rested her head gently on his shoulder and smiled contentedly.

"Hehe..."

If only things could stay like this forever...

......

"No! I can’t let Xie Yuyan act so arrogantly anymore! I was the one who... who came first!"

Li Mucheng, who was usually graceful in speech and manner, seemed like a completely different person after hearing Shen Mengli’s report. Her gaze grew sharper as she turned to Shen Mengli, who was watching her calmly.

"Why aren’t you reacting at all? Are you just going to stand by and let that woman do whatever she wants?"

"What good would reacting do? I can only watch helplessly as she does as she pleases."

Shen Mengli shrugged helplessly, putting on an expression of powerlessness.

"Hmph... Shen Mengli, you’re really something. With that attitude, do you even deserve to stay by his side? I’m ashamed for you!"

Li Mucheng tilted her chin up slightly, her deep eyes filled with disdain for Shen Mengli. But at the same time, she felt a hint of relief. After all, someone as weak and fragile as Shen Mengli could never be a threat—her only redeeming quality was her unique looks. Still, she could be useful. A few small favors would be enough to keep her in line, and she could provide valuable information about Ye Feng.

"Never mind. I suppose you have your own difficulties. Let’s leave it at that for today. I still need your help regarding him—after all, we share a common enemy, don’t we?"

"Indeed. I hope today’s conversation with Miss Li Mucheng will bring me the benefits I deserve."

Shen Mengli extended her hand in a gesture of goodwill. Li Mucheng, already seeing her as a naive fool even more gullible than Su Yuxin, curled her lips into a smile and shook her hand.

"Don’t worry. As long as you provide useful information, I won’t forget you."

......

"Hehe~"

Su Yuxin stared fixedly at the strawberry plushie in front of her, lost in some delightful fantasy as a silly grin spread across her face.

Knock knock

Just then, a gentle rapping sounded at her door. Before she could react, a soft voice called out, "Yuxin? Are you asleep?"

Su Yuxin hurriedly tossed the plushie back onto her bed and raised her voice, trying to mask her fluster.

"What is it, Mother? I just woke up."

"Nothing urgent. I just wanted to let you know dinner’s ready. Your father came home early today, so let’s have a nice family meal, alright?"

"Got it. I’ll just tidy up a bit and be right out."

Su Yuxin replied quickly. After a moment, hearing the footsteps fade away outside, she let out a sigh of relief. She stood up, gave herself a once-over in the mirror, then turned the doorknob and stepped out.

"Yuxin’s here? Come sit next to me!"

As Su Yuxin descended the stairs, she saw Su Wanli seated at the dining table with a grave expression, and beside him, a beautiful woman with golden braids.

The woman’s emerald-green eyes and round, youthful face made her look like a girl barely older than Su Yuxin. Only the faint creases at the corners of her eyes hinted at her true age.

Another distinctive feature was her braid, draped over one shoulder in a way that added a touch of dignified elegance.

This woman was none other than Su Yuxin’s mother, Liu Yue.

"Mother~"

Avoiding Su Wanli’s stern gaze, Su Yuxin shuffled shyly toward Liu Yue before throwing herself into her arms.

Clearly, Liu Yue doted on Su Yuxin just as much as Su Wanli did. To them, their daughter was their most treasured jewel. They would give her anything she wanted as long as she behaved—and yet, Su Yuxin had grown up neither spoiled nor willful, remaining a sweet, understanding angel.

"Alright, alright. We’ve prepared a feast just for you today. It’s getting late, so let’s eat."

Liu Yue patted Su Yuxin’s head affectionately, then turned her gaze to Su Wanli, who was staring silently at the table.

"Old Su, what’s gotten into you? You’ve been sulking like a clam since you got home. Can’t you even greet Yuxin properly?"

"Ah..."

Su Wanli sighed at his wife’s scolding, then looked up at Su Yuxin.

"Yuxin, be honest with me. What do you think of Ye Feng?"

"F-Father, why are you asking this all of a sudden?"

Su Yuxin wasn’t foolish. The moment the question left Su Wanli’s lips, she sensed something amiss. Instead of answering, she fired back, "Did someone tell you something?"

"......"