Ye Feng, I Love You～

"Are those two students of yours really that important to you? So important that you'd go without a second thought, even when your wounds haven't fully healed?"

Xie Yuyan desperately questioned Ye Feng standing before her. To her ears, his words implied that those so-called students mattered more than she did.

"It's not like that."

Ye Feng watched as Xie Yuyan grew increasingly agitated. For some reason, he suddenly reached out and placed his hand over hers. Xie Yuyan naturally felt the warmth of his palm, and the words she had been about to say died on her lips. Her thoughts, which had been preoccupied with Li Mucheng and the others, now focused entirely on Ye Feng.

Ye... Ye Feng actually touched my hand! On his own!

Though the gesture was simple, it sent waves of shock through Xie Yuyan's heart. After all, Ye Feng was usually as unresponsive as a gourd, deliberately avoiding crucial moments. But this time was different—this was the first time he had taken the initiative with her.

"Mmm~"

Xie Yuyan's body trembled slightly, her sharp gaze softening instantly. She inched closer to Ye Feng and murmured in a sweet voice,

"Then... go ahead, Ye Feng. I'm listening."

"Haah..."

Ye Feng was surprised by how quickly Xie Yuyan's attitude had shifted. He had even braced himself for another unnecessary conflict. But now, it seemed his worries were unfounded—Xie Yuyan had lowered her head meekly, like a kitten whose fur had been smoothed.

"Xie Yuyan, the thing is..."

Just as Ye Feng raised his hand to explain, Xie Yuyan suddenly pressed it back down. No matter how much he tried to pull away, she held on firmly.

"Ye Feng, keep talking. I'm listening."

After several futile attempts, Ye Feng finally gave in. At the very least, keeping Xie Yuyan's emotions in check was a small victory. He picked up where he left off:

"It's because I promised Li Mucheng and Su Yuxin. A misunderstanding had strained their relationship, but after some discussion, Li Mucheng agreed to go with me tomorrow to reconcile with Su Yuxin. Since it's my promise, I have to go."

"So that's how it is..."

Xie Yuyan nodded thoughtfully. She could easily guess why Li Mucheng and Su Yuxin had fallen out. And tomorrow’s outcome? Most likely, it would just be another clash—exactly the kind of scene she wanted to see.

If her rivals were busy fighting each other, she could sit back and reap the rewards. Wasn’t that perfect? For now, Ye Feng’s two students didn’t even know she existed. Let them squabble all they wanted—her top priority was securing Ye Feng for herself.

"Fine, Ye Feng, you can go. It does sound important. But you have to promise me you'll come back right after. I don’t want to have to come looking for you, understand?"

With that, Xie Yuyan blinked at Ye Feng, her meaning clear—though likely only to him.

"Got it. I’ll come back as soon as it’s done. Happy now?"

"Mhm~ But before that, there’s one more thing!"

"What is it?"

"It’s... time to make dinner~"

Xie Yuyan suddenly threw herself into Ye Feng’s arms, cutting off any protest as she asked first,

"Ye Feng, what would you like to eat?"

"I don’t have anything specific in mind, but... Xie Yuyan, could you maybe get out of my arms first? Isn’t this a little too... intimate?"

"What’s wrong with being intimate?"

Xie Yuyan tilted her head and gave him a playful smile before pressing her crimson lips close to his ear.

"Ye Feng, there’s no escaping now. You... you’re mine for life. Because... you have to take responsibility. After all, it was our first time~"

Ye Feng fell silent. In the end, it was the antidote the system had provided that led to this mess. But he couldn’t just tell Xie Yuyan it had been an accident, could he? What happened had happened, and as she said, he had to own up to it.

"Alright, I’ll stop teasing you..."

Seeing the distant look in Ye Feng’s eyes, Xie Yuyan knew she still had a long way to go in winning him over. Just as she was about to leave his arms to cook, Ye Feng suddenly pulled her back in.

"Eh? Ye... Ye Feng?"

The sudden embrace startled Xie Yuyan. Before she could ask what was wrong, Ye Feng met her gaze, his expression serious.

"Xie Yuyan, I’m sorry about the antidote. I, Ye Feng, don’t shirk my responsibilities. But there are still some things I need to tell you. What I’m about to say... might affect our future together. Are you sure you want to hear it?"

"I do."

Xie Yuyan answered without hesitation, not a single pause in her voice. It was as if she had already prepared herself for anything.

"Okay... I’ll take responsibility for you, Xie Yuyan. But in the future, I might have to do things... things I can’t avoid. I don’t even know what will become of us. And I’m not as good a person as you think. The truth is, from the start, I—"

"Shh~"

A finger suddenly pressed against his lips. When he looked up, it was Xie Yuyan stopping him.

She shook her head, signaling for him not to continue. Then, cupping his face in her hands, she leaned in until their silhouettes merged into one, lingering before finally parting.

"I don’t want to hear anything else. As long as you promise to take responsibility, that’s enough for me. I won’t pry into your affairs—everyone has their secrets. But let me make one thing clear, Ye Feng: you’re not allowed to leave me. That’s my condition."

"Xie Yuyan..."

This time, Ye Feng didn’t feel embarrassed or awkward about their kiss. In his heart, he had already accepted her.

"Then it’s settled~ Darling, I’ll go make you a special dinner. You just rest here, okay?"

Xie Yuyan gazed at him with pure adoration, even changing how she addressed him. Today would go down as the happiest day of her life.

As she stepped out of his embrace, Ye Feng called out again, "Xie Yuyan..."

"Call me Yuyan... please?"

"Yuyan."

"Mhm~"

Hearing him say her name like that sent a shiver of excitement through Xie Yuyan. For a moment, she wanted nothing more than to turn back and stay with the one she loved forever. But then she reminded herself—since they had finally confirmed their relationship today, she needed to work even harder to keep his heart. For the sake of their future happiness, she had to let go of this fleeting joy for now.

"Ye Feng, I love you~"