Su Yuxin and Xie Yuyan

"I'm not saying I won't continue teaching you, Yuxin. It's just that I've had an unexpected health issue. I'm still recovering from it."

"An... unexpected health issue?"

Su Yuxin, who had initially been upset by Ye Feng's announcement about stopping their lessons, immediately shifted from confusion to concern upon hearing about his condition. She stepped forward anxiously.

"Brother Ye Feng, are you okay? Do you need me to call a private doctor? I’ll make sure to get the best doctor in Shu City to examine you."

"It’s not that serious, Yuxin. I just have a minor injury and need some time to recover. I should be able to resume your lessons by next week."

"I... see... Another whole week to wait..."

Though disappointment weighed heavily on her, Su Yuxin knew she couldn’t act spoiled in front of Ye Feng now that Xie Yuyan was around. Throwing a tantrum would only give Xie Yuyan an opportunity to badmouth her to Ye Feng and put him in an awkward position—something she wasn’t foolish enough to do.

"By the way, Brother Ye Feng!"

Perhaps sensing that Ye Feng was about to leave, Su Yuxin quickly spoke up, trying to prolong the conversation. At least this way, she could steal a few more moments with him.

"What is it, Yuxin? You can tell me anything."

"I... I... I want to talk to you alone for a moment."

After saying this, Su Yuxin shot a glance at Xie Yuyan standing behind Ye Feng. The latter’s expression darkened instantly, clearly displeased by the request.

"Can’t you just say it here?" Ye Feng asked hesitantly, but Su Yuxin shook her head firmly.

"No, because it’s a secret between you and me. I don’t want anyone else to hear."

"Ah..."

"It’s fine, Ye Feng. If Yuxin has something important to discuss, you should go."

Xie Yuyan suddenly chimed in, her tone cool and indifferent, though the underlying irritation was unmistakable.

"Alright then. Yuyan, wait here for me. I’ll be back soon."

"Sure."

With that, Ye Feng walked over to talk with Su Yuxin. As they spoke, Su Yuxin flashed Xie Yuyan a triumphant look, though it had no effect on her.

Hmph. A little brat like you can only find joy in these petty moments with Ye Feng. But the things I’ve done for him are far beyond your reach.

Xie Yuyan glanced down at the milk tea in her hand. Her sharp eyes quickly caught the faint red lipstick mark on the straw—undoubtedly left by Su Yuxin. Someone as oblivious as Ye Feng would never notice such details, which meant this wasn’t the first time Su Yuxin had pulled this trick.

Xie Yuyan didn’t expose her right away. A lipstick-stained straw alone wasn’t enough to make Ye Feng suspicious. Instead, she casually tossed the drink into a nearby trash bin while Ye Feng and Su Yuxin were engrossed in their conversation.

Due to their height difference, Ye Feng had to bend down slightly to hear Su Yuxin’s whisper. As soon as he leaned in, she eagerly revealed her "secret":

"Brother Ye Feng, I already know~"

"Know what?"

"I know there must be some reason you’re with Xie Yuyan, right?"

"Yuxin, what are you talking about? I’m with Xie Yuyan because I want to be."

"No way! Brother Ye Feng, don’t think I don’t know! Someone like you would never suddenly fall for a girl out of nowhere. There must be a reason! Did Xie Yuyan find out something about you? Brother Ye Feng, you don’t have to be afraid—just tell me..."

Before she could finish, Ye Feng straightened up and fixed her with a stern look, dousing her enthusiasm like a bucket of cold water.

"Yuxin, how could you assume such things about your sister Yuyan? I chose to be with her of my own free will. Don’t ever say anything like that again, understand?"

"Eh? N-no way! Brother Ye Feng, how could you suddenly get a girlfriend? When you were teaching Li Mucheng and me, you never showed any interest in romance. I refuse to believe your personality changed so quickly!"

Some of Su Yuxin’s words hit close to the truth. Initially, Ye Feng had never planned to pursue romance. Knowing his circumstances, he believed a normal relationship was beyond his reach, so he always maintained a certain distance from the girls around him. Even in situations most people would find unbearable, he remained unfazed.

But the one who truly shattered his defenses was Xie Yuyan. Though she had always treated him well and taken care of him in daily life, it was only after certain unspeakable events that Ye Feng finally chose to be with her.

On one hand, he didn’t want to ruin the new life he had finally found meaning in. On the other, his unique circumstances made emotional attachments difficult.

Yet, in the end, the outcome was clear...

"Enough, Yuxin! Don’t bring this up again. It’s not as serious as you think. Besides, I’ve always seen you as a little sister. Can you just behave, please?"

"......"

This time, Su Yuxin didn’t respond with her usual playful cheerfulness. Instead, her emerald-green eyes bore into Ye Feng with an unsettling intensity, sending a familiar chill down his spine.

But she quickly composed herself. She had listened carefully to every word Ye Feng said, down to his tone and speech patterns.

Her conclusion? His words carried deception—there was something forcing his hand.

If I can exploit this weakness and widen the gap, maybe Brother Ye Feng will come back to me. Then he’ll finally understand how devoted I am to him.

"I understand, Brother Ye Feng. Then... see you next week~"

"Alright."