Xiao Feng... I Like You

"Tap, tap, tap..."

Ye Feng tiptoed quietly to Shen Mengli's bedside, his heart aching as he watched her furrowed brows—clearly trapped in another nightmare.

"Xiao Feng... no... don't..."

What kind of nightmare was Mengli having? It seemed like she was trying to say something.

Hearing Shen Mengli murmur indistinctly, a puzzled Ye Feng leaned closer, pressing his ear near her lips.

"No... Xiao Feng, don’t leave me..."

This time, Ye Feng finally caught the words whispered in her sleep. Just as he was about to straighten up and wake her, a pair of smooth, delicate hands suddenly reached out from under the blanket and wrapped around his neck.

"Huh?"

Startled, Ye Feng turned to look at Shen Mengli—only to find her eyes wide open, their usual warmth replaced by a deep, unsettling crimson.

"Meng... Mengli! When did you wake up?"

Ye Feng wanted to pull away, but the lifeless void in her gaze pinned him in place. Shen Mengli looked as though she had fallen into an abyss, her eyes devoid of any spark of awareness.

"......"

Shen Mengli merely parted her lips slightly, shaking her head as if lost in a daze.

"Mengli!"

Seeing her like this, even the usually composed Ye Feng panicked. He gripped her shoulders, shaking her urgently, desperate to pull her back to reality.

"......"

But no matter how hard he tried, Shen Mengli remained unresponsive—a hollow shell of herself.

"No... how could this be? She’s never acted like this before! What’s going on?"

Realizing he couldn’t wake her alone, Ye Feng swiftly scooped her up, ready to rush out for help—when Shen Mengli suddenly spoke.

"Mmm... Xiao... Xiao Feng..."

"Mengli!"

Relieved, Ye Feng abandoned his plan and carefully set her down on the wheelchair, kneeling beside her with urgent questions.

"Are you okay? Do you feel unwell? Why didn’t you respond earlier?"

Shen Mengli blinked at the barrage of questions, then softened when she noticed the worry in his voice. A warmth bloomed in her chest as she gently cupped his face.

"Xiao Feng, having you here is so nice~"

"Mengli, this isn’t the time for sentimentality. Answer me properly, okay?"

"Hehe, you’re so concerned about me~"

Shen Mengli’s heart fluttered at his fretful expression, her mind replaying his tender care.

"Mengli!!"

"I... I know, no need to shout~"

She pinched his cheek playfully before smiling.

"I’m fine, really. It was just... a nightmare."

"A nightmare? Impossible!"

Ye Feng didn’t buy it—her earlier state was far too unnatural.

"If you lie to me again, I’ll be angry. I don’t want you hiding things from me."

"Mm..."

Shen Mengli studied his stern face and sighed. She knew he’d only be upset because he cared.

"Fine, I’ll tell you."

"Go ahead. I’m listening."

After a deep breath, Shen Mengli met his gaze with tender resolve.

"It’s because... I love you, Xiao Feng."

"......"

Silence. Undeterred, she pressed on.

"I know you’re aware of my feelings. But I can’t let my selfishness ruin your happiness."

"Mengli..."

"Your kindness pulled me from the darkness. You’re the only light I’ve ever known."

Her voice trembled as she recalled her bleak past before Ye Feng illuminated her world.

"So when I dream of you disappearing... I lose myself. That’s why I seemed so out of it earlier."

Ye Feng stared, stunned. Shen Mengli knew mere words wouldn’t win his heart—she needed a chance to outshine Xie Yuyan.

"I never planned to confess this..."

"Sigh."

Ye Feng exhaled heavily. The unspoken tension between them now lay bare, thickening the air. Shen Mengli bowed her head, awaiting his response.

After what felt like an eternity, Ye Feng finally spoke.

"Mengli... I’m sorry. I understand your feelings, but my heart belongs to someone else. I can’t return your love."

"It’s okay, Xiao Feng. I expected this."

Though she smiled, sorrow flickered across her face. A part of her had hoped—but now she saw that gentle persuasion alone wouldn’t sway him.

"Just visiting me sometimes is enough. That’s why I chose to stay at the orphanage—"

"No!"

Ye Feng cut her off abruptly.

"Today, you’re coming home with me. As your legal guardian, I’m responsible for you. Even if you refuse, I’m taking you back!"