Because You Are My Student

"......"

Ye Feng hesitated for a moment as Li Mucheng handed him a cup of water, while her eyes remained fixed on his every movement.

So... does the teacher still hold a grudge against me?... It’s all my own fault.

Is there any point in clinging on like this? Is the teacher really treating me with forgiveness? Is any of this worth it...?

Take him! Steal him away! If he doesn’t trust you, why keep living like a pitiful little dog wagging its tail? Is this the life you want?

A voice erupted from the depths of Li Mucheng’s heart. She knew it was her other self acting up again. But those thoughts pierced her like countless icy needles, their chilling sting and pain making it hard to breathe.

Just as Li Mucheng was about to withdraw the cup, Ye Feng suddenly reached out and took it.

"Huh?"

Feeling the weight leave her hands, Li Mucheng lifted her gaze, staring at Ye Feng in disbelief.

"Thank you, Mucheng."

Ye Feng glanced at her widened pupils and, without hesitation, drained the cup in one go.

"T-Teacher? W-Why...?"

"You’re wondering why I still trust you, right?"

"......"

Li Mucheng didn’t answer, but the turmoil in her eyes spoke volumes.

"Because you’re my student, aren’t you? Even if unpleasant things happened before, what matters most is the present. So I believe in you, Mucheng."

"Teacher..."

Li Mucheng tilted her head back, trying to hold back the tears, but they spilled out uncontrollably. Within moments, she was sobbing uncontrollably.

"Waaah... I’m sorry, Teacher... I’m so sorry..."

Ye Feng hadn’t expected her to burst into tears so suddenly. Flustered, he quickly grabbed a few tissues from the car and handed them to her.

"Mucheng, don’t cry. Didn’t I say I’ve already forgiven you? Today’s supposed to be a happy occasion—why the tears?"

"Mm... I-I know, but I just can’t help it..."

Li Mucheng took the tissues and wiped her tear-streaked cheeks while Ye Feng murmured comforting words to calm her down.

After what felt like an eternity, her quiet sobs finally subsided. She lifted her glistening eyes and looked pitifully at Ye Feng.

"T-Teacher... I’ve calmed down now..."

"That’s good. Mucheng, remember—recognizing your mistakes and improving is what matters. No matter what happens in the future, you must stay composed, okay? Don’t let negative emotions cloud your judgment."

"Haa... haa..."

Li Mucheng took deep breaths, gradually steadying herself, then gave Ye Feng a reassuring look.

"I’m sorry, Teacher... for showing you such an embarrassing side of me again."

"It’s fine, Mucheng. You don’t have to be so reserved around me. We’re more than just teacher and student—I’d say we’re friends."

"Teacher..."

Li Mucheng suddenly giggled, as if recalling a fond memory.

"Yeah... friends... right, Mr. Fox?"

"Ahem!"

Hearing this, Ye Feng coughed deliberately and waved his hand dismissively.

"Mucheng, I think we should focus on discussing today’s lesson now."

"Okaaay~"

Li Mucheng playfully blinked at him, then leaned in and whispered by his ear.

"After all, this is a secret just between me and Mr. Fox, right, Teacher?"

"Ah... y-yeah!"

Ye Feng quickly turned his attention to the window, spotting the familiar road leading to the manor.

"Look, Mucheng, we’re almost there."

"Mm."

Li Mucheng nodded slightly, seemingly following his gaze outside, but in truth, her eyes were fixed on his profile.

"So handsome~"

"Huh? It’s just some hills. Not as nice as that big tree we visited before."

"Hehe, everything looks beautiful to me~"

......

"So, Teacher? Doesn’t everything look just like before?"

As they stepped into the manor side by side, Li Mucheng happily observed the unchanged decorations around them.

"Yeah, nothing’s changed."

Gazing at the all-too-familiar estate, Ye Feng spoke with a hint of nostalgia. To him, this place was where his life had truly begun.

"Hehe~ It’s wonderful... like going back to the very beginning with you..."

"Alright, Mucheng, no time for reminiscing now. It’s time for our lesson!"

Ye Feng shook off the wistful thoughts. A new teaching plan had already formed in his mind. To prevent a repeat of last time’s incident, he decided to teach Li Mucheng techniques to control her inner turmoil—skills that could strengthen her mental resilience and keep her from reverting to that terrifying version of herself under stress.

"Yay!"

Li Mucheng excitedly reached out to grab Ye Feng’s arm but suddenly stopped and pulled back.

"But... I don’t know what else I can learn..."

"There’s plenty for you to learn, Mucheng. Today’s lesson is about mental stillness!"

"Mental stillness? What kind of lesson is that? I’ve never heard of it."

Li Mucheng tilted her head in confusion, trying to make sense of his words.

"Teacher, do you mean teaching me how to calm my mind?"

"Exactly. But this isn’t just ordinary calmness. What I’ll teach you can stabilize your emotions in moments of turmoil and also temper your inner discipline."

"Moments of turmoil... I... I see."

Realizing he might have phrased it too bluntly—making it sound like he was calling her emotionally unstable—Ye Feng quickly tried to clarify. But before he could, Li Mucheng spoke up again.

"I want to learn it!"

"Ah... r-really?"

"Yes! I want to learn!"

Clenching her fists with determination, Li Mucheng declared in a firm voice.

"I want to control myself—I never want to hurt you like before again! Never!"

Seeing her earnest expression, it was clear the past incident had matured her. A warm smile spread across Ye Feng’s face.

"Mucheng..."