Xie Yuyan's Counterattack

"Ye Feng, her heartache still lies in her own body. Even though I've been trying to comfort her and encourage her to maintain a peaceful mindset, it's all been in vain."

Ye Feng sighed, his weary face etched with regret. Seeing this, Xie Yuyan reached out and pulled him into her embrace, soothing him in an exceptionally gentle tone: "It's alright, Ye Feng. Meng Li just doesn’t want to burden you. Both of you have good intentions—it’s just that you’ve ended up with differing opinions."

"Don’t lose heart, Ye Feng. If you persist, Meng Li will surely be moved and agree eventually."

"I hope so."

Ye Feng replied somberly, lightly patting Xie Yuyan’s back.

"Thank you, Yuyan. I really cherish the honesty between us. If we can keep going like this, we’ll surely be happy, won’t we?"

"..."

"Yuyan?"

Noticing Xie Yuyan frozen in place, Ye Feng called out softly, his hand on her back slowly lowering.

"Ah!? Ye Feng, go on, I’m listening!"

Hearing his voice, Xie Yuyan snapped out of her daze and quickly released her hold on him, cautiously studying his expression.

"Yuyan, you’ve seemed a bit distracted lately. Did something happen?"

Ye Feng seemed unwilling to let the matter go, his words subtly nudging her to answer.

Xie Yuyan calmly shook her head, then stepped forward to take Ye Feng’s hand, masking her earlier hesitation with a hint of reproach.

"It’s all because of you, Ye Feng..."

"Because of me? I haven’t done anything out of line. Besides, Yuyan, haven’t I been by your side all this time?"

"Of course I know you’ve been with me, and I know you truly care for me. But... but I just can’t help feeling unhappy!"

At this point, Xie Yuyan finally let out the jealousy she’d been bottling up, locking eyes with Ye Feng as she explained.

"Even though you’ve told me your relationships with those girls are purely normal, Ye Feng, you’re the one I love most. Seeing you constantly staying in touch and chatting with them naturally upsets me! But I understand it’s something you have to do, so I’ve never complained."

Watching Ye Feng grow increasingly subdued under her words, Xie Yuyan gained confidence and continued venting her frustrations.

"Still, anyone would feel uncomfortable in my place! I’m the one standing by your side, the one who should be sharing sweet moments with you. So why do you have to maintain such close ties with so many girls? You must know how they feel... I just... I just want to protect the beautiful life we have together, that’s all..."

Though they stood facing each other on the bustling street, the noise of passersby and the roar of cars faded into silence in Ye Feng’s heart. His eyes were fixed solely on Xie Yuyan, her tearful gaze stirring his tenderness.

"Yuyan... I..."

"I’m sorry, Ye Feng. I’ve said too much today... I didn’t mean to. I really didn’t."

Tears glistened at the corners of Xie Yuyan’s eyes as she struggled to hold them back. Her grip on Ye Feng’s hand tightened, as if afraid she might lose him the next moment.

"No... Yuyan, you’re not wrong."

Ye Feng replied calmly, squeezing her hand in return to convey his emotions.

"It’s only natural for you to feel this way. If I were in your position, I’d feel just as hurt. You’ve done nothing wrong. If anything, I’m the one who should apologize—for taking advantage of your love and enjoying your devotion without considering your feelings."

"My carelessness led you to think this way. If you hadn’t opened my eyes today, I might have remained oblivious forever."

All distractions vanished from Ye Feng’s mind, replaced by overwhelming remorse and guilt toward Xie Yuyan.

Yes... Yuyan has always been silently by my side, willing to follow me even into danger. Her love has always been so sincere. And what have I done? Here I was, doubting her actions. Do I even deserve to think that way?

At this realization, Ye Feng pulled Xie Yuyan into a firm embrace. Passersby cast them warm, approving glances.

"Ye... Feng?"

Even Xie Yuyan hadn’t expected him to hold her so decisively after her outburst. Listening to the steady thump of his heartbeat, she knew her words had deeply affected him. In response, she wrapped her arms around his back, returning his embrace.

"I’m sorry, Yuyan. I’m the one who owes you an apology. I neglected your feelings—you’ve been giving so much while I took it for granted. I’m truly sorry!"

"It’s... it’s not that serious, Ye Feng! Let’s... let’s just go home first, okay? Everyone’s staring, and it’s embarrassing!"

"But... but..."

"Enough ‘buts’! Come on, Ye Feng, let’s go!"

Her cheeks flushed crimson, clearly unwilling to let him see her flustered state, Xie Yuyan tugged Ye Feng’s hand and hurried toward home.

......

"Whew... whew..."

Only after arriving home did Xie Yuyan finally catch her breath. She couldn’t fathom what had come over Ye Feng—he hadn’t uttered a word the entire way back, leaving her utterly confused.

"Ye Feng? Are you okay? Did I walk too fast?"

"Yu... Yuyan..."

Realizing they were home, Ye Feng glanced down at Xie Yuyan, who was checking him for any signs of distress, and pulled her into another tight hug.

"Mmm..."

Xie Yuyan felt herself tilt forward, and before she knew it, she was pressed against his chest again.

"Ye Feng, it’s fine. Didn’t I already tell you it’s nothing? I was just venting earlier. Seeing you so serious makes me feel like I’ve done something wrong."

"Yuyan, you haven’t answered me yet."

"Huh? Answer... what?"

"My apology."