The Inescapable Plan

"Click."

With the sound of a hidden door opening, a petite shadow flicked on the lights in the pitch-black room.

"You're famous now. The whole city is looking for you."

As the lights illuminated the room, Su Yuxin shifted her gaze to the woman by the window, clad in a tight-fitting outfit.

"It seems Li Mucheng has been waiting for this opportunity. Clearly, she succeeded."

Xie Yuyan withdrew her attention from the night sky and spoke in a self-deprecating tone.

"Hmph, just as you said. Li Mucheng never gave up on getting Ye Feng. From what I’ve learned, after she took him away, not only did she increase security around the manor, but she’s also locked down all information. There’s no way to find out what’s happening inside now."

"It’s only natural for her to do this. On one hand, she’s guarding against me taking advantage of the situation. On the other, she wants to keep Ye Feng tied to her side through soft imprisonment. After all, she’s done this before, hasn’t she?"

Xie Yuyan narrowed her eyes. Despite being wanted, she showed no fear—only hesitation and regret.

"Li Mucheng... Why does she haunt us like a ghost? And Ye Feng, why does he keep believing her lies? Hasn’t he realized the truth yet?"

Su Yuxin clenched her fists, trembling with anger. Already upset about her ruined plans to visit the amusement park with Ye Feng next week, Li Mucheng’s provocation pushed her fury to its limit.

"There’s no need to be so angry."

Xie Yuyan remained calm, as if unaffected.

"Li Mucheng can only protect Ye Feng temporarily. Once the sea calms, the fishermen will return."

"What do you mean?"

Su Yuxin frowned, confused. Though she grasped the metaphor, she doubted Ye Feng would simply reappear—especially with Li Mucheng by his side.

"Still don’t understand? You spoiled young ladies really are slow, aren’t you?"

"Xie Yuyan, what did you just say?!"

Su Yuxin bristled like a cat whose tail had been stepped on, stomping her foot in outrage.

"Don’t forget I could have you arrested right now!"

"Heh..."

Xie Yuyan smirked dismissively but quickly changed the subject, knowing she still needed Su Yuxin’s help.

"Go ahead, have me arrested. But that won’t change the fact that Ye Feng is with Li Mucheng."

"Damn it..."

Su Yuxin seethed at the implied threat, finally turning away with a huff.

"Wait!"

Xie Yuyan called out just as Su Yuxin reached the door.

"I’ll arrange for food and supplies. Stay low for now. If there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave."

"That’s not what I wanted to say."

"Then what?"

"I’m just letting you know—the plan will be executed next week."

"Wh-what plan?"

"The one that ensures Ye Feng will never escape again~"

......

"Cough... cough..."

A faint cough echoed from a small wooden cabin nestled by the forest. Had Ye Feng been there, he would have recognized the voice instantly—it was Shen Mengli, who had vanished without a trace.

Shen Mengli took a sip of warm water from the table, soothing her throat. As she glanced around the cozy, well-equipped cabin, a hopeful smile touched her lips.

She had discovered the cabin while exploring the riverside. An elderly couple, fond of solitude, had built it near a village. They had warmly welcomed her when she arrived.

After some conversation, Shen Mengli learned they were moving to the city at their children’s insistence but worried about leaving the cabin unattended. She offered to care for it in exchange for rent, but the couple refused payment, charmed by her gentle nature.

That very night, they handed her the keys and left. Even now, it felt surreal—as if fate had orchestrated it all.

But Shen Mengli didn’t care for destiny. All she wanted was to wait quietly for Ye Feng’s arrival.

"Xiao Feng... Maybe this will be our home someday~"

......

"Mmm..."

Morning sunlight seeped through the tightly drawn curtains as Ye Feng stirred, only to wince when he accidentally brushed his injured arm.

The sharp pain jolted him awake. As his vision cleared, he realized yesterday’s events were no dream.

"If only it had been... How I wish it were just a nightmare."

Memories of Xie Yuyan flooded his mind—her sweet smile greeting him each morning. Now, it was all gone, like a beautiful dream that had dissolved into nothing.

Lost in thought, he barely registered the soft knock at the door.

Tap tap.

"Teacher?"

"Yuyan... Why did you do this? I never wronged you. Why were you so cold yesterday? No matter what I said, you wouldn’t listen. Why...?"

Outside, Li Mucheng pressed her ear to the door, but the thick wood muffled his murmurs.

"Teacher!"

She raised her voice, yet still received no answer.

The silence unsettled her. After a moment’s hesitation, she walked to a painting in the hallway and reached for a tiny figure in the artwork.

The moment her fingers touched it, a small compartment in the frame clicked open, revealing a hidden key.

"Forgive me, Teacher. I have no choice."