I won't let the same thing happen again

"Ah."

Only after the butler from the manor had left did Li Jing finally drop his authoritative demeanor, letting out a heavy sigh.

When he learned from A-Fu that Li Mucheng had decided to rescue Ye Feng despite the inherent danger, Li Jing was so alarmed that he immediately dispatched people to stop her from leaving. In his heart, Li Mucheng was more important than anything else—he would rather give up everything than let her come to harm.

So when Li Jing heard that Li Mucheng had gone to save Ye Feng, he panicked, mobilizing every resource and connection at his disposal, gathering nearly all the available forces in Shu City. Had even the slightest mishap befallen Li Mucheng, the situation would have spiraled far beyond what it was today.

Only after Li Mucheng successfully brought Ye Feng back to the manor did Li Jing finally relax. Yet he didn’t reprimand her for her recklessness, nor did he blame Ye Feng, whom she had saved. He understood that Ye Feng now held an unprecedented place in Li Mucheng’s heart—and there was another, even more important reason.

Slowly, Li Jing raised a framed family photo in his hands. The woman in the picture still smiled at him, and seeing this, Li Jing smiled back. "I couldn’t save you back then," he murmured to her. "But this time, I won’t let the same thing happen to Mucheng."

With that, he gently traced his fingers over the woman’s image in the photo, closing his eyes as if transported back to the day they first met...

---

"Teacher, we can’t go any further. There are hardly any patrols visible now. Let’s go back, okay?"

Outside the manor, Li Mucheng clung tightly to Ye Feng’s arm. From the moment they stepped out, her attention had been fixed on every possible point where people might appear, her nerves wound tight, ready to pull Ye Feng away at the slightest sign of danger.

"But Mucheng, we’ve barely gone any distance. Look, you can still see the manor from here."

"Things aren’t like before, Teacher. You’re usually so cautious—why are you so relaxed now? We need to be prepared in case Xie Yuyan suddenly appears."

"Don’t worry, Mucheng. With such a large-scale search underway, it’s practically impossible for Xie Yuyan to get close. Now’s the time to rest. Once my injuries heal... I’ll find her and demand answers."

Li Mucheng glanced around anxiously before suddenly tugging Ye Feng back toward the manor.

"Huh? Mucheng, what are you doing? Don’t you want to enjoy the scenery here?"

"Ugh... Teacher, do you really not understand how serious this is? You’d never be this carefree before. Hurry up and come back with me!"

"Alright, alright. I get it."

Ye Feng scanned their surroundings, already piecing together the situation. Though the manor’s overall layout hadn’t changed after the renovations, the previously ruined areas had been replaced with gardens or storage sheds. If Xie Yuyan ever did catch up to them, he wouldn’t hesitate to lure her away—buying Li Mucheng more time to escape.

All of this stemmed from him. He wouldn’t let his presence cause unnecessary trouble.

As they walked back, the increasing security measures gradually eased Li Mucheng’s tension. Then it struck her—she’d been so focused on her own fears that she hadn’t considered Ye Feng’s feelings, cutting off their conversation abruptly. The realization froze her in place, forcing Ye Feng to turn when he felt her grip on his arm tighten.

"Mucheng, are you okay? Is something wrong?"

"Teacher..."

Her voice softened as she hung her head.

"Did... did you hate walking outside the manor with me today?"

"Huh? Why would you think that, Mucheng?"

Ye Feng frowned, puzzled, his mind racing.

What’s gotten into her? Did I seem too distracted scouting escape routes and end up neglecting her? Is that why she’s so upset?

Now that he thought about it, it made sense. In her eyes, he must’ve seemed like a terrible teacher, ruining the mood.

Just as he opened his mouth to explain, Li Mucheng beat him to it. "I’m sorry, Teacher. I wanted to stroll around the manor with you like we used to, but I’ve sworn to protect you. I’m just... afraid that someone as weak as me won’t be able to do anything, so I kept rushing you back..."

"Ah..."

Ye Feng blinked, only now realizing why she’d been so on edge. He smiled reassuringly.

"It’s not your fault, Mucheng. I understand your feelings. The only reason I insisted on going out was to see how the manor looks now. After all, it holds good memories for us, doesn’t it?"

"Mmm... Thank you for understanding, Teacher."

For some reason, whenever Ye Feng spoke like this, Li Mucheng’s heart fluttered as if a kitten were playfully pawing at it. Unable to contain her joy any longer, she suddenly threw herself into his arms.

"I... I love you, Teacher~"

"Wh—Mucheng?! You—"

Ye Feng looked down at her, her face buried in his chest, and tried to gently pry her off. But her arms were locked around his waist like glue, unmoving. With patrol guards occasionally passing by, he gave up on persuasion and simply scooped her up, carrying her back toward the manor.

Li Mucheng hadn’t expected him to lift her in a princess carry. Peeking up with one eye, she stole a glance at his flustered expression.

"Heh~"

Just as they reached the manor’s entrance, she suddenly looped her arms around his neck and pressed her lips to his in a quick, featherlight kiss.

"Mwah~"

The contact lasted barely a second before she pulled away, blushing furiously and hiding her face against his shoulder.

"Mucheng?!"

"Th-That’s interest... for saving you, Teacher."

Her whisper at his ear lacked conviction, as if even she knew her excuse was flimsy.

"You little..."

Ye Feng sighed but didn’t scold her for the boldness. After these past few days together, his heart had already warmed to this gentle, devoted girl.