The Sound of Thunderstorm Outside the Window

"Boom—"

Gazing out the window at the stormy, pitch-black night, Ye Feng sighed, his mood growing uneasy as the impending downpour loomed.

With rain this heavy, the patrol guards would surely stay indoors, and the estate’s night-vision cameras would be useless in such poor visibility.

He had to stay alert. Xie Yuyan might make her move tonight...

Just as Ye Feng turned away, a flash of lightning illuminated the dark room for a brief moment.

"......"

Though the lightning didn’t startle him, a soft knock came from the door.

"Who is it?"

Ye Feng’s gaze fixed on the doorway as the rain outside began pouring down in sheets, transforming the quiet night into a cacophony.

Yet, even amid the noise, he could hear his own breathing—and the muffled sound beyond the door. But no answer came, leaving him both tense and faintly curious.

"At this hour... who could it be?"

He walked slowly to the door and peered through the peephole.

The hallway outside was shrouded in darkness—nothing was visible.

Had he imagined it? No, the knock had come before the thunder. Someone was definitely there.

Just as he was about to step back and open the door, another bolt of lightning flashed, briefly lighting up the corridor. In that instant, Ye Feng clearly saw a figure standing right outside—silhouetted in a way that unmistakably resembled Li Mucheng.

Mucheng? Why would she be at his door? Shouldn’t she be asleep by now?

Before he could process it, the hallway plunged back into darkness. Without hesitation, Ye Feng flicked on the bedroom light and swung the door open. Sure enough, a figure stood before him.

The light gradually revealed the person in the hallway—Li Mucheng’s delicate, vulnerable face coming into view.

"Teacher~"

Seeing Ye Feng open the door, her pitiful expression brightened slightly. Yet she remained obediently at the threshold, not stepping inside.

"What’s wrong, Mucheng? Is something the matter at this hour?"

Li Mucheng bit her lip, lowered her head, and clutched her chest hesitantly before murmuring, "Teacher... I... I can’t sleep."

"Is it because of the storm?"

"Mm..."

She gave a small nod. Only then did Ye Feng notice she was wearing a thin white nightgown adorned with elegant floral patterns.

"Teacher... I’m scared. Could I... stay with you tonight?"

"Uh... well..."

Ye Feng hesitated. Though his first instinct was to refuse, the thought of leaving her alone in such terrible weather didn’t sit right with him.

"How about this, Mucheng—you take the bed, and I’ll sleep on the sofa?"

"No way!"

She immediately rejected the idea. But from Ye Feng’s tone, it was clear he didn’t object to her staying in his room. Which meant...

Without another word, Li Mucheng stepped forward and wrapped her arms tightly around him. In truth, she had already slipped out of bed long before the storm gathered, opening her window to let the cold wind seep into her room.

The chill had sunk deep into her body, leaving her trembling and ice-cold by the time she threw herself into Ye Feng’s arms.

"Mucheng? Why are you so cold?"

"B-Because I was scared... Without you, Teacher... I was scared."

Her voice was weak, as though the prolonged exposure to the wind had drained her strength.

"Hold on, I’ll get you to bed."

Ye Feng scooped her up and carried her to his bed, tucking the blankets snugly around her.

"Better now?"

"Mmm..."

Li Mucheng clutched the covers, pulling them halfway over her face as she secretly inhaled Ye Feng’s scent.

Teacher’s smell is so comforting... I could stay here forever...

"Mucheng? Mucheng?"

"Ah! Wh-What is it, Teacher?"

Snapping back to reality, she tightened her grip on the blanket, her pale cheeks flushing crimson.

Ugh... why am I getting lost in his blankets at a time like this? Li Mucheng, you idiot! Teacher is right here, and you’re obsessing over the sheets!

"Are you feeling warmer now?"

Hearing the patience in his voice, she nodded under the covers. "Yes, thanks to you. I’m much better now."

"Good. The weather probably gave you a chill. Since you’re alright, I’ll go settle on the sofa."

"Wait!"

Before he could turn away, Li Mucheng reached out and grabbed his wrist, her voice pleading.

"Don’t go, Teacher... Stay with me, please?"

"I’m not leaving you, Mucheng. I’ll just be on the sofa. Call if you need anything."

"O-Okay..."

Reluctantly, she let go, not wanting to push him further.

"Rest well, then. I’ll get the sofa ready."

"Goodnight, Teacher."

"Goodnight, Mucheng."

With a click, the lights went out, plunging the room into darkness as the storm outside drowned out the rustling of Ye Feng arranging the sofa.

The thunder rumbled on, but under the covers, Li Mucheng tossed and turned, unable to sleep. How could she, when she was sharing a room with Ye Feng?

"T-Teacher?"

She poked her head out and called his name softly. But the downpour was too loud—he didn’t respond.

Is he already asleep? Seriously... he promised he’d answer if I called.

A mischievous idea sparked in her mind. Smiling to herself, she sat up.

If Teacher isn’t answering... maybe I should check on him. Just to be sure he’s okay~