No news is good news.

Suddenly dazed, Xie Yuyan grabbed Li Mucheng’s wrist like a drowning person clutching at a lifeline, stammering, "Is... is there any news about Ye Feng?"

"Unfortunately, no... On the day he fell into the river, both the Su Family and I sent out large search teams, but the outcome was as expected."

Li Mucheng gave Xie Yuyan a reassuring look while gently placing her hand over Xie Yuyan’s.

"I came to see you today because I wanted to talk properly with you. And I hope you’ll join me in searching for him."

"Ye Feng’s whereabouts..."

At those words, the image of Ye Feng plunging into the river flashed relentlessly through Xie Yuyan’s mind.

"Li Mucheng, I could sense it that day at the cliff. When I looked at Ye Feng, his body showed all the signs of death..."

"Xie Yuyan, even if you say that, deep down, do you really believe he would leave us so abruptly?"

"You mean... Ye Feng might still be alive?"

Xie Yuyan lifted her head in surprise. Though her judgment told her Ye Feng was already gone, hearing even the slightest possibility of his survival ignited a flicker of hope in her heart.

"It’s just a guess. We’ll need concrete clues to confirm anything. But think about it—no news might actually be the best news in a way."

"No news is the best news..."

"So I won’t bow to reality! No matter what, I’ll find him myself!"

As she spoke, Li Mucheng’s dark eyes gleamed with renewed determination, clearly more resolute than before.

"......"

"So, Xie Yuyan, will you join me in searching for him? And I think we should also talk more about him."

Xie Yuyan withdrew her hand, and just as Li Mucheng thought she would refuse, she nodded.

"Fine, I’ll help. But let me make this clear—it’s only for Ye Feng’s sake. Don’t think I owe you anything."

"Of course not. I’m just relieved you agreed. I’ll wait outside. It’s been a while since you’ve taken care of yourself. I left fresh food on the table—remember to eat later."

Xie Yuyan frowned slightly. This wasn’t the Li Mucheng she knew. Back when Ye Feng was kidnapped, her urgency and obsession had matched her own. How could she suddenly be so understanding?

Noticing Xie Yuyan’s skepticism, Li Mucheng decided to explain her change to ensure their cooperation.

"You know how much our behavior disgusted him. If he found out we were still scheming against each other, do you think he’d ever come back? Even if it’s just for his sake, we have to act this way."

"But you don’t seem to be pretending. Where’s that hunger in your eyes from before?"

"That? Ye Feng smoothed out my edges long ago."

Li Mucheng smiled faintly, reminiscing about the time Ye Feng accepted her apology. Had she not mustered the courage to apologize, she might still be drowning in regret today.

"Alright, enough talk. Let’s focus on the task at hand. Hopefully, we won’t take the wrong path this time."

After a brief hesitation, Xie Yuyan exhaled softly and nodded.

......

Gurgle.

When Ye Feng opened his eyes, his stomach betrayed him with an audible growl. Then again, it was only natural—he hadn’t eaten in days, and his body felt alarmingly weak.

Wait, didn’t Shen Mengli say she was going out? Why wasn’t she back yet? Had something happened?

Alarmed, Ye Feng propped himself up on the wooden bed, about to stumble out wrapped in blankets, when faint footsteps sounded at the door. Shen Mengli soon appeared, carefully carrying a bowl of warm congee.

"Oh? You’re awake, Xiao Feng. I thought you’d sleep a bit longer."

Shen Mengli smiled tenderly at him, though her eyes darted briefly to his toned chest before she quickly looked away. The slight tremble in her hands as she held the congee betrayed her fluster.

"Mengli, you’re back."

"Mm. I came right back after buying groceries."

She set the steaming congee on the table to cool, then hurried to the bed and threw her arms around him.

"Mengli? You—"

Before he could finish, she pressed her forehead against his.

"Shh~"

Eyes half-lidded, she slowly pushed him back onto the bed and planted a soft kiss on his forehead.

"Xiao Feng, you’re impossible. The mountain chill is no joke. Even if you’re strong, your body’s still weak right now. What if you get sick?"

"I-I’m just tired, that’s all. I’ve already recovered."

"That’s not good enough! You’re not leaving this bed until you’re completely well!"

Shen Mengli pouted, hands on her hips, clearly displeased with his answer.

"Mengli, you... Fine, fine, I won’t move. Happy?"

"Much better."

Her mock scowl vanished instantly as she sat beside him, tucking the blankets snugly around him.

"The congee will be ready to eat once it cools. You must be starving after all this time."

"Well... a little. But Mengli, why don’t you eat first? I can wait."

"Absolutely not! You’re the most important person to me. I’ll always take care of you first."

With that, she lifted the bowl of congee, scooping a spoonful and blowing on it gently.

Ye Feng’s face flushed as he tried to sit up, only to be pinned back by her stern glare.

"Xiao Feng, what’s the rush? I know you’re hungry, but it’s still too hot. Be patient—we’ll eat soon."

"That’s not what I meant. I can feed myself—"

"No~~pe~~!"