A Favor of Dripping Water

"Gulp... Slurp..."

"Slurp... Mmm..."

"Hah... Hah... Heh..."

"Gurgle... Mmm..."

Shen Mengli was clearly inexperienced when it came to taking the initiative. After just a few exchanges, she was the first to retreat.

While kissing Shen Mengli, Ye Feng could distinctly feel her delicate body trembling as if she had fallen into an icy cavern. It was obvious she lacked confidence in this sudden advance.

"Xiao... Xiao Feng..."

Finally, Shen Mengli could no longer hold on. Her tiptoes weakened, and just as her body began to tilt backward, a strong arm wrapped around her slender waist.

"Mm~"

Her face had already flushed crimson during the kiss. Breathing out scorching breaths through her nose, her thoughts had long since drifted away with the passionate embrace.

Feeling Shen Mengli’s limp, boneless body, Ye Feng had no choice but to scoop her up. Watching her dazed expression, her lips curled into a faint smile, he couldn’t help but sigh helplessly.

"What am I going to do with you, silly girl?"

"Mm..."

Only after placing her on the bed did Shen Mengli gradually regain her senses.

She first glanced at Ye Feng, who was staring intently at her, then raised a hand to lightly touch her lips.

"Xiao... Xiao Feng... Would you believe me if I said I didn’t mean to?"

"What do you think? Guess who forgot to breathe and nearly passed out just now?"

"Mm..."

Realizing her embarrassing behavior had been witnessed, Shen Mengli shyly covered her face with both hands.

"I... I was just too excited! Otherwise, I could’ve held on a little longer!"

"You..."

Ye Feng exhaled in exasperation. He knew exactly what Shen Mengli was trying to convey—her way of expressing herself was unmistakable. Still, he couldn’t help but be surprised by her sudden boldness.

"By the way, Mengli, is there any congee left at home?"

"Home..."

Hearing his phrasing, the flustered Shen Mengli momentarily forgot to answer his question, her mind fixated solely on those two words.

Xiao Feng... actually called this our home! This is wonderful! It means all her efforts hadn’t been in vain—he was slowly beginning to see this little wooden house as a home belonging to just the two of them.

So... so happy!

"Hehe... Xiao Feng..."

"Mengli? Mengli?"

Ye Feng called her name repeatedly as she remained lost in thought, her lips curled in an irrepressible smile. He had no idea what had gotten into her this time.

After what felt like ages, Shen Mengli finally snapped out of her daze. Only when she noticed Ye Feng standing beside her with a stern expression did she realize she had spaced out again.

"Xiao... Xiao Feng, were you calling me just now?"

"What do you think?"

"Mm... Sorry, Xiao Feng. I got too excited and just... zoned out."

"Alright, enough of that. Mengli, could you answer my question first?"

"You were asking about the congee at home, right?"

"Mn."

"There’s still some! I’ll go get you a bowl right now!"

Just as Shen Mengli was about to climb off the bed, Ye Feng stopped her. At first, she thought he didn’t want to trouble her, but before she could speak, he cut in.

"Just stay put, Mengli. Besides, I’m not hungry right now."

"You’re not hungry? Then why did you...?"

"Because you haven’t eaten yet! You’ve been so busy taking care of me—are you just going to neglect your own health?"

"Eh? Xiao... Xiao Feng, are you worried about me?"

"What? You’re allowed to care for me, but I can’t return the favor?"

Ye Feng chuckled and pinched her cheek lightly, amused by her stunned expression.

"Now that your legs are healed, you’re getting ahead of yourself. As your guardian, it’s my duty to look after you too."

Shen Mengli’s heart swelled with sweetness, as if she had just eaten honey. She didn’t resist his offer to fetch the congee—after all, didn’t this mean their roles could reverse, even if just a little?

"Then... then I’ll leave it to you, Xiao Feng. If you need any help, just let me know, okay?"

"Mn. Just rest, Mengli. I’ll handle the rest."

With that, Ye Feng turned and headed to the kitchen, returning shortly with a steaming bowl of congee.

"Mengli, do you want any side dishes? I saw some vegetables you brought back earlier—should I whip up a couple of simple dishes?"

"N-No need, Xiao Feng! This is enough! I’m not picky!"

Shen Mengli refused without hesitation, though her gaze never left the bowl in Ye Feng’s hands.

"If you say so, then alright."

Ye Feng brought the bowl to her bedside and offered it, only to realize she hadn’t taken it.

"Mengli?"

He called her name softly, as if reminding her it was time to eat. But Shen Mengli merely pouted, her bright eyes fixed on him expectantly.

"What’s wrong?"

Seeing that he still didn’t get the hint, Shen Mengli decided to spell it out:

"Xiao Feng, have you heard the saying, ‘A drop of kindness should be repaid with a flowing spring’?"

"I have. But what does that have to do with the congee—?"

Halfway through his sentence, realization dawned on him. His expression shifted slightly, tinged with awkwardness.

"Mengli... don’t tell me you want me to feed you?"

"......"

At his words, Shen Mengli’s smile visibly dimmed. She knew that if she kept acting spoiled, Ye Feng might find her too troublesome. So, she resolved to adjust her approach—to gradually ease him into shared routines.

"It’s... it’s fine. Just hand me the bowl, Xiao Feng. I can eat by myself."

"......"

Her face was painted with such obvious disappointment that Ye Feng could only sigh in resignation. Sitting down beside her, he scooped up a spoonful of congee, blew on it to cool it, and brought it to her lips.

"Try the temperature. If it’s too hot, let me know."

"I knew Xiao Feng would be the best~"

Delighted, Shen Mengli took the spoon between her lips, savoring the mouthful of warm congee.

"Mmm, congee tastes so much better when it’s fed with love~"

"It’s not that big a deal..."

Though he played it down, Ye Feng couldn’t help but smile back at her radiant expression.

Mengli... she’s always been so mindful of my feelings.