For You, I'm Willing to Wait Until the End of Time

"Alright, I need to go wash the dishes now and tidy up the house a bit. After all, there are still some potential dangers in the mountains. I’ll be back soon, okay?"

Ye Feng gently stroked Shen Mengli’s head, warming her heart while explaining his intentions.

"Mmm..."

Shen Mengli clutched Ye Feng’s clothes in silence for a moment before finally speaking in a delicate, coquettish voice.

"O-okay... But Xiao Feng, you have to be careful when you go out, alright?"

"Don’t worry. After all I’ve been through, I’ve got plenty of experience."

With that, Ye Feng stepped out of Shen Mengli’s embrace, picked up the bowl by the bedside, and headed outside the cabin. Though Shen Mengli had mentioned that the cabin wasn’t far from a small village, the mountains still harbored wild animals. Being cautious now was just a way to safeguard their future life together.

The moment Ye Feng stepped out of the cabin, a chilly wind swept over him. Relying on his memory, he managed to turn on the light in the woodshed.

At first, seeing Shen Mengli use candles in the cabin, Ye Feng had assumed there was no electricity. But upon asking, he learned that the cabin actually had a lighting system and even some electrical appliances—Shen Mengli just rarely used them.

After covering the leftover porridge from Shen Mengli’s morning cooking with a lid, Ye Feng quickly checked the woodshed for any hazards. Only when he confirmed it was safe did he prepare to turn off the light and return to the room.

But just as he turned around, a flash of red light flickered in the darkness outside the woodshed.

"!!!"

Ye Feng froze for a split second before quickly regaining his composure. He called out softly toward the door, "Mengli?"

After a few seconds, a figure gradually emerged from the darkness—none other than Shen Mengli, dressed in only a thin short-sleeved shirt.

"X-Xiao Feng..."

"Mengli, why did you come out?"

Just as he’d guessed, it was Shen Mengli at the door. Seeing how lightly dressed she was, Ye Feng immediately draped his jacket over her shoulders.

"Look at you, coming out without proper clothes. What if you catch a cold?"

"Eep..."

Shen Mengli’s face flushed like a boiling kettle. She let out a soft whimper before murmuring,

"X-Xiao Feng... are you worried about me?"

"How can you still be asking that at a time like this? Come on, let’s go back inside."

As Ye Feng took Shen Mengli’s small hand, he felt resistance. Turning back, he saw her standing motionless, clearly waiting for his answer.

"Of course I’m worried! Would I be this anxious if I weren’t?"

"Giggle~"

Hearing his reply, Shen Mengli’s face instantly brightened. Like a little butterfly fluttering its wings, she threw herself into Ye Feng’s arms.

"Thank you for caring about me, Xiao Feng."

"Silly girl."

Seeing her adorable expression, Ye Feng couldn’t help but laugh. He might not have even realized how genuine his smile was.

"Alright, what are you standing around for? Can we go back now?"

"Mmm... Xiao Feng, I want to be a little selfish tonight~"

Shen Mengli swung Ye Feng’s arm playfully, pouting with a shy expression.

"I want you to carry me back. Can you?"

"Carry you...?"

"Mm!"

Shen Mengli rose onto her tiptoes, burying her face in Ye Feng’s shoulder. A sweet fragrance filled his senses.

"Mengli?"

"I like..."

"Sorry, Mengli, you’re speaking too softly. Could you say it—"

"I like you."

"Huh?"

"I really, really like you~"

Her sweet voice was like heavenly music, sending an indescribable warmth coursing through every cell in Ye Feng’s body. Only when his mind was consumed by the sound of his own pounding heartbeat did he snap back to reality. Without a word, he scooped Shen Mengli up into his arms.

"Mmph..."

Feeling herself lifted into the air, Shen Mengli wrapped her arms tightly around Ye Feng’s neck, nestling obediently against him without squirming.

"It’s getting late. Let’s go back."

"Okay~"

After returning to the bed with Shen Mengli, Ye Feng lay down, only for her to snuggle up against him with practiced ease. But Shen Mengli wasn’t done yet—she fixed her wide, unblinking eyes on Ye Feng, waiting in silence.

Ye Feng knew exactly what she wanted. Without hesitation, he pulled her close, breathing in the delicate scent of her hair as he whispered, "I accept your feelings, Mengli. I’m looking forward to our life together too."

"Wah..."

His response instantly brought tears to Shen Mengli’s eyes, and a soft sob escaped her lips beside Ye Feng’s ear.

"M-Mengli?"

Thinking his words had come off as careless, Ye Feng scrambled to rephrase—only for warm lips to press against his own.

!!!

When he focused, he saw two trails of hot tears streaming down Shen Mengli’s face, her kiss overflowing with love.

So... she’s crying from happiness...

"Mm~ Mwah~"

"Mm~ Hah~"

This kiss was brief, perhaps because Shen Mengli had something to say. Soon, they pulled apart.

"Xiao Feng."

"Y-yes?"

"I... I want..."

Shen Mengli’s flushed face resembled a ripe peach, tempting enough to bite.

"I want to give myself completely to you."

Thud.

Her words hit Ye Feng like a hammer to the heart. He hadn’t expected Shen Mengli to say something like this tonight, leaving him stammering in search of a response.

"D-do you not want to?"

"That’s not it, Mengli."

Ye Feng tightened his embrace, making sure he had her full attention before continuing.

"What I’m about to say might upset you. But please believe me, okay?"

"Okay..."

Shen Mengli hesitated before answering softly.

"I think we’re moving too fast. But Mengli, I know your feelings for me are pure and sincere! I just don’t want to hurt you because of a moment’s impulse. Do you understand?"

"......"

"I want you to live happily, Mengli—not make decisions just for my sake. You should follow your heart, especially knowing what I’ve been through before..."

"It’s okay, Xiao Feng. None of that matters to me."

Shen Mengli cupped Ye Feng’s lowered face in her hands, gazing at him with unwavering sincerity.

"No matter what you’ve experienced, I’ll only ever love you. For you... I’d wait until the end of time."