The Dish I Crave the Most

"......"

When Ye Feng woke up again, the sky outside the window was already faintly bright. However, Shen Mengli beside him remained peacefully asleep, her expression serene.

Ye Feng still vividly remembered the words Shen Mengli had spoken to him the night before. Though he usually appeared strong on the outside, her tenderness had shaken him deeply. Even now, they clung to each other in sleep.

Gradually loosening his arms around Shen Mengli, Ye Feng got up to prepare breakfast for the two of them. By now, the side effects of the elixir had completely faded, and he was fully capable of doing his share of household chores.

But just as he shifted slightly, Shen Mengli, as if triggered by some instinct, immediately clung to him again—despite still being half-asleep.

"......"

Ye Feng looked down at Shen Mengli’s unbearably adorable expression, torn between getting out of bed and staying with her a little longer. As he hesitated, Shen Mengli suddenly opened her dazzling eyes.

"Good morning, Feng... ♡"

"G-Good morning, Mengli."

Caught off guard by her sudden awakening, Ye Feng lightly poked her forehead in mock annoyance.

"Oh, Mengli, so you were pretending to sleep? Fess up—when did you wake up?"

"I woke up the moment you tried sneaking away from me," Shen Mengli mumbled, pouting in dissatisfaction. Her arms tightened around his waist.

"Where were you planning to go, Feng? Were you going to leave me?"

Ye Feng knew exactly what she was doing—she just wanted to hear him say he wouldn’t leave her. Who knew this girl had such a mischievous side?

"Relax, I just wanted to prepare breakfast while you were still asleep."

Seeing how Ye Feng’s answer cleverly dodged her question, Shen Mengli, unsatisfied, pressed further. "I don’t care! You were trying to leave me!"

"You—!"

Ye Feng pinched her soft cheeks before pulling her into a tight embrace.

"Don’t worry, I’m not going anywhere. I just thought you’ve been working too hard these past few days and wanted to let you rest properly."

"Mmm..."

Melting under his touch, Shen Mengli instantly deflated, nestling into his chest with a happy giggle.

"I knew Feng was the best~"

"You little rascal, did you really think I wouldn’t see through your act?"

Ye Feng saw right through her little scheme, but far from being upset, a faint smile lingered on his lips.

"Well, since you’ve caught me... I guess there’s no point pretending anymore."

With that, Shen Mengli tilted her head up and planted a kiss on Ye Feng’s cheek, then whispered sweetly,

"I just wanted to hear you say more sweet things to me. I love feeling your love so much~"

"Alright, it’s getting late. We should get up and make breakfast. This time, I’ll handle it—anything you’d like to eat?"

"Something I’d like to eat?"

Shen Mengli closed her eyes in thought before nodding slightly.

"There is!"

What could make Mengli so excited? He’d never noticed her being particularly fond of any specific food before.

Curious, Ye Feng asked, "So, Mengli, what do you want—"

Before he could finish, Shen Mengli suddenly leaned in. A familiar warmth pressed against his lips.

"Mmm..."

Only after several seconds did she finally pull away, her face glowing with happiness. She nuzzled against his ear and murmured,

"There. That’s what I wanted most. I’m full now—thanks for the meal, Feng~"

"......"

A long silence followed. When Shen Mengli noticed Ye Feng hadn’t spoken, her heart suddenly clenched. A bad feeling crept over her.

Is he angry? Did I drain his energy too early in the morning? He must be upset!

Panicking, she quickly reined in her playful mood. But when she looked up at Ye Feng, she found him staring intently at her.

Realizing the situation, Shen Mengli didn’t hesitate any longer. She tightly grasped his hand and blurted out, "Feng, I’m sorry!"

"Oh?"

Ye Feng raised an eyebrow, his tone laced with amusement.

"So now you admit you were wrong?"

"Yes! I’m sorry, Feng! I was too wil—"

Before she could finish, Ye Feng suddenly seized her wrist and pulled her close until their faces were mere inches apart.

"Sorry, Mengli, but I won’t accept your apology. It’s too late for that now."

With that, he captured her lips in a deep kiss. A soft whimper escaped her before silence fell again.

"Mm... Nn..."

"Ah... ♡♡♡"

By the time Ye Feng finally pulled away and got dressed, Shen Mengli lay sprawled on the bed, dazed and breathless, her lips slightly parted.

Did I go too far?

Watching her trembling form and ragged breathing, Ye Feng couldn’t help but smirk. A glint of determination flashed in his eyes.

No. If I don’t teach her a proper lesson, she’ll just keep pushing her luck. I have to show her who’s in charge, or she’ll keep acting spoiled every day.

With that thought, he licked his lips—still tinged with her sweetness—and, to avoid further temptation, strode out of the cabin without looking back. Now, he could focus on making breakfast.

Meanwhile, Shen Mengli remained on the bed, gasping for air, her delicate body pushed to its limits.

......

"Xie Yuyan, you’re coming with us?"

Li Mucheng looked at Xie Yuyan, now dressed in athletic wear, with surprise before exchanging a glance with Su Yuxin beside her.

"You’ve only recovered for a day. Hiking through the mountains is too strenuous—your body won’t handle it. Why not rest a few more days? Yuxin and I can search for the teacher."

"It’s fine."

Xie Yuyan stepped forward and shook her head. She knew Li Mucheng meant well, but time was of the essence to her.

"Resting isn’t an option. I’ll pay any price to find Ye Feng—this is my atonement for the sins I’ve committed."

"But you can’t atone if you push yourself too hard—"

"Don’t worry. Back when I was an assassin, far worse never slowed me down. This is nothing."

"Well... if you insist. Alright!"