Proof of Being Together

"Ahem..."

Realizing he had indeed gone too far, Ye Feng stopped hesitating and pulled Shen Mengli tightly into his embrace, their bodies pressed close together.

"I'm sorry, Mengli... I... I don't know what came over me. I just lost control like that."

Ye Feng awkwardly avoided Shen Mengli's gaze while asking with concern,

"By the way, Mengli, how are you feeling... physically?"

"Not good at all."

Shen Mengli pouted in response. Even after resting for so long, her body still felt like a deflated balloon draped limply against Ye Feng. She hadn’t expected him to be so lacking in tenderness, but then again, this was the first time she’d seen him completely lose his composure.

"But, Xiao Feng, I have a question for you. If you answer it properly..."

Shen Mengli’s tone shifted, her voice taking on a teasing lilt as she whispered in his ear,

"I might just let today’s mischief slide~"

Ye Feng knew he was in the wrong and didn’t argue. He nodded slightly and agreed, "Alright, Mengli, go ahead and ask."

"Hmm..."

Before she even spoke, her cheeks flushed visibly. She closed her eyes, gathering her thoughts before finally murmuring,

"Xiao Feng... how did it feel for you back then?"

"Eh... EH?!"

Ye Feng had braced himself for questions like whether he’d stay with her forever or take responsibility—he’d even prepared responses in advance. But Shen Mengli’s question left him frozen in shock.

"Xiao Feng, answer me quickly! Or I won’t let this go, you know."

"N-no, Mengli, that’s such a...!"

"I don’t care! This is important to me!"

Seeing the determination in her eyes, Ye Feng swallowed hard and stopped resisting, giving a reluctant nod.

"Oho~"

As if suddenly energized, Shen Mengli perked up at his reaction. She cupped his face with both hands, forcing him to meet her gaze.

"Xiao Feng, did you say something just now? I didn’t hear a thing~"

"Mmm..."

Ye Feng could tell she was teasing him, demanding he say it out loud. But who could possibly voice something so embarrassing?!

Whatever. My dignity’s already ruined. What’s my pride worth anyway?

After consoling himself, Ye Feng cast aside his reservations. He lifted his eyes to meet hers and spoke.

"It was... good."

"Good? What was good?"

"You were good, Mengli."

"Of course I’m good to you, Xiao Feng. But I want to know how you felt that day."

"Guh..."

Shen Mengli’s mischievous grin made Ye Feng wonder if she’d been possessed. Was this still the sweet, gentle Mengli he knew? After that night, she’d become like Pandora’s box—unleashing surprises at every turn.

"It felt... I really liked it."

"Fufu~"

Xiao Feng, you finally said it♡

Shen Mengli smirked victoriously, stretching up to peck the corner of his lips, her excitement bubbling over.

"Is that so? Then, Xiao Feng, between me and—"

She abruptly cut herself off, burying her face back into Ye Feng’s chest.

Phew... close call. Why did I almost say something like that?

The fiery enthusiasm in her heart had been doused like cold water. Now, she lay quietly against Ye Feng’s chest, listening to his heartbeat.

For some reason, now that she had Ye Feng, she felt an urge to compete with the other women in his life—especially to hear him say she was the best among them.

But the moment she realized how much pain such a question would dredge up for him—and how it might erode his affection for her—she clamped her mouth shut.

Thank goodness... I didn’t mess up. I can’t let impulsiveness ruin this. Xiao Feng is the one I’ll spend my happy life with.

"Mengli, are you okay?"

Noticing her sudden quietness, Ye Feng tilted his head in concern.

"I... I’m fine, Xiao Feng."

She shook her head slightly, hoping to reassure him. But her earlier excitement had clearly faded, and Ye Feng noticed.

Is she... worried? Well, after what happened, anyone would be. She trusted me enough to take this step—I should give her the same trust in return.

Without hesitation, Ye Feng pulled her closer and pressed a quick kiss to her forehead. It was over so fast that Shen Mengli took a moment to react.

"Xiao Feng? What was that for?"

"I think you’re prettier when you smile."

His voice was calm, his expression softening into a comforting smile.

"I don’t know what’s bothering you, but I promised to take care of you. You can relax, Mengli."

"Xiao Feng..."

His words were the perfect remedy for her unease. Letting go of her worries, she clung to him tightly.

"I love you so much."

"Thank you, Mengli."

"No, I’m the one who should be thanking you~"

She brushed her hair back, gazing at him with tender affection.

"You’re the one who gave me this happiness. Without you, I wouldn’t be who I am today. Now that we’ve started our new life together, I want to keep living like this forever. So... do you like our home?"

"I love it."

"Mm!"

After their heart-to-heart, the bond between Ye Feng and Shen Mengli grew even stronger in the days that followed. Eventually, prioritizing her health, Ye Feng dressed and got up to cook. But just as he turned toward the kitchen, a small hand darted out from the blankets, tugging at his sleeve.

"Xiao Feng... could you do one more thing for me?"

"Of course. Just tell me—right now, you should focus on resting."

Shen Mengli shyly averted her eyes, her next words clearly embarrassing for her.

"I... I want you to help me collect a keepsake."

"A keepsake? What kind?"

"It’s... proof of us being together."