I'm So Eager to Make Progress

After some playful banter with Shen Mengli, Ye Feng stepped outside under the pretext of wanting some fresh air. Gazing at the dazzling night sky, his mood was gently soothed.

"Indeed, taking in such serene scenery always lifts the spirits," he mused.

Unconsciously, fragments of memories with the girls he knew flashed through his mind. To say these recollections weren’t beautiful would be a lie.

Whenever he was with them, he could genuinely feel their affection and goodwill toward him. He understood their feelings, yet he had always attributed their behavior to the influence of the system. But now, it seemed the reason lay within himself.

"Ah..."

Just as Ye Feng heaved a heavy sigh, a pair of delicate hands slipped around his waist from behind, pulling him into an embrace. Warmth radiated against his back.

"Mengli?"

"Xiao Feng."

Shen Mengli softly called his name before stepping in front of him, her captivating eyes locking onto his with an irresistible allure.

"Don’t sigh, okay? I’m here for you."

"Sigh... sighing?"

"Mhm. I heard it just now—the quiet sigh you let out. I don’t know what’s troubling you, but I’ll stay by your side."

"You’re overthinking it, Mengli. I sighed because I only just realized the truth of things. If I’d known sooner, I would’ve made things clearer with them."

"That’s not allowed!"

To his surprise, Shen Mengli shook her head in disagreement, pouting with dissatisfaction.

"If none of this had happened, I wouldn’t have gotten to have you, Xiao Feng. I’m being selfish here!"

"Alright, alright. You and your little schemes."

Ye Feng reached out and lightly tapped the tip of her nose. Just as he was about to lead her back inside, Shen Mengli suddenly grabbed his wrist.

"Mengli?"

"X-Xiao Feng..."

Her lips were bitten, her expression shy and hesitant, her gaze stirring something deep within him.

"What’s wrong, Mengli?"

"I’ve been poisoned."

She lowered her head and spoke softly.

"Poisoned?! How? Was the food not properly cleaned?"

His heart clenched, but before he could ask further, Shen Mengli continued, "It’s true! Here, see for yourself!"

With that, she wrapped her arms around his neck, stood on her tiptoes, and planted a quick kiss on his cheek.

"Huh? Mengli, you said you were poisoned, but then you kissed me?"

"Because the only antidote is you, Xiao Feng."

Her clear voice rang through the quiet mountain forest, leaving Ye Feng momentarily speechless.

After what felt like an eternity, Shen Mengli gradually loosened her embrace and instead turned toward the cabin.

"I’ll be waiting inside for the antidote. Otherwise, I might really succumb to the poison. I’m sure you wouldn’t want to see me suffering, right~?"

"Mengli, you—"

Ye Feng tried to call her back, but she had already darted inside with surprising speed. Even more tellingly, she made sure to turn off the lights in the room. There was no mistaking what she meant by "antidote."

"......"

Ye Feng took a deep breath, an inexplicable scene flashing through his mind.

He imagined himself as a general charging into battle, facing an overwhelming army. For the sake of his loved ones and the country he cherished, there was only one thought in his heart—

Fight!

"Thinking of it like that... feels a bit strange, doesn’t it?"

The moment he stepped into the cabin, a pair of dazzling crimson eyes met his from the bedside. No matter how hard he tried to resist locking gazes with Shen Mengli, his emotions ultimately overpowered his reason.

"Xiao Feng."

She called his name softly, stepping closer until she stood before him.

"I feel like I’ve changed in such a strange way..."

"Changed? What do you mean, Mengli?"

"I don’t know how to explain it. Ever since we... got closer, it’s like I’ve become obsessed. Every time, I can’t control these feelings inside me."

"Uh... maybe it’s just instinct acting up. That’s why you need stronger willpower, Mengli."

"Of course I know that, but I’ve tried and it doesn’t work."

Shen Mengli pressed against his chest, her face flushed as she spoke.

"The poison you carry is too potent, Xiao Feng. It doesn’t give me a chance to stay rational. When I’m with you, I’m like... like a soulless shell, blindly following orders."

"It’s not that exaggerated, Mengli. You make it sound like a sci-fi movie."

"It’s true!"

She huffed and shot him a playful glare before looping her arms around his neck.

"If you don’t believe me... why don’t you let yourself go just once?"

"Let myself go?!"

"Mhm. Don’t hold back for my sake."

"That... that’s impossible! Mengli, have you forgotten what happened last time? You fainted. Your safety will always come first for me."

"Mm... fine then."

Hearing his concern, Shen Mengli abandoned the idea. She knew Ye Feng would never indulge her like that. Yet, warmth swelled in her heart, sending a shiver through her body. Unable to resist, she leaned in and captured his lips in a kiss.

"Mmm... ♡"

"X-Xiao Feng, I’ll work hard! One day, I’ll surpass you!"

"Alright, we’ll see about that?"

"Mmm♡"

......

As the mountain breeze rustled through the trees, the tranquil forest filled with the whisper of leaves. Amidst the natural symphony, another melody intertwined—soft, intimate, and harmonious.

"X-Xiao Feng... I’m sorry..."

Shen Mengli’s breathy voice pulled Ye Feng back to his senses.

Looking down at her lying on the bed, her delicate form glistening with sweat, Ye Feng swallowed hard, as if wrestling with a difficult decision.

"Guh..."

After exhaling a heated breath, he carefully lay down beside her, pulling the covers over her shoulders.

"Sorry, Mengli. I might’ve gone a little overboard."

"N-Not at all."

One hand resting on her heaving chest, Shen Mengli—though visibly exhausted—still mustered her brightest smile for him.

"Being with you makes me happy, Xiao Feng. In every way—body and soul."

"I know my current self is still too weak for you..."

"But if I don’t improve, I’ll never keep up with you!"

Suddenly, a determined light flashed in her eyes as she locked her gaze onto his.

"Xiao Feng! I want to grow stronger—so badly!"