The Outsider in the Village

"Absolutely not!"

Ye Feng outright rejected Shen Mengli's idea in one breath, but then, realizing his tone might have been too stern, he softened his voice and whispered gently into her ear.

"Mengli, your health will always come first—that’s non-negotiable. I could never prioritize anything else over your well-being."

"Feng..."

Hearing his words, Shen Mengli deflated like a balloon, her earlier displeasure completely gone. She obediently rested her head lightly against Ye Feng’s shoulder.

"Alright, I’ll listen to you. How can I stay upset when you say things like that? You’re such a... bad Feng!"

"Oh? So you’re saying you don’t want me to be like this?"

"Huh? N-no! I do want you to be like this..."

Perhaps afraid Ye Feng wouldn’t hear her, Shen Mengli’s voice was much louder than usual, but by the time she reached the last words, her voice had dwindled to almost nothing.

"Oh? What are you mumbling about, Mengli? I didn’t catch a single word~"

"Ugh..."

Shen Mengli lifted her eyes and glared at Ye Feng, knowing full well he was teasing her just to see her flustered.

"I... I said... I..."

Just as she stammered, her face flushed red, preparing to repeat herself, Ye Feng suddenly reached out and tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, cutting her off.

"Alright, I heard everything you said earlier. I just wanted to see you looking this adorable."

Ye Feng chuckled and lightly booped her nose, the warmth between them deepening their affection.

"You’re so annoying..."

After a while of playful banter, the room fell silent again. Just as Ye Feng thought Shen Mengli had fallen asleep in his arms, a faint voice suddenly reached his ears.

"Feng... Feng..."

"What’s wrong, Mengli? Are you feeling unwell?"

"N-no, it’s not that."

Shen Mengli shook her head slightly before lifting it from Ye Feng’s embrace.

"Feng, there’s still something you’re hiding from me, isn’t there?"

"..."

"H-how could that be? Mengli, I’ve already told you my biggest secret. How could you think I’m keeping things from you?"

Ye Feng laughed it off and stroked her hair.

"Come on, don’t overthink it, okay? If you still have questions about the system, we can talk tomorrow, alright?"

"But I can feel it."

Shen Mengli suddenly spoke up.

"I can feel you deliberately hiding something. Whenever we’re together, there’s always a flicker of sadness in your eyes."

"That’s impossible. You must be misreading me..."

"Tell me! Please, just tell me!"

Faced with her relentless questioning, the smile faded from Ye Feng’s face. Deep down, he knew there was a way for him to live forever—but he hadn’t told Shen Mengli.

He didn’t want to owe her any more. The final solution was something even he struggled with, because it meant diving back into a life entangled with other girls. For Shen Mengli, who had saved him and devoted her whole heart to loving him, it felt unjust. So he’d rather let things be than reveal the truth.

"I’m sorry, Mengli. This is the one thing I can’t tell you. I won’t lie or make excuses—this is something I need to bear alone."

"No, Feng! You promised you’d stay with me! You can’t go back on your word!"

From his tone, Shen Mengli sensed this secret was monumental to Ye Feng—so much so that he wouldn’t even share it with her. The sorrow in his eyes spoke volumes.

"Let’s sleep, Mengli. Everything will be alright."

"No... Feng, I don’t want to..."

Shen Mengli clung to his arm, trying to coax him into relenting, but this time, it didn’t work.

"Let’s sleep. I’m tired."

Ye Feng pulled her into his arms and closed his eyes firmly. The cabin fell silent once more.

Feng...

Meanwhile, as night fell, a graceful figure darted through the mountain forest like a ghost, appearing and vanishing without a trace.

......

"Any updates?"

Early the next morning, Li Mucheng listened to the search team’s report while having a quick breakfast.

"Young Mistress, our investigation found a small village less than five kilometers from the riverside forest. Most of the villagers are elderly or middle-aged locals. After questioning around, a butcher shop owner mentioned someone bought ingredients there a few days ago."

"An outsider?"

"Yes. But according to the villagers, the butcher has already left for the city to sell his goods and won’t be back until noon."

"Good! Prepare the cars for the village immediately. Also, notify Su Yuxin and Xie Yuyan—tell them we’ve made progress."

"Yes!"

Just as the manor’s steward was about to leave, Li Mucheng suddenly added, "Actually, just inform Su Yuxin. I’ll handle Xie Yuyan myself."

"Understood, Young Mistress."

Li Mucheng grew tense thinking about Xie Yuyan, who hadn’t returned all night. She immediately picked up her phone and dialed Xie Yuyan’s communication device.

Beep.

The call connected instantly, and Xie Yuyan’s calm yet sultry voice came through.

"What is it?"

"Any leads on your end?"

"None. I searched all night based on my own deductions but found nothing."

"I... see. You’ve worked hard."

"It’s nothing. I’m just doing what I can. Calling this early—did you find something?"

"Yes."

Li Mucheng relayed the new clues to her.

"Oh? So the truth is coming to light. Mucheng, send me the village’s coordinates. I’ll head there directly and wait for you."

"But what about your condition?"

"Don’t worry about me. These things are barely setbacks—I’m used to this lifestyle."

"Then... alright. Be careful, Yuyan. See you soon."

Click.

......