Wait for Me to Come Back

After explaining her plan, Xie Yuyan changed into the outfit Li Mucheng had helped her customize, while also clarifying her reasoning to the two of them.

"You have to understand, we’ll never know just how many hidden cards Ye Feng has up his sleeve. Acting recklessly would mean missing our chance. But since I’ve interacted with him so often, I’ve picked up on his subtle habits and mannerisms. Entrusting this to me gives us a better shot at success."

"Alright, we believe in you. Just be careful, Yuyan... because our hopes rest entirely on you now."

Li Mucheng’s eyes reflected both concern and expectation for Xie Yuyan, as if the thought of her betraying them had never crossed her mind.

"Mm, if there’s any progress, I’ll contact you via the radio. I’ll head out now."

Xie Yuyan quickly gathered her equipment and left the room, leaving Li Mucheng and Su Yuxin staring at each other in silence.

"Mucheng..."

Su Yuxin suddenly spoke up.

"Do you know much about Shen Mengli?"

At this, Li Mucheng shook her head and sighed.

"I’ve only met Shen Mengli a handful of times, and back then, she was deeply disguised, skillfully diverting my attention. Back then, just like Xie Yuyan, I dismissed her as a worthless rival. But now it’s clear—everything was part of her carefully laid plans."

"I knew it! I told you there was something off about her!"

"Oh? What makes you say that, Yuxin?"

"Because she knows how to trigger Ye Feng’s protective instincts! That fragile, delicate act is exactly the kind of thing guys fall for."

"Wait... is that really true?"

"Of course! That’s how it always plays out in shoujo manga!"

"Ahaha... Yuxin, let’s just focus on handling the village matters for now."

"Fine."

......

"Hmm... we’re running low again..."

Shen Mengli frowned slightly as she surveyed the nearly depleted food supplies in the woodshed.

"When it was just me, the food lasted longer. But now that Xiao Feng is here, and with how much energy we’ve been expending daily, we need more replenishment. I’ll have to be more careful—if I go to the village too often, it’ll raise suspicions."

"What’s wrong, Mengli? What are you looking at in the woodshed?"

Just then, Ye Feng followed her voice inside. When he saw the dwindling stock of ingredients, he immediately understood her concern.

"Guess we really need a fridge."

"Unfortunately, the cabin doesn’t have one."

Shen Mengli sighed and turned around, throwing herself into Ye Feng’s arms.

For some reason, ever since she regained the ability to walk on her own, she’d found herself missing the days when she had relied on Ye Feng for everything. Back then, his care had been meticulous—so much so that she’d even entertained the absurd thought of breaking her legs again just to relive it.

Thinking she was worried about the food shortage, Ye Feng gently reassured her, "It’s alright, Mengli. Didn’t you say there’s a village nearby? This time, let me go get supplies. I’m fully recovered now—it’s about time I pulled my weight."

"No!"

Shen Mengli abruptly cut him off, tugging at his sleeve as she hurriedly dragged him back toward the cabin.

Only after firmly shutting the door did she pout and say, "Xiao Feng, you know how dangerous things are right now! Are you trying to sneak out because you’re tired of living with me?"

Her stern tone quickly softened, tears welling up in her eyes—a look that instantly dissolved Ye Feng’s resolve to leave.

"Of course not, Mengli! I wasn’t planning to sneak out. I was just discussing it with you."

Afraid she might burst into tears, Ye Feng pulled her close, speaking in a soothing voice.

"Mengli, think about it—you’ve done so much for me. I’m not some kept man. Now that I’m better, I should contribute to our home too."

"O-Our home..."

Hearing this, Shen Mengli’s earlier severity vanished. But the thought of Ye Feng stepping outside filled her with dread. Though cut off from the outside world, she was certain the other three women wouldn’t just sit idle. They had to be extra cautious.

"Xiao Feng, hearing you say that makes me really happy... but you still can’t go! It’s not that I don’t want you to—I just don’t want all our efforts to go to waste."

"......"

When Ye Feng stayed silent, Shen Mengli cupped his face, forcing him to meet her gaze.

"Please, Xiao Feng? Pretty please?"

"Mengli, I think enough time has passed that it should be safe now. And I can’t stand watching you exhaust yourself for my sake. Logically, these things should be my responsibility."

"Xiao Feng, that’s where you’re wrong! Love isn’t about who does more or less. As long as our hearts are connected, the scales will never tip. That’s what real love is, isn’t it?"

"I..."

"Relax, I know you want to help. But we have to prioritize the bigger picture. You wouldn’t want me waiting here all alone, would you?"

"Sigh... Mengli, how can I refuse when you put it like that? As long as you don’t feel burdened."

"Of course I won’t! Just wait here for me, okay? I’ll be back soon~"

Finally, after her relentless persuasion, Ye Feng gave in. Now she could rest easy knowing he wouldn’t be in danger.

"Mwah~"

Seizing the moment while Ye Feng was still dazed, Shen Mengli planted a sweet kiss on his lips. Then, with her hands behind her back, she skipped toward the door.

"Wait for me, darling. This time, I’ll bring back lots and lots of fresh ingredients for you~"

"Alright, but don’t push yourself too hard, okay?"

"Mm! No time to waste—I’m off now~"

With one last longing glance at Ye Feng, Shen Mengli turned and strode out of the cabin. She wanted to return to this room—the home of their love—as quickly as possible. Because deep down, she was terrified. Terrified that those women might steal Ye Feng away. She never wanted him to suffer again.

Watching Shen Mengli’s figure disappear into the distance, Ye Feng sighed helplessly and retreated into the cabin. Life with her was blissful, but hiding like this... it couldn’t go on forever.