Theft

"Mmm~ smells amazing~"

Shen Mengli closed her eyes, her delicate nose twitching slightly as a look of bliss spread across her face.

"Xiao Feng, your cooking is as incredible as ever. Just the aroma alone makes me feel like I could devour a whole bowl of rice!"

Ye Feng knew exactly how skilled—or unskilled—he was in the kitchen, but Shen Mengli's enthusiasm lifted his spirits immensely.

"Look at you, getting all excited. Sit down properly now, it's almost time to eat."

After setting down the braised pork ribs with potatoes, Ye Feng reached out with one hand to gently ruffle Shen Mengli's hair before turning toward the woodshed.

"Okay~"

When Ye Feng returned moments later, he was startled to find Shen Mengli nowhere in sight. Concerned, he immediately called out her name.

"Mengli?"

"Ah! Xiao Feng, I'm over here!"

A faint voice came from beneath the table. Following the sound, Ye Feng spotted Shen Mengli crouched on the floor, searching for something.

"Mengli, what are you...?"

"Xiao Feng, I dropped something. It was right here just a second ago."

Her eyes darted across the floor, but what Ye Feng didn’t expect was the way her gaze kept flickering toward him, as if stealing glances.

"What did you drop? Is it important? Let me help you look."

"It's fine, Xiao Feng. I can handle this myself. You go ahead and eat—I’ll find it soon."

"......"

Ye Feng studied her with a skeptical look, trying to discern the truth from her eyes.

"Hmm... Where could it be~?"

"Mengli, be honest. What are you really up to?"

"Xiao Feng, what do you mean?! Are you doubting me now? I’m just looking for something precious! You’re being so suspicious—measuring others with your own petty standards!"

"Alright, alright, maybe I overthought it. Just hurry up and find whatever it is so we can eat. Honestly, I never know what’s going on in that head of yours."

Muttering to himself, Ye Feng took his seat at the table. Just as he reached for the rice spoon, his hand froze mid-air. A far more pressing realization struck him.

Oh no—Mengli is planning to—!

By the time he reacted, it was already too late. Shen Mengli’s small hands clamped down on his thighs, and she tucked the loose strands of hair behind her ears with a mischievous grin.

"Hehe... Xiao Feng, I found it now—the most precious thing to me. And I won’t let it slip away again~"

"Mengli, wait—!"

......

"Mmm... gulp..."

Meanwhile, Su Yuxin clutched a strawberry-flavored milk tea, hoping the sweetness would lift her mood. It usually worked, but today, her spirits remained low, untouched by any joy.

"Yuxin, why did you decide to stay at the manor today? Did you tell Uncle Su?"

"Yes, my father knows about it."

Su Yuxin set down her drink and slumped onto the sofa, murmuring listlessly.

"Mucheng, what do you think will happen in the end?"

"You mean the conflict between us?"

"Something like that. Right now, we’re united for Ye Feng’s sake, but once everything’s over... what then?"

"Yuxin, it’s too early to think about that. We should focus on the present."

"But what about the outcome? Won’t it just go back to how it was before—constant clashes? The slightest misstep could lead to disaster."

"You’re being too pessimistic. How things turn out depends on whether that person controlling Ye Feng will let him live in peace. Imagine if we stopped all the infighting and just lived the simple, rural life he loves. Wouldn’t that be perfect?"

"Hmm... I don’t know. My mind’s just a mess right now."

Li Mucheng could see right through Su Yuxin’s unease. Due to an unfortunate twist of fate, Su Yuxin hadn’t yet taken the next step with Ye Feng—a blow that weighed heavily on her. Anyone in her shoes would feel the imbalance.

"Don’t worry, Yuxin. Opportunities will come. Right now, our priority isn’t deciding for Ye Feng, but helping him find his own answer in these days ahead."

"Alright... if you say so."

Li Mucheng’s reassurance pulled Su Yuxin out of her gloom. But as she glanced around, she noticed Xie Yuyan’s absence. Normally, Xie Yuyan would still be lost in thought by the sofa at this hour.

"Hey? Mucheng, have you seen Yuyan? I haven’t spotted her since we got back."

"Oh, I forgot to mention. Xie Yuyan said she was going to her room to pack. She’ll probably be back later."

"I see."

Su Yuxin glanced at the door, confirming no one else had entered, before lowering her voice.

"Mucheng, don’t you think Xie Yuyan has been... different since the day she met Ye Feng? She’s not as composed as before—more withdrawn, even."

"That’s because her guilt toward him has only deepened over time."

Li Mucheng sighed, admitting there was little she could do.

"I’ve talked to her about it before, but the moment she saw Ye Feng, she was already trapped in her own remorse. And this cliff incident... she bears some responsibility too."

"And... so do I..."

Su Yuxin added sheepishly.

"Well, I believe Xie Yuyan will find her way out of this darkness. Our help can only do so much. She’s stronger-willed than both of us—she won’t give up so easily."

"You really understand her, don’t you, Mucheng?"

"It’s not about understanding. It’s that we’re too much alike."

"......"

......

"Mmmph~"

Su Yuxin covered her mouth, resting her head on Ye Feng’s shoulder. Occasional tears glistened in her eyes—clearly, dinner had taken an unexpected turn.

"Are you okay?"

Ye Feng patted Shen Mengli’s back, his expression full of concern.

"I told you to be careful. It was supposed to be a simple meal, but you had to add your own ‘dish.’ Now you’re going on about ‘nutritional compensation’—honestly, you’re just trying to provoke me."

"Wah... Xiao Feng, don’t scold me like that. I was just overwhelmed by your charm! And replenishing nutrients is important!"

"But I never asked you to steal nutrients from someone else!"

Ye Feng’s face flushed red as he quickly steered the conversation away.