Really Really Miss You

"Ahem... You guys keep chatting, I’ll go out for a walk."

Feeling the intensity of Li Mucheng’s gaze on him, Ye Feng quickly made an excuse to leave. Since Shen Mengli was safe and sound, there was no need for him to stay so tense.

"Mmm... Alright then. Teacher, I’ll talk with Mengli a bit more—it won’t take long."

"Okay."

After uttering that single word, Ye Feng hurriedly left. Only when he stepped out of the manor did he finally exhale a long breath.

For some reason, even though he felt lighter after confessing his final secret, Ye Feng couldn’t shake the uneasy sensation whenever he met Li Mucheng’s eyes. It was as if his entire being was laid bare before her, sending a chill down his spine.

"Ah... Maybe I’m just overthinking it. Since I’ve got nothing else to do, why not take a look around the renovated manor?"

Pushing his melancholy aside, Ye Feng began wandering aimlessly outside the estate.

......

"Looks like Brother Ye Feng is gone... Xie Yuyan, what should we do now?"

Su Yuxin, hiding nervously in the bedroom, clutched the hem of her skirt and whispered her question to Xie Yuyan.

Seated on a nearby chair, Xie Yuyan lowered her eyes as if deep in thought. Just as Su Yuxin pressed her ear against the door to listen for movement in the living room, Xie Yuyan suddenly stood and walked straight toward her.

"Huh? Xie... Xie Yuyan? You—"

Before Su Yuxin could finish, Xie Yuyan reached out and turned the doorknob. As the door slowly opened, even Shen Mengli—who had been talking with Li Mucheng in the living room—was slightly startled.

"Xie Yuyan?!"

"Yuyan?"

Su Yuxin quickly peeked out, scanning the room. When she confirmed Ye Feng wasn’t there, she grabbed Xie Yuyan’s wrist, trying to pull her back inside. But her strength was no match for Xie Yuyan, who remained rooted in place.

"Xie Yuyan, come back inside! If Brother Ye Feng finds out, we’re all done for!"

Xie Yuyan gently took Su Yuxin’s hand and gave it a reassuring pat.

"Didn’t you notice... something off about Ye Feng’s tone just now?"

"Off? What do you mean, Xie Yuyan?" Shen Mengli was the first to ask.

"When Ye Feng came in earlier, the way he spoke to Li Mucheng seemed hesitant, yet his tone was oddly calm. That means he’s already forcibly distanced himself from everyone except Shen Mengli. If we don’t do something now, nothing will bring him back."

"......"

After Xie Yuyan’s words, silence fell over Shen Mengli and Li Mucheng. Even Su Yuxin slowly released her grip.

"So... what’s your plan, Yuyan?"

Li Mucheng was the first to respond, finding some truth in Xie Yuyan’s reasoning. If it solved the problem, any method was worth trying.

Xie Yuyan pressed her lips together before speaking softly.

"I want to talk to Ye Feng alone."

"Are... are you sure that’s okay?"

"Yes. Someone has to take the first step. Since none of you have any ideas, let me handle it."

The other three exchanged glances before nodding in agreement.

"Be careful, Xie Yuyan. Call for us if you need help."

As Xie Yuyan turned to leave, Shen Mengli spoke up. She knew Xie Yuyan’s approach was risky, but it was necessary.

"Alright."

......

"Mmm... The flowers in the manor still smell just as sweet."

Lost in thought, Ye Feng sat down on a bench in the garden.

"Was what I did right... or wrong?"

Just as he sank into solitude, the sound of light footsteps reached his ears.

At first, Ye Feng assumed it was one of the manor’s staff and paid it no mind. But as the footsteps drew closer, curiosity flickered in his chest.

The area around him was nothing but flowers and greenery—nowhere of particular interest. That meant whoever was approaching had come specifically for him.

Could it be Mengli looking for him? Or maybe Li Mucheng had something to say?

When the figure finally came into view, Ye Feng’s eyes widened in surprise.

"Mind if I sit here?"

Xie Yuyan’s sultry voice drifted into his ears, leaving Ye Feng staring at her in disbelief.

"Xie Yuyan? Why are you—"

"I missed you. So I came to see you. I was afraid I’d never get another chance."

Her tone was soft as she knelt before him.

"What are you—"

"You didn’t say I could sit beside you, so I thought kneeling would be easier on your neck."

"Don’t be like this, Xie Yuyan. Sit if you want—no need to ask."

"Because before, I never considered your feelings. I acted on my own whims and made you uncomfortable too many times. But I’m not that stubborn girl anymore. Isn’t it only natural that I’ve changed?"

"Ahem... Let’s not stray from the topic."

Ye Feng cleared his throat, cutting her off.

"So... have you been staying at Li Mucheng’s manor all this time?"

"Yes."

Xie Yuyan didn’t lie, explaining her reasons plainly.

"I feel safer here. And sometimes, I get to chat with Li Mucheng."

"What about your house...?"

"After you left, I never went back."

Xie Yuyan forced a smile—the kind exchanged between ex-lovers pretending they’re doing just fine.

"Why? Didn’t you always want a life of your own?"

"That was only if that life included you."

Afraid of upsetting him, Xie Yuyan quickly changed the subject.

"By the way... how have you and Shen Mengli been?"

"Hmm... That apartment I rented—you were the one who cleaned it, weren’t you?"

"Heh, you noticed. But how? I thought I hid it well enough."

"I saw the blanket on the sofa was gone... That was your favorite thing when you lived there."

"So... you knew all along."

Xie Yuyan leaned closer, resting her head against him.

"Xie Yu—"

"I missed you, Ye Feng... So, so much..."