Teacher, I Like You

After Ye Feng woke up, the class proceeded as usual, and soon it was time to wrap up.

"Miss, let's end here for today. It's getting late, and I should be going."

Ye Feng glanced at the clock on the wall and stood up, preparing to leave.

"Well... alright. Let me walk you out, Teacher."

Surprisingly, Li Mucheng didn’t try to keep Ye Feng around as she usually would. Her tone even carried a hint of urgency.

"Sure..."

As the two walked side by side on the path outside the villa, Li Mucheng struck up a conversation.

"Teacher, who taught you all this knowledge?"

"Well... most of it comes from books, and some of it is based on my own experiences and insights."

Ye Feng hadn’t expected Li Mucheng to ask him this, but upon reflection, it made sense. After all, for someone his age to possess such skills and knowledge, it was only natural for others to wonder.

"I never realized you were so clever, Teacher~"

Li Mucheng didn’t seem surprised; instead, she felt quite satisfied, thinking to herself that the man she admired was indeed perfect in every way.

"Everyone has their strengths. For example, Miss, you have your own unique qualities."

"Oh? And what do you think my qualities are, Teacher?"

Li Mucheng raised an eyebrow, her tone laced with a hint of charm. Clearly, she was eager to hear Ye Feng’s opinion of her.

"Well... it might not be appropriate to say..."

Ye Feng laughed awkwardly. He hadn’t expected Li Mucheng to press him so persistently. Her stubbornness was, after all, one of her defining traits.

"Why can’t you say it? You have to tell me, Teacher!"

Li Mucheng stopped walking and stood still, waiting for Ye Feng’s answer.

"Sigh... alright. Miss, you’re someone who appears cold on the outside but is warm on the inside. When we first met, didn’t you resist and dislike me quite a bit?"

"......"

"But as we spent more time together, I realized you’re not as cold and indifferent as people say. Instead, I think you’re intelligent and caring toward those you know well."

"Really? Is that how you see me, Teacher..."

Li Mucheng asked in disbelief. She knew she had lost her temper with Ye Feng a few times, even to the point where she felt she’d gone too far, yet Ye Feng had always been patient and gentle with her.

"I’m not just flattering you, Miss. But there are some things you could work on."

"If I change... will you be more satisfied with me, Teacher?"

Li Mucheng murmured.

"Miss, you shouldn’t think that way. You can’t change yourself based on someone else’s standards. No one has the right to dictate your life, not even me."

Ye Feng, who had initially wanted to wrap up the conversation quickly, now spoke earnestly as he faced Li Mucheng.

"You don’t owe it to anyone to live for them. You need to live your own life. Change should come from within, from your own heart."

"I... I understand... Please go on, Teacher..."

From Li Mucheng’s expression, Ye Feng could tell she was reflecting on his words. This was a good start. When he first met Li Mucheng, he had noticed that she seemed numb to her current life, living in a state of deep negativity. But thankfully... she had developed an interest in his lessons, and he could use this to gradually guide her back on track.

"What I’m saying is what I just told you, Miss. Please, live for yourself, okay?"

"Teacher..."

Tears suddenly streamed down Li Mucheng’s face, one after another, sliding down her cheeks. The icy walls around her heart finally melted away.

"Thank you, Teacher... Thank you..."

Li Mucheng stepped forward, wrapped her arms around Ye Feng’s neck, and hugged him tightly. The sweet fragrance of the young girl once again filled Ye Feng’s senses.

"Miss, you shouldn’t do this. If someone sees us, I’m done for."

No matter how much Ye Feng tried to persuade her, Li Mucheng clung to him like a little koala, refusing to let go.

Sigh... Not only am I her teacher, but now I’m also her therapist. Shouldn’t her father give me a raise for this?

After a long while, Li Mucheng reluctantly released Ye Feng. She wiped the tears from her eyes and looked at him with a gaze now filled with affection, though Ye Feng mistook it for gratitude.

"Teacher, I’m sorry for taking up your time after class."

"It’s fine, Miss. You can stop here. I’ll be on my way."

"Alright."

This time, Li Mucheng no longer seemed timid or lost. As Ye Feng walked further away, she suddenly called out to him loudly.

"Teacher!"

"What is it?"

Ye Feng turned around to see Li Mucheng standing on the tree-lined path, her hands clasped in front of her as she stared at him intently. Her rosy lips parted as if to say something, and then she tilted her head and gave him a sweet smile.

"Sorry, Miss, I couldn’t hear you. Your voice was too soft."

Ye Feng shouted back.

"I said... Goodbye, Teacher..."

"Oh, goodbye!"

They waved to each other, and Li Mucheng silently watched Ye Feng’s figure until he disappeared from sight before turning to leave.

The once dim and shadowy path was now bathed in sunlight as the fallen leaves allowed the rays to shine through. The lifeless path had finally found its vitality.

......

As Li Mucheng walked back to her room, she suddenly stopped and spoke to the air behind her.

"Ah Fu."

"Miss?"

Sure enough, Ah Fu emerged from around the corner of the hallway, awkwardly scratching the back of his head and forcing a smile. "I’m sorry, Miss. I was just a bit worried about your safety."

"You saw everything?"

"Miss... I didn’t mean to..."

"Prepare the car."

"Prepare the car? Where are we going?"

Ah Fu looked at Li Mucheng’s icy expression, which was a stark contrast to the shy girl she had been moments ago. He couldn’t help but feel a bit scared.

Is she going to bury me to keep me quiet? Please, no! I was just following orders!

"To... my father’s company."

"Please, Miss, I have a family to... Huh? To the CEO’s company?"

After a moment of confusion, Ah Fu’s face lit up with excitement.

"Understood! Please wait a moment, Miss. I’ll get the car ready right away!"

This was the first time Miss had voluntarily asked to see the CEO. This was a breakthrough!