Only by Facing It Seriously

After the two stepped out of the apartment, Shen Mengli gradually loosened her grip on Xie Yuyan's arm.

Xie Yuyan seemed to sense that Shen Mengli had something to say, so she slowed her pace as well.

"Shen Mengli."

Xie Yuyan spoke softly.

"To be honest, I still have thoughts of keeping Ye Feng all to myself."

"......"

Xie Yuyan nodded slightly, showing no excessive reaction to Shen Mengli's words. She knew there were only two reasons Shen Mengli would confide in her like this. First, she believed Xie Yuyan was worth sharing these thoughts with, hoping she’d understand certain truths. Second, she wanted Xie Yuyan’s perspective on the matter.

"I understand how you feel. Back then, I also wanted Ye Feng all to myself—I wouldn’t let anyone near him."

Xie Yuyan didn’t directly comment on Shen Mengli’s confession. Instead, she shared her own past experiences.

"Maybe it was because of that ‘charm skill’ Ye Feng mentioned that made me grow more irritable, but I think it was more like my own personality being amplified. And Shen Mengli, haven’t you noticed? Everyone who’s been close to Ye Feng—including you and me—we all share one trait in common."

"You mean... possessiveness?"

"Yes. It’s as if everything was predestined. The system arranged for Ye Feng to meet us, then influenced by our personalities, leading to serious consequences. It feels like we’re walking a preordained path, and we’ll just keep following it."

"I... I’m not entirely sure about that. Ye Feng never mentioned anything like this to me."

"No, maybe even Ye Feng hasn’t realized the system’s direction. His attention is always drawn to the tasks it assigns, so he overlooks this aspect."

Listening to Xie Yuyan’s analysis, Shen Mengli nodded thoughtfully. She had to admit, Xie Yuyan’s reasoning was the most meticulous among the four of them.

"Should we bring this up with Ye Feng when we get back?"

"Hmm... no. His mindset has only just started to shift. Adding more complications now might backfire."

"Alright."

"Shen Mengli."

Just as Shen Mengli thought Xie Yuyan was about to end the conversation, the latter suddenly stepped in front of her.

"Xie Yuyan?"

With Shen Mengli’s puzzled expression before her, Xie Yuyan spoke in a solemn tone.

"Shen Mengli, if... if you ever feel the urge to claim Ye Feng for yourself, I won’t stop you."

"Eh? Xie Yuyan, why would you suddenly say something like that?"

"Because I’ve done too many terrible things to you, yet you still chose to forgive me. Just that alone... I’ve already lost completely."

"Xie Yuyan, you’re doing it again."

Seeing Xie Yuyan’s dejected expression, Shen Mengli stepped forward and took her wrist.

"There’s no right or wrong in this matter. We’re both just fighting for the person we love. I know how much you care about Ye Feng—that’s why you acted so extreme."

"......"

"But things are different now. Before, I might’ve ignored you. But for Ye Feng’s sake, we should work together. I’ll pretend I never heard what you just said."

"Shen Mengli... you..."

"Call me Mengli, okay? There’s no need to be so formal between us."

Xie Yuyan stared deeply at Li Mucheng, who was smiling at her. After this private conversation, her heart felt much lighter.

"Alright. Thank you, Mengli."

"Heh~ No need to thank me, Yuyan. I’m really looking forward to dinner tonight~"

"Mm! Don’t worry, I’ll let you taste the skills I’ve been practicing!"

......

"Hmm... the place should be tidied up now."

Ye Feng stood in the living room, scanning the area before nodding to himself.

"Mengli can take the small room, Yuyan the larger one, and as for me... the sofa will do. It’s big enough to fit three people anyway! Plenty of space for me to sleep. This way, there won’t be any arguments or... misunderstandings."

Just as Ye Feng was quietly congratulating himself on his brilliant arrangement, his phone chimed with a crisp notification.

This was the same phone Shen Mengli had kept safe for him. Thinking back, it brought a wave of nostalgia.

When he checked the caller ID, his eyes widened—it was Li Jing.

This startled him.

Whenever Li Jing reached out, it was never about something trivial. One thing was certain: it had to be related to Li Mucheng.

With that assumption in mind, Ye Feng answered the call without hesitation. But instead of Li Jing’s voice, he heard Ah Fu’s.

"Ye Feng, long time no see."

"Ah... Ah Fu?!"

Ye Feng frowned slightly, even double-checking the caller ID to confirm.

"Ah Fu? Why are you calling?"

"Ah, don’t worry, Ye Feng. I’m just relaying a message from the master. He’s in a meeting right now."

"I see... So, what’s this about?"

"Well, the master wishes to meet with you. And... he hasn’t informed the young mistress about this."

"You mean... President Li wants a private meeting with me?"

"Correct."

"......"

So, Li Jing had found out about his relationship with Li Mucheng—and the other girls. No surprise there’d be a talk.

"Understood. When? Should I head over now?"

"I’ll pick you up tonight. Just keep an eye on your phone."

"Got it. Anything else?"

"No, that’s all."

Ah Fu hadn’t expected Ye Feng to agree so readily. He couldn’t help but admire the young man’s composure.

"Still, Ye Feng, there’s no need to be too nervous. The master just wants to have a casual chat."

A casual chat? Since when did casual chats require private meetings?

"Heh... Alright. I’ll be prepared."

"Good. I’ll hang up now."

"Beep... beep..."

Only after the call ended did Ye Feng lower his phone. He took a deep breath and sank into the sofa, replaying recent events in his mind.

The current situation was like a gear spinning out of control—accelerating developments, unexpected twists.

But one thing was clear: he wouldn’t back down anymore. Only by facing it head-on could he find the answers he needed.