Ye Feng, Are You Leaving

"Wh...What did you say, Xiao Feng!?"

"Ye Feng, you're leaving?!"

The two spoke in unison, their eyes betraying a hint of barely concealed tension.

Ye Feng didn’t beat around the bush and immediately explained the phone call he had received earlier to Xie Yuyan and Shen Mengli.

"Mu Cheng’s father? But why would he reach out to you, Xiao Feng, of all people, at this time?"

"Exactly! Mu Cheng never mentioned anything like this before. I think we should call her right away and ask!"

At this point, Xie Yuyan’s initial plan to help Ye Feng prepare dinner was completely forgotten, replaced by a deeply worried gaze fixed on him.

"No need, Yuyan. If Mu Cheng doesn’t even know about this, then her father clearly didn’t intend for her to find out. Doing this might only stir up unnecessary trouble. And don’t worry about my safety—it’s just a conversation."

"......"

Xie Yuyan clearly doubted Ye Feng’s words. Of course, she trusted him unconditionally, but when it came to something potentially dangerous, she absolutely wouldn’t let it slide.

"I won’t allow it! Your safety is the most important thing right now. Forgive me, but this is the one thing I can’t compromise on."

Seeing how firm Xie Yuyan was, Ye Feng knew further argument would be pointless.

"Alright then, Yuyan, how about we tell Yu Xin about this? That way, even if Mu Cheng doesn’t know, at least Yu Xin can keep an eye out. If anything happens, she can inform Mu Cheng immediately. What do you think?"

"W-well… fine. But you have to keep in touch with us at all times, and… if you don’t respond within a certain timeframe, I’ll come looking for you myself."

"......"

Relieved that Xie Yuyan had finally relented, Ye Feng nodded in agreement.

"Good, it’s settled then. Now, Yuyan, let’s get started on dinner. Mengli, you can rest for a bit..."

Just as Ye Feng turned to glance at Shen Mengli, he noticed a small hand clutching the hem of his shirt. Looking down, he realized it was none other than Shen Mengli herself.

"Mengli? You—"

"Xiao Feng, you go rest. Yuyan and I can handle the rest."

Shen Mengli placed a hand on Ye Feng’s shoulder, her voice soft and reassuring.

"Me, rest? That’s not right—I can’t just sit around."

"Why not? You still have to contact Yu Xin later. This way, you can save some time."

"Mengli’s right. Leave dinner to us."

"Alright then. If you need any help, just call me."

Seeing their insistence, Ye Feng gave in. With a nod, he headed toward the balcony.

Watching Ye Feng’s retreating figure, Shen Mengli turned to exchange a glance with Xie Yuyan before helping her with the cooking. As she rinsed a tomato, she spoke up.

"What do you think, Yuyan?"

Xie Yuyan knew exactly what she meant and pondered for a moment. "First, there’s no doubt Ye Feng is telling the truth. The issue lies with this sudden phone call. If even Li Mu Cheng doesn’t know about it, it must be something serious."

"I thought the same. But I’m worried something might happen to Xiao Feng."

"Don’t worry. I’ve got this."

Shen Mengli looked up in surprise at Xie Yuyan’s comforting words. "Yuyan… you’re not planning to secretly follow him, are you?"

"Mm."

Xie Yuyan nodded.

"Even if Ye Feng doesn’t sense any danger, I think it’s necessary to protect him. Don’t worry, Mengli—I’ll make sure he’s safe. Not a single scratch."

"But… what if he finds out?"

"Trust me, I’m good at staying hidden!"

"Mm… alright."

After a brief discussion, the two had formed a rough plan. To avoid raising Ye Feng’s suspicions, they focused on preparing dinner.

......

Meanwhile, Su Yuxin, dressed in the pajamas Li Mu Cheng had lent her, was on her way to Mu Cheng’s room when her phone suddenly rang.

"Huh? Who’s—"

She almost dismissed the call but caught a glimpse of the caller ID—Ye Feng. She immediately answered.

"Hello? Is… is that you, Ye Feng?"

"Mm, good evening, Yu Xin."

The familiar voice on the other end brought a sweet smile to Su Yuxin’s face.

"Good evening, Ye Feng~"

"Have you had dinner yet?"

"We have! I’m on my way to Mu Cheng’s room now. We’re planning to watch a movie later."

Su Yuxin answered honestly. Though she didn’t know why Ye Feng was calling, just hearing his concern made her happy.

"A… a movie? So Mu Cheng isn’t with you right now?"

Su Yuxin didn’t understand why he’d ask but nodded anyway. "No, she’s waiting for me in her room. Did something happen, Ye Feng?"

"Yes, but it’s nothing major. Still, Yu Xin, could you hold off on going to Mu Cheng for now? There’s something important I need to tell you."

"Important?"

Though confused, Su Yuxin obeyed and moved to a quieter spot in the hallway.

"It’s quiet here now, Ye Feng. You can tell me."

"Alright."

Ye Feng’s voice carried a hint of urgency as he quickly explained everything. By the time he finished, Su Yuxin was covering her mouth in shock, her earlier excitement replaced by deep concern.

"H-how could this be?! Mu Cheng really doesn’t know?"

"No. When I got the call, I was startled too."

"N-no way! Ye Feng, it’s too dangerous for you to go alone! Uncle Li has always been kind to me and Mu Cheng, but this is too sudden—and without her knowing? It’s just too strange!"