Safe Return Home

"Wait... Ye... Ye Feng, wait!"

Xie Yuyan, who hadn't fully processed the situation, immediately put some distance between herself and Ye Feng. She studied his puzzled expression, confirming that his emotions were genuine, before finally calming down.

"Yuyan, what's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?"

"N-no, it's not that."

Xie Yuyan shook her head decisively, not bothering to hide her thoughts from Ye Feng as she voiced what was on her mind.

"I... I just find it a little strange, that's all."

"Strange? What do you mean? Are you talking about how I left the building so quickly?"

"N-no, not that. I was just wondering... why you aren't angry..."

Xie Yuyan lowered her head, avoiding Ye Feng's gaze, her voice growing noticeably quieter.

"Angry? Why would I—"

Ye Feng started to ask curiously but seemed to realize something mid-sentence. After a brief silence, he finally spoke his mind.

"Yuyan, are you worried that I'm upset because you came here on your own?"

"...Mhm."

At this, Xie Yuyan buried her face even deeper, her voice now barely above a whisper.

"Because when you left, you specifically told me to stay home and wait for you. But I still went ahead and did this... I let you down, so it’s only natural if you’re disappointed in me..."

"Yuyan..."

Seeing the distress on her face, Ye Feng couldn’t help but step forward and take Xie Yuyan’s hand, clasping it tightly in his own.

"I know you did this because you were worried about me. In fact, you weren’t even comfortable with the idea yourself, right?"

"...Mhm. But... but I still did it. It’s already happened."

"It’s okay, Yuyan. I’m not blaming you. Don’t carry this burden in your heart."

"Ye Feng..."

"But next time, I’d really like it if you talked to me first before doing something like this, alright? Otherwise, I’ll end up worrying about you too."

After saying this, Ye Feng pulled Xie Yuyan back into his arms, gently patting her tense back to soothe her.

"O-okay... I promise."

Xie Yuyan moistened her dry lips, her worries finally dissolving as she melted into Ye Feng’s embrace, savoring his warmth.

"Ye Feng."

"Hm?"

"You’re so good to me."

"Silly, don’t say things like that. Let’s just go home. Mengli must know about this too, right?"

"Uh... yeah..."

After a brief pause, Xie Yuyan nodded, then reached behind Ye Feng to retrieve a small device.

"This... this tracker was how I found you. Mengli’s been monitoring your movements this whole time."

Her voice grew even quieter, as if she suddenly realized how invasive this might seem to Ye Feng.

"I’m sorry... I didn’t mean to... I was just scared that you—"

"Let’s not talk about it anymore. Right now, I just want to go home and get some rest. Just remember to discuss things with me first from now on, okay?"

"...Mhm."

Relieved that Ye Feng wasn’t upset, Xie Yuyan finally relaxed. She nodded blankly and followed behind him, though her grip on his hand never loosened.

They walked in silence for a while, making Ye Feng wonder if he’d been too harsh, given how quiet Xie Yuyan remained. Just as they reached the apartment building, Xie Yuyan suddenly stopped in her tracks.

"Yuyan? What’s wrong?"

Feeling a tug on his arm, Ye Feng turned back to look at her in confusion.

"Ye... Ye Feng..."

Xie Yuyan fidgeted nervously, her tone suggesting she had something important to say.

"What is it?"

Curious, Ye Feng stepped closer and lightly pinched her cheek.

"Are you still hung up on what happened tonight? I already told you, it’s in the past."

"N-no, it’s not that... I... I have a secret to tell you."

"A secret? Go ahead, I’m listening."

Though unsure what could be so mysterious, Ye Feng leaned in slightly, waiting for her to continue.

"I... I..."

Muttering under her breath, Xie Yuyan suddenly closed the distance between them and pressed her lips to Ye Feng’s before he could react.

"Yu—huh?"

"Mwah..."

As their lips met, Ye Feng froze in place, stunned, while Xie Yuyan—now emboldened—deepened the kiss, pouring all her restless emotions into it.

"Mmm... smack..."

"Gh—Yuyan... w-wait... hah..."

......

"Huh?"

Shen Mengli stared at the red dot on her phone, deep in thought. Ever since Ye Feng had left, she’d been tracking his every move, ready to alert Xie Yuyan at the first sign of trouble. But now, even though his location showed he’d reached the apartment building ages ago, he still hadn’t come upstairs.

"Did something happen to Xiao Feng? I should go check."

Just as she was about to leave, the sound of the door unlocking made her freeze. Hastily, she turned off her phone and stuffed it into the couch cushions, then frantically smoothed her bangs and stood up.

"Ahem... finally home."

Ye Feng stepped inside stiffly, followed by a blushing Xie Yuyan. Though they seemed normal, something felt off to Shen Mengli. But she didn’t have time to dwell on it—she rushed forward and threw her arms around Ye Feng, nuzzling his chest affectionately.

"Xiao Feng, you’re back!"

Though surprised to see him return with Xie Yuyan, she pushed the thought aside. All that mattered was that he was safe.

"It’s alright, Mengli. I’m fine."

Ye Feng patted her head gently, then shot Xie Yuyan a look that clearly said, Go sit on the couch and wait for me. Without protest, Xie Yuyan nodded obediently and did as told.