Now we're even

"What... what do you mean by 'stealing a taste'?! Xie Yuyan, what nonsense are you spouting?"

Shen Mengli avoided Xie Yuyan's gaze, sipping her bowl of congee as she spoke.

"Still playing dumb even now? Do I really have to lay the facts right in front of you before you'll admit it?"

Xie Yuyan's haunting voice echoed like a curse in Shen Mengli's mind.

"Ugh..."

Realizing she could no longer hide her little secret, Shen Mengli finally gave in and confessed.

"Y-Yuyan... how did you figure it out? Your deduction skills are downright terrifying!"

"Hmph."

Seeing Shen Mengli relent at last, Xie Yuyan's displeased heart eased slightly. To make Shen Mengli understand how she'd been caught, she simply raised a delicate finger and pointed at Shen Mengli's cheek.

"Huh? What do you mean by that, Yuyan?"

Shen Mengli tilted her head in confusion, hoping Xie Yuyan would explain further.

"Because you were clearing your throat, weren't you?"

That single sentence alone made Shen Mengli flush crimson, her cheeks turning as red as ripe apples. Though her question had been answered, being caught red-handed by Xie Yuyan was still unbearably embarrassing.

"Ugh... I'm sorry..."

"Apologies won't change what's already happened. Since you've committed the crime, you should face the punishment, shouldn't you?"

"You're right, Yuyan. Whatever the punishment is, I'll accept it..."

Shen Mengli closed her eyes in resignation, unable to comprehend why her once-strict principles had crumbled so easily after meeting Ye Feng. She’d even gone so far as to sneak behind Xie Yuyan's back for a taste of him.

"Mengli, I actually understand you. If I were in your place, I wouldn’t have been able to hold back either..."

"Eh?"

Xie Yuyan's response stunned Shen Mengli, who lifted her head in shock, staring at her with wide-eyed disbelief. In her mind, Xie Yuyan had always been the most disciplined of them all—so hearing such words was unimaginable.

"There’s no need to be surprised, Mengli. Haven’t you noticed how being around Ye Feng makes you crave his touch more and more? Especially after... that incident. He’s like an addictive poison—when the craving hits, he’s also the only cure."

"Y-you’re right..."

"See? So what you did wasn’t unnatural. The only problem is that you sneaked ahead. So from now on, I’d like you to focus on eating your breakfast quietly, alright? No matter what happens, I don’t want any interruptions."

"Mmm..."

Though reluctant, Shen Mengli obediently returned to her congee, remembering how her own actions must have felt to Xie Yuyan. Still, she couldn’t help muttering under her breath:

"Just this once, okay? I only stole one chance..."

"Of course~ Don’t worry."

Xie Yuyan flashed a playful smile. With Shen Mengli handled, it was now Ye Feng’s turn.

"Oh? Finally done talking? Took you long enough—the food’s practically cold by now."

Ye Feng glanced up after swallowing the last spoonful of his congee, meeting Xie Yuyan’s unwavering gaze. Something about the way she was looking at him felt... off.

"Xie Yuyan?"

"What’s wrong, Ye Feng? Mengli and I were just sharing some girl talk. No need to rush us."

"It’s not that I mind you two chatting, but eating cold food isn’t good for your health."

"Hmm... how thoughtful of you. But actually, my body is feeling a little... unwell."

Xie Yuyan’s voice dropped to a murmur as she stepped behind Ye Feng.

Sensing trouble, Ye Feng quickly stood—but before he could ask what she was up to, Xie Yuyan seized his wrist.

"Yuyan, stop fooling around."

He fixed her with a stern look, hoping to deter her. Yet he couldn’t help feeling shocked. For Xie Yuyan to act like this right in front of Shen Mengli... it was beyond unexpected.

"I’m not fooling around, Ye Feng~ I’m just taking back what’s mine."

Leaning in, she whispered something into his ear. Ye Feng’s eyes widened instantly. He shot a fleeting glance at Shen Mengli, but her bowed head and deliberate ignorance told him everything.

"Y-Yuyan, maybe we should finish breakfast first?"

"Oh, but I am about to enjoy my meal~"

"......"

"Come on, Ye Feng. No more delays. If we wait any longer, Mu Cheng and the others might come looking. You wouldn’t want more people finding out about this, would you~?"

"Sigh..."

Defeated by her threat, Ye Feng let out a resigned breath before allowing Xie Yuyan to drag him into her bedroom—leaving behind a blushing Shen Mengli, still sipping her congee in silence.

"Y-Yuyan..."

Ye Feng stared at the predatory gleam in Xie Yuyan’s eyes and knew escape was impossible.

Seeing no resistance, Xie Yuyan grew bolder. She closed the distance in a heartbeat, looping an arm around his neck and pressing her lips to his. A sweet, intoxicating warmth spread between them—but the kiss broke far too soon.

Huh? That’s it?

Just as confusion set in, Xie Yuyan shoved him onto the bed, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

"Yuyan?!"

Realizing what was coming, Ye Feng shook his head frantically, his calm demeanor crumbling into panic.

"E-enough joking around! It’s time to head out—"

"Give it up, Ye Feng. There’s no running away~"

Xie Yuyan licked her lips, her gaze locked onto him like a wolf eyeing its prey. Her voice dripped with seduction.

"And you can’t play favorites. If you let Mengli have her way, you’d better be ready for me too♡"

With that, the wolf pounced.

......

Click.

The bedroom door swung open. Shen Mengli lifted her head at the sound, blinking dumbfoundedly as Xie Yuyan emerged first.

Xie Yuyan sauntered back to the dining table, settling into a seat before declaring airily:

"Now we’re even~"