Sneaking a bite again

"The reason we're discussing this is because we need to come up with a plan."

As Shen Mengli sat quietly on his lap, nestled in his embrace, Ye Feng swallowed hard, his Adam's apple bobbing nervously.

"So... the plan you all came up with... involves me?"

"Of course it does."

Shen Mengli lifted her head from Ye Feng's chest, gently cupping his face with both hands as she gazed deeply into his eyes.

"After everyone discussed it, I ended up being the leader! As for the others... well, we're all equals, of course."

"Leader? Equals?"

"What? Don't you believe me, Xiao Feng? If you don’t, you can go back and ask them right now."

"No, no, Mengli, it’s not that I don’t believe you. I’m just wondering if this is really okay..."

"Xiao Feng!"

Shen Mengli turned his face back toward her when he tried to look away and pressed her lips against his in a sudden kiss.

"Mmm..."

But she pulled away just as quickly—her intention was only to calm him down.

As he met Shen Mengli’s tender gaze, Ye Feng unconsciously licked his lips, still tasting her sweet lingering warmth.

"Xiao Feng, since you’ve already chosen this kind of life, you shouldn’t look so troubled. Even if there are difficulties, you have to face them properly. We’ve all made our feelings clear during our earlier discussions. What matters now is how we move forward together."

"Mengli..."

Her words flowed through him like a soothing balm, and he instinctively wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close.

"Sorry... I just..."

"It’s okay. As long as you’ve accepted it in your heart, that’s all that matters."

After a long embrace, Shen Mengli rested her head on Ye Feng’s shoulder, her voice softening slightly as she asked,

"Xiao Feng... do you ever dislike me?"

"How could I?! How could I ever dislike you? Mengli, why would you ask that?"

"Because... my progress hasn’t improved at all..."

"Mengli, that so-called progress isn’t important."

Ye Feng gently patted her back in reassurance, tightening his hold when he felt her tremble slightly in his arms.

"I know you all want to complete the mission, but everyone has their own perspective on this. I don’t want you to force yourself to do anything you’re uncomfortable with just for my sake. Honestly, compared to before, I’ve already come to terms with things."

"But I can’t accept that! This mission is about your life, Xiao Feng! I don’t want to lose you—never!"

Feeling her emotions rising, Ye Feng quickly changed the subject. "Alright, alright, I won’t leave you. We’ll succeed. And when we do, let’s go to the beach together, okay?"

"...Mm."

Only when Shen Mengli’s frantic heartbeat steadied did Ye Feng gently shift her to sit beside him on the bench.

"Mengli, feeling better now?"

She blinked her bright eyes and nodded slightly, aware that she had gotten too worked up earlier. But the moment she heard Ye Feng dismiss the mission so casually, her heart had ached unbearably.

"Y-Yeah... a little."

"Good. But Mengli, there’s something I want to say to you. Is that okay?"

"O-Okay."

Seeing how cautious she was, Ye Feng spoke softly. "Mengli, you’ve already done so much for me—saving my life, accepting a future that might not make you happy... I can never repay you. I know I owe you more than I can ever make up for. Sometimes, I even think... maybe it’d be better if it all just ended. But with all of you by my side, I... I don’t know what to..."

"Then just accept it."

Shen Mengli suddenly cut him off, gripping his hand tightly.

"H-How can I just accept it so easily? Every time I see you all together, my chest feels so tight."

"Then... let me ask you a simple question. Do you love us?"

"Of course I do, but—"

"I love you too, Xiao Feng."

"But—"

"I love you."

"Mengli, wait—"

"I love you."

"......"

Stunned by her repeated confessions, Ye Feng froze. Every time he tried to speak, she interrupted him.

"Mengli?"

"Xiao Feng, don’t you understand yet?"

Pouting, Shen Mengli leaned her head against his shoulder.

"I love you. Does love even need a reason?"

"Love... doesn’t need a reason."

Ye Feng murmured the words to himself before closing his eyes.

That’s right. Does love even need a reason? The reason is simply love itself.

When he opened his eyes again, the hesitation in them had vanished, replaced only by unwavering devotion as he looked at Shen Mengli.

"Xiao Feng?"

Her concerned voice reached his ears, but before she could ask if something was wrong, he suddenly pulled her into his arms. A soft gasp escaped her lips—then silence.

"Mmm..."

......

"Sigh~"

Su Yuxin twirled a strand of her long ponytail, her eyes darting toward the door every now and then.

"Why is Mengli taking so long to come back?"

"Yuxin, be patient. Mengli is our representative now. All we can do is trust her."

Li Mucheng reassured her while holding onto Su Yuxin’s hand, as if afraid she might bolt outside any second.

Meanwhile, Xie Yuyan appeared completely unbothered, sipping her coffee leisurely. But deep down, she knew one thing for certain:

That girl Mengli is probably sneaking another taste!