It Concerns Everyone

"Xie Yuyan is in the guest room?!"

Li Mucheng exclaimed upon hearing Shen Mengli's reply, then quickly covered her mouth, realizing she might have been too loud.

"H-How did this happen?"

"Probably when we were walking out of the hallway—she must have slipped in secretly."

Shen Mengli answered calmly.

"Ugh! That’s so sneaky! Xie Yuyan, that wicked woman!"

Among the three, Su Yuxin was the most furious. After all, she still hadn’t gotten a proper chance to get close to Ye Feng, while others seemed to be enjoying their moments. Indignant, she declared,

"I’m going to drag her out myself! Such shameless behavior is absolutely unacceptable among us!"

With rare determination, Su Yuxin marched straight to the guest room door and flung it open without hesitation.

"......"

Seeing Su Yuxin frozen in place, Li Mucheng and Shen Mengli exchanged glances before peering into the room.

"Hah..."

There, Xie Yuyan lay on the bed with a satisfied smile, while Ye Feng sat casually on the sofa, looking at them as if nothing were out of the ordinary.

"Oh... you’re here."

Noticing the three heads peeking through the doorway, Ye Feng stood up from the sofa and walked toward them.

"Y-Ye Feng, did I... interrupt something?"

Finding the scene far less intimate than she’d imagined, Su Yuxin spoke softly, her voice tinged with guilt.

"I’m sorry... I should’ve knocked properly."

"It’s fine."

Seizing the moment, Ye Feng slipped out through the door and gently closed it behind him.

"Yuyan was tired, so she fell asleep. I just stepped out to get some water. Don’t worry about it, Yuxin."

Relieved, Su Yuxin nodded eagerly and clung to Ye Feng’s arm, murmuring sweetly, "You’re so kind, Ye Feng~"

"Well... let’s just—"

"Wait!"

Just as Ye Feng was about to leave, Shen Mengli suddenly called out, stopping him in his tracks.

"W-What is it, Mengli? Why’d you stop me?"

Turning back, Ye Feng gave her a puzzled look, forcing a smile.

"Xiao Feng, you’re hiding something!"

Sharp as ever, Shen Mengli detected mischief. She strode forward and, under Su Yuxin’s bewildered gaze, grabbed Ye Feng’s clothes and sniffed intently.

"Hmm... Xie Yuyan’s scent is faint on you, but not too strong. Seems harmless for now..."

"Mengli, since when did you become a detective?"

Ye Feng replied helplessly, unaware that a flicker of panic had flashed in his eyes—one that Shen Mengli’s keen gaze caught instantly.

"Xiao Feng... you can’t fool me~"

"M-Mengli, what nonsense are you spouting...?"

"If you won’t confess, I’ll expose you myself~"

With a sly grin, Shen Mengli suddenly leaned in, pressing herself against Ye Feng’s chest. He tried to step back, but it was too late.

"W-What in the world is this?!"

Witnessing the scene, the innocent Su Yuxin covered her eyes in shock—though curiosity got the better of her, and she peeked through her fingers.

Li Mucheng, meanwhile, remained composed, though even she was taken aback by Shen Mengli’s boldness. Silently, she observed, trying to stay unnoticed.

Ye Feng, flustered beyond words, lifted Shen Mengli away. But seeing her dazed, dreamy expression, his face flushed red.

"Huh? That’s odd... nothing here either..."

As Shen Mengli slowly opened her eyes, her reckless investigation finally came to an end.

"Ahem..."

Ye Feng’s pointed cough snapped her back to reality, and the weight of her actions dawned on her. A deep blush spread across her fair cheeks.

"Xiao Feng..."

"What happened to that fierce attitude of yours, ready to execute me on the spot? Why are you whispering now?"

Ye Feng pinched her soft cheek playfully, leaving Shen Mengli too flustered to argue. She buried her face in his chest and mumbled,

"I-I’m sorry, Xiao Feng..."

"It’s fine. I’m not blaming you."

Ye Feng patted her head gently, easing her guilt.

"But I accused you unfairly..."

"Well... not entirely unfairly."

"Eh?"

Shen Mengli blinked in surprise at his sudden admission.

"W-What do you mean? Not unfair?"

"Yuyan was just giving me a head massage in the room. It wasn’t as scandalous as you imagined..."

"Oh... I see..."

Shen Mengli buried her face deeper, mortified.

"I’m sorry..."

Sensing the awkward tension, Li Mucheng stepped in. "Um... Teacher, there’s something I’d like to discuss with you. Could we...?"

"Of course."

Ye Feng agreed readily, his usual reservations fading as he grew more open with them.

"G-Great! Thank you! Let’s talk in the living room!"

Li Mucheng cheerfully took Su Yuxin and Shen Mengli’s hands, whispering conspiratorially,

"What I’m about to say concerns all of us."

"All of us?"