What's the trick up your sleeve

Su Yuxin was like a startled rabbit, darting frantically to Ye Feng’s side after catching sight of something in the car trunk.

Ye Feng had just released Li Mucheng from his embrace and was about to ask her to introduce the estate’s layout to everyone when Su Yuxin suddenly burrowed into his arms at an alarming speed.

"Wuwu... Ye... Brother Ye Feng!"

"Yuxin? What’s wrong...?"

Though Ye Feng didn’t understand why Su Yuxin was acting this way, he crouched down and gently pulled the trembling girl into his arms. The warmth and security of his presence gradually soothed her shaking. She then glanced at Li Mucheng, who stood nearby with a puzzled expression.

"Mucheng..."

"Yuxin, what happened? Did something scare you?" Li Mucheng stepped forward in surprise, casting a questioning look back at Shen Mengli and Xie Yuyan, who both wore innocent expressions.

"It’s... it’s serious! Do you know—"

Before Su Yuxin could finish, Shen Mengli abruptly cut her off.

"Yuxin!"

To prevent Ye Feng from seeing what was in the trunk, Shen Mengli swiftly approached and pulled Su Yuxin out of his embrace. Su Yuxin resisted at first, but after Shen Mengli whispered something in her ear, her frightened demeanor vanished instantly.

"Yu... Yuxin?"

Standing helplessly to the side, Ye Feng watched the scene unfold. Lately, it seemed like everyone had secrets since they’d all gathered together.

"Ah!"

Hearing Ye Feng’s voice, Su Yuxin immediately broke free from Shen Mengli’s grip. She crossed her arms behind her back, pinching her own skin in an attempt to calm herself.

"Ye... Brother Ye Feng, I’m fine! I just suddenly wanted to hug you, that’s all."

"Suddenly wanted to hug me?"

Ye Feng wasn’t buying it—he had clearly seen the panic in her eyes earlier. Yet now she claimed everything was fine. The abrupt shift made him suspicious of the others.

"Mengli, did you say something to Yuxin? Are you all keeping things from me?"

At his accusation, Shen Mengli quickly shook her head. "Not at all! I was just comforting Yuxin. You’re overthinking it, Feng."

"Right, Mengli’s telling the truth," Su Yuxin chimed in, though there was an unreadable glint of desire in her eyes as she looked at Ye Feng.

Ahem.

Li Mucheng, who had been silent until now, finally spoke up. She looped her arm through Ye Feng’s and tugged him toward the estate.

"Alright, Teacher, let’s focus on getting familiar with the estate. It’s obvious Yuxin and the others are just playing a prank."

"Well... fine. But Yuxin, are you really okay?"

Ye Feng pressed once more, silently hoping she wouldn’t hide her fears for any reason.

"Brother Ye Feng, I’m really fine! Let’s go~"

"Strange..."

......

"Teacher, your room is right here~"

After assigning everyone’s rooms, Li Mucheng led Ye Feng to the only single room on the second floor.

"Huh? I’m staying here?!"

Ye Feng stared at Li Mucheng, who maintained a flawless smile, betraying nothing.

"Yep!"

"But why are all your rooms on the first floor while mine is the only one upstairs?"

"Yeah, Mucheng! Why is Brother Ye Feng the only one upstairs?"

Su Yuxin also protested on his behalf, clearly missing Li Mucheng’s underlying intention.

"The reason’s simple. Keeping Teacher in a separate area ensures we can all restrain ourselves, right? If he stayed on the same floor as us, no matter how we arranged it, someone would end up feeling unfairly treated. At least this way, we maintain mutual trust, don’t you think?"

Li Mucheng arched a brow as she addressed Su Yuxin and the others. Su Yuxin, upon hearing the explanation, seemed to have an epiphany and dropped her objections.

"Mucheng, you’re so clever~"

"So? Does everyone agree with this arrangement?"

Shen Mengli and Xie Yuyan both nodded in agreement. As for Ye Feng, he had long since stopped caring about Li Mucheng’s schemes. Right now, all he wanted was to retreat to his room and sleep. Struggling further was pointless—better to accept things as they were.

"Then it’s settled. I’m going to rest now. I barely slept last night in the guest room."

Ye Feng shot them a pointed glare, well aware of how they’d spent the night trying to break into his room, only giving up at dawn.

The girls nodded obediently and, under Li Mucheng’s lead, left his doorway.

Just as Shen Mengli was about to return to her own room to prepare for the days ahead, she felt a slender hand tug at her sleeve. Turning, she found Li Mucheng staring intently at her.

Before Shen Mengli could speak, Li Mucheng rapidly blinked at her.

"Come to my room."

"Huh?"

Though unsure what Li Mucheng was plotting, Shen Mengli nodded slowly.

After a brief farewell, Shen Mengli slipped into her room—only to crack the door open moments later. A crimson eye peered through the gap, scanning the hallway until confirming it was empty. Only then did she quietly step out.