Kissing

"Since you insist, Mengli, alright then."

Ye Feng gently patted Shen Mengli's head as he held her in his arms, his voice soft and tender.

"But if you ever feel hungry, you must remember to eat. No matter what, your health always comes first."

"Feng..."

Shen Mengli gazed at Ye Feng with eyes brimming with affection, her heated stare almost devouring him on the spot.

"Alright, as long as you're happy, that's all I need."

"Of course I'm happy!" Shen Mengli murmured, resting her head against Ye Feng's chest.

"Every moment with you feels like a dream."

"Mengli... Then let's continue like this, shall we?"

"Mm, my dear Feng, I look forward to it~"

......

After what felt like an eternity, Ye Feng finally spoke hesitantly, still holding Shen Mengli.

"Uh... Mengli, how about we turn on the lights? Since we're not sleeping yet, we might as well talk properly, don't you think?"

"B-but I don’t think that’s necessary~"

Sensing her intentions, Ye Feng quickly explained, "M-Mengli, I took a walk outside the estate earlier, so I’d like to take a shower now. You can have your dinner in the meantime, and later... we can talk properly, okay?"

"Mm..."

Shen Mengli considered his suggestion, glancing at the sandwich and juice on the tray before nodding.

"Alright then."

Relieved by her agreement, Ye Feng headed to the bathroom, making sure to turn on the bedroom lights for good measure. Only after everything was settled did he close the bathroom door behind him.

Splash...

As the sound of running water filled the tub, Shen Mengli, sipping her juice by the bed, perked up slightly. The sandwich in her hand was quietly set aside as she tiptoed to the door and locked it.

......

"Ah..."

Ye Feng exhaled deeply, sinking into the warm bathwater as the fatigue melted away from his body.

Suddenly, a faint rustling caught his attention. He looked up to find the bathroom door slightly ajar—no guesses needed as to who was behind it.

"Sigh..."

Ye Feng let out a quiet sigh, his tone calm.

"Come in already, don’t catch a cold."

"Okay~"

At his permission, the hesitant Shen Mengli pushed the door open, stepping inside wrapped in nothing but a thin towel.

"Did you finish dinner that fast?"

"W-well... I haven’t eaten yet."

As she spoke, Shen Mengli padded over to Ye Feng’s side. Though the towel covered her, she looked like a ripe, juicy peach—tempting enough to take a bite.

"You should at least eat something first."

Ye Feng clicked his tongue in mock exasperation but still reached out to take her wrist.

"Don’t just stand there. Get in."

"Mm."

Blushing furiously, Shen Mengli nodded and stepped into the tub, leaning her back against Ye Feng’s chest. In a voice barely above a whisper, she murmured,

"Feng... I don’t know why, but I just... really wanted to be close to you..."

"It’s fine. I understand."

Ye Feng wrapped his arms around her, pressing a kiss to her flushed cheek.

"But do you have any idea how irresistible you look right now? Tell me, was this on purpose or an accident?"

"Whimper..."

Shen Mengli ducked her head shyly, staring at his arms around her.

"I... I did it on purpose..."

The moment the words left her lips, Ye Feng’s deep voice rumbled against her ear.

"Then... are you prepared to be punished?"

"Hah... Hah..."

His teasing sent Shen Mengli’s heart racing, her restless hands fluttering uncertainly.

"Feng... stop teasing me. I-I’ll get embarrassed..."

"Mm, then try to relax a little. You’re so tense, you’re practically a rock."

"O-okay... I’ll try."

Only when Shen Mengli fully melted against his chest, her gaze hazy, did Ye Feng speak again.

"So, Mengli, what do you want me to do now?"

"What? Whimper... A-as long as it makes you happy, I... I’ll accept anything..."

"No, no, I’m not asking for your permission. I’m asking what you want right now."

When Ye Feng tossed the question back, Shen Mengli stammered, unable to respond. Just as he was about to drop the act, she finally mumbled something under her breath.

"Kisses."

"Hm? What was that? I didn’t quite catch it."

Ye Feng leaned closer, catching the sweet, citrusy scent of her juice on her breath as she whispered,

"W-want kisses... with Feng..."

"Ah~ So... right now?"

"Mm."

"But you’re pinning me down. Seems like I can’t make the first move this time."

"Whine..."

Shen Mengli knew exactly what he was hinting at, but she only gave a tiny nod before turning around to face him.

"Fine..."

As she slowly leaned down, her lips inched closer and closer to his...