Tense She

Xie Yuyan stood at the kitchen doorway, watching Ye Feng washing dishes. For some reason, she felt an odd sensation.

Raised to be cold-hearted, she had no concept of family or happiness. All she knew was that home was a place of joy. Whenever she saw families playing outside or living harmoniously together, her eyes would fill with longing.

But she knew she wasn't worthy of such beauty. Her hands were stained with too much sin.

She wouldn't claim that the organization was to blame, not her. Even she had once wanted to end her life to escape this sinful existence, but when the knife pressed against her neck, she couldn't bring herself to do it.

...

"Ye Feng."

"Hmm?"

Hearing Xie Yuyan call his name, Ye Feng finished washing the dishes and was about to dry his hands.

"Do you think someone who has committed heinous crimes deserves to be punished accordingly?"

"Yes."

"I see..."

Xie Yuyan lowered her head and chuckled self-deprecatingly.

"But it depends on how they deal with it."

"Deal with it? What do you mean?"

At Ye Feng's words, Xie Yuyan's eyes lit up as if she had caught the first light of dawn.

"Redemption, I suppose. Only by making amends can one truly atone. Though the crimes can never be fully washed away, it's more of a consolation for the soul."

"... "

"What's wrong? Why did you suddenly ask about this?"

Ye Feng had already guessed the meaning behind Xie Yuyan's question. The person she was referring to was herself, but Ye Feng wouldn't try to defend her or act like some saint. He had no right to forgive the victims on their behalf.

"No... nothing. I was just asking casually."

Xie Yuyan avoided Ye Feng's gaze and hurried back to the sofa, turning her back and curling up into a ball.

"Think about something more meaningful to you. After all, becoming an assassin wasn't your choice, was it?"

From Xie Yuyan's tone and her lost expression, Ye Feng deduced that she might have been forced into this life. She had something that real assassins didn't—conscience.

"I..."

"Don't rush to answer me. You need to answer yourself."

"... "

Xie Yuyan opened her mouth to say something but eventually closed it.

"Ye Feng... goodnight."

"Goodnight."

With the door closing, Xie Yuyan turned around and gazed deeply at Ye Feng's room.

In just one night of contact with this man, Xie Yuyan had never felt so at ease.

Ye Feng...

...

"Hmm..."

In the morning, Ye Feng woke up and prepared to wash up. Suddenly, he noticed a system notification on his interface. Upon checking, he found that a compendium reward was waiting for him. To his surprise, Xie Yuyan's progress had jumped from 9% to 30% overnight.

What... had happened? Had she come to terms with something?

While Ye Feng was puzzled, he also noticed that Li Mucheng's progress was nearing 60%, rising by a point or two almost every day.

Though these developments were mysterious, they were ultimately good news. Ye Feng didn't dwell on them.

Following the system's guidance, Ye Feng claimed his task reward. Unfortunately, it seemed his luck was running low—aside from an additional 30 days of life, there was nothing else.

"Damn it! This system is getting more and more stingy! If you don't want to give, then don't!"

After a brief review of his personal information, Ye Feng continued to browse through his stats.

**[Host: Ye Feng]**

**[Age: 20]**

**[Remaining Life Time: Three Months]**

**[Skills: Gun Proficiency, Cold Weapon Mastery, Driving, Medical Care, Charm...]**

**[Items: Compendium, Universal Key, Substitute Doll]**

...

"If things keep going like this, I'll soon have the life I want. Then I won't have to put up with this damn system anymore."

Thinking this, Ye Feng felt much better. After getting dressed, he left his room...

Just as he stepped out, Ye Feng noticed that Xie Yuyan was still asleep, showing no sign of alertness to his door opening.

Probably due to her injury, it's better not to disturb her.

Considering Xie Yuyan's injury, Ye Feng kept the noise to a minimum as he headed to the bathroom. The moment the bathroom door closed, Xie Yuyan's blue eyes opened.

"I actually... let my guard down..."

Xie Yuyan had to admit that last night was the most peaceful sleep she'd ever had in her entire life, one she couldn't forget.

Was it because there were no missions to worry about? No. Was it because the soft sofa was comfortable? Not really.

Perhaps it was because of him...

At this thought, Xie Yuyan's gaze shifted to the bathroom. Listening to the faint sound of running water, she couldn't help but smile.

He had no obligation to do this, so why was he so considerate of her feelings? This guy...

...

"Miss, Miss?"

Meanwhile, in the villa, Li Mucheng, having just finished breakfast, sat blankly in her chair, lost in thought. After several days of recovery, she had quickly been discharged from the hospital.

Only four more days... why does time move so slowly?

"Miss."

"Huh? What is it?"

Hearing Ah Fu's voice, Li Mucheng suddenly looked up, clearly not having paid attention to what Ah Fu had just said.

"Miss, today's tutor is here. We should go to class."

"Oh, I know."

Li Mucheng sighed helplessly. Ever since taking Ye Feng's class, she had no interest in any other lessons. Only she knew that Ye Feng's classes were the only ones she fully invested in. In her heart, Ye Feng was her only true teacher.

Teacher... I wonder what you're doing right now?

...

"Yo, awake?"

As Ye Feng emerged from the bathroom, he saw Xie Yuyan sitting on the sofa, looking at him.

"Morning..."

"Morning. How's it going? Are the wounds still hurting?"

"These little injuries don't bother me at all. But still, thank you."

Xie Yuyan chuckled self-deprecatingly. Having lived on the edge of a blade for so long, injuries were a common occurrence. Being able to survive unscathed was already a miracle.

"Oh, right, this is for you."

Ye Feng picked up a glass bottle of white powder from the dining table and tossed it to Xie Yuyan.

"What's this?"

Xie Yuyan took the bottle and examined it carefully.

"To prevent infection. Since you can't appear in public right now, it's better to avoid any risks."

"So eager for me to heal and leave?"

Xie Yuyan joked, but from the way she clutched the bottle and her darting eyes, it was clear she was the one feeling uneasy.