“......”
Seeing Su Yuxin staring at him without saying a word, Ye Feng decided to break the silence first.
“Hello, Miss Su. Uh… I apologize, I’m not yet aware of your identity, and I’d like to apologize for my earlier presumptuous behavior.”
Hearing Ye Feng’s gentle tone, Su Yuxin’s expression softened slightly. She then spoke calmly, saying, “Follow me,” before turning and heading toward the elevator.
As they entered the elevator, Ye Feng, sensing the awkward atmosphere, tried to lighten the mood with a smile. “The last time I saw you, Miss Su, was also in an elevator. It seems like a strange kind of fate, doesn’t it?”
Su Yuxin’s body stiffened slightly at his words, but she still didn’t respond.
“Uh…”
Seeing that Su Yuxin wasn’t willing to engage, Ye Feng wondered what he might have done to upset her. Deciding it was best not to push further, he remained silent.
Why are these young ladies so unpredictable?
“Ding!”
As the elevator doors opened, Su Yuxin stepped out quickly, but as soon as she took her first step, her foot slipped, and she lost her balance, falling backward.
“Careful!”
Quick to react, Ye Feng caught her from behind, steadying her with a gentle push.
“Miss Su, you should be more careful. It wouldn’t be good if you fell here.”
“Hmph…”
Su Yuxin sniffled but continued walking toward her small room. This room was provided by Su Wanli for Su Yuxin to use as a personal rest area whenever she needed a break.
“Come in.”
Su Yuxin opened the door and gestured for Ye Feng to enter. Though her tone was cold, Ye Feng hesitated for a moment before reminding himself that Su Yuxin was just a young girl, no different from Li Mucheng. What harm could there be? Nodding, he stepped inside.
The moment Ye Feng entered, Su Yuxin closed the door behind him.
“…”
“Miss Su, maybe it’s better to leave the door open? Just in case someone starts gossiping.”
“It’s fine. No one will know.”
“That sounds… a bit off.”
“Ye Feng, sit down. I have a few questions for you.”
Su Yuxin sat on a chair, motioning for Ye Feng to sit across from her. Her gaze held a mix of resentment and confusion.
Why does it have to be you… big brother…
“Go ahead, Miss Su.”
“Are you Li Mucheng’s private tutor?”
“Yes, I am.”
Of course…
Su Yuxin had hoped Ye Feng would deny it, but deep down, she knew it was just wishful thinking.
“Why did you choose to tutor Li Mucheng specifically?”
“For a living. I was just trying my luck, and I ended up getting the job.”
“Then… what do you think of Li Mucheng?”
Su Yuxin suddenly changed the topic, and as soon as the words left her mouth, she realized her mistake.
What am I doing? Why am I asking him about Mucheng? I’m supposed to convince him to leave her so Mucheng and I can make up…
“Miss Li… she’s great, though her personality can be a bit unpredictable at times.”
“Ye Feng!”
Suddenly, Su Yuxin called out to him, slamming her hands on the table and standing up.
“You… you… leave Mu… Mu…”
“Miss Su?”
Seeing Su Yuxin stammering and struggling to get the words out, Ye Feng looked at her curiously.
“What do you usually teach Mucheng?”
In the end, Su Yuxin couldn’t bring herself to say what she wanted. For some reason, whenever she looked at Ye Feng, thoughts of Li Mucheng were slowly replaced by him, and her desire to reconcile with Li Mucheng began to fade.
“Oh, I teach her a bit of everything, depending on what she’s interested in. Though Miss Li can be sharp-tongued, she’s actually very kind-hearted.”
They’ve already grown so close? But I was the one who came first…
Su Yuxin clenched her fists, biting her lip in frustration. Her best friend had been spending time with the person she liked without telling her, and it felt like a heavy blow.
So, Mucheng, the reason you’ve been avoiding me is because of Ye Feng… You didn’t even bother to tell me about this. I’m really upset.
Su Yuxin suddenly remembered the time she saw Ye Feng at the hospital when she went to visit Li Mucheng. It couldn’t have been a coincidence—he must have been there with her. Despite all the time she’d spent with Li Mucheng, she couldn’t compare to Ye Feng, who had just appeared out of nowhere.
This realization was incredibly painful for her.
“Ye Feng… Mucheng is very beautiful, isn’t she?”
“Yes, Miss Li is very beautiful.”
“Of course… Everyone likes Mucheng. She’s so much prettier than me…”
The light in Su Yuxin’s eyes dimmed as she heard Ye Feng’s words. Her sweet, innocent demeanor shifted into something darker, like a broken doll revealing its true nature.
“But I prefer you, Miss Su.”
Ye Feng said with a smile, completely unaware of the subtle change in Su Yuxin’s expression.
“Oh! I mean, your personality…”
“R-really?!”
Before Ye Feng could correct himself, Su Yuxin interrupted him, her eyes shining with excitement.
He… he said he likes me! He likes me! Even Mucheng, who’s spent so much time with him, hasn’t heard that from him!
Su Yuxin’s heart raced as she interpreted Ye Feng’s words as a confession. She covered her mouth, feeling a mix of shyness and joy.
Mucheng, do you see this? This is your karma, the consequences of your actions. If you had just been honest with me, maybe I would’ve understood. But now, don’t blame me for what happens next~
Without warning, Su Yuxin took small steps toward Ye Feng, grabbing one of his hands and holding it in hers. Feeling the warmth of his palm, Su Yuxin felt like a boiling kettle, her entire body radiating heat.
Ye Feng… big brother… It’s just like the fairy tales. You’re the prince fate has chosen for me. Mucheng doesn’t deserve you—only I do~
Su Yuxin had already pushed aside the shattered friendship between her and Li Mucheng. No one could have imagined that two close friends would end up like this, but this was just the tip of the iceberg. The moment Su Yuxin decided to choose Ye Feng, she and Li Mucheng had become enemies…