Chapter 48: A Unique Revenge
An Early Morning Surprise
The morning sky was still dim as Ai Xinglan rose from bed. Yawning with lingering sleepiness, she shuffled into the kitchen and, without lifting her eyes, called out to the figure bustling about in an apron: “Feng… make sure to wake Yu Li later.”
Usually, Ai Xinglan would wake Yu Li herself, but the memory of the weekend’s events made her cheeks flush with embarrassment. The red mark on Yu Li’s collarbone still hadn’t faded.
To her surprise, no response came. Instead, the figure stopped working, approached Ai Xinglan, and stood silently before her.
“Feng?”
As Ai Xinglan looked up, a warm piece of food was suddenly stuffed into her mouth. Her eyes widened in disbelief.
“Awake now, Xiao Ai?”
The figure in the apron wasn’t Feng—it was Yu Li, grinning mischievously.
“Wha… wha di’ you pu’ in my mouf?!” Ai Xinglan mumbled, her words muffled.
“…Chew it and find out.”
Skeptical, Ai Xinglan glanced at Yu Li, who looked utterly serious, not joking. Hesitantly, she began to chew.
‘It’s just meat… and it’s pretty tasty…’
“Good?”
At Yu Li’s question, Ai Xinglan nodded instinctively.
“Great, glad you like it.”
A Puzzling Morning
Ai Xinglan shot Yu Li a puzzled look. This morning, Yu Li was acting unusually strange. Not only was she never up this early, but Ai Xinglan had no idea Yu Li could cook like this. Moreover, why was Yu Li in the kitchen while Feng was nowhere to be seen?
Noticing Ai Xinglan’s confusion, Yu Li chuckled lightly: “Feng? She’s probably busy looking for something and couldn’t make it.”
Ai Xinglan’s shock deepened at Yu Li’s explanation. She hadn’t even asked aloud!
‘Could Yu Li actually read minds?’
“No mind-reading here,” Yu Li teased. “Xiao Ai, you’re just too easy to read.”
‘Are you sure you can’t?’ Ai Xinglan retorted inwardly, testing her. Seeing no reaction from Yu Li, she relaxed slightly. Though unsure what Yu Li was up to, at least her attitude hadn’t changed. Even if the red mark on her collarbone lingered… wait, the red mark? How could she see it?
A Flustered Realization
Suddenly wide awake, Ai Xinglan realized she could see the red mark she’d left on Yu Li’s collarbone. Not only that, aside from the apron, every part of Yu Li seemed… exposed.
“Yu, Yu Li!”
Blushing furiously, Ai Xinglan stumbled back two steps, only to trip over a chair and fall into it.
“Oh my… Xiao Ai finally noticed~”
Yu Li stepped forward lightly, approaching Ai Xinglan. She bent down, gazing at her with a teasing smile. As she leaned forward, the fabric at her chest loosened, threatening to reveal everything with a single glance.
“Idiot, idiot Yu Li! You’re, you’re flashing!”
Ai Xinglan covered her eyes, her face burning, one trembling hand pointing at Yu Li as she shouted in panic.
“Hm? I thought Xiao Ai was bolder than that. Look.”
Yu Li grabbed Ai Xinglan’s hand, gently placing it on the red mark at her collarbone.
“Just like yesterday… come on, eat me.”
Yu Li whispered playfully in Ai Xinglan’s ear, chuckling softly.
A Playful Tease
“Ugh…”
Faced with Yu Li’s relentless teasing, Ai Xinglan couldn’t summon the impulsive emotions that had overwhelmed her yesterday. Blushing, she averted her gaze, too embarrassed to look.
“Xiao Ai… don’t look away. Look at me properly,” Yu Li said, her tone serious, devoid of mockery.
Caught by Yu Li’s earnestness, Ai Xinglan instinctively obeyed, meeting her gaze.
“No… running away, okay?”
Yu Li gently grasped Ai Xinglan’s arm, parting her lips slightly as she leaned closer, as if planning to return the favor from yesterday.
As Yu Li drew nearer, Ai Xinglan gave up resisting, squeezing her eyes shut.
But after a long moment, no bite came. Opening her eyes, she saw Yu Li standing upright, covering her mouth as she stifled a laugh.
“Pfft, hahaha, relax, Xiao Ai… I’m not like a certain idiot.”
Yu Li’s words carried a pointed undertone.
“I’m not the type to lose control and bite someone all over like a little puppy.”
Yu Li smirked at Ai Xinglan, whose face was practically steaming, then slowly untied her apron.
As the apron fell, the imagined scene didn’t appear. Yu Li was fully dressed underneath—it had only looked otherwise because of the apron.
A Well-Played Revenge
Ai Xinglan realized she’d been completely played. This was Yu Li’s revenge for yesterday.
“Hmph… idiot Yu Li, petty jerk, childish fool.”
Ai Xinglan muttered complaints about Yu Li’s antics. She should’ve known—Yu Li, having lost once, would definitely strike back.
“Oh? Is our Xiao Ai… disappointed?”
“Huh? W-who would be?!”
“Really? But if Xiao Ai wants to see the real thing… I can show you tonight…”
“Who wants to see?!”
Ai Xinglan regained her usual spirit. Perhaps being teased back was a good thing—it eased her awkwardness around Yu Li, despite the lingering red mark.
A Morning Departure
The two finally settled down, quickly eating the prepared breakfast. Ai Xinglan began tidying her disheveled clothes, while Yu Li returned to her room to change into her school uniform.
“Where’s Feng?”
“Hm… Feng probably can’t drive us today. How about we walk to school? It’ll give us more time together~” Yu Li flashed a sly smile, speaking casually.
“…Fine.”
Ai Xinglan wasn’t fooled by Yu Li’s sweet words, but she held her tongue. That smile was a little too unsettling. Feng had likely spilled the beans about giving Ai Xinglan advice and was now facing Yu Li’s wrath.
All Ai Xinglan could do was silently pray for Feng, hoping she wouldn’t face too harsh a prank.
“Alright, let’s go. Oh, Xiao Ai, this is for you.”
Yu Li handed Ai Xinglan a small box, resembling a lunchbox.
“What’s this?”
“Hm… a love bento?”
“…Huh?”
“You just ate the same thing, didn’t you?” Yu Li said with a grin, leaning close to Ai Xinglan’s ear. “Don’t waste it~”
Feng’s Predicament
Back at Ai Xinglan’s house—
As Yu Li had said, Feng was indeed searching for something. The notebook she used to record details about the two young ladies had been hidden by Yu Li.
Though “hidden” was generous—it was blatantly placed on a chair in front of Feng. However, the chair was surrounded by an array of traps.
For instance, a thread stretched before Feng. If she stepped on it, a cup of water balanced above the notebook would tip, soaking it. Every trap around her was designed to produce the same result if triggered.
Feng adjusted imaginary glasses, her expression deadly serious, as if facing a formidable foe.
“As expected of Miss Yu Li’s revenge… but my journey of shipping won’t end here!”
In the next moment, Feng darted forward with agility, engaging in a battle of wits with the traps.