Mo Zhu stayed awake all night, sitting until noon the next day.
By this hour, Yu Zhiling should have been awake. He didn’t linger in his thoughts any longer—some questions needed to be asked outright. Dwelling in silence and overthinking was pointless.
Mo Zhu prepared a meal, carried the tray, and pushed open the gate to Yu Zhiling’s courtyard. Her door was shut tight.
He set the food on the table in the yard and knocked. "Master."
Yu Zhiling responded, "I’m awake. Come in."
Mo Zhu entered to find her already sitting up.
Though broken bones seemed severe, a cultivator’s body, tempered by tribulation lightning, was far from ordinary. Such flesh wounds healed quickly, and with Ning Hengwu’s precious elixirs and medicines, Yu Zhiling had slept through the pain and could even stand and walk now.
Mo Zhu bent to lift her, but as his arm slid beneath her knees, Yu Zhiling nudged him away. "Mo Zhu, I can walk myself."
The young man paused, raising his eyes to hers. "Can’t I carry you?"
Yu Zhiling stammered, "It’s not that you can’t, but I can walk on my own. What if… what if it tires you?"
Mo Zhu didn’t answer. Silently lowering his lashes, he scooped her up and carried her toward the washroom.
Yu Zhiling parted her lips but ultimately said nothing as he brought her inside.
Once there, Mo Zhu gathered her loose hair, wrung out a cloth, and gently wiped her face. Yu Zhiling flinched slightly. "I can do it myself."
He was accustomed to serving her, and she had always welcomed it before. Today, her unease was palpable.
Mo Zhu didn’t stop her, letting her take the cloth from his hand. He leaned against the table behind her, watching.
Yu Zhiling felt as though needles pricked her back. The simple act of washing her face became an ordeal. Why hadn’t he left? She stiffly finished under his gaze, and when she finally looked up, her eyes met his in the bronze mirror.
He had been staring at her the entire time—expression calm, gaze steady. Yet a chill ran down Yu Zhiling’s spine. Having known Mo Zhu for so long, she believed she understood him well. She could tell something weighed on him. The way he looked at her now mirrored those times she had mentioned Gui—like a serpent sizing up its prey, deciding where to strike.
Their reflections locked in the mirror. Mo Zhu didn’t blink. Yu Zhiling tightened her grip on the cloth.
Mo Zhu straightened and began tying up her hair, his slender fingers weaving through the silken strands. She felt his touch against her scalp. Yu Zhiling stepped forward, her abdomen pressing against the sandalwood table. When she tried to retreat, she collided with Mo Zhu’s chest.
Whether intentional or not, he had her trapped between the table and himself. Yu Zhiling was shorter, her head barely reaching his shoulders. He enveloped her completely.
"Mo Zhu, I can do it myself."
He said nothing, deftly securing her hair with the ribbon she favored.
Even after finishing, he didn’t step back, standing silently behind her.
"Mo Zhu…"
She met his gaze in the mirror. The warm bronze reflected the young man’s striking features. Side by side, their images merged in the mirror, and Yu Zhiling suddenly thought they looked somewhat alike.
Both carried an air of cool detachment when unsmiling, yet there were differences. Yu Zhiling’s beauty was understated, delicate, while Mo Zhu’s was bold and intense—his stern expression almost intimidating.
Yu Zhiling tried to look away, but Mo Zhu wrapped his arms around her from behind, resting his chin on her shoulder.
"Mo Zhu?"
"What are you hiding from me, Master?"
Their words overlapped.
Yu Zhiling’s waist was encircled by his arms, pulled flush against him. He kissed the curve of her ear, nipping and licking the lobe like an insistent puppy.
He knew her too well. Even though their intimacy had never gone further than this, Mo Zhu easily reduced Yu Zhiling to trembling weakness.
"Speak, Master." His lips brushed her skin, but his eyes remained open, fixed on her. "Why are you pulling away?"
"I’m not. I’m not."
Yu Zhiling turned her head, but his hand cupped her jaw, forcing her back.
He trailed kisses down her neck, listening to her shallow breaths, feeling her body soften.
"You are, Master. You’re distancing yourself. I know it."
Yu Zhiling struggled to breathe. "You’re imagining—Mo Zhu!"
Suddenly, he spun her around, lifting her onto the table. Cradling her face, he kissed the corner of her lips, his dark eyes boring into hers.
"Prove it. Kiss me."
He didn’t close the distance himself, but their lips were achingly close. His breath scorched her skin, his body radiating heat.
Yu Zhiling pressed her palms against his chest. "Mo Zhu, you’re overthinking this."
Mo Zhu didn’t retreat, nor would he be dismissed so easily.
"Am I? You know the truth. If you’re not pulling away, kiss me. Show me." He brushed his lips along her cheek, planting soft, teasing kisses. His voice dropped to a whisper. "Kiss me willingly, Master, and I’ll believe I imagined it."
"Not today…"
"Then I’m not wrong."
Mo Zhu straightened, his palm resting against her flushed cheek.
"Misunderstandings must be resolved. Anything threatening our bond—I have the right to know. What’s wrong, Master? Did I do something?"
Yu Zhiling pressed her lips together, her gaze cooling. "Mo Zhu, let me go first."
"What are you hiding?" His arms remained locked around her. Despite their closeness, their expressions grew colder. "Why won’t you answer? What did Sui Ji tell you?"
Yu Zhiling inhaled sharply. "This is my private matter. I have the right not to tell you."
Private matters—of course he respected that. He wasn’t the type to pry needlessly. But when it involved their relationship, he couldn’t let it go.
Mo Zhu suppressed the fury rising in his chest. His hand against her cheek twitched, his calloused thumb stroking her skin, sending shivers through her.
"You have the right to keep secrets. But I have the right to know what’s harming us. Can you honestly say you haven’t been distant?"
Yu Zhiling’s temper flared. "What do you want from me? An oath?"
"Fine. Swear it."
Yu Zhiling raised her hand. "Fine. I swear—if I’ve lied to you, may I—"
"Swear on my life."
Mo Zhu cut her off.
Yu Zhiling’s pupils constricted, her raised hand trembling.
Mo Zhu watched her impassively. With a flick of spiritual energy, he slit his fingertip, blood welling up. He grasped her hand. "Swear on my life. Take my blood and vow—if you’ve deceived me, let me perish—"
"Shut up!" Yu Zhiling's shoulders trembled as she hissed, cutting him off with a glare that held disbelief. "Are you forcing me? Did you anticipate I wouldn’t swear by your life?"
Mo Zhu cupped her face, pressing a kiss to her eyelids. "Master, will you swear? My blood is yours. If the oath is false, the heavenly lightning will strike me directly. Do you dare?"
He cared nothing for his life—this boy who had once obeyed her every word. Yu Zhiling blinked, her heart turning cold.
Gritting her teeth, she spat, "Mo Zhu, I told you to value your life. Are my words just wind in your ears?"
Mo Zhu pecked her lips, pulling back slightly but still holding her face. "I can obey. You’re the only one who can control me—but only if you stay by my side. So tell me, Master, what are you doing now?"
Her hands shook faintly, lashes fluttering.
Mo Zhu voiced her thoughts plainly. "You’re distancing yourself. What are you planning? What did you discuss with Sui Ji? If you won’t tell me, I’ll ask him myself. He can’t beat me now—I’ll make him talk."
"Let me go," Yu Zhiling demanded, her voice low.
Mo Zhu didn’t move. Their bodies were close, entangled in an embrace that should have been intimate but carried no warmth.
She gripped his arm. "I said let go. Are you disobeying me?"
He didn’t obey. Instead, he studied her eyes, recognizing not anger but panic—she was using this to mask her unease.
His throat bobbed. Just as Yu Zhiling tried to pry his hands away, he spoke quietly, "I’ve done nothing wrong."
Her fingers stilled on his wrist.
Mo Zhu bent slightly, meeting her gaze. "I’ve done nothing wrong, Master. You can’t treat me like this. It’s unfair."
"I don’t care about anything else. There are things I haven’t demanded—not because I don’t want them, but because I’m waiting for you. You said we’d take it slow, so I agreed. We don’t need a soul-bond yet. We don’t need to do more. We don’t even have to tell others about us. But there’s one condition."
"We must be honest with each other. If something threatens this bond, I have the right to know. You can’t be unfair to me."
Her heart ached. For a fleeting moment, Yu Zhiling nearly spilled everything.
But reason prevailed. She swallowed the words.
She couldn’t tell him. It would only endanger them.
Yet he kept pressing, and she knew she’d unsettled him.
His face was expressionless, but his eyes were red-rimmed, his hands trembling against her cheeks.
Yu Zhiling rose onto her toes and kissed him.
Mo Zhu turned his head away. "I’m being serious."
She dragged him back. "So am I."
Wrapping her arms around his neck, she bit his lip, sucking and teasing until he groaned under her touch. His resistance crumbled instantly.
Mo Zhu had no defenses against her. He kissed her back fiercely, their lips and tongues tangling in a heated clash.
When his breathing finally steadied, Yu Zhiling patted his shoulder.
He pulled back slightly. Their lips were swollen, foreheads pressed together as they shared breaths.
"Had enough?" she murmured.
"Never," Mo Zhu rasped.
"My mouth is numb."
"Then I’ll kiss you tonight."
"Mm."
Yu Zhiling nestled against his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.
"Mo Zhu, stop overthinking."
He said nothing, his gaze drifting to the bronze mirror. His reflection showed lips marked by her teeth, his usually cold face now flushed, eyes dark and alluring.
She still loved this face. So what had gone wrong?
Why wouldn’t she speak?
Mo Zhu left to train. Yu Zhiling sat in the courtyard, pressing a hand to her ribs. Thick bandages hid the fractures Ning Hengwu’s spiritual energy had mended. Only a dull ache remained.
Her jade token glowed. She answered.
"Feeling better?"
Sui Ji’s voice was breezy, devoid of any guilt. The man was heartless.
Yu Zhiling rolled her eyes, rubbing her side. "Not dead. Spit it out."
"When do we leave?"
She hesitated. "...If I go, can I come back?"
His reply was swift. "You already know the answer."
Yu Zhiling exhaled. "Fine. I’ll go with you to the Abyss."
Water splashed faintly on his end.
"Sui Ji, where are you?"
"Out," he drawled.
Yu Zhiling sighed. "Anything else? If not, I’m cutting this off."
He tsked. "Where’s your respect for elders?"
"You broke my ribs. You want courtesy?"
"My apologies," Sui Ji chuckled, warm and unrepentant. "I’m at the Wu Family’s estate, by the waterfall behind my wife’s old home. We used to play the qin and spar here."
"Mm." Yu Zhiling replied absently. "Enjoy the view. I have things to do."
Silence stretched between them, filled only by the rush of water. Even through the token, she could picture the vast cascade. Out of courtesy, she didn’t disconnect.
The quiet lingered, as if he wanted her to listen.
Finally, he spoke again. "Yu Zhiling, we don’t know what’s in the Abyss. What I told you might not even be true. Are you really gambling their future on this? What if you can’t return? What if... your inner demon consumes you again?"
Yu Zhiling tilted her head skyward. Above Chunya, mountain cranes glided past, their cries clear and melodic. One descended into the courtyard, approaching her. She retrieved a fruit from her pouch.
The crane bowed its head. She stroked its feathers as it nuzzled her neck, playful and affectionate.
All living things had souls. How true that was.
"I know," she murmured at last, gazing at the red string and serpent bracelet on her wrist. "I’m afraid too. But I need answers. If the Abyss holds them, I’ll go."
Sui Ji said calmly, "You should understand—if my guess is correct, even if you survive the return from the Demon Abyss, the Central Continent may no longer have a place for you. You won’t be able to remain as Immortal Lord Zhuoyu, nor can you continue living in Yingshan."
"I know," Yu Zhiling replied softly. "I know all of it."
"Knowing it, you still insist on going?"
"...Yes."
"If you’re willing to go, then naturally, I won’t stop you."
Yu Zhiling pursed her lips, thinking to herself that it had been his suggestion in the first place—how had it somehow turned into her own insistence?
"If there’s nothing else, I’ll end the call now. We can talk again tomorrow. I still have things to attend to."
"Alright."
Yu Zhiling decisively cut off the communication through the jade token, leaving the courtyard silent once more, with only her presence filling the space.
She glanced around, uncertain of what to do next. Should she bid farewell, or simply leave quietly to spare herself the pain of reluctance?
Strangely, Yu Zhiling felt a strange calm. She still didn’t understand how she could simultaneously be Immortal Lord Zhuoyu while also existing as Yu Zhiling in another place. Yet now, she could almost grasp the emotions Zhuoyu must have felt back then. What had been in her heart when she departed?
There was sorrow, yes—but more than that, there had been a resolute courage.
If this one journey could resolve everything, securing peace for generations to come, then thinking of people like Yan Shanqing… it almost seemed worth it.
Yu Zhiling laughed at herself. She might not even die—she had confidence in her own strength. She never stumbled over the same mistake twice. Whether she would perish remained uncertain, but one thing was clear: after this, she would no longer be welcome in the Central Continent.
The Central Continent would never tolerate her return.
Why was it so difficult just to live a peaceful life?
Yu Zhiling couldn’t comprehend it.
As dusk settled, the sky blazed with hues of crimson and gold.
Xiang Wuxue had just stepped out of the Teaching Hall when the glow of twilight bathed the surroundings. He paused at the entrance, gazing down the grand steps where disciples moved about in endless streams. The Yingshan Sect was vast, home to over ten thousand disciples.
Mei Qiongge approached him. "What are you looking at?"
Xiang Wuxue replied, "The disciples."
"Are they pleasing to the eye?"
"They’re young. Just like we once were."
Yet when he lifted his gaze, an invisible barrier enveloped the skies above Yingshan—a shield protecting the entire sect, yet also confining these young disciples within its bounds. The Infinite Boundary, forged through decades of Immortal Lord Zhuoyu’s devotion, was the armor she had left behind for Yingshan.
Mei Qiongge sighed. "We’re still tracking down the traitor. There may be others beyond Youzhou and Nie’e within the Central Continent."
Yan Shanqing emerged as well. "Xiao Wu sent word, inviting us for dinner."
Xiang Wuxue raised a brow. "Who’s cooking? Xiao Wu? Does she even know how?"
Ning Hengwu chuckled. "You know your own junior sister—what can she do? At most, she can roast sweet potatoes or stir-fry chestnuts. If it involves actual cooking, someone else has to step in."
Xiang Wuxue: "Mo Zhu?"
Mei Qiongge rolled her eyes and patted his shoulder. "Who else?"
They were all in agreement—Yu Zhiling couldn’t cook. But since their junior sister had extended the invitation, they had no choice but to go.
As they ascended the mountain path toward Chunya Cliff, nearing the summit, Yan Shanqing suddenly spoke. "Don’t bring up the Immortal Alliance’s affairs. Let her focus on recovering."
Mei Qiongge asked, "So we’re still keeping Xiao Wu out of it?"
Yan Shanqing nodded. "Yes. Anything related to the past must remain hidden from her."
Silence fell among them, their footsteps so light they were nearly inaudible.
By the time they reached the peak of Chunya Cliff, night had fully descended, the full moon hanging in the void.
"Eldest Senior Brother," Ning Hengwu called out.
Yan Shanqing halted and turned, his expression unreadable.
Ning Hengwu pressed, "Is it truly right to keep hiding everything from Xiao Wu? To never let her be involved?"
Yan Shanqing countered, "What do you suggest?"
Ning Hengwu exhaled deeply. "Some decisions shouldn’t be made for her. Keeping her away from the Four Killing Realms, shielding her from these matters, withholding all information—is that truly for the best?"
Mei Qiongge and Xiang Wuxue remained silent, offering no words.
Yan Shanqing lowered his lashes, hands clasped behind his back. After a pause, he said, "I can’t afford to gamble. None of us can. We don’t know how she returned, how she survived after using Frostblade to end her own life, or how she escaped the Demon Abyss. If fate gave us a second chance, will it grant us a third?"
Ning Hengwu argued, "But Xiao Wu wants to know. She’s investigating on her own. Can you really stop her? Lock her within Yingshan?"
Yan Shanqing nodded. "Yes. I’ve already placed a seal on the sect’s boundaries. The gatekeepers have been instructed—Immortal Lord Zhuoyu is not permitted to leave."
The three of them stiffened, shock flashing across their faces.
"You’re restricting Xiao Wu’s freedom?"
"What else can I do?" Yan Shanqing’s voice was icy. "The last time she left Yingshan for the Southern Capital, she wielded Frostblade a second time. Then she went to the Spirit Vein Path—she wasn’t injured then, but she remembered too much. This time, after the Immortal Alliance, she returned with shattered bones. What happens on the fourth attempt?"
"Hengwu, have you forgotten? She has an inner demon—yet she doesn’t remember what it is. What if she remembers?"
Ning Hengwu and the others felt as if they’d been plunged into an icy abyss.
What kind of inner demon could shatter a cultivator of the Clear Heart Path?
If she remembered, would her newly stabilized mind collapse once more?
Yan Shanqing turned and continued walking. "Keep her away from these matters. If she’s forgotten, then let it stay forgotten. Some memories… it’s better if they’re lost forever."
Mei Qiongge patted Ning Hengwu’s shoulder. "Second Senior Sister, Eldest Brother is right. Confining Xiao Wu isn’t what we want, but Youzhou is clearly targeting her. The more she involves herself, the more she remembers. None of us know what her inner demon truly is."
"Some things… are better left forgotten."
Ning Hengwu took a deep breath and nodded. "Fine."
Meanwhile, Yu Zhiling was busy setting the table when Yan Shanqing and the others pushed open the courtyard gate.
Her eyes lit up. "Senior Brothers! Senior Sister!"
Yan Shanqing arched a brow. "Why so cheerful today?"
Yu Zhiling pointed proudly at the table. "Look! I made this."
The four who had just entered: "..."
Yan Shanqing’s expression was complicated. "Where’s Mo Zhu?"
Yu Zhiling blinked. "Still training. He hasn’t returned yet."
She hurried forward, nudging them toward the table. "Don’t be shy. Eat."
Mei Qiongge whispered, "Should we ask the kitchen disciples to prepare something instead?"
Yu Zhiling popped up behind her, narrowing her eyes. "Why? Is my cooking that bad?"
Xiang Wuxue remarked, "You made your own birthday meal when you were sixteen."
Yu Zhiling: "Was it good?"
Xiang Wuxue: "...The thought counted."
Yu Zhiling pouted. "Third Senior Brother, your tact is truly impressive."
She wasn’t a master chef, but she wasn’t completely hopeless either. She could manage a few simple home-style dishes.
Zhuoyu had devoted herself entirely to the sword, but Yu Zhiling had lived independently since she was thirteen—she at least had some basic life skills.
She arranged for everyone to sit down, then placed a small stool beside herself.
Ning Hengwu asked, "This is…?"
Yu Zhiling patted the stool. "My disciple’s seat."
Her tone was light and cheerful, showing no signs of sorrow, nor any intention to ask about the Immortal Alliance. Ning Hengwu and the others secretly sighed in relief.
As long as she didn’t ask, they had an excuse not to bring it up.
It was then that Mo Zhu returned.
He had already sensed the presence of guests in the courtyard. Upon entering and seeing Ning Hengwu and the others, he showed no surprise, merely nodding in greeting. "Sect Leader, Elders."
Yu Zhiling beckoned to him. "Come, let’s eat."
Noticing the empty seat beside her, Mo Zhu didn’t question it. He strode over and sat down, placing a bag of fruit from his qiankun pouch on the table.
"I washed them in the river. They’re ready to eat."
The two sat close, their arms nearly touching, their postures intimate as they spoke. Once seated, Mo Zhu’s gaze never strayed from Yu Zhiling, his expression practically broadcasting his affection.
Yan Shanqing took a sip of soup, his eyes flickering toward Mo Zhu. The latter seemed to sense it and glanced back, their eyes meeting.
Mo Zhu nodded politely. Yan Shanqing set down his bowl.
"How long?"
Yu Zhiling, who was peeling fruit, blinked. "Huh?"
Mo Zhu replied calmly, "Not long."
Yu Zhiling frowned. "What do you mean, ‘how long’?"
Mei Qiongge rolled her eyes. "They’re asking how long you two have been together."
Yu Zhiling immediately grew flustered, her ears turning red as she averted her gaze. "Well, we…"
There was no point pretending. Yan Shanqing and the others weren’t fools, and judging by their expressions, none of them seemed surprised—as if they’d already figured it out.
Mo Zhu sat upright beside her, his posture impeccable. "I was the one who initiated it. I overstepped first. I will treat Shizun well. If the Sect Leader and Elders are uneasy, I can swear a life-and-death vow."
Yu Zhiling smacked his arm. "Shut up! No more vows!"
Mo Zhu only said, "I can swear it. I will never waver. No matter what happens, I will face it with Shizun."
Yu Zhiling scowled. "Mo Zhu!"
Yan Shanqing responded indifferently, "No need for oaths. Let’s eat."
Xiang Wuxue quickly distributed chopsticks. "Come on, let’s eat. No more of this talk. It’s not a big deal—as long as Xiao Wu is happy."
Mo Zhu fell silent for a moment before accepting the chopsticks. "Thank you."
He had already realized—Yan Shanqing and the others had known for a while. Apart from Ning Hengwu’s initial objections, Yan Shanqing, Xiang Wuxue, and Mei Qiongge seemed to accept it without issue. Ning Hengwu must have been persuaded as well.
In the Yingshan Sect, Yu Zhiling’s happiness came first.
To be honest, Yu Zhiling’s cooking was indeed better than before. The cautious expressions on her senior siblings’ faces visibly relaxed after tasting the dishes.
Yu Zhiling grinned proudly. "Not bad, right?"
The Yingshan elders weren’t picky.
"Not bad."
"Xiao Wu’s skills have improved."
"Much better than before. Your cooking used to be—"
Xiang Wuxue nudged Mei Qiongge, cutting her off mid-sentence.
Mei Qiongge quickly amended, "—was also good! The sentiment was there."
Yu Zhiling chuckled.
Mo Zhu ate quietly, his appetite poor as always. He took only a few bites of each dish, his expression unreadable.
Yu Zhiling’s cooking hadn’t been great before. Since leaving seclusion, she hadn’t practiced, meaning these dishes were ones she’d known how to make all along.
Where had she learned them?
He glanced at her. From this angle, her profile was delicate and refined. Despite her high status and power—a true prodigy—she carried no arrogance. She was easy to please, never wasteful, and enjoyed every bite.
Many of her words and actions were things he’d never encountered before.
Mo Zhu withdrew his gaze without asking.
After the meal, Yu Zhiling retrieved her qiankun pouch.
She handed a wooden box to Yan Shanqing. "For Da-shixiong."
Then to Mei Qiongge. "Er-shijie’s."
"San-shixiong’s."
"Si-shijie’s."
Yan Shanqing frowned as he opened the box. Inside was…
"A neck pillow. I noticed Da-shixiong often rubs his temples, so I made this with cotton. I’m quite skilled, aren’t I?"
"Er-shijie’s medicine box. I bought divine wood to craft it—plenty of space, all compartmentalized. You can store so many herbs now."
"San-shixiong’s carving tools. I spent a fortune on spirit iron. Now you’ll have proper equipment for woodwork."
"And Si-shijie’s jewelry set. I used my savings to buy gold from Gui Zheng and had a full set made."
Yu Zhiling smiled warmly, tilting her chin up as if waiting for praise.
Yan Shanqing closed the box. "Why the sudden gifts?"
Her senior siblings’ expressions darkened. Yu Zhiling knew what they were remembering—ten years ago, on her birthday, she had done the same.
Left gifts behind, then walked away without looking back. A separation that lasted a decade.
Yu Zhiling grinned. "I prepared these a long time ago! I haven’t given you all birthday presents in years. I’ve been free lately, so I got everything ready."
It was true—she had prepared them long ago, intending to give them on their respective birthdays. She was just delivering them early.
Mei Qiongge tucked away the jewelry. "Xiao Wu, are you planning to do something?"
Yu Zhiling could sense the implication in their words—and the heavy atmosphere around Mo Zhu.
In the past, she couldn’t hide her emotions. But now, at this critical moment, she marveled at her own acting skills.
She pouted, picking up a fruit to nibble on. "I’m just giving gifts. I’m not planning anything. Didn’t you all say you didn’t want me involved in those matters? I won’t interfere. I won’t even leave the mountain. Relax."
Yan Shanqing and the others studied her carefully, searching for any trace of deception. But Yu Zhiling remained composed, her carefree demeanor showing no signs of pretense.
Mo Zhu stayed silent throughout, mechanically eating as if numb.
Finally, Yan Shanqing nodded. "Good. You understand. We only want what’s best for you, Xiao Wu. Don’t overthink it."
Yu Zhiling raised a hand. "I’ll listen to you and put your minds at ease. But when you need me, you must call for me."
"...Mm."
The meal lasted half an hour. After eating and chatting, Mo Zhu escorted Yan Shanqing and the others out.
When he returned to the courtyard, Yu Zhiling had just finished cleaning up.
He stood at the gate, watching her with an unreadable expression.
Yu Zhiling beamed as she walked over, wrapping her arms around his waist. "The senior siblings are gone. Now it’s just the two of us."
For the first time, Mo Zhu did not return her embrace. He lowered his gaze to her beautiful eyes, brimming with laughter—she seemed genuinely happy, her smile radiant and captivating.
"Mo Zhu, do you want a gift?" Yu Zhiling rose on her tiptoes, pressing a light kiss to his lower lip before murmuring softly, "I prepared one for you too. How could I ever forget you?"
Mo Zhu felt cold all over, his voice quiet. "My birthday just passed."
"It's not a birthday gift," Yu Zhiling nipped at his lip, her breath warm and sweet. "It's just for you. A simple, ordinary gift."
"Mo Zhu, it's only because I wanted to give you something."
