Chapter 52: Li Yao Backstory
The courtyard was quiet, bathed in the warm hues of the setting sun. The last golden rays of light cast elongated shadows across the moss-covered stone path, giving the entire sect a tranquil, almost dreamlike atmosphere. The distant chirping of spirit birds echoed in the air, accompanied by the gentle rustling of breeze-kissed bamboo.
Inside a quiet garden corridor, Meng Hao stood tall, his figure relaxed, but his gaze was sharp. At this moment, he held Li Yao softly in his arms, her body still trembling faintly from the emotional storm that had just passed.
A faint smirk touched his lips.
"Good... things are moving in the right direction. But I must not get careless. I can’t show too much satisfaction. I have to stay calm and composed. My goal is clear—extract everything I need about her mother."
The momentary glint of cold calculation in his eyes quickly vanished, replaced with a warm smile as he gently patted her back.
"Senior sister," he said in a light tone, as though trying to lift the heavy mood between them, "alright, alright. Let’s go back to our room first. We can think about all these things after we’ve rested."
Li Yao nodded against his chest, her eyes moist but her heart pounding. As they walked together down the winding path toward their residence, the sky darkened. The soft hues of twilight gave way to the deep blue of night, and the moon gradually took its throne in the sky.
While walking through the long corridor lit by glowing spirit lanterns, Meng Hao glanced at Li Yao from the corner of his eye and spoke with a seemingly casual air.
"Um... Senior Sister," he said, rubbing the back of his neck as though slightly embarrassed, "if you want, you can stay in my room tonight."
Li Yao froze mid-step.
Her eyes widened. She turned slowly to look at Meng Hao, her mind going blank for a moment.
Her lips parted, but no words came out.