Chapter 53: Li Yao Backstory 2
Meng Hao sat upright, his expression calm and composed as the early morning light spilled gently across the room. The golden sunlight filtered through the half-open windows, casting patterns over the silk bedsheets and reflecting off Li Yao’s smooth skin, which was still flushed from their intense night of dual cultivation.
She had just spoken, agreeing to recount her story.
At that moment, a faint gleam flickered in Meng Hao’s eyes—sharp, cold, and fleeting—like the edge of a sword briefly drawn before being sheathed again. His expression, however, remained flawlessly composed—gentle, grateful, and filled with the warmth of a devoted junior.
But within the depths of his mind, storm clouds of calculation rolled with ruthless precision.
"Yes... that’s exactly what I wanted, my dear Li Yao..."
"Through your tale, I’ll weave the right questions—lead you gently, slowly, until you tell me what I need. About your mother... her temperament, her cultivation, her weaknesses."
"And when the moment is right... I’ll convince you to introduce me to her willingly."
A cold glint sparked in his thoughts, cloaked beneath layers of charm.
"After that... heheheh... one thousand years of cultivation will fall neatly into my hands."
The corners of his lips curled slightly, but he restrained the amusement that tugged at them. Instead, he allowed a soft, sincere smile to surface—his face radiant with innocent excitement.
Then, as if moved by emotion, he leaned slightly closer and said with a voice full of warmth and appreciation, "Thank you, Senior Sister. You truly are the best."
Li Yao gazed at Meng Hao, her eyes shimmering like autumn dew under morning light—soft and filled with quiet affection. Yet, beneath that tenderness lingered something heavier... a shade of sorrow hidden behind her calm facade. Her lips lifted into a gentle smile, but it faltered at the corners, unable to reach the sadness in her eyes.