Chapter 118: What Business?

Lin Manzhi was about to turn around and wait, when Mu Qian hurried past her to speak to the beast guarding the gate, so she had to wait in the corridor.

She saw the door ahead open, Mo Lie stepped out of the dim hall, his blue eyes dazzling like a sapphire under bright light; at that moment he realized she had come to find him, and he seemed a bit surprised.

Mo Lie, long‑legged, took a few steps toward Lin Manzhi in the corridor, closing the distance between them in the blink of an eye.

In the corridor, he lowered his eyes, his deep brows concealing all violent aura, his gaze fixed on Lin Manzhi: "It's my fault; it's hot outside, I didn't finish quickly enough to return in time."

He had previously arranged that Lin Manzhi's waking time was always roughly the same, usually during the stifling morning hours.

He also stationed someone on the balcony to rush over and inform him at the slightest sound from inside, so he could dash back and have breakfast with the Little Female.

He hadn't expected the Little Female to brave the sun and walk so far to find him.

Lin Manzhi lifted her hand to fan her face, shook her head and laughed: "I just finished breakfast and was about to take a walk; I hope I didn't disturb you by coming over?"

Mo Lie's gaze flicked rapidly over Lin Manzhi; standing close, he also sensed her body temperature was a bit higher than usual.

Having just seen the Little Female waiting in the corridor, a subtle pain rose in his chest, like a dark anger flaring from his heart.

The frailty of females is evident from their numbers; the beast can endure extreme weather, but females cannot—both cold and heat can easily make them ill.

Even when a female falls ill, Wushen Temple lacks any remedy that can completely cure all diseases.

Mo Lie lifted his hand, wrapped his arms around Lin Manzhi's slender, soft waist, applying gentle pressure, easily drawing her closer to his side:

"It won't disturb me; you came to find me on your own, so I'm of course delighted, but I'm worried the temperature is too high now—coming under the sun might make you uncomfortable."

He silently glanced behind her, his gaze devoid of feeling; Mu Qian and Mu Qiao inexplicably felt a wave of chill in the over‑forty‑degree dry‑season morning.

The two lowered their heads to avoid the terrifying gaze ahead, stepped back a few paces, then quietly turned and left.

Following Mo Lie's line of sight, Lin Manzhi saw the hurriedly fleeing teal silhouettes, then turned back to him: "It's quite spacious here, and thanks to you leaving them to guide me; otherwise I couldn't have found this place on my own."

Mo Lie led her through the shadows toward the hall, replying softly, "Hmm."

He turned his head toward Lin Manzhi, his voice lighter than usual, and asked, "You came suddenly— is there something?"

Given the Little Female's nature, she would never suddenly seek him out; after all, he returns daily and they meet often, so her coming now must mean an urgent matter.

Lin Manzhi looked up toward the hall, receiving countless scrutinizing glances, and also saw how many people were inside: "It's something... perhaps you finish your tasks first; we can discuss it when we return."

There were too many people inside; she thought the matter of the planting grounds should not be known to so many.

Mo Lie's gaze followed Lin Manzhi's toward the hall's occupants, understanding that the Little Female meant not letting too many know: "Nothing is more important than your matter."

He let out a low laugh, as if delighted by a secret only the two of them could share, and kept moving, leading Lin Manzhi into the hall.

Mo Lie lifted his eyes lightly, scanning the hall: "Let's go to the small lounge behind the hall."

Lin Manzhi had originally intended to wait for Mo Lie to finish the matters here; she wasn't in a hurry about the planting grounds today, but his hand around her waist was tight, and his steps kept moving.

Under everyone's gaze she couldn't struggle to leave, so she lowered her eyes, followed Mo Lie's steps, and walked into the hall.

Back when the new leader stepped out of the hall's doorway, the Beastfolk inside, freshly intimidated by him, couldn't help but stare curiously.

They couldn't imagine how such a cold, ruthless, powerful beast would willingly bond with a female, and what kind of female could become his Wife Master.

Although the new leader always wore a black robe and had never shown his face to everyone, his tall, strong, slender figure made it clear he wasn't an ugly beast.

"Beast God, the new leader actually has a Wife Master?"

"I'm a bit curious how the new leader usually gets along with his Wife Master; he seems like a man of his word..."

"In my opinion, he probably won't treat his Wife Master well; this is Kuangsha City, where females only serve to bear offspring and provide Pheromone soothing..."

They were whispering when the new leader in black, half‑carrying a female about a head shorter than him, entered the hall; the buzzing chatter abruptly stopped, and the hall fell silent again.

Mo Lie's towering figure, arms around Lin Manzhi, clearly a protective stance, made everyone momentarily realize.

The new leader's previously domineering aura completely subsided; he became refined and steady, gracefully and unhurriedly carrying the female in his arms, and that Wife Master...

Alright, she was entirely cloaked in a white robe, her veil drawn low so she kept her head down, eyes invisible; even after entering the room she made no move to remove it, making it impossible to see what she looks like.

While everyone was stunned, their Flower Leader slightly lowered his head and silently bowed to the two approaching.

Xiang Sa saw the surprised looks and said, "From the way you look, it doesn't even resemble the beast that pinned my two brothers down last night!"

Mo Lie never cared about others' opinions; he kept moving with Lin Manzhi, weaving through the crowd until they reached the deepest part of the hall.

Just as they arrived, a guard had already opened the door to the lounge behind the hall, and Mo Lie, still moving, led Lin Manzhi into the lavishly decorated interior.

The door closed silently behind them.

Inside, only the two of them, Mo Lie released his hand, lifted his hand to remove his veil, his blue eyes flashing a pleasant glimmer: "Would you like some honey water first?"

Lin Manzhi also removed the scarf on her head: "Too sweet, just plain water is fine."

Mo Lie had already guessed her answer; hearing it, he walked to the soft wooden table against the wall, reached for the teapot and cup, poured half a cup of water, and handed it over.

He poured and served the water himself; she reached out without hesitation, and although their conversation was ordinary, occasional eye contact and a faint smile made the atmosphere oddly warm and ordinary.

After Lin Manzhi finished drinking, Mo Lie casually took the empty cup from her hand, placed it back on the table, then turned his head and asked softly, "What were you trying to say earlier?"