Chapter Eight: The Kiss Amidst the Sea of Flowers

On the other side.

After Ling Yinyin left with Mo Yue alone, the atmosphere between them was extremely delicate.

She recalled what had happened yesterday and wanted to confront him, asking why he had kissed her so inexplicably.

But seeing Mo Yue acting as if nothing had occurred, she hesitated several times and felt embarrassed to speak up.

For a while, they were silent.

Along the way, Ling Yinyin saw many male members of the snake tribe working outside.

Some were chopping wood, some building houses, and others returning from hunting, but there was no sign of any female snake tribe members.

“Why are they all males?” she asked curiously.

“What else? Females are rare and precious; the entire snake tribe has only a dozen or so. Naturally, the males are responsible for supporting the family,” Mo Yue replied.

Ling Yinyin noticed the stiff tone in his voice and realized he was in a bad mood. She couldn't help but wonder.

“What’s wrong with you?”

Mo Yue stopped walking. Shadows cast by his brow partially concealed his dark gaze. His lips were tightly pressed into a straight line, and under the sunlight, his handsome features were almost mesmerizing.

“Do you like Mo Yin?”

“Huh? No,” Ling Yinyin said, puzzled.

“Then why did you call her ‘Mother’?”

“Is there a connection between those two things?” she asked.

“Don’t you really know?” Mo Yue stared at her.

Ling Yinyin raised an eyebrow. “Tell me.”

Calling someone ‘Mother’ was because she didn’t know how to address Mo Yin and Mo Yue’s mother, so she followed local customs out of respect. Besides, the other party didn’t seem very happy.

So, what was wrong with that?

Mo Yue explained, “Here, if a female willingly calls a male beastman ‘Mother,’ it means she accepts him and intends to form a mate bond with him.”

Hearing this, Ling Yinyin suddenly understood. If this behavior happened in modern society, it would be like meeting someone’s parents and casually calling out “Mom.”

She awkwardly rubbed her nose.

“Alright then, I’m not from this place, so I don’t really understand your customs. I won’t call her that again.”

But Mo Yue still looked displeased.

“Mother really likes you.”

His voice was low and heavy. “Early this morning, after she found out about you and Mo Yin, she told Mo Yin to bring you back for a visit. Judging by her attitude now, she hopes Mo Yin can bond with you and become your beast husband.”

Ling Yinyin was utterly confused.

“What nonsense…”

She was new to the beast world and didn’t quite understand the beastmen’s way of thinking. She had only known Mo Yin for a day—how could they be talking about bonding already?

“Mo Yin is different with you,” Mo Yue said. “We grew up together, and I’ve never seen him treat any female so specially.”

Ling Yinyin scratched her head. “Special? He almost strangled me to death. Maybe he just wanted to… you know.”

“No,” Mo Yue said seriously. “All beastmen on the Sacred Beast Continent know he despises females intensely. There was once a female who lightly touched him; he beat her so badly she nearly died. Since then, no female has dared to come near him.”

Ling Yinyin frowned. “So unchivalrous.”

“Only you. Today, when he carried you inside, we were all stunned… Yinyin, he likes you.”

Ling Yinyin was shocked. “Don’t talk nonsense!”

Not even if the sky fell!

Mo Yue’s expression darkened. “What about you? Do you really not like him? He’s at the peak of the fifth rank…”

“No,” Ling Yinyin answered decisively.

“That’s good.”

Mo Yue’s expression brightened instantly, and a mischievous smile appeared on his lips. He stepped forward slowly, brushing the long hair falling over her cheeks aside and leaning close to her ear.

“Choosing him? You might as well choose me…”

Her earlobe tingled with a soft, pleasant sensation.

“Though I’m not as good at fighting as your brother, I know better how to please females and take care of them. Whatever you want, Yinyin, I can promise you…”

His voice was low and husky, as if coated in thick honey, softening the heart and stirring emotions.

Ling Yinyin’s cheeks flushed, the blush spreading from her earlobes down to her neck. Her heart pounded wildly.

“…”

Damn it, she had to admit it—she was charmed.

With such a handsome face whispering like a mischievous spirit by her ear, who could resist?

Her reaction pleased Mo Yue immensely.

“Come on, I’ll take you somewhere.”

He took Ling Yinyin’s hand and led her forward.

They passed through a dense forest and arrived at a wide-open field of flowers. Purple petals fluttered in the wind, waves of blossoms rising and falling with the breeze. A tranquil fragrance filled the air, creating an awe-inspiring scene.

“Wow—!”

Ling Yinyin stared in amazement.

Mo Yue asked, “Is it beautiful?”

“Beautiful…”

Honestly, she had never seen such a vast sea of lavender.

It must be at least a hundred football fields in size.

It was absolutely breathtaking!

Ling Yinyin couldn’t help but click her tongue.

Anyone would get lost walking in.

But she was delighted. She hadn’t expected such rich resources in the beast world. The lavender here grew taller and thicker than modern lavender, with sturdier roots—perfect for making incense.

Remembering the white sandalwood in the forbidden zone, combined with this lavender, Ling Yinyin had a sudden inspiration.

The beast world lacked the conditions of a lab, so making perfume from raw materials without scientific instruments would be impossible. But using ancient formulas to make scented sachets or incense would be much easier.

Without hesitation, Ling Yinyin rushed into the flower sea and began gathering petals.

Mo Yue looked puzzled. “What are you doing?”

“I want to pick some fresh flower spikes to make a sachet!” she said excitedly.

“…But I brought you here to enjoy the scenery.”

“Next time, then!”

As Ling Yinyin spoke, she crouched down and was instantly hidden by the layers of flowers.

Mo Yue muttered to himself.

He had something more important to do.

He transformed into a green snake and slithered into the flower sea.

Soon, he found Ling Yinyin’s spot.

“Hiss…”

A sudden chill wrapped around her ankle. Looking down, Ling Yinyin nearly fainted.

“Yinyin, pick flowers later when we go back,” Mo Yue said.

She patted her chest, still shaken. She had mistaken the snake for a wild one and was startled.

“Next time can you warn me before turning into a snake? It’s really scary.”

Mo Yue’s snake form resembled a bamboo pit viper but had the size and bulk of a python, looking quite dangerous.

Mo Yue’s tone was displeased. “You’re ignoring me.”

The green snake slowly climbed onto Ling Yinyin’s shoulder, resting its triangular head against her. It rubbed her chin hard with its head.

“Keep me company.”

But it was too heavy, so Ling Yinyin sat down and sighed.

Well, she had never seen a snake act so spoiled before.

“What do you want?” she asked.

“Hiss…” Mo Yue flicked his bright red tongue. His emerald eyes were stunning. “You’re warm. I want to stay close.”

“But you’re so cold…”

Ling Yinyin shivered, goosebumps rising.

Mo Yue pressed his head harder against her, like a big snake acting like a clingy puppy.

Though silent, his meaning was clear.

Ling Yinyin teased, “You’re a dog-snake.”

“Hm, whatever you say, I am.”

Now coiled in her arms, the green snake lay still.

“Yinyin, can I be petted?”

Ling Yinyin admired his smooth, delicate green scales and hesitated before placing her hand on him.

Mmm…

Not as rough as she imagined.

Soft and sleek, very pleasant to touch.

Relaxing, she stroked the snake.

“Hiss…”

Her gentle palm brushed his head warmly and comfortably. Mo Yue enjoyed it immensely, even closing his eyes and flicking his tongue constantly, purring like a cat.

Ling Yinyin rubbed his head harder, noticing that squeezing and pinching could change his shape—his triangular head turned round, and his eyes looked clearer.

“Pfft…”

She couldn’t help but laugh.

“You’re quite adorable.”

Mo Yue sulked, “Just adorable?”

Ling Yinyin said nothing and continued stroking him.

Then, transforming back into human form, Mo Yue suddenly pulled Ling Yinyin into his arms, his snake tail coiling tightly around her slender legs.

Everything changed too quickly. Before she could react, she was already embraced by him.

“Yinyin…”

They looked at each other face to face, so close.

Mo Yue’s breath brushed Ling Yinyin’s face, and his tender eyes captivated her.

He gently held her chin and slowly leaned down.

The sunlight was filtered by his fine black hair. Ling Yinyin gazed at his face, cheeks flushed.

Their lips drew closer.

Only a fraction apart.

Suddenly—

A gust of wind blew, carrying the smell of burning.

Ling Yinyin’s eyes widened.

“Your hair’s on fire!”