As night deepened, moonlight poured like mercury across the courtyard, tracing the outlines of the spirit plants in hazy tranquility. The spirit fruits on the table had nearly been finished, and the pot of Ice Heart Jade Pot Brew was almost empty as well.
Little Lingxi slept more and more soundly in Mo Lin's arms, breathing evenly and deeply. A faint drunken flush colored Zuoqiu Qingyu's face, and her eyes were slightly unfocused. She let out a small yawn and lazily leaned against the back of her chair. Zi Yan was even more straightforward—hugging an empty wine cup, her head bobbed as though she were about to fall asleep.
"Looks like everyone's tired," Mo Lin said softly with a smile as he looked at his daughter in his arms and the two drowsy girls beside him. They had gone through too much today, and after drinking Spirit Wine, fatigue naturally washed over them once they relaxed.
He carefully picked up Little Lingxi, walked over to Zuoqiu Qingyu, and gently patted her shoulder. "Qingyu, wake up. Take Xi'er back to sleep."
Zuoqiu Qingyu groggily opened her eyes. Seeing Mo Lin and his daughter in his arms, she rubbed her eyes and revealed an adorably foolish smile. "Mm... okay..."
She struggled to her feet, took Little Lingxi from Mo Lin, and said weakly, "Then... Little Brother Mo Lin, Sister Yao Yao, Senior Sister Li, we'll head back first."
Zi Yan was also awakened by the commotion. Rubbing her eyes, she muttered, "I'm sleepy too... I'm going back to bed."
She swayed as she stood, then supported each other with Zuoqiu Qingyu. Carrying Little Lingxi, the two staggered toward their respective rooms inside the villa.
For a time, only Mo Lin, Yao Yao, and Li Qingchan remained in the courtyard. Beside the wine