Great Zhou Dynasty, outskirts of the Royal Capital, a quiet and secluded little courtyard.
Mo Lin stood where he was, watching the direction in which Wu Yao and her mother had disappeared. He rubbed his chin, a playful smile appearing on his face.
"She really is stubborn, and so damn strong-willed." He muttered to himself, though his tone carried obvious appreciation. "But I like that."
He stood with his hands behind his back, gazing at the empty courtyard as if he could still see that stunning figure in red. He had carefully chosen this place to settle the Queen. It was neither too close nor too far from the Great Zhou imperial palace—safe and hidden, yet allowing him to keep watch on Zhou Yuan's movements at any time.
"A debt of gratitude owed to me won't be so easily repaid." The corner of his lips curved into a meaningful smile, his eyes gleaming with determination. "Wu Yao, Wu Yao... I, Mo Lin, am definitely making you my wife. Isn't helping one's future mother-in-law only natural?"
After saying that, he chuckled and turned around in high spirits. Humming a tuneless little song, he strolled leisurely toward the room. Only by casting a long line could he catch a big fish. He had plenty of patience to wait for that proud Phoenix to fly back to his side on her own.
He had just pushed open the door to the meditation room when a cool, teasing voice rang out.
"Well, well, has our great romantic Mo completed another 'good deed'? Judging by that smug look on your face, I'm afraid that beauty in red is already yours for the taking?"
Yao Yao was lounging lazily on the cushioned couch by the window. Her blue-black dress traced her perfect curves, while her bare