"Little brother?"
Da Sheng froze, then looked doubtful as he asked, "Tang Yue, since when did you have a little brother?"
"What, you don't believe me?"
Tang Yue bristled at his tone. Anger rose on her face as she said bluntly,
"If you don't believe me, ask my uncle yourself. He personally accepted Mo Xie as his nephew."
"Oh... oh, of course I believe you. If he's your little brother, then he's one of us."
The hostility vanished from Da Sheng's face. He scratched his head and gave a sheepish laugh, dropping all his animosity toward Mo Xie.
He still had his doubts, but he kept them to himself rather than risk losing more favor with Tang Yue.
"Da Sheng, head back. I'll keep watch here today."
They were colleagues, after all, and Tang Yue didn't want things to get too tense. Her expression softened, and she spoke to Da Sheng with a faint smile.
"Oh, all right. I'll leave you two to talk."
Da Sheng thought nothing more of it. After one last long look at Mo Xie, he boarded the small boat and left the Heart of the Lake Island.
Mo Xie stood where he was, watching Da Sheng's retreating figure disappear across the lake. His bangs hung low, casting a shadow over his eyes.
A breeze stirred his bangs. A flash of bloodred crossed his eyes, along with a hint of ferocity, then vanished.
I hold grudges. I hope you choose the right side, or else...
"Little Evil, what's wrong?"
Tang Yue held Mo Xie's arm. She could clearly sense that something was off, and she looked up at him with concern.
Mo Xie lowered his head and chuckled. His gaze softened as he looked at Tang Yue, who was worried about him, and he stroked her