Once this heart-stopping conspiracy concluded, Mu Zimo straightened her disheveled clothes, composed herself, and headed toward the side hall.
Inside the side hall, the atmosphere was especially warm that day.
The long white jade dining table was laden with exquisite dishes. Though deities had long since transcended the need for food, these gatherings to indulge their appetites and maintain their familial bonds had always been rare moments of warmth for them.
Chang Gongwei sat upright at the head of the table, as handsome and distinguished as ever, his bearing as clear as a fresh breeze and a bright moon. Beside him, Hai Shuixing and Shui Rou'er were speaking in low voices. Their smiles bloomed like flowers, and whenever they glanced at the man, their eyes brimmed with undisguised love and admiration.
"Why isn't Sister Mo'er here yet? All this food is going to get cold." Hai Shuixing blinked her lively, wide eyes and peered toward the door.
No sooner had she spoken than Mu Zimo appeared in the doorway. She drew a deep breath, forced her stiff facial muscles to move, and managed as natural a smile as possible. "Sorry, I gained some insights while cultivating and lost track of time. Sorry for the wait."
"There's no need to apologize to family." Seeing her enter, Chang Gongwei immediately broke into a warm smile. He rose and took a few steps to meet her, taking her hand with complete naturalness. "Come sit down. Today's fish was prepared just the way you like it."
Zimo shuddered all over, as though a red-hot branding iron had touched her, and instinctively tried to pull her hand away.
"What's wrong? Why is your hand so cold?" Chang Gongwei noticed her unusual reaction. His clear golden eyes filled with worry as he asked with concern, "Did