"Xiao Mo, am I causing you trouble?"
Sima Zining held Lin Mo's arm, gently resting her head on his shoulder, her voice soft.
"Hmm?"
Lin Mo paused for a moment, holding Sima Zining's delicate hand in his palm.
"Why say such things? You are my woman. If you're bullied, shouldn't I stand up for you?"
Lin Mo smiled.
"I just fear you might think... I'm useless, that I would be a burden to you and bring you trouble."
Sima Zining shook her head lightly, speaking softly.
"I've never thought of it that way."
Lin Mo furrowed his sword-like eyebrows and shook his head.
In his past life, he felt he owed Xia Mengdie. After his rebirth, Lin Mo wanted to make up for past regrets.
In this life, Sima Zining is the woman who gave him warmth during his youthful days.
To him, both represented an incredibly important existence in his past and present lives.
Sima Zining let out a chuckle, her slightly pale face like a blooming daffodil—pure, tragic, and delicate, making one want to protect this fragile flower.
"I'm teasing you, blockhead."
Sima Zining laughed.
"But I still want to stay in the Emperor Group..." Sima Zining turned her head, her large, bright eyes looking at Lin Mo.
"If you want to stay in the Emperor Group, then stay and do what you love."
Lin Mo spoke.
"Wouldn't you want me to leave the Emperor Group because I got injured?"
Sima Zining asked, slightly surprised.
She had been pondering this matter the last few days. Lin Mo's mother, Yang Chuxue, got injured, and only Xia Mengdie could take care of her. As Lin Mo's woman, she felt guilty for not fulfilling any responsibilities.
This time, getting injured due to a mission made her fear that Lin Mo might make her leave the Emperor Group.
"I respect your every choice."
Lin Mo held Sima Zining's soft shoulders, his deep gaze like an endless sea, staring at her, making Sima Zining's face instantly flush.
"Why are you staring at me? Is there something written on my face?"
Sima Zining lowered her gaze, shy as a flower, her voice as soft as a mosquito's.
"There's nothing written on your face. I just like you, not just your looks, but your unique inner self. Everyone has the right to pursue their dreams. I hope you can insist on yours as well."
Lin Mo spoke softly, each word seeming to carry a certain magic.
Sima Zining's body trembled slightly, raising her head with her clear, bright eyes becoming hazy with mist.
"Why say such mushy things, making me cry?" Sima Zining scolded shyly, though a hint of sweetness rose in her heart.
Lin Mo held Sima Zining, gently embracing her, his deep gaze looking into the distance.
He had plans; Sima Zining wanted to develop in the army, Xia Mengdie wanted to strive in the business world. Once they fulfilled their wishes, he would live with them, as a cultivator's lifespan can be very long...
"Apart from me and Sister Mengdie, will you like other women in the future?"
Sima Zining hid in Lin Mo's embrace, no longer the strong woman she appeared to be in the eyes of others in the army, now like a little bird nestling in the harbor of her beloved, sheltered from wind and rain, feeling warmth and light.
"Probably not."
Lin Mo replied softly.
"But I know many beautiful women like you, having an unclear relationship with you."
Sima Zining pouted; both she and Xia Mengdie understood that with Lin Mo's current status and powerful demeanor, it was natural for many women to admire and like him.
"They... maybe once liked me, but some things are unchangeable. Every woman who accompanies me in every stage of life is irreplaceable, unless time could turn back."
Lin Mo gently shook his head, "Perhaps, it's just timing."
...
After staying in the Royal Group Army for three days, Lin Mo left.
Because he received a call from Shen Qianlong, informing him that Shen Tong and Shen Zongwen had arrived in the Imperial City.
In the Imperial City, at the Feng Tianjiao Villa.
"Would you ladies like juice, tea, or coffee?"
Xia Mengdie, dressed in casual clothing, with long hair draped over her shoulders, asked with a faint smile on her cool face.
"No, thank you."
"We're waiting for Mr. Lin to return to discuss some matters with him."
On the sofa sat two women resembling each other, each more beautiful than the other, with striking appearances that rivaled celebrities.
The two women were Shen Tong and Shen Zongwen.
However, after arriving at Lin Mo's home and seeing Xia Mengdie, the hope in their hearts dimmed a bit further.
From any perspective, Xia Mengdie was an excellent woman.
"Alright then, I've called Xiao Mo, he should be back soon." Xia Mengdie nodded lightly, then took some fruits from the fridge and placed them in a fruit dish.
A stream of light fell into the villa garden, and Lin Mo strode toward the living room.
"Xiao Mo, you're back. These two are your friends; they've been waiting for you for a long time."
Xia Mengdie stood up with a smile and said.
"Hmm, I'll have a talk with them."
Upon seeing Shen Tong and Shen Zongwen, Lin Mo spoke calmly.
"You are quite popular with the ladies..." Xia Mengdie whispered teasingly, saying, "I'll go upstairs and accompany mom. You guys can chat."
Xia Mengdie nodded politely at Shen Tong and Shen Zongwen, then walked toward the second-floor room via the spiral staircase.
"Mr. Lin."
"Mr. Lin." The two women stood up simultaneously, respectfully.
"Please, have a seat, no need for such formality." Lin Mo grinned and said.
The two women smiled slightly, feeling that Lin Mo wasn't as imposing as most strongmen.
"Mr. Lin, we came this time to relay some words from the patriarch." Shen Tong said directly.
Generally, this could be conveyed over the phone, but the Shen Family had gained many benefits from Lin Mo's influence; thus, they sent Shen Tong and Shen Zongwen personally to show respect.
Lin Mo picked up his tea and took a gentle sip, the aroma spreading.
He knew that Shen Qianlong's intentions weren't just out of respect; he likely had other plans. However, Lin Mo had no such thoughts about Shen Tong and Shen Zongwen.
"The patriarch couldn't get in touch with his senior disciple." Shen Tong said slowly.
"Hmm, couldn't get in touch."
Lin Mo furrowed his brow, showing disappointment.
Originally, he planned that if Shen Qianlong could get him access to an advanced auction, things would be much easier.
"However, the patriarch asked me to give you something." Shen Tong said, flipping her hand, revealing a wooden plaque in her palm.
"This wooden plaque is a token from the patriarch. If Qiong Long Taoist sees it, he will recognize it. He only knows that Qiong Long Taoist has always been active in the Russian region. As for finding Qiong Long Taoist, Mr. Lin will have to do that himself."
Shen Tong explained.
Lin Mo inhaled and grasped the wooden plaque, which had some strange symbols engraved on it.
"Mr. Lin, the patriarch has done everything he can, but since he hasn't been in contact with Qiong Long Taoist for a long time, he cannot reach him currently."
Shen Zongwen added in explanation.
The wonderful story continues tomorrow.
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