Re-birth: The Beginning after the End - Chapter 180

Chapter 180: AWKWARD AF
“So, you said your name was Mo Xing?” Her eldest brother questioned, his eyes narrowing. “The ‘friend’ who saved Li Hao from the Void Temple?”

Li Hua stuffed a steamed bun into her mouth, using the excuse of eating to observe the interaction. She’d deliberately let Little Firefly materialize—a calculated move to see Mo Xing’s reaction. As expected, his eyes had flickered with interest at the sight of her unique spirit beast, but her brother’s interrogation kept him from commenting.

She watched the verbal sparring match between them with growing fascination. Little Firefly drifted uncertainly between the three of them, his delicate golden feathers ruffling with each pointed question and measured response, like autumn leaves disturbed by conflicting winds. Her gaze bounced from Mo Xing’s carefully measured responses to her brother’s precise questioning, feeling rather like a referee in a match where she couldn’t quite determine the rules—or the stakes.

“We are truly grateful for what you did, however what are your intentions with my sister?” Li Wei’s question cut through the polite conversation like a blade through silk.

Li Hua nearly choked on her steamed bun, while Little Firefly’s feathers bristled with sudden tension. She shot her brother a warning look, but Li Wei maintained his calm, tea cup posed elegantly in his hand as he awaited an answer.

Mo Xing’s smile deepened, and something in that expression made Li Hua’s pulse quicken with alarm. She recognized that look—it was the same one he wore just before throwing her world into chaos.

“Scholar Li,” Mo Xing’s smile turned mischievous as he inhaled the steam from his tea. “Did you know your sister’s quarters always smell of jasmine and honey? Though this morning, when I visited, the scent was particularly…” he paused deliberately, eyes dancing with wicked amusement, “…entrancing.”

Li Hua’s chopsticks clattered against her bowl. This impossible man—

“I must say,” he continued, thoroughly enjoying her growing mortification, “I found myself quite reluctant to leave. Though your sister was quite insistent.” He leaned forward slightly, as if sharing a confidence. “She has quite creative ways of trying to remove unwanted guests from her bed.”

Little Firefly’s feathers puffed up in indignation, looking remarkably like his master’s current state of flustered anger. Li Wei’s scholarly composure cracked slightly, his eyes widening as he looked between his sister’s reddening face and Mo Xing’s utterly delighted expression. The implications of Mo Xing’s casual mention of her bed hung in the air like incense smoke.

“Eldest brother, it’s not what you think!” Li Hua managed to say, her hands fluttered in protest, but the damage was already done. Mo Xing’s words had painted a picture far more scandalous than the truth.

But trying to explain that now would only make matters worse, especially with Mo Xing watching her with those knowing golden eyes, clearly savoring every moment of her discomfort.

She slammed her head onto the table in mortification, only to find Mo Xing’s warm palm had somehow anticipated her movement, cushioning the impact. Her forehead rested against his hand, and she was acutely aware of how his thumb traced a gentle, almost imperceptible circle against her skin.

She heard her eldest brother cleared his throat—a sound heavy with warning—but Mo Xing seemed entirely unconcerned with propriety or potential threats. His attention remained fixed solely on her, as if her brother’s presence was merely incidental and the only thing worth watching in the entire dining hall was her reaction to his touch.

“I’m done.” Li Hua announced, pushing herself up from her seat with as much dignity as she could muster. She had to leave—now—before she did or said something that would make this situation even more mortifying. This was perhaps the most awkward dinner she’d ever experienced.

But what frustrated her most wasn’t the situation—it was her own reaction to it. Where was her legendary frost, the merciless efficiency that had once made even hardened killers step back in fear? The Shadow Guild’s most feared assassin, whose very presence could freeze the blood in her targets’ veins. That calculated coldness had served her well in both the corporate world and the assassination game, ensuring survival and success through emotional distance.

Yet, here she was, her composure shattered, heat climbing her neck as words failed her completely. The realization was more than unsettling—it was dangerous. She’d built her reputation, on being untouchable, unreachable. But around him, that carefully crafted armor of frost seemed to melt away, leaving her exposed in ways that would have been fatal in her past life. Was it this world that had weakened her edge? The comfort of family softening her cold personality?

“Master.” Little Firefly called out into her consciousness from his position atop her head.

“Hmm?” Li Hua answered distractedly, pausing mid-step to glance over her shoulder. Her gaze swept the darkened pathways behind them, searching for any telltale flicker of movement or misplaced shadow. The last thing she needed was Mo Xing tracking her to her quarters again—one intrusion into her personal space was more than enough for a single day.

“Will you be entering your space while that man is here?” Little Firefly’s feathers rustled with concern.

“It’s fine,” Li Hua said with more confidence than she felt. “I’ll just make sure to put up proper barriers this time.”

When she finally reached her quarters, she shut her door and immediately began working. Her fingers traced elaborate patterns in the air, each movement precise and purposeful, weaving layer upon layer of protective barriers. Symbols flickered briefly before fading into invisibility, each one stronger than the last.

Once the final barrier settled into place—enough protection to keep out even an immortal, she hoped—Li Hua sank onto her bed with a deep breath. Her fingers unconsciously traced the spot on her forehead where his touch still lingered. Shaking away the memory, she straightened her spine and crossed her legs. Within moments, she let her consciousness drift toward her inner space, seeking refuge in the one place she knew he couldn’t follow.

Little Firefly understood her thoughts and the two suddenly appeared in the library where the Spirit Condensing Cauldron sat, its surface gleaming with an inner light that seemed to welcome them. Li Hua pulled over a few of the ancient texts, spreading them carefully beside the cauldron as she prepared for her first attempt at refinement.