Ah, you are mine
The warmth of her lips had not yet faded. Yin Li leaned against He Mo's chest, listening to the strong heartbeat in his chest, which was even faster than her own. Even her breathing gradually synchronized with his.
Her fingertips gently gripped his collar. The dark brocade robe still carried a faint scent of blood, but at this moment it became the most reassuring aroma—warmer than Master Mu Han's cloak, and more calming than any tranquilizing incense.
He Mo looked down at the top of the head of the person in his arms. Soft strands of hair brushed against his chin, carrying a faint scent of soap. He carefully adjusted his position, keeping his injured right arm away from her, and only dared to gently hold her waist with his uninjured left hand. His fingertips unconsciously caressed the ribbon at her waist, his movements so light as if afraid of startling her.
"Are you still scared?" he asked softly, his voice still slightly hoarse from the kiss.
Yin Li shook her head, buried her face deeper into his shoulder, and said in a muffled voice, "I'm not afraid anymore."
In the past, when facing the man in purple or the secret chamber, she always felt her heart was hanging in mid-air. But now, leaning against him, even though they were in a dangerous situation in the dilapidated temple, she felt exceptionally safe—as if as long as he was there, she could overcome any danger.
The night breeze blew into the dilapidated temple again, carrying a chill. Yin Li subconsciously shrank into his arms, and He Mo immediately stuffed the hand warmer into her hands: "Take it, don't get cold."
His fingertips gradually grew cold due to blood loss, but seeing her holding the heater and her eyes shining, the warmth in his heart overcame the cold in his body.
The two nestled together quietly, without saying a word, yet they felt no awkwardness whatsoever. Yin Li occasionally looked up and saw the moonlight falling on his profile, outlining his straight nose and soft jawline—she had always thought he resembled Master Mu Han, but now she realized that he was He Mo, the He Mo who would protect her, who would get hurt for her, and who would kiss her in the dilapidated temple, not a shadow of anyone else.
After an unknown amount of time, the sound of horses' hooves came from afar, along with shouts from the guards: "Your Highness! Young Miss!" Yin Li straightened up instantly, a hint of joy flashing in her eyes: "The guards are here!" She was about to stand up when He Mo pulled her back.
He looked at her, a hint of reluctance in his eyes, but still whispered, "Don't run too fast, I'll go with you."
The two helped each other out of the dilapidated temple. Under the moonlight, the guards rode up and, seeing He Mo's injured appearance, quickly dismounted: "Your Highness! Are you alright? We'll take you back to your residence to fetch a doctor!" "Let's go to Wei An's residence first."
He Mo waved his hand, his tone still calm, "The man in purple is using this as a diversionary tactic. He probably wants to move things out of the mansion. If we go too late, it will be too late."
Looking at his pale yet resolute face, Yin Li knew he was worried about the clues and about Yin Li. She squeezed his hand and whispered, "I'll go with you."
The guards quickly prepared the carriage. He Mo helped Yin Li into the carriage first, and then slowly sat down himself. The carriage was covered with soft brocade cushions. Yin Li let him lean on her shoulder, and then took out clean gauze and gently re-bandaged his wound: "When we get to the mansion, don't get out of the carriage. I'll go with the guards to investigate."
He Mo looked down at her serious expression, reached out and pinched her cheek, his eyes filled with laughter: "Don't worry, I'm not that fragile."
Besides, I'm worried about letting you go alone." The carriage slowly drove towards Wei An's residence. The carriage was quiet, with only the sound of the two of them breathing.
Yin Li leaned close to him, her fingertips lightly touching his hand before quickly withdrawing them, her ear tips turning slightly red.
He Mo couldn't help but laugh at her little actions. He reached out and took her hand, holding it tightly together: "Don't hide anymore. From now on, I'll hold your hand."
Yin Li's heart started racing again, but she didn't pull away, letting him hold her hand.
She looked up at him, and the moonlight shone through the gap in the carriage curtain, falling into his eyes and reflecting her shadow, so tender that it made her heart burn.
The carriage soon arrived at Wei An's residence. The guards rushed in to investigate first, and only allowed them to get out of the carriage after confirming that it was safe.
The courtyard was quiet, clearly the purple-clad man had left, leaving only a mess.
Yin Li followed He Mo into the main room, where she saw an empty wooden box on the table, clearly indicating that its contents had already been taken away. "They were still a step too late."
Yin Li looked somewhat disappointed, her fingertips lightly brushing away the dust from the wooden box. He Mo, however, frowned, walked to the corner, squatted down, and examined it carefully: "Something's not right. There are signs of recent digging here."
He had his guards bring a shovel, and following the marks, they dug down and soon unearthed a small iron box. When they opened it, they found half a jade pendant engraved with the character "离" (meaning "separation") and a yellowed letter inside!
"It's Yin Li's jade pendant!" Yin Li exclaimed in surprise as she picked up the pendant, her eyes instantly welling up with tears. The pendant was still damp with the scent of earth, but it gave her hope of finding her sister.
He Mo opened the letter. It was written in Yin Li's handwriting, which, though childish, was very clear: "I'm at the Qingxu Temple branch in the suburbs. They said they'll send me to see my parents when I grow up..." "Qingxu Temple branch!" Yin Li looked up at He Mo, her eyes full of anticipation. "We'll go there to find Yin Li tomorrow!"
He Mo nodded, reached out to wipe away the tears from the corners of her eyes, and said gently, "Okay, we'll go tomorrow."
However, tonight we need to focus on healing our injuries and resting up so we can better protect Yin Li.
Yin Li looked at him and nodded vigorously.
She knew that the road to finding Yin Li was still long, and it wouldn't be easy to uncover the truth behind the Yin family case. But as long as He Mo was by her side, and as long as they faced it together, there was no obstacle they couldn't overcome.
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