An hour later, when Ling Tian and Jiang Yu arrived at Fuyao Cinema, panting, Ling Mo and his group also stepped onto the 108 steps outside the cinema.
Shi Huan looked at the narrow and steep steps and said with some puzzlement:
"The surrounding terrain is low and flat. The movie theater could have been built on the low ground. Why go through all this trouble and build such a long flight of steps?"
Ling Mo looked up at Ling Tian, who was looking around at the entrance of Fuyao Cinema, and immediately understood why Shi Yi had led her here.
However, she did not expose Shi Yi's ulterior motives on the spot. Instead, she patiently explained the famous "Stairway to Forget Worries":
"These 108 steps are the architect's ingenious design. There are 12 months, 20 solar terms, and 72 pentads in a year, which add up to exactly 108, perfectly representing the four seasons, favorable weather, and peace and prosperity for the country. In addition, Buddhism believes that there are 108 kinds of afflictions in life. Climbing up the 108 steps is equivalent to entering the 108 Dharma gates and getting rid of all kinds of afflictions in the world."
"My cousin knows so much."
Shi Huan nodded as if she understood, and immediately adopted a look of utmost admiration.
Ling Mo remained noncommittal, only adding a nonchalant remark:
"In fact, worldly affairs are not difficult to understand. Once greed is cut off, you will find that so-called troubles are nothing more than self-inflicted worries."
“My cousin is absolutely right.”
They greeted each other with smiles and casually echoed each other's opinions.
She always felt that Ling Mo's words were specifically meant for her, but unfortunately she didn't understand the meaning behind them at all.
"What are you two whispering about? If you don't hurry, the movie might start soon." Shi Yi, who was walking ahead, waved to the two of them, looking quite anxious.
"What's the rush? Could it be that my cousin really came to see a movie?"
Ling Mo found it quite amusing. His sharp gaze settled on Shi Yi's fake, insincere smile. His voice, though soft, carried a hint of mockery.
Shi Yi felt as if Ling Mo could see right through him, which made him very uneasy.
To conceal his guilt, Shi Yi subtly averted his gaze and muttered to himself:
"Alright. You two take your time. I'll go buy some snacks so we can eat while we watch."
Ling Mo didn't stop him. He let Shi Huan take his arm and followed silently behind him, walking up the 108 steps.
Seeing this, Ling Tian quickly led Jiang Yu, who was foolishly playing with her face, over and greeted Ling Mo with a bright smile:
"Sister, it's been a long time. How have you been?"
The moment Jiang Yu saw Ling Mo, she was also very enthusiastic, her face full of anticipation as she said:
"My beautiful wife, I've finally found you! Are you here to play some fun games with my wife and me in our wedding night?"
"Who are you? My cousin isn't your wife. If you keep calling me that, I'll call for help!" Shi Huan reacted quickly, and in order to win Ling Mo's favor, she hurriedly stepped in front of her and fiercely accused Jiang Yu.
Shi Yi, who was queuing to buy snacks, panicked when he saw Jiang Yu joining in the fun again, fearing that he might let something slip. He quickly rushed over and changed the subject:
"Cousin, what flavor of milk tea do you like? Look at my memory, I waited in line for so long and forgot to ask you what you like beforehand."
He moved closer, then pretended to have just seen Ling Tian, and greeted her in a slightly exaggerated manner:
"Oh~ My sweet cousin is here to watch a movie too?"
"Um."
Ling Tian nodded, worried that Jiang Yu might accidentally let slip what happened last night, so she took out fifty yuan from her pocket and handed it to Jiang Yu, "Go buy two cups of bubble tea, one without sugar and one with full sugar."
"Okay."
Jiang Yu loves being ordered around to buy things, and he's happy to do anything within his capabilities.
At the same time, after asking Ling Mo about his preferences, Shi Yi grabbed Shi Huan's arm and made her queue up in front of the popcorn shop, while he followed behind Jiang Yu and waited in a long line in front of the milk tea shop.
Ling Mo coldly looked at Shi Yi's back, knowing that he was intentionally creating an opportunity for her and Ling Tian to be alone together.
However, she is not opposed to confronting Ling Tian head-on.
From childhood to adulthood, in every aspect, Ling Tian has never truly won against her.
The reason I lost so badly before my rebirth was simply because I underestimated the ruthlessness of Ling Tian and Shi Yi.
With her on guard, even if Ling Tian used all her skills, she would definitely not be her match.
Ling Tian, unaware that Ling Mo was already on guard, deliberately leaned towards him, making it appear as if she were being pushed down the stairs, while hissing:
"Sister, why did you push me?"
Ling Mo reacted swiftly, grabbing Ling Tian's waist and pulling her into his arms, his voice laced with an obvious hint of mockery:
"Wearing such thick clothes, you must have come prepared, right?"
"What do you mean?"
Ling Tian's eyes flickered slightly, and she quickly took two steps back, staring intently at Ling Mo.
She originally intended to continue her fake fall career, but unfortunately, her current position was quite far from the steps, making it impossible for her to fake a fall from a distance.
Out of desperation, she had no choice but to change her strategy. While still holding onto Ling Mo's arm, she collapsed to the ground as if no one else was around, clutching her stomach with one hand and groaning in pain.
"Sister, how can you be so heartless? I've already fallen to this state, why won't you let me go?"
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