Divine Convenience Store-Chapter 611: Savoring the moment

Just as Lin Mo was contemplating whether to just lean in the moment or put a distance between them again, a sudden, piercing sensation shot through his right index finger.

ZING!

A wave of biting, glacial cold spiked through the [Twin-Frost Resonance Ring]. It violently cut through the soothing warmth of the hot spring that made his body flinch, surprising even the woman next to him.

"Lin Mo?" Wu Meiyu tilted her head upwards, checking on him.

It wasn’t an attack. No, it’s far from it. It’s merely a concentrated pulse of icy intent that had been directly from his ring’s pair. The sensation came from Yu Qingyan, or rather, what she’s currently feeling. Most likely in response to what she felt from him.

Lin Mo’s spine snapped straight as the shiver wrecked his body, but he gritted his teeth and forced a smile. Although it would not be difficult to tell Wu Meiyu about the ring, explaining what it meant would put him in a bind.

Of course, it’s not like she hadn’t seen the ring on his finger yet. It’s just that... the concept of ’wearing a ring on a ring finger’ seemed to be nonexistent in the Realm of Nine Heavens. In normal cases, it was only seen as an accessory, or in a cultivator’s case, an artifact other than the most common spatial rings.

"O-oh. Someone sent me a message. The system rang in my head." Lin Mo answered as an excuse. He’s not lying about it. After all, seconds after that icy sensation, a private message chimed in his mind, delivered directly through the Distributor Interface.

[From: Distributor Yu Qingyan]

[Subject: Hydration Reminder]

["Lin Mo, I sensed the ambient temperature around you is rising dangerously high. Please ensure you are not staying in the hot spring for too long. Prolonged exposure can cloud the mind and lead to... poor decision-making. Do stay hydrated. I am currently reviewing the logistical plan for a network in the Arctic Sea Palace territory, while thinking of your unparalleled professionalism."]

Upon reading that, Lin Mo coughed, nearly inhaling a lungful of the spiritual spring water. He quickly pulled his hand away from Meiyu’s, bringing it up to rub the back of his neck in a gesture of profound awkwardness.

"Are you alright?" Wu Meiyu blinked, sensing the sudden shift in his demeanor. "You’re turning pale. Is the dragon qi reacting poorly to your starlight foundation?"

"No, no, the dragon qi is fine," Lin Mo choked out as he forced a restrained smile while bringing his hand back to hers. Still, his awkward smile turned a little guilty. "It’s just. As I said, I received a message. From Qingyan."

Wu Meiyu’s sharp eyes instantly narrowed. And from what he said, it didn’t take long for her to fill in the blanks. Her lips twitched as realization dawned on her. The Chief Operations Officer was nothing if not perceptive.

"Ah. I see," Wu Meiyu said, her tone smooth, though a flicker of competitive amusement danced in her dark eyes. "It seems the Official Distributor is working overtime, even across thousands of miles. How incredibly... diligent of her."

Lin Mo could only shake his head inwardly. If he told her that it was because of the ring, how would she react? He didn’t want to know. At least, not yet. There’s no reason to complicate things even further. 𝘧𝓇ℯ𝑒𝓌𝑒𝑏𝓃𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭.𝒸ℴ𝓂

Nonetheless, he knew he couldn’t just always play the oblivious guy who wouldn’t recognize the women’s advances. Especially in moments like the one they are in at the moment.

"Diligent is one word for it," Lin Mo muttered, feeling a headache coming on that no amount of [Fruity Healing Tablets] could cure. He had underestimated the resonance ring which somehow functioned as an emotional baby monitor for a very perceptive, and perhaps a little possessive, partner of his.

"Pfft. Lin Mo, you need not be on your toes for me. I acknowledged that Emissary Yu is my rival when it comes to your attention. If her message is urgent, take your time. I... I’m satisfied with this."

Upon saying that, she once again fitted her fingers in the gaps of his before resting her head on his shoulder.

Lin Mo didn’t feel like she forced that reaction. In fact, it seemed so natural. She’s not insecure that Yu Qingyan would send a message at this moment. The fact that he’s here with her in this intimate environment, sharing a moment of vulnerability, was a victory in itself.

Soon, Lin Mo sensed the tension drained from his muscles once more. The [Everlasting Serenity Sutra] finally managed to calm the erratic pounding of his heart, finding a fragile balance between the residual chill of the ring and the comforting warmth of the woman beside him.

"It wasn’t an urgent business matter, Meiyu," Lin Mo admitted, deciding that a half-truth was the most convenient path forward. "Just a... reminder to stay hydrated. The North is cold, but she seems to have a keen sense for when things are getting too hot down here."

That earned another laugh from the First Princess.

"A very vigilant distributor indeed. I suppose I should be thankful she is keeping such a close eye on our most valuable asset. Though I must say, her timing is impeccably inconvenient. It sounds as if she already has a profound connection to you."

"Mhm. That seems to be the case, but you know what? Inconvenience is a matter of perspective," Lin Mo replied as a genuine smile finally breaking through his awkwardness. He squeezed her hand gently and continued, "Right now, I find this perspective quite... acceptable."

"Lin Mo, be careful with your words, or you might find yourself stuck between a blizzard in the North and a very demanding dragon in the East." Wu Meiyu reminded him with a soft, melodic laugh escaping her lips. It was a rare, unrestrained sound that echoed beautifully off the jade walls of the pavilion.

"I suppose there are worse places to be stuck," Lin Mo replied as he allowed himself to lean back fully into the soothing waters, matching her relaxed posture. "As long as the dragon is willing to help me manage the store, and the blizzard keeps the supply chain flowing."

"And what of the spider down South?"

"The spider... is a high-risk yet a reliable partner. Speaking of which, I’ve also received a message from her before we went inside the Anchor." Lin Mo mused, looking up at the artificial starry sky. They’ve already known each other. Denying the relationship that he built with all of them would not be ideal. It could lead to complications if not handled well.

"Mhm. Then, don’t let me distract you, Lin Mo. They must be waiting for your response, no?" Wu Meiyu’s dark eyes glimmered under the artificial starlight. She wouldn’t press the matter further.

After all, she recognized that Lin Mo had been maintaining a precarious balance. And it’s not her place to push him towards making a choice.

For now, she’s satisfied that he yielded as much ground as his pragmatic heart would allow for one night.

She simply rested against his shoulder, letting the hum of the [Imperial Starlight Pavilion] work its magic.

"I’m grateful for your understanding, Meiyu." Lin Mo whispered with genuine intention. He pulled his hand back from its intimate contact with her. And before disappointment could flash in the First Princess’ eyes, he stretched his arm around her back before gently resting on her waist, pulling her as close to him as possible.

As a result, Wu Meiyu’s eyes became dyed in crimson. She didn’t dare raise her head anymore and simply focused on savoring the moment.

Like this, they settled back into a comfortable silence, the ambient sounds of the artificial bamboo grove and the gentle rush of the amber-silver water filling the space.

Lin Mo followed her words and composed replies to both Yu Qingyan and Xun Caiyin.

The initial awkwardness gradually passed, replaced by a deeper, more relaxed intimacy.

They were two architects of a new world, taking a brief, stolen moment to simply exist.

From there, they spoke of small things. Not of Anchors or the matters of the store. They talked about their life experiences.

Wu Meiyu gave him a glimpse of her life as the eldest princess who was thrust into court politics at a young age. Lin Mo, on the other hand, told her of his life before waking up in the Realm of Nine Heavens. His mundane life as a former salaryman in a modern world.

Somehow, the two of them became so fascinated by each other’s stories that time quickly passed without them noticing it. Outside, the sun had already risen.

They only realized it when they both received a message from Xiaoyu, who should’ve been well aware of where they had disappeared to.

"Boss, rise and shine! How long are you two going to take a dip in the hot spring? Did you do more than just relax in it? You did not, right?"

Lin Mo wryly smiled as she showed it to Meiyu. Likewise, the First Princess projected an almost similar message that she received. Just that, Liu Xiaoyu added something. She warned her not to get a ’headstart’.

Whatever she meant by that, Lin Mo felt the urge to flick his assistant’s forehead.

Still, it’s time to face reality. The store won’t open without them.