Meng Bai, walking just behind Lin Mu, did his best to keep a straight face under the barrage of curious eyes.
But when a few of the bolder Shanhu women smiled and winked at him from behind their coral market stalls, his composure shattered. His cheeks turned crimson, and he averted his gaze, pretending to be fascinated by the carved coral pavements instead.
Cattaleya noticed immediately and smirked. "Looks like you're quite popular here, little scholar," she teased, her deep voice carrying just enough for the others to hear.
Meng Bai spluttered, waving his hands frantically. "I—I'm just being polite! They're staring first!"
Daoist Chu chuckled softly, shaking his head. "In some places, Meng Bai, polite looks are interpreted differently."
Even Elyon's tail flicked in amusement, his sharp canines flashing as he grinned. "You should enjoy the attention while it lasts. Once they learn you're already claimed by formations and scrolls, their hearts will break."
