Tong Wu could tell she was reluctant, but she couldn't refuse a favor.
The temple was short on food, and these supplies were their lifeline.
"It's just material possessions."
Seeing his persistence, Xu Qian could only reach out and take it, the talisman still warm from his touch.
"Thank you, Master Tong Wu."
She was a reborn person, so having a dark fate was normal.
Whether she believed it or not, it was just a talisman.
"Benefactress, wear it around your neck."
Xu Qian had intended to put it on after leaving, but the Master was staring at her.
She put the red string around her neck, but with her scarf and mask, the string got caught in the middle of her mask.
Xu Qian turned and took off her mask, tucking the talisman inside her clothes before turning back.
She found that Master Tong Wu was already facing away from her.
His back was straight, his shoulders not broad, even a bit thin.
Yet, he possessed an extraordinary grace, peerless and elegant.
Xu Qian's eyes flickered, and she said softly, "Master Tong Wu, I'm fine now, thank you."
The man only slowly turned around at the sound of her voice.
"Benefactress, there's no need to..." be polite.
The young girl's cheeks were perhaps flushed from the warmth of the room, rosy on both sides, her skin fair, tender, and translucent.
Her lips parted slightly, exhaling wisps of warm air.
Her eyes were dewy, and Tong Wu couldn't find a word to describe them.
Like a fawn in the jungle.
Seeing his pair of hazel eyes fixed, Xu Qian couldn't help but feel puzzled.
She raised her hand and waved it in front of his eyes.
"Master Tong Wu."
The man's eyes flickered, and he quickly lowered his gaze.
Those eyes had not been so flustered in ten years, not even when zombies attacked the temple had he shown any panic, dealing with them with ease.
"Benefactress, be safe."
Xu Qian's brows relaxed, and she softly hummed in acknowledgment.
They left one after the other.
The two outside were already chatting.
"Jin Tian, let's go."
They followed the path Tong Wu had indicated.
The man, clad in monk's robes, stood motionless.
Like a statue.
Qiu Chan tugged at his sleeve and looked up, asking, "Master, what's wrong?"
He had never seen his master like this before.
Tong Wu came back to his senses and smiled faintly.
"Qiu Chan, come with me to the meditation room."
Qiu Chan let out a pained cry.
"Master!"
Just as he expected, it wouldn't be that easy to let him off!
They moved towards the woods.
Xu Qian touched the red string around her neck and said, "Master Tong Wu said I have a dark fate and gave me a talisman."
Xiang Jin Tian chuckled, "Even monks are afraid of owing favors."
Xu Qian raised an eyebrow slightly, a smile curving her lips.
"I was wondering why he'd give me a talisman out of the blue."
Perhaps because he was a monk, she had never heard his inner thoughts.
She had no idea what he was thinking.
Xiang Jin Tian shook his head.
"Let's go, we'll scout it out first. Be careful."
The laboratory was built in the woods. The two of them passed the outer buildings and arrived at the wooded area behind.
Because their thick cotton jackets and scarves were cumbersome, they took them off.
Only their masks remained.
A cold wind blew, raising goosebumps all over their skin.
Xu Qian opened the live map; there was no one around.
They approached cautiously. The ground was soft, and the surrounding branches and leaves had already changed color.
Soon, green dots appeared in Xu Qian's mind.
She grabbed Xiang Jin Tian's arm and pulled him into the bushes.
They lowered their bodies and slowed their breathing.
A squad of men in black passed by, carrying firearms.
They were silent, not speaking a word, like real soldiers.
The two exchanged a look. Were there patrols?
After the patrol passed, they quickened their pace and walked further in.