Fu Lin got up and walked toward Mobius and Kalpas, casually tossing his ice cream stick into a nearby trash can before grinning,
"Say, you two, is bickering like this really that fun? How about shaking hands and making peace, working together to build a beautiful future instead?"
Kalpas burst into laughter as if he had just heard the funniest joke in the world,
"Hahahaha, with Mobius? Are you telling a cold joke?"
"Well, congratulations! You really got a laugh out of me!"
--------------------------
Fu Lin shook his head and sighed, "Forget it... I'm just here for a photo, I won't get involved."
"Little brother, do you want to take a photo with me? Sure~" Mobius sized up Fu Lin, already contemplating where and how to make her move.
Seeing Mobius agree so readily, Fu Lin was overjoyed and hurried to her side, holding her delicate hand. "Really? I didn't expect Aunt Mobius to be so easygoing."
Mobius' face darkened instantly, and she spoke in a displeased tone, "It's Sister Mobius."
"Alright, Aun..., No Sister Mobius!"
Fu Lin actually wanted to keep calling her "Aunt," but for the sake of the photo, he decided to compromise. A little tactfulness wasn't a big deal.
Just as Fu Lin took out his camera, eager to take the picture, Mobius stopped him with one hand, leaving him puzzled.
"Sister Mobius, didn't you agree?"
Mobius traced Fu Lin's chin with her fingertip, a sly glint flashing in her eyes as she cooed in a soft and alluring voice, "Of course, but I have a small request too~ You'll definitely fulfill it, won't you?"
"...Well, tell me what it is first. If I can do it, I'll agree," Fu Lin said cautiously, thinking it best to hear her out before deciding.
'Heh... what a wary little guy~'
Mobius watched Fu Lin with an amused smile, took his hand, and pressed it against her cheek, her soft tongue gently sliding across his warm palm.
"Little lab rat, I'm just feeling a little lonely. I want to invite you over for some tea, play some fun little games, and try out some intricate little toys."
Fu Lin quickly pulled his hand back, covering the spot Mobius had licked, gasping sharply, his eyes filled with even more wariness.
He hadn't expected this green snake to be such a predator, eyeing his body like that. That chilling sensation from earlier was probably from her too!
One after another, they all just want my body. Shameless.
With that thought, Fu Lin hurriedly put some distance between them, using Kalpas as a barrier while facing Mobius. He said slowly, "You can't fool me—I've done my research on you."
Mobius' expression darkened upon hearing that, biting her finger resentfully. "Tch... was it Raiden Mei again? Ruining my plans once more!"
Seeing Mobius frustrated, Kalpas burst into laughter, seizing the chance to mock her. "Hahahaha! Mobius, you really stop at nothing for your research. I must say, I'm impressed, hahaha!"
"Too bad it seems like he's not interested in your dull and lifeless body at all, hahaha!"
Mobius, "Heh... someone here is still lying on the ground. If you'd kept quiet, I might've forgotten about you."
"Brother Kalpas, let me help you out."
Fu Lin retracted his power, and Kalpas, now free from his restraints, rubbed his neck. Even through the mask, Fu Lin could feel his murderous gaze.
"Ahem, Brother Kalpas, you were trying to kill me just now. I had no choice, right? But now that we're familiar with each other, how about we shake hands and make peace? Become sworn brothers?"
Kalpas crossed his arms, showing no intention of making a move. After all, he was reckless, not stupid. If the other party could silently bind him once, he could do it again.
More importantly, as Kalpas calmed down and looked at Fu Lin's warm, breezy smile, for some reason, he felt a strange sense of familiarity, like they had known each other for a long time—like a kindred spirit.
Someone who valued emotions like Kalpas naturally let down his guard, speaking in a low, steady voice,
"Hmph! Since when were we so familiar? Besides, I don't call people 'brother' if I don't even know their name!"
Fu Lin pointed at himself in surprise, then coughed awkwardly and grinned. "Oh? I haven't introduced myself yet? Ahem, I'm Fu Lin. Just call me Brother Lin, haha."
"Brother Kalpas, can we take a photo together? One without the mask~"
"Pointless! Useless!... Hmph, if you want a photo, hurry up. I'm in a good mood right now, but forget about the mask!"
Kalpas lowered his arms and flatly rejected the request, but upon seeing Fu Lin's disappointed expression, he let out a cold snort and pulled him to his side.
Fu Lin quickly snapped a photo, looking at the image of Kalpas with his arm around his shoulder. He mumbled softly, "Brother Kalpas is really just a softie inside. If only he'd take off the mask, it'd be perfect."
'Too bad... mission failed.'
[Mission Failed]
"You shut up!"
Kalpas clenched his fists, suddenly regretting taking the photo.
Fu Lin waved his hand dismissively. "Be civilized, Brother Kalpas."
Kalpas, "I 'kindly' ask you to shut up!"
Fu Lin, "...."