LOT – Chapter 236 Lin Mo Became a Mountain Monster

Seeing this big one and little one crying in front of him, Bai Xiao felt like his head was about to explode.

Whose child was this? Was there really not a single maid or servant around to watch over them? How could anyone let such a small child run around outside—it was so dangerous!

Looking at Lin Mo, who was crying with a snot-filled face, the child’s cries gradually softened. Curiously, he edged closer and, summoning his courage, asked, “Why are you crying?”

She was crying because she was scared—why would this oddly-looking older sister cry?

Tears welling up in her eyes, Lin Mo looked at the child and said in a sobbing voice, “Look at me, and you’ll understand why I’m crying.”

The child’s eyes widened with understanding. “Then don’t cry anymore! There are monsters uglier than you. My mother tells me stories about lots of really ugly monsters, and you’re not the ugliest one in them.”

Lin Mo: ……

Bai Xiao: ……You really have a way with comforting people.

“Waaah~ Little Bai said I’m ugly! He actually said I’m ugly! I’ve never had anyone call me ugly in my whole life!”

Her looks had always been her pride—everyone knew she looked like her father. And yet today, someone actually called her ugly.

Bai Xiao held a handkerchief, wiping her tears while saying, “You’re not ugly, not ugly at all. This kid is just talking nonsense. It’s just that your hair and makeup aren’t looking too good. Once we fix your hair and wipe your face clean, you’ll look fine.”

The child retorted, “Being ugly isn’t about your hair, brother. Don’t lie.”

Bai Xiao: ……Where on earth did this child come from? That comment really stings!

The child went on to give them a moral lecture, talking about not judging by appearances. Even if someone is ugly, as long as they’re kind-hearted, they’re beautiful.

Lin Mo said, “Don’t go back! This child is way too insulting. I never want to see him again.”

Bai Xiao helped Lin Mo up and carried her on his back. This little rascal—dealing with her antics every day was truly exhausting.

The child shook his head while watching their backs. “Sigh, even though this monster is ugly, she’s way too fragile. I’ve never seen a monster cry over being ugly. I better go tell my friends.”

Lin Mo’s makeup had already been poorly applied, making her normally beautiful face look like she had been attacked by a child.

And after crying, the makeup had completely smudged.

“Little Bai, don’t go back yet. Everyone is already up and outside. If we go back now, we’ll just make everyone laugh. Let’s find a place to hide for now, and return at night when everyone’s asleep.”

For once, Lin Mo cared about appearances. In the morning, fewer people were around because it was early, but now it was the busiest time of day.

Bai Xiao generally agreed to all her requests. “Alright, then. Let’s find a place and have some fun. Let’s see if your makeup can be washed off with water.”

Lin Mo sighed and shook her head. “It won’t come off completely. Some of this makeup is a bit waterproof. We’ll need oil to wash it off properly. Water will only smear it.”

The two of them exchanged glances and fell silent. Today had truly been extraordinary.

A rumor spread throughout the villages at the outskirts of the city: a monster had descended from the mountains. Its face was pale, its mouth red, hair black and curly (though it was actually just black curls), a white snake wrapped around its neck, and a handsome man dressed in white attended it. The monster’s voice resembled a woman crying, and its face was terrifying.

It was said that the monster ate children and captured handsome men, and any man caught would become its servant.

The rumor spread in just one day, and by evening, it reached the emperor and the court.

After all, they lived at the mountain summer palace.

Hearing the description—especially the large white snake around its neck and the extremely handsome man by its side—everyone fell into deep thought.

The Xuande Emperor looked at Lin Shangshu and asked seriously, “Is your little Lin at home?”

Lin Shangshu shook his head awkwardly. “This girl… I don’t even know what she’s up to. She went out early this morning, and it’s nearly dark now, but she still hasn’t returned.”

Ah, now we know who this rumored monster is.

At this moment, Lin Mo didn’t even know she had become the legendary monster. She was hiding in the mountains, eating wild fruit.

The mountain was full of wild fruit. She also ran into one or two woodcutters, but when they saw her, they threw down their axes and screamed as they ran away.

Seeing their reactions, she thought they were scared of her ugliness, which made her cry a few more times.

After wandering around all day, the two of them finally decided to return.

“Let’s take a corner with fewer people. By now, they should all be back in their rooms, so there shouldn’t be anyone wandering outside.”

Bai Xiao had already planned the route. Although few people were outside now, that might change later. He could only know what had happened and what was happening currently.

The two sneaked back to the summer palace. At the entrance, the patrolling guards were startled by them.

They had planned to climb over the wall. Bai Xiao had checked, and no one should be around, but one guard, in a sudden rush to relieve himself, passed by and saw them.

A few minutes later, surrounded by guards, the two looked utterly embarrassed.

Lin Mo tried hard to wipe her face to reveal her features, but the more she wiped, the worse the makeup became.

“It’s me! It’s me! I’m not a monster! I’m Lin Mo!”

Bai Xiao was completely speechless. This is incredible! You’ve now become the most feared existence for the villagers both up and down the mountain.

When the guard shouted “monster,” Bai Xiao checked, and sure enough—their day of wandering had actually earned her a monster reputation.

Fifteen minutes later, Bai Xiao was brought before the emperor, with everyone present.

The Lin family stood expressionless in front, seemingly numb.

“Lin Mo, there are rumors that a monster is on the mountain. What have you been doing?”

The Xuande Emperor tried hard to suppress a smile. This girl was truly something else—how could she always manage to get into such bizarre situations?

Lin Mo knelt, sobbing, “I don’t know! I was just afraid of scaring everyone, so I planned to come back at night.”

If only I hadn’t done this curly hair thing… or put on makeup…

Bai Xiao: Relax, relax. It’s just embarrassing—we’re used to it by now.