Chapter 113: People Always Meet at Departure

Translator: Tim Editor: Chrissy

Watching Ye Mo help Luo Susu put on her face cover, Ning Qingxue halted. Ye Mo didn't notice her, entirely focused on the woman before him. It was as if she were the only person in the world.

The bitterness in Chi Wanqing's heart mirrored Ning Qingxue's. She also stopped, watching Ye Mo and the girl, unsure what to do. She didn't know their relationship, but their intimacy was evident.

However, after a moment's hesitation, Chi Wanqing approached. Seeing this, Ning Qingxue composed herself. Why was she feeling this way? Ye Mo had married her to help her; why the discomfort? She should be happy if he had someone he liked. Her marriage to him was out of gratitude, not love.

But was that truly the case? She dared not ask, and she didn't have the answer. At least, she knew she wasn't happy.

"Ning Qingxue? Chi Wanqing? What are you two doing here?" Ye Mo finally saw them.

"I…" Ning Qingxue and Chi Wanqing could only manage a single word. How could they explain? Would they say they'd come to the desert looking for him because they missed him?

But Ye Mo was different now. His emotional intelligence had improved. He understood their reason for being there. Chi Wanqing knew he was coming, but how did Ning Qingxue know? And how did they know each other?

"You're Qingxue?" Luo Susu asked, her tone flat.

"Yes, and you are?" Ning Qingxue stared, surprised. Despite the face cover, the woman's beauty and figure made Ning Qingxue feel insecure. She could imagine her stunning beauty uncovered.

Chi Wanqing was also captivated by Luo Susu. Even other women were naturally drawn to her, let alone men. Thinking this, she looked at Ye Mo and sighed. Exceptional people always attract others. She had found Ye Mo, but so had others.

"I'm Luo Susu…" Luo Susu's eyes flickered with a hint of relief as she spoke plainly.

"You're my aunt?" Ning Qingxue finally understood. The woman sharing a tent with her official husband was her aunt. Disappointment flickered in her eyes; her heart was in turmoil.

Though not blood relatives, she was still her aunt. She hadn't expected to love the same man. Ning Qingxue paused. Did she like Ye Mo? Though she didn't want to admit it, she had to acknowledge that her feelings for him went beyond guilt and gratitude.

Ye Mo and Chi Wanqing were both surprised that Luo Susu was Ning Qingxue's aunt.

The atmosphere turned awkward. Luo Susu wasn't talkative. Seeing Ning Qingxue was alright, she said flatly, "Qingxue, your mother is worried. Call home and tell them you're out of the desert."

Ning Qingxue nodded. "Yes, Aunt."

"Ye Mo, are you finished?" Chi Wanqing, noticing the awkwardness, asked.

Ye Mo nodded. "Yes, I'm leaving."

"Let's go together," Chi Wanqing smiled.

Luo Susu shook her head. "No need. Qingxue, call your mother, then after I leave…" Luo Susu paused, ultimately not saying she wouldn't return.

Before Ning Qingxue could reply, Luo Susu looked at Ye Mo. "I'm going…"

Simple words, devoid of emotion. She knew this farewell might be their last. Though reluctant, she thought of how Ye Mo had saved her, giving her the happiest birthday.

Once she returned to cultivation, she could regain her mental equilibrium. In time, she'd likely forget.

Ye Mo watched Luo Susu disappear, feeling a pang of sadness. He wanted to say, "Don't go, cultivate with me," but found no reason to. Though docile and quiet, Luo Susu had her own convictions.

Finally, Luo Susu vanished.

"Ye Mo, she's gone," Chi Wanqing said, seeing him still staring at the path.

"Oh, she left?" Ye Mo snapped back to reality, seeing Chi Wanqing and Ning Qingxue staring. He stammered, "I was lost in thought."

Ning Qingxue lowered her head, avoiding eye contact, while Chi Wanqing sighed.

Ye Mo coughed. "How did you two get together?"

Chi Wanqing quickly explained their trip to Flowing Snake to find him.

Ye Mo looked at Ning Qingxue, surprised she'd gone to Flowing Snake. It wasn't a place for a girl. Fang Nan seemed to be a good person.

He recalled the night he'd treated Ning Qingxue, hearing of her preparedness, and felt guilty. "Some things aren't as they seem," he said. "Don't go to places like Flowing Snake again. If something happens, I…"

He didn't know how to explain.

"I'm sorry, Ye Mo. I just wanted to find you and apologize. I know I was wrong, and I…" Ning Qingxue started to cry, feeling weak in his presence.

Ye Mo hated seeing women cry. He didn't know what to do, standing awkwardly. Had he not heard her words that night, things might be different, but he had greatly changed his opinion of her after hearing them. Plus, Ning Qingxue had risked her life to protect the silver heart grass. Regardless of her reasons, he was deeply grateful.

Seeing the tense atmosphere, Chi Wanqing said, "Ye Mo, let's talk in the car."

Ning Qingxue looked at him hopefully. She wanted to return to their home, but knew the chances were slim.

Ye Mo shook his head. "I won't go with you. I have other things to do. We'll part here; fate may bring us together again."

Knowing Chi Wanqing and Ning Qingxue's intentions, Ye Mo didn't want to stay. He hadn't had feelings for either woman, and now, with Luo Susu, his heart felt less open.

"You're leaving now?" Ning Qingxue's voice trembled. The thought, "I'm losing him again," crossed her mind. When had she ever truly had him?

"Yes," Ye Mo said, noticing his tone echoed Luo Susu's departure. "You two should go back. It's dangerous in the desert. Sometimes, there are things beyond human control."

He thought of the human-eating insects; even a train wouldn't survive them, let alone a car.

"I know. I'll go back immediately…" Though disappointed Ye Mo wasn't leaving with them and having seen his intimacy with her aunt, Ning Qingxue had calmed down. What was hers would always be hers; what wasn't, she couldn't force.

Though bitter, she cherished their memories. After all, she'd lived with him for over twenty days.

Watching him leave, Ning Qingxue wondered what would have happened if she hadn't broken the marriage pact. Would he still be leaving? She had been the one to leave, yet she'd developed feelings for him while using him as a shield. Why hadn't she cared before? Sometimes, people are unpredictable.

"Ye Mo, if you have time, visit Luo Cang, my cousin's company," Chi Wanqing called out, seeing him distance himself. She was more composed than Ning Qingxue. Though she'd harbored feelings for Ye Mo, he'd never promised her anything, and seeing Luo Susu, she believed only someone like her could match him.

"I will," Ye Mo's voice carried from afar. He quickened his pace and disappeared.

His voice lingered, but he was gone. Ning Qingxue and Chi Wanqing stood there for a long time before Chi Wanqing said, "Qingxue, he's gone. We should leave too."

They had lost interest in conversation.

Morning arrived. The rising sun cast long shadows on the sand where Ning Qingxue and Chi Wanqing stood, two figures seemingly utterly alone.