Chapter 135: That 1%
Translator: Tim Editor: Chrissy
The Ye family never imagined that Nan Qing, with whom they were heavily conflicted, would suddenly request cooperation and even offer compensation for their losses. Their only request was for the Ye family to help the Song family deal with Ye Mo.
Two of China's largest families, along with the most powerful gang, would be targeting Ye Mo. The Ye family foresaw Ye Mo's fate, but unexpectedly, before they could decide, Nan Qing abruptly withdrew, leaving only contact information.
While seemingly simple, family leader Ye Beirong didn't immediately agree to Nan Qing's request; instead, he called a meeting. Unlike previous meetings, Ye Zifeng, Ye Mo's younger brother, was included.
Ye Beirong directly addressed the situation, inviting opinions.
“Grandpa, although Ye Mo is my brother, I won't defend him. From the family's perspective, we cannot agree to Nan Qing's request. Regardless, Ye Mo is from the Ye family. Hunting someone from our own family is self-destructive; it would be a joke,” Ye Zifeng spoke immediately after Ye Beirong.
No one expected Ye Zifeng to speak first, not only because he was the youngest but also because it was his first family meeting.
As soon as Ye Zifeng finished, Ye Huang stood, saying, “Zifeng, that's wrong. Ye Mo is no longer part of the Ye family. All of Beijing knows this. Calling him Ye family is an insult. This is a great opportunity. We can resolve our conflict with Nan Qing and restore our business. There's no downside.”
Ye Zifeng retorted, “What do you mean, Ye Huang? Even if Ye Mo isn't my father's biological son, he's lived in the family for years. So what if I call him brother? Is my brother not part of the Ye family? You'd help Nan Qing attack Ye Mo? Have you no shame?”
“You…” Ye Huang stood to argue, but Ye Beiguang coughed, reminding him of the meeting's formality. Ye Huang sat, but his anger was evident.
Ye Beirong ignored their dispute, calmly asking the others, “What are your thoughts?”
Ye Long said, “I agree with Ye Huang. Ye Mo is no longer part of the Ye family. Nan Qing's peace offering is significant, especially with the compensation. We should accept. Our conflict with the Song family is clear; we should join forces with Nan Qing and trap Ye Mo, even for show.”
“I agree,” said Ye Wenjin.
“I also agree,” said Ye Wenqi.
“Agree…”
…
Only Ye Zifeng and Ye Beirong, who hadn't spoken, and an elderly man sitting beside Ye Beirong, dissented. Everyone else agreed with Ye Long.
Ye Zifeng's face paled, while Ye Huang looked on with satisfaction.
Ye Zifeng remained silent, knowing he was the only one willing to help Ye Mo. Even his sister, Ye Ling, looked down on Ye Mo and wanted him gone.
His influence was limited. While Ye Mo studied in Ning Hai, he only sent pocket money to Wang Ying. Now, Ye Zifeng wanted to warn Ye Mo not to come to Beijing. His worry gave way to a thought. His grandfather knew he alone considered Ye Mo family. Why include him in the meeting?
Excitement shook Ye Zifeng. Did his grandfather agree?
Ye Zifeng never doubted Ye Mo was his brother. He dismissed the blood test results claiming Ye Mo wasn't his father's son. He knew his uncle wanted to oust them both, but his grandfather favored his father and him. They couldn't remove him, so they targeted Ye Mo.
Though Ye Mo's shortcomings gave them a reason to expel him, Ye Zifeng remained cautious. His sister, Ye Ling, however, was immature, distancing herself from him and Ye Mo to align with their uncle.
“What do you think, Brother Jing?” Ye Beirong addressed the elderly man.
Everyone knew Brother Jing wasn't Ye family. His presence was unexplained.
The old man smiled, saying, “Beirong, you're making this difficult. I shouldn't interfere in family matters; I'm not a Ye.”
Ye Beirong nodded. “Thank you for the hint. I understand.”
Others looked on in surprise. Brother Jing clearly disclaimed involvement; what did Ye Beirong understand?
Ye Beirong sighed. The Ye family lacked suitable heirs. He understood Brother Jing's implication: Ye Mo was Ye family business; his non-Ye surname emphasized that. Only Ye Beirong grasped this.
Ye Beirong wasn't foolish. If Ye Mo were ordinary, Nan Qing wouldn't involve the Ye and Song families. Ye Mo had changed, becoming someone even Nan Qing feared. Ye Beirong only needed to know Ye Mo was a threat to Nan Qing.
He yearned to see Ye Mo, to witness this transformation that even Qian Longtou, Nan Qing's leader, and the Song family couldn't handle. The Ye family, and many in Beijing, knew Ye Mo killed Song Shaowen.
Ye Beirong coughed. “Though Ye Mo isn't currently part of the Ye family, some things are debatable. The DNA test could be wrong; misunderstandings may exist. We shouldn't jump to conclusions. Ye Mo lived here. Being expelled and hunted, the most we can do is ignore him. Actively hunting him makes us look weak.”
Pausing, he looked at everyone. “We won't help Nan Qing hunt Ye Mo and damage our reputation. Our family doesn't rely on this relationship. And Nan Qing attacked our business; they will pay. They'll learn the Ye family fears no one, not even Nan Qing. Ye Long, investigate Ye Mo's recent activities and report to me.”
Ye Wenjin hesitated.
“Speak,” Ye Beirong prompted.
“Father, investigating Ye Mo alerts Nan Qing to his importance, exacerbating our conflict,” Ye Wenjin said.
Ye Beirong sneered. “I'm ashamed of you all. Should our family fear a gang? If we can't stand up to Nan Qing, we're worthless. And even if Nan Qing leaves us alone, do we let them?” His voice, though aged, was firm.
Dongfang Xi wasn't a god. He'd anticipated 99% of the Ye family would agree to hunt Ye Mo, but he hadn't accounted for that 1%. Sometimes, a small number can decide.
Nan Qing was occupied and had little time for the Ye family.
Returning to Luo Cang, Ye Mo collected his belongings, another $20,000, and addressed Lu Xiaozhu and Yu Erhu about the online clinic before leaving for Beijing.
Though he could have taken money after killing Qian Longtou, Ye Mo didn't. He wasn't short on funds, and he planned to pay Lang Ji for spirit herbs. He took nothing from Nan Qing.