Chapter 14: He Doesn't Exist
Translator: Tim Editor: Tehrn/Carolin
Ye Mo returned to his apartment, but Xu Wei hadn't yet returned. He'd covered her shift and earned tens of thousands of dollars—a welcome windfall, as he was nearly broke. However, this was a one-time thing; repeating it risked exposure. He currently lacked the means to defend himself, and revealing his identity and abilities would be unwise. This world proved far more dangerous than it appeared.
Xu Wei returned the next day, her eyes red and swollen. Something had clearly happened, but Ye Mo, not close to her, refrained from asking.
In the following days, Ye Mo focused on his studies, cultivation, and martial arts practice. His recent earnings allowed him to postpone reopening his night market stall. He found it odd that Su Mei hadn't sought him out since their last encounter, a fortunate development that saved him considerable trouble.
Unbeknownst to Ye Mo, several people were searching for him. Besides Su Jingwen, who had purchased his charms, there was the old man he'd saved at the hospital, and even Wang Peng, whose wrist remained useless after the charm seller's attack. The slightest tension caused it to dislocate, and even after resetting it, the problem persisted.
Ironically, even the old man Ye Mo had saved was unable to locate him at Li Kang Hospital, despite a thorough search. It was as if Ye Mo had vanished into thin air. Hospital staff, including Doctor Cui and all the doctors and nurses, were questioned, but no one could recall the doctor carrying the medical case.
Xiao Wu suspected Ye Mo, as the incident occurred during her shift, but she hadn't noticed him carrying a case. Learning from Xu Wei that Ye Mo was an unemployed drifter dispelled her suspicions.
Without the old man's testimony and miraculous recovery, the entire incident would have seemed fabricated.
Su Jingwen's mood was excellent. Her mother's condition had improved, the bothersome Wang Peng had disappeared, and even her father had ceased pressuring her to pursue Wang Peng. She felt deeply grateful to the charm seller who had changed everything.
"Wenwen, have you found the person who sold you the charm?" asked a calm, aristocratic-looking woman beside her—Su Jingwen's mother. Since her recovery, Su Jingwen had spent as much time as possible with her.
Following the shock of the spirit-cleansing charm, the Su family had diligently searched for Ye Mo. Su Jingwen, her mother, and even Su Jingzhong were involved.
Although she'd paid for the charm, they now realized the sum was insignificant compared to its value. Recognizing the rarity of Ye Mo's charms, Su Jingwen carefully stored the remaining one. Her desire to find him stemmed from a wish to adequately compensate him.
"No. I've been to Sea Treasure Garden many times, but haven't seen him. I'm afraid the Wang family is also looking for him, and he might be in danger," Su Jingwen replied, Ye Mo's shadowy figure in a low-brimmed hat flashing through her mind.
Her mother smiled. "Jingwen, do you think someone with his abilities would fear the Wang family? Don't worry. Just keep an eye out. If you see him, bring him back. I must thank him personally. Even if he's unwilling, treat him well."
"Mhmm," Su Jingwen replied, harboring intense curiosity about Ye Mo. The ghost-repelling charm had brought her great peace of mind. She'd resisted the urge to test the fireball charm, possessing only one and knowing she couldn't replace it.
Ye Mo, of course, remained oblivious to the search, but even if he knew, he would have ignored it. He had sufficient funds, eliminating the need for the night market, and lived comfortably, shuttling between home and school. Life was simple.
However, leaving the library, he sensed he was being followed. The feeling intensified upon leaving school. Near the gates, he spotted a parked Range Rover with several occupants watching him.
Ye Mo scoffed. He'd been stalked. Since his reincarnation, he'd kept a low profile, avoiding trouble unless provoked. His only current conflict was with Zheng Wenqiao, so the occupants of the Range Rover likely belonged to him. He considered approaching them or luring them to a secluded spot for a beating, when two blond-haired youths emerged.
The youths approached, glaring. One said, "You're Ye Mo. Come with us. Refusal will result in a painful death." Ye Mo smirked, realizing Zheng Wenqiao's efforts were limited to employing a couple of thugs.
The youths blocked his path, preventing escape. Expecting resistance and a fight, they were surprised when Ye Mo simply said, "Lead the way."
Stunned, one youth exclaimed, "You've got balls!" Ye Mo ignored them, calmly following them into the Range Rover, as if they were welcoming him.
Su Jingwen, driving toward Ning Hai University, saw Ye Mo being forced into the car. She recognized a typical case of student abduction but felt a sense of familiarity, an indescribable feeling that she'd seen him before, even spoken to him.
Unable to ignore this, she decided to confirm his identity. She called the police, reported the Range Rover's direction, and followed discreetly, fearing discovery. Using binoculars, she maintained a distance, watching as the Range Rover headed toward the countryside.
She knew they intended to eliminate him there. The Range Rover began to shake violently, suggesting torture, and her worry grew as the police were still delayed. The shaking intensified, fueling her anxiety, until a police car finally appeared.