Chapter 17: Got the Wrong Person

Initially, Su Jingwen expected Ye Mo to be suffering in detention. To her astonishment, however, they found him lazily lounging on a bed, shoes still on, while several burly men stood respectfully nearby. The atmosphere was surprisingly calm, more like a nighttime study hall than a temporary prison.

The metal door opened, and Ye Mo immediately understood upon seeing Su Jingwen. He surmised she’d recognized him from somewhere, perhaps realizing he was the seller of her charms, and had intervened, possibly even calling the police. However, he knew her actions were likely causing more trouble than solving it.

“Hello, you might know me. I’m Su Jingwen. I saw you being taken away near Ning Hai University and called the police,” Su Jingwen said, relieved to see him unharmed. Given the potency of his charms, she wasn't surprised he'd handled a few thugs.

Ye Mo realized his suspicions were correct; Su Jingwen meant well. However, her uncertainty about his identity meant he couldn't admit to selling her the charms. He currently lacked the means to escape the station and had even considered a desperate flight. Facing a stronger opponent would be disastrous given his current limitations. He sighed inwardly.

Seeing his hesitation, Su Jingwen urged, “This isn’t the place to talk. Let’s go!” Geng Wenbin personally processed Ye Mo's release, escorting him and Su Jingwen to the front gate.

Su Jingwen’s car was a red Mercedes. The faint, clean scent of perfume inside indicated she rarely, if ever, gave rides. Nonetheless, Ye Mo accepted her offer.

“Could we have dinner together tonight?” Su Jingwen, already assuming he was the charm seller, extended the invitation. Having skipped lunch, Ye Mo readily agreed.

She took him to West Lake Family, a tranquil, elegantly decorated restaurant with few patrons. He found it a pleasant change from his usual roadside eateries.

“Jingwen, long time no see,” a plump but elegant woman greeted Su Jingwen warmly.

“Sister Fang, I’ve been busy. I brought a friend for dinner. Is a private room available?” Su Jingwen replied easily, clearly familiar with the woman.

Sister Fang glanced curiously at Ye Mo before resuming her composure. “Yes, the Good Friend Room is free.”

Sister Fang, though not conventionally beautiful, possessed impressive curves and captivating eyes. Her demeanor, however, was refined, lacking any overt flirtatiousness. Yet, Ye Mo noticed a subtle shift in her gaze when Su Jingwen introduced him as a friend.

The Good Friend Room was dimly lit, more suited for an intimate conversation than a meal. Ye Mo promptly opened the curtains, flooding the room with the soft light of dusk.

“Jingwen, I’ll prepare the tea,” Sister Fang said, placing a menu on the table before leaving.

Ye Mo wondered, Why does the owner make the tea? Where are the waiters?

Su Jingwen, anticipating his question, explained, “Sister Fang is a tea master. Our patrons are regulars, and she personally prepares the tea. Here’s the menu.”

Ye Mo examined the menu, noting the attractive, high-quality images but the absence of prices.

“There are no prices?” he asked.

Su Jingwen smiled. “Every dish is 300 yuan.”

Ye Mo was momentarily stunned—300 yuan for a plate of celery? He refrained from comment, however, recognizing Su Jingwen's wealth. He randomly selected several dishes. He wasn't a tea connoisseur, but he appreciated the lingering aroma of Sister Fang's brew.

Seeing his enjoyment, Su Jingwen asked, “You’re the charm seller, aren’t you?”

Her direct approach typically worked, but not on Ye Mo. Maintaining composure, he feigned surprise. “Charm seller? I'm a student. Here’s my ID.”

He produced his student ID: Ye Mo, Ning Hai University (05) Biology, Year 4.

Su Jingwen's disappointment was palpable. She'd mistaken him for someone else.

“Um, Su Jingwen, did I get the wrong person? This restaurant is… quite extravagant,” Ye Mo said, though he doubted she'd regret a few thousand yuan.

“It’s fine. You resemble a friend. Even if I’m mistaken, it’s not a problem. We’ll get to know each other better. You can call me Sister Jingwen.”

He didn’t leave a bad impression; his clear gaze was disarming.

“Then, Sister Jingwen, I’ll accept your hospitality,” Ye Mo said, enjoying the meal without guilt. He was confident his charm had saved Su Jingwen's mother.

Su Jingwen gave him her business card. “If those people cause trouble, call me.”

Ye Mo took the card, thinking, If not for you, there wouldn't be this trouble. This is probably a one-time thing.

“Haha, I’ll keep it. Though, I doubt I’ll need your help,” Ye Mo replied casually.

“Perhaps not now, but maybe later,” Su Jingwen smiled enigmatically.

Ye Mo mentally chided himself for talking too much. He needed to focus on cultivation, not trivial matters. Su Jingwen, in turn, found herself unexpectedly at ease in his presence.