Chapter 174: Jiao Bianyi’s Idea
Translator: Tim Editor: Chrissy
Before the youth could speak, a middle-aged man rushed in, followed by two others. The man hurried to Ye Mo, quickly produced a plane ticket, and said, “Predecessor Mo, I’ve brought the plane ticket. Do you have any other requests?”
Ye Mo looked up, surprised to see Jiao Bianyi. The Western Sand big boss had come personally just to deliver a plane ticket.
Ye Mo took the ticket and his documents, saying, “Thank you, Mr. Jiao. Please don’t call me ‘predecessor’ anymore.”
“Yes, Brother Mo,” Jiao Bianyi replied. He knew Ye Mo’s strength and dared not refuse; helping Ye Mo was a stroke of incredible luck.
Gu Yi, sensing Jiao Bianyi’s importance, recognized Lin Long among the two men behind him. He immediately understood the visitor was Jiao Bianyi, the Western Sand big boss.
Terror struck Gu Yi. Though powerful in his own right, he was insignificant compared to Jiao Bianyi. He never imagined the Western Sand boss would be so deferential to Ye Mo, calling him “brother.” Who was this young man sitting there eating?
Remembering his earlier threats, Gu Yi understood the “piss off” comment. He was sweating profusely.
Gu Yi quickly bowed in apology and retreated.
Though Ye Mo despised Gu Yi, he ignored him. Jiao Bianyi noticed something amiss, but since Ye Mo said nothing, he remained silent.
“Sit. I have questions for you,” Ye Mo told Jiao Bianyi.
“Yes, Brother Mo.” Jiao Bianyi was pleased; Ye Mo seemed to have a favorable impression of him.
The girl, unaware of Jiao Bianyi’s identity, saw the middle-aged man call Ye Mo “brother” and giggled. This frightened Gu Yi, who immediately pulled her, trying to leave.
The girl shouted, “Gu Yi, let go! Don’t pull me!”
Hearing her rebuke, Gu Yi cautiously eyed Ye Mo, barely daring to breathe. Then, he fled.
Even the girl understood Ye Mo was no ordinary person. Seeing Gu Yi, a young master, so terrified, she realized her earlier plan to leave was unnecessary. She wouldn't have agreed to the date if not for Gu Yi’s family influence and apparent respectability. She found it ironic that he’d fled before they'd even eaten.
“Hm, are you Shi Ying?” she asked Ye Mo, studying him intently.
Jiao Bianyi cursed silently, hoping the talkative girl would leave. He’d finally gotten close to Ye Mo, and this girl was causing trouble. Were it not for Ye Mo, he would have had her ejected.
Ye Mo was surprised. He’d used “Shi Ying” and chi to obscure camera images. How did she know him? Only Yun Bing knew his alias. Was this girl connected to Yun Bing?
Seeing Ye Mo’s shock, she sat down confidently.
Satisfied with her guess, she said, “I’m Shi Ying’s biggest fan! I’ve watched his fight recordings countless times. Your physique resembles his. But mostly, I’m very skilled at manipulating videotapes. With an approximate face, I can refine it. Although your features are sharper than the image I refined, you're quite similar.”
Ye Mo sighed, “Yes, I am Shi Ying. That’s not my real name; it’s Ye Mo.”
“Ah, it’s really you! I’m so lucky! So many in my school admire you! I can’t believe I’m meeting you. I’m Wu Bing. Let’s shake hands!” Wu Bing extended her hand, acting familiar.
Ye Mo shook her hand.
Jiao Bianyi almost envied Wu Bing. It was easy for a girl to shake hands with Ye Mo. He couldn't do the same. Feeling dejected, he’d come for Ye Mo only to be interrupted by this incessant girl.
Wu Bing’s hand felt delicate. Ye Mo was reminded of Luo Susu; her waist had felt similarly delicate and comfortable during their previous embrace. The danger had distracted him then.
Seeing Ye Mo hold her hand for a moment, Wu Bing blushed and withdrew it. Ye Mo, realizing his impoliteness, smiled awkwardly. Jiao Bianyi, however, misinterpreted it as Ye Mo being fond of younger girls. He resolved to ensure Ye Mo’s happiness next time.
Unaware of their thoughts, Ye Mo recovered, turning to Wu Bing and saying, “Wu Bing, I need to discuss something with Mr. Jiao. You can do as you wish.”
Understanding his cue, Wu Bing, though wanting to talk longer, noticed Peng Yang and Lin Long and realized she shouldn't stay. She stood up, saying, “Brother Ye, you’re my idol! Can I have your number?”
Seeing Ye Mo didn’t respond, she awkwardly added, “Brother Ye, don’t worry, I won’t call often. I just want your number to fulfill my fan dream…”
Ye Mo thought even if she called, she wouldn’t reach him. His phone was inside his ring, blocking the signal. It didn’t matter if she had his number.
He took out his phone, “Give me your number. I’ll call you.” He was surprised; Han Zaixin’s phone was amazing. Days later, the battery still had power.
“Great!” Wu Bing gave him her number, and Ye Mo called.
After Wu Bing left, Jiao Bianyi cautiously asked, “Brother Mo, what are your orders? I’ll do my best to help.”
Ye Mo nodded, “I recently saw Lin Long chasing a woman. What was that about?”
Jiao Bianyi’s face fell. He’d expected praise, not this. If the woman was connected to Ye Mo, he would be in serious trouble.
“What was that about?” Jiao Bianyi sternly questioned Lin Long.
Lin Long, realizing Ye Mo hadn't forgotten, began to sweat. He nervously stepped forward, “Master Jiao, Brother, Old Cang wanted her as his daughter…”
“Explain clearly,” Jiao Bianyi demanded; delay was dangerous.
“The girl was illegally brought to Hong Kong by an illegal immigrant who, broke, tried to sell her. He encountered our men, but before a price was set, she escaped. That should have been the end of it. But she was adorable, so Old Cang wanted to adopt her. She was then kidnapped by a human trafficker. We were chasing her when we met Brother,” Lin Long confessed.
Ye Mo was ninety percent sure she was the girl in the photo on Yun Bing’s wall.
He said, “Bring her here immediately. I know her.”
Lin Long’s heart sank, but he nodded and left.
“Brother Mo, my men were ignorant. We didn’t know…” Jiao Bianyi was distraught. He’d just connected with Ye Mo and had already angered him.
Ye Mo waved his hand, “It’s not your fault. Just bring her here.”
Concerned, Ye Mo asked, “Do you have influence on the mainland?”
Jiao Bianyi shook his head. “No. Power is mainly in the hands of Metal River and Nan Qing. Western Sand is mostly in Hong Kong. But I hear Nan Qing is in turmoil. Many of their border forces are being undermined by other powers.”
“Nan Qing is still in turmoil?” Ye Mo found it odd. After killing Qian Longtou, he’d left. Lang Ji should have controlled Nan Qing. Otherwise, how could he send people to Beijing to negotiate with the Ye Family?
Jiao Bianyi, seeing Ye Mo’s expression, realized he was unaware, saying, “After Qian Longtou’s death, Lang Ji briefly controlled Nan Qing, but the balance broke within a week. Many old members defied Lang Ji and attacked him. Lang Ji was reportedly severely injured, and Nan Qing is collapsing, but the situation remains unresolved.”
Ye Mo finally understood. He regretted it. If Lang Ji had controlled Nan Qing, he could have used them. But Lang Ji was useless.