Chapter 20: Invitation

Translator: Tim; Editor: Tehrn/Carolin

“Ye Mo, I need your help,” Su Jingwen said, her tone embarrassed. Ye Mo thought, I knew this was coming! However, he didn't dislike Su Jingwen. Since seeing her desperate attempt to save her mother, he’d considered her worthy of help. And while his last encounter with her had landed him at the police station, it had stemmed from her good intentions.

“Tell me,” Ye Mo replied, smiling. “If I can help, and it doesn't take too long, I'll do my best. It's my pleasure to assist a beautiful lady.”

“Actually, Ye Mo, you look nice when you smile; you should smile more,” Su Jingwen said abruptly, changing the subject.

Ye Mo felt flustered. Despite adapting to his new life, a deep-seated reserve remained. His last police station visit had intensified this guardedness. He feared his secrets might be exposed, putting him in danger. He usually remained cold and reserved.

Su Jingwen’s comment made him realize he might be overly cautious. As long as his secret remained safe, he needn't be so guarded.

“Ye Mo, I looked you up…” Su Jingwen paused, subtly observing his expression. Seeing his calm face, she breathed a sigh of relief. “I have a cousin, Su Mei, at Ning Hai University. I heard about you from her. Is there a misunderstanding between you two? She's a bit arrogant, but not a bad person. Never mind, let's not talk about her; I don't know her well, either. Um… um…” Su Jingwen trailed off, unable to finish her sentence.

Su Mei had told Su Jingwen that Ye Mo was socially awkward, but Su Jingwen dismissed it. She knew Su Mei well enough to understand her motives. She'd wanted to mention knowing someone powerful who could even cure patients in vegetative states, hoping it might help Ye Mo.

However, she hesitated. Their friendship wasn't close enough for such a personal disclosure. And it felt awkward for a girl to bring it up.

Ye Mo understood. Since she was Su Mei's cousin, she knew about him. Her hesitation was understandable. He waved his hand to stop her. “Actually, I’m quite happy. Nothing’s troubling me. Don't worry. Thank you for your concern. Now, what can I help you with?”

A faint blush colored Su Jingwen’s cheeks. Even though he said he didn't care, did he really mean it? she wondered. Secretly, she resolved to ask the charm seller if they could make one to cure Ye Mo.

She felt comfortable with Ye Mo. He was handsome, friendly, and un-intimidating. This was why she wanted to help him.

“It’s my birthday today,” Su Jingwen said. “Family issues have prevented me from having a happy birthday for years. I’d like to invite you to my party tomorrow night. Will you come?” (She actually needed a dance partner but hadn't found anyone suitable.)

Warmth filled Ye Mo's heart. Knowing his past as the Ye Family's abandoned son, she still invited him. This showed she, like Shi Xiu, considered him a true friend, without ulterior motives.

“Of course! Thank you for inviting me. I'll be there,” Ye Mo said happily. Su Jingwen handed him an invitation. “I won't be able to call you tonight. It’s at 6 p.m. at Yu Wan private club. The address is on the invitation. I need to pick up friends at the airport. See you tomorrow night!”

Watching her Mercedes drive away, Ye Mo realized he needed a gift. He couldn't go empty-handed. Although he had money, he needed it for cultivation.

He bought inexpensive jade and crafted a simple magical jade bracelet—six pea-sized beads formed into a defensive artifact. While lacking a level, it could deflect simple attacks, losing a bead with each defense. It wasn't refined, but practical. He could only manage six beads. Hopefully, Su Jingwen wouldn't need its protection.

For someone as wealthy as Su Jingwen, a few hundred dollars' worth of jade was insignificant. The bracelet looked plain, and she might not even wear it. Regardless, he wouldn't mention its magical properties.

Xu Wei hadn't returned. Ye Mo tended his plants; the Silver Heart Grass seeds would be ready in a month. Then, he set off for Yu Wan private club, in high spirits.

…

Ning Hai Zhong Qiao Airport.

Su Jingwen spotted Li Mumei, but beside her stood a strikingly beautiful woman who seemed to radiate a spiritual aura. Except for a slight worry in her eyes, Su Jingwen might have mistaken her for a goddess. Su Jingwen wasn't the only one captivated by Ning Qingxue’s beauty; many onlookers were awestruck by the two women. Li Mumei, usually considered beautiful, seemed comparatively unremarkable.

“Jingwen! Happy birthday! I came especially to celebrate!” Li Mumei exclaimed, seeing Su Jingwen approach.

“Mumei, I'm so glad you came! And this is…?” Su Jingwen exclaimed, taking Li Mumei’s hands.

“Jingwen, hello. I’m Mumei’s cousin, Ning Qingxue. I’ve heard of you. Happy birthday!” Ning Qingxue smiled.

“Thank you! You’re Qingxue? You’re even prettier than I imagined. They say you're Beijing’s most beautiful woman… even I'm a little captivated…” Su Jingwen began, but noticing Ning Qingxue's somewhat dimmed eyes, she remembered Ye Mo and stopped abruptly.

Li Mumei sensed the shift in mood. “Jingwen, Qingxue, everyone's staring. Let’s go.”