Chapter 22: If Life Was Just Like a First Meeting

Translator: Tim; Editor: Tehrn/Carolin

"I'm here, aren't I? Jia Jia's here too," the young man said calmly, lacking the usual impetuousness of his age.

The yellow-haired girl, Jia Jia, feigned anger. "I thought Brother Xu didn't recognize me." Ye Mo observed them. The man appeared gentlemanly, yet Ye Mo sensed a ferociousness in his demeanor, a faint "killer's aura."

Ordinary people wouldn't perceive this aura, but Ye Mo, having killed numerous people and monsters in a past life, recognized it instantly. This young man had undoubtedly killed before, and he'd done so brazenly, even proudly. However, Ye Mo had no reason to stay. As he turned to leave, the young man stopped him, extending a hand. "I'm Wang Xu. And you are?"

Ye Mo saw the mockery in Wang Xu's outstretched hand and understood his intent. He extended his own hand slowly. "Ye Mo."

Su Mei watched their handshake with anticipation. She knew Wang Xu had a peculiar habit: he tested the strength of men he met for the first time with a handshake. A previous encounter had left one of her classmates screaming in pain, effectively deterring further advances. Now, she eagerly awaited Ye Mo's reaction.

"Crack!" Several sharp sounds echoed. Wang Xu felt a crushing force, hearing the sickening sound of bones breaking. Before he realized it, Ye Mo had withdrawn his hand. Shocked and regretful, Wang Xu realized he'd used excessive force, unintentionally breaking Ye Mo's hand.

Su Mei and Jia Jia were equally stunned. They hadn't expected Wang Xu to actually break Ye Mo's hand. The sound of cracking bones sent shivers down their spines.

"Ah, Brother Wang Xu, why did you break his hand? He was invited by Sister Jingwen… uh… where's Ye Mo?" Su Mei's words trailed off as she realized Ye Mo had vanished. Wang Xu, too, grasped the seriousness of the situation. He hadn't used his full strength, yet Ye Mo's hand had broken!

Only then did they notice Ye Mo's disappearance; none had seen him leave. "He's just a nobody," Jia Jia declared dismissively. "Give him some money and tell him to go to the hospital. What a useless thing."

Wang Xu smiled wryly. "Now Sister Jingwen's going to scold me. He must have gone inside. I'll go check on him. I didn't think his hand was so fragile."

Ye Mo had no desire to waste time with these people. He'd come for Su Jingwen's birthday party; a conflict would only cause her trouble. However, he was pleased with his bone-retraction technique. Though his cultivation remained in the first stage of Chi Gathering, his martial arts had significantly improved. He didn't know the strength of the world's strongest person, but lacking normal cultivation, he would focus on martial arts. He knew, however, that even peak martial arts wouldn't protect him from all weapons.

While the trio discussed Ye Mo's injury, he had already entered the building, a waiter at the entrance glancing at his invitation before admitting him.

Many guests were already present; Su Jingwen had thrown a large party, likely celebrating her mother's recovery and reconnecting with old friends.

Su Jingwen spotted Ye Mo immediately. "Ye Mo, thanks for coming! Come, sit here."

"Of course," Ye Mo replied, reaching for his gift when he heard someone say, "Ah, Jingwen, who's this handsome man? Is he your boyfriend?" The speaker paused, noticing Ye Mo's attire. "Uh, his clothes are… unique…"

Su Jingwen, fearing Ye Mo would feel uncomfortable, quickly interjected, "He's my friend, Ye Mo…" She then noticed Ye Mo staring over her shoulder, seemingly oblivious to her words. Turning, she saw Ning Qingxue and Li Mumei approaching. Su Jingwen groaned inwardly. Why had they met so soon? She hadn't had a chance to explain things to Ye Mo.

Ye Mo's gaze fell on Ning Qingxue. Her pale yellow dress captivated him. Her black hair cascaded over her shoulders, accentuating her soft beauty; her almond-shaped face was devoid of makeup, adorned only by a deer-shaped hairpin. A few strands of hair fell by her eye. Despite her stunning beauty, a hint of worry and loss shadowed her eyes. As she walked, she seemed a goddess descending from the clouds. The intensity of her gaze struck a familiar chord.

"Those eyes filled with worry and loss… could it be? Luo Ying?" He exhaled, snapping himself back to reality. This wasn't his master, but her eyes held the same captivating power.

Ye Mo regained his composure. He didn't know Ning Qingxue. She, in turn, noticed his intense gaze. While many men were captivated by her beauty, his scrutiny was different; it was thorough yet ultimately respectful. He didn't linger, unlike others who struggled to tear their eyes away.

"Qingxue, Mumei, you've come. Let me introduce—" Su Jingwen began, but Li Mumei interrupted in a whisper. "Don't introduce us. Qingxue doesn't know Ye Mo." Su Jingwen understood immediately.

"Sister Jingwen, something happened! Wang Xu accidentally crushed Ye Mo's hand, and we don't know where he is…" Su Mei rushed in, her worry evident.

Mid-sentence, she realized her mistake; several people stared at her in astonishment. Then she saw Ye Mo.