Chapter 223: Bottom Line

Ye Mo brought Tang Beiwei to a hotel and approached the reception desk. "Can I get another room? I'll pay the deposit tomorrow," he said.

The receptionist looked at Ye Mo, then at Tang Beiwei. She acted as if she'd never seen him before. "I'm sorry, sir, but payment is required to book a room."

Ye Mo was surprised by the receptionist's inflexibility; he'd been staying there for four days.

Before Ye Mo could respond, Tang Beiwei pulled him aside. "Brother Ye, I'll share the room with you tonight. Don't spend extra money."

Ye Mo agreed. He planned to work on runes that night and wouldn't be sleeping anyway; Tang Beiwei could have the bed. He nodded. "Let's go up then."

Tang Beiwei followed Ye Mo to his room, a single-bed room. A wave of sadness washed over her. Though grateful to Ye Mo and determined to repay him for saving her—by giving him her virginity—the prospect overwhelmed her.

However, Ye Mo's bringing her to a single room implied his intentions. Why else would he bring a single woman to a single room?

While Tang Beiwei showered, Ye Mo organized his rune-making materials; twenty sets remained. He hesitated for a long time before deciding against calling Su Jingwen. Sighing, he decided to wait until morning. Twenty sets were sufficient for the night.

Later, Ye Mo put away his phone and looked at Tang Beiwei, who had finished showering. She was wrapped in a towel, but her long, white legs were visible, creating a striking and alluring image.

Yet, Ye Mo felt nothing. Tang Beiwei didn't compare to Jing Xi in terms of attractiveness. He looked at her curiously. "You're finished showering. Go to bed."

He expected a thank you, but she simply complied. He shook his head; she certainly wasn't being polite.

Tang Beiwei lay in bed, her heart pounding. She anxiously awaited Ye Mo's approach, hoping to alleviate her guilt. Her nervousness, conflict, and recent stress caused her to fall asleep.

Once Tang Beiwei was asleep, Ye Mo resumed making runes. Despite his carefulness, he only completed seven sets from the twenty. His success rate remained below one-third.

After a long rest, he sighed, packed up, and showered. Dawn approached, and he knew he needed to borrow money. Otherwise, his thirty runes wouldn't be enough to surpass Jing Xi, especially considering there might be others of similar strength.

Tang Beiwei slept soundly. Waking up, she found herself alone. Ye Mo wasn't in the bed. Realizing her clothes were untouched, she quickly pulled up the blanket.

Ye Mo approached as she sat up. "I need to go out for a bit. Don't wander around after you wake up. I'll be back with some money."

He knew he'd killed three people the previous night. While no one knew, their prolonged absence would raise suspicion.

"You didn't sleep in the bed?" Tang Beiwei asked, surprised. His words warmed her heart and increased her guilt.

"No, I was busy," Ye Mo replied casually.

Tang Beiwei was worried. Ye Mo hadn't taken her; daylight was approaching. It was already the 25th. "Brother Ye, could you stay with me for a while? I..." She stammered, embarrassed. She felt a tremor run through her.

Ye Mo looked at her strangely. Did he appear strange? What other reason would a woman have for asking a man to sleep with her?

Seeing Ye Mo hesitate, Tang Beiwei worriedly took his hand. "Sorry, Brother Ye, it's my first time. I... I want to give it to you..."

She was drenched in sweat, her face crimson. She'd never imagined speaking so brazenly. Lacking experience in seduction, she could only be blunt.

Ye Mo grasped her wrist. Tang Beiwei felt relieved, believing he would finally take her. A mix of disappointment and happiness filled her, but she didn't dare look at him.

Then, Ye Mo noticed the bracelet on Tang Beiwei's wrist—identical to the one his sister had given him. What was this?

He held her wrist, but a long moment passed without action. She looked up at him quizzically.

"Brother Ye..." she whispered. Her impression of him was improving. A normal man would have already acted. She was considered the prettiest girl in her school, yet Ye Mo remained indifferent.

Ye Mo sighed. "Tang Beiwei, where did you get that bracelet?"

Understanding dawned. It was a memento from her mother, meant to help her find her brother. Did he like it? She'd give it to him.

She removed the bracelet and offered it. "My mother gave it to me recently, Brother Ye. You saved me. If you like the bracelet, take it."

Ye Mo examined the bracelet carefully. The jade and markings were identical to his own.

He returned the bracelet, smiling. "Sleep a little longer. I wasn't trying to take your bracelet, just examining it."

Tang Beiwei took the bracelet, confused. Did he truly have no interest? Was she not attractive enough? Her looks were usually a source of pride; she never considered herself less attractive than anyone.

Ye Mo picked up his phone to call Ye Ling, but it was dead. He set it to charge and then approached Tang Beiwei's bedside. "Can I borrow your phone?"

Her heart pounded again, but she expected nothing more than a phone call. "Okay, here," she said, handing him her phone.

Ye Mo dialed Ye Ling's number. The displayed information froze him: "Ye Mo's Girlfriend."

Tang Beiwei knew Ye Ling? The displayed name suggested familiarity. She had asked for his name. This girl was acting. Ye Mo coldly looked at Tang Beiwei and hung up.

Tang Beiwei watched him, then saw his icy gaze. She shivered involuntarily. He'd never looked so cold.

Ye Mo pulled back her blanket, revealing her lingerie-clad body. Ignoring the sight, he lifted her to the window. "This is the sixth floor. One lie, and I'll throw you down. Tell me, why did you deliberately find me? Who sent you?"

Tang Beiwei was still in shock, but his words made her realize the gravity of the situation. Seeing herself in his arms, embarrassed and tears welling up again, she started to feel wronged. Rather than continue this way, she might as well die. She could be with her mother, who passed away some time ago. What was the point of living and being abused?

Ye Mo was surprised. Her lack of fear of death suggested a cruel plan.

Ye Ling was his sister, and that was his limit. Those who dared to touch her would face his wrath. He had to get to the bottom of this.

He threw Tang Beiwei back onto the bed. "Tell me everything. What do you want from me, and who sent you?"