Chapter 24: A Shabby Gift

“Zhao Hong, I’m busy. Please sit elsewhere,” Ning Qingxue said, annoyed at being interrupted just as she'd finally worked up the courage to speak. Zhao Hong looked at Ye Mo in surprise, wondering how this unassuming man had gained access to Ning Qingxue.

“Hello, I’m Zhao Hong. I recently returned from Cambridge University and am temporarily working at the Ning Hai Government Office. If you need any assistance in Ning Hai, feel free to contact me,” Zhao Hong said, extending a hand elegantly, ignoring Ning Qingxue’s dismissal. He wanted to impress Ning Qingxue and believed shaking Ye Mo’s hand would help.

To Zhao Hong’s surprise, Ye Mo casually took a fruit from a waiter’s tray, completely ignoring his outstretched hand. Zhao Hong’s face flushed, and he awkwardly withdrew his hand, instantly regretting his gesture. His annoyance was short-lived, however, as Wang Xu approached.

“Brother, you’re impressive! That was a great move. Here’s my number; we should get together sometime!” Wang Xu exclaimed, slapping Ye Mo on the shoulder and handing him a card with only his phone number. Ye Mo was favorably impressed by Wang Xu and felt a potential friendship forming. He readily agreed, “Certainly.”

Ning Qingxue observed Ye Mo's contrasting interactions with the two men, a thoughtful expression on her face. “Brother Xu, you’re here! Hehe,” Zhao Hong said, his laugh strained.

“Fake foreigner, why are you back? Shouldn’t you be in England?” Wang Xu asked bluntly. Zhao Hong stammered, “I’ve graduated and am now working in Ning Hai City. I didn’t expect to see you here, Brother Xu.”

“It was on my way to Ning Hai,” Wang Xu replied before turning to Ye Mo. “Brother Ye, call me later. Give me your number!”

“He doesn’t have a phone,” Su Jingwen interjected. Ye Mo inwardly groaned; wherever he went, a crowd seemed to gather. He longed to give Su Jingwen her gift and leave. “Jingwen, happy birthday! I brought this diamond necklace from England for you. I hope you like it!” Zhao Hong interjected, sensing he was being sidelined.

“Thank you, Zhao Hong,” Su Jingwen replied, handing the necklace to a nearby servant. A flicker of disappointment crossed Zhao Hong's face as she showed the gift no further attention.

“Sister Jingwen, I brought you something, too!” Su Mei quickly presented a set of cosmetics. Guests began presenting their gifts; many had already given theirs at the entrance. Those remaining were close friends of Su Jingwen's.

Even Ning Qingxue presented an exquisite brooch. Ye Mo realized that, while he considered his gift the most precious, its appearance paled in comparison to the others. Yet, Su Jingwen looked at him expectantly. He smiled wryly, producing a homemade bracelet. “I made this myself. It’s simple, and I apologize, but I couldn’t afford anything more expensive.”

The bracelet consisted of six pea-sized beads loosely strung together. The low-quality jade was clearly visible. A collective gasp rippled through the room. Even without money, any other piece of jewelry would look better than this strange bracelet. The beads are ugly, probably fake jade. If so, it’s worth only a few dollars.

A few people snickered. This guy is truly unique. Not only does he dress poorly, but his gift is equally poor.

“Pfff…” Zhao Hong seized the opportunity to mock Ye Mo. “This gift is truly unique—probably one of a kind, hehe…” Su Jingwen rolled her eyes at Zhao Hong, but happily accepted the bracelet, putting it on her wrist. “Ye… thank you! Thank you for making this for me! I really like it. Does it have a name?”

Ye Mo smiled. “I call it the ‘Six Harmonies.’”

“Six Harmonies? That’s unique,” Su Mei observed Su Jingwen’s pleased expression, suppressing her desire to comment further. Ning Qingxue noted Ye Mo’s calm demeanor despite the cheap gift and Su Jingwen’s delight. A strange, inexplicable feeling washed over her.

Soft music began, signaling the first dance. As everyone wondered who Su Jingwen would choose, she looked at Ye Mo. “Ye Mo, will you dance with me?”

“He’s Ye Mo?!” Zhao Hong, aware of Ye Mo and Ning Qingxue’s history, reacted with surprise. Su Jingwen’s acceptance of the bracelet and her invitation to dance suggested to many that Ye Mo was a shield against unwanted dance partners.

However, Ning Qingxue felt Su Jingwen’s invitation was genuine, though she couldn't explain why. A strange annoyance bubbled up inside her. Ye Mo, similarly surprised by the invitation, replied awkwardly, “Unfortunately, I don’t know how to dance.”

Su Jingwen was momentarily stunned. She hadn't considered that possibility. Despite being disowned by the Ye family, he was still a former “Young Master” and a university student; surely he knew how to dance.

Only Li Mumei knew Ye Mo’s truth. He was boastful but avoided dance floors and clubs. He had few friends and was mostly arrogant and self-absorbed.