Chapter 26: Taking Ning Qingxue Home
“What? Qingxue wants to marry Ye Mo? How is that possible?” Su Jingwen exclaimed, shocked by Li Mumei’s words. She found Ning Qingxue’s idea unbelievable and immediately opposed it. Li Mumei was equally surprised by Su Jingwen’s reaction.
Su Jingwen, realizing her outburst was inappropriate, chuckled self-deprecatingly. “I just mean, Qingxue is such an exceptional girl. Why—how could she choose to marry Ye Mo? Even if she wanted to avoid her family’s arranged marriage, this seems self-destructive.”
Li Mumei sighed. “It’s because of Ye Mo’s disability. Sister Qingxue is truly unfortunate. But I saw him today, and he’s completely changed from the Ye Mo I remember. It’s incredible. If he hadn't been expelled from the Ye family and hadn't suffered his injury, everything would be perfect.”
Su Jingwen fell silent, inexplicably opposed to the marriage but unable to articulate why. “Was it because he danced with me today? Or because he resembles the master who sold me those charms?” she mused.
“Jingwen, what’s wrong?” Li Mumei asked, noticing Su Jingwen’s silence.
“Oh, nothing,” Su Jingwen replied, pulled back to reality. “I was wondering if I could help with something.” Li Mumei, accustomed to Su Jingwen’s wandering thoughts, said, “Send me photos of Ning Qingxue and Ye Mo sleeping together in pajamas. We’ll leak them to an entertainment outlet and get journalists to interview them about their marriage.”
Su Jingwen’s eyes widened. “That’s cruel! You’ll ruin Qingxue’s reputation!”
Li Mumei sighed again. “A damaged reputation is better than being with Song Shaowen. Your family’s in Beijing; you know what kind of man he is. If Sister Qingxue had a choice, do you think she’d choose this?”
Su Jingwen knew Song Shaowen was ruthless—a monster who preyed on women, leaving countless heartbroken victims in Beijing. She understood Ning Qingxue’s desperate choice. After a moment, she said, “But Ye Mo is innocent. He’ll be the victim.”
“I know,” Li Mumei replied. “I initially thought I could just pay him off. But the Ye Mo I met today… he’s changed so much. Can hardship truly alter a person so drastically? I can’t help further. We’ll just have to see if Ye Mo supports Qingxue. If not, there’s nothing we can do.”
Silence fell between them.
…
“Why can’t you tell me here? What’s so important that we need to go to your place?” Ye Mo asked, surprised.
Ning Qingxue hung her head, hesitant to explain Li Mumei’s plan. If Ye Mo refused, would escaping the country even be possible? Gritting her teeth, she said, “I need to talk to you privately tonight.”
Seeing her furrowed brow, Ye Mo sighed. He sensed a familiar tension, reminding him of his master. He conceded, “Fine. Let's go. But I need to say goodbye to Su Jingwen first.”
“You agreed?” Ning Qingxue exclaimed, relieved. She’d expected refusal, given Li Mumei’s description of him.
“Jingwen, I’m leaving. Qingxue needs to talk to me,” Ye Mo said, encountering Su Jingwen and another woman. He vaguely recognized the woman but couldn't place her. Li Mumei noticed his lack of recognition and realized how much he had changed.
“Ye Mo, you… agreed?” Su Jingwen asked, her expression peculiar. She then seemed to understand her own question. Ye Mo, noticing their expressions, sensed something was amiss, but merely smiled faintly. He wasn't afraid.
…
As Ning Qingxue and Ye Mo rode in the taxi, a sense of relief washed over her. The pressure lifted the moment she stepped onto the street with him.
“You live here?” Ning Qingxue exclaimed, pleased by Ye Mo's house with its yard. It was quiet and elegant. “You have excellent taste.”
Ye Mo smiled. “It’s nothing compared to your place. It’s… shabby.”
“No, I love it,” Ning Qingxue insisted.
“Ye Mo, you’re finally back! Wait… who is she?” Xu Wei gasped, astonished by Ning Qingxue’s beauty. Compared to Ning Qingxue, she felt plain. This quiet man had brought home such a stunning woman? Ning Qingxue, in turn, found Xu Wei refreshing. Ye Mo has good taste, she thought, no wonder he hesitated. He already has a girlfriend.
She briefly wondered if Ye Mo was a playboy, then dismissed the thought as irrelevant. She was here to marry him. Wait, will this girl object? Unease settled in.
The air thickened. As the two women waited for introductions, Ye Mo entered the house. Ning Qingxue, unable to avoid the situation, followed.
“You can sleep in my room tonight. Tell me what you need to,” Ye Mo said, leading her to his room.
“Where will you sleep?” Ning Qingxue asked, intending to sleep on the couch, but then remembered Xu Wei. She didn't believe Ye Mo and Xu Wei were just roommates.
“I’ll find somewhere else,” Ye Mo replied casually.
“Ye Mo, did I cause a misunderstanding with your girlfriend?” Ning Qingxue asked, testing the waters.
Ye Mo waved her off. “Tell me what you need to say.”