Chapter 27: Is This a Business Deal?

Translator: Tim; Editor: Tehrn/Carolin

Seeing Ye Mo didn't deny it, Ning Qingxue sighed. He had a girlfriend, and she knew this arrangement wouldn't work. However, he didn't seem to be living with her. Her arrival, ironically, gave him the opportunity to live with his girlfriend.

"Because I want to marry you," Ning Qingxue blurted out, unable to find a more delicate way to phrase it.

To her surprise, Ye Mo didn't appear shocked. His calm demeanor unnerved her. After a moment of silence, she asked quietly, "Aren't you curious? Don't you want to ask why?"

Though not overly calculating, Ye Mo wasn't easily fooled. From Wang Ying's revelation about Ning Qingxue using him to deter other suitors, to her late-night visit and marriage proposal, he'd connected the dots. He knew she wanted to use him as a shield again.

Seeing his calm silence, Ning Qingxue grew more anxious. She asked guiltily, "I won't interfere with you and your girlfriend. I just need everyone to believe we're living together, even married. I'll explain it to your girlfriend"

He'd expected it. Losing interest, Ye Mo waved his hand. "You don't need to explain anything to anyone. This has nothing to do with Xu Wei; she's not involved."

Though initially hesitant, Ye Mo saw Ning Qingxue's distraught expression and softened. While she intended to use him, she hadn't hidden it. Moreover, he didn't mind being used; her sorrowful eyes were the real reason he considered helping.

He didn't know her plight, but her desperate measure suggested she faced an unbearable situation.

"I'll pay. I won't ask for your help for nothing," Ning Qingxue added quickly, sensing his hesitation.

"Fine, I agree. The timing of the marriage certificate is up to you. However, I don't want you revealing my identity." Ye Mo's reply was flat, detached.

Ning Qingxue was overjoyed. She hadn't expected his unhesitant agreement. Regardless of his motives, she was grateful. She interpreted his final sentence as a request not to tell Xu Wei.

"This card has $500,000. Use it for now. The PIN is 575757." Ning Qingxue handed him a card.

Ye Mo took it, a self-deprecating laugh escaping him. "Very well, since you've paid, this is a business deal. When you're done, you can leave. I'm going to rest now."

Seeing his desolate back, Ning Qingxue's heart ached. Had she done something wrong? She sat on his bed, lost in thought. Perhaps her mistake was assuming Ye Mo's agreement stemmed from the money, confirming Mumei's assessment of him.

When Ye Mo left his room, Xu Wei was already in hers. Clutching the credit card, conflicting emotions surged. He'd felt an urge to throw it in her face and tell her to leave. The only reason he'd let Ning Qingxue stay, and help her, was the striking resemblance between his helpless master and Ning Qingxue's melancholic eyes.

Shaking his head, he wondered what Ning Qingxue had done wrong. In her mind, she likely felt justified. Having given his room to Ning Qingxue, he had nowhere else to go. Fortunately, he had a usual cultivation spot in the north of the yard, near the back, under an old tree where he found peace.

Ye Mo spent the night cultivating under the tree. Feeling his chi strengthen, he smiled faintly. His annoyance had vanished. He decided to cultivate there nightly. It seemed people needed a push to find motivation.

Before Ning Qingxue could discuss their wedding, Ye Mo went to school.

By the time he arrived, Ning Qingxue and Xu Wei had woken. After a brief, awkward greeting, both felt shy, aware Ye Mo had slept with the other the previous night. The awkwardness was perhaps greater for Ning Qingxue, who knew Ye Mo was impotent and wondered how he'd slept with anyone—a question too embarrassing to ask.

After a half-day at the library, Ye Mo returned to the dorms and slept the afternoon away. In the evening, Shi Xiu dragged him to Ju Wei Restaurant, thanks to a free coupon.

"Ye Mo, you were awesome yesterday! Yan Yan was furious, her face pale. If Merciless Bing hadn't helped, she would've disappeared! Who was that woman? She was gorgeous! A star? No, even stars aren't that pretty" Shi Xiu exclaimed excitedly, his exaggerated expression reserved only for Ye Mo.

Ye Mo patted his shoulder. "I slept all afternoon. I'm starving. Let's eat."

Shi Xiu sighed. "Ye Mo, honestly, I'm worried about you. Aren't you worried? We're almost graduating, you failed last semester, you might not even graduate, and you sleep all day!"

Ye Mo disagreed. "What good is worrying? If it helped, I'd worry constantly. Relax, I have a plan. If you graduate and can't find a job, come to me. I'll get you one, and fed."

"Pfft, forget it! I want more than just food. My relative can get me a government job. Jealous much? Let's go, I smell Ju Wei!" Shi Xiu pulled Ye Mo into the restaurant.

Ju Wei Restaurant was Ning Hai University's most famous restaurant, renowned for its excellent, unique cuisine. Though not as refined as West Lake Families, Ye Mo enjoyed it.

Shi Xiu had a $200 coupon, enough for both. Despite their closeness, they rarely ate together. Ye Mo ordered two bottles of white wine, and they dined until 7 or 8 pm.

Shi Xiu was a lightweight, Ye Mo finishing most of the wine. Leaving the restaurant with a tipsy Shi Xiu, Ye Mo saw Zheng Wenqiao going to the restroom. Even from behind, Ye Mo recognized him.

He'd been attacked by this man before, and though unharmed, he harbored resentment. Seeing him again, he wouldn't let it go. He deposited Shi Xiu in the dorm and returned to wait outside Ju Wei Restaurant, planning to conceal his face while teaching Zheng Wenqiao a lesson, anticipating the man's family influence.

Ideally, Ye Mo would have killed him, but he knew murder would make him the prime suspect. A thorough beating was a better option.

He didn't wait long before seeing Zheng Wenqiao leave, speaking on his phone.