Chapter 299: Finding a New Residence

Translator: Tim Editor: Fish Creek

Ye Mo stood at the door of the boisterous bar, examining his ring. He had about 10,000 in cash. His only thought was to find a safe place to recover and begin concocting pills.

Ideally, if he hadn’t been exposed, his small yard in Ning Hai would have been perfect, but now, he dared not go there. It would be a trap. He needed a secluded location to hide and work.

The blood coral in his hand was enough for three cauldrons of pills, but Ye Mo remained cautious. With his current skills, all three might fail. He needed a quiet place, rich in spiritual chi, and time to fully recover.

However, his funds were limited, and in this unfamiliar place, his powerlessness weighed heavily.

“Big brother, need help?” A woman with a partially exposed breast approached, arms crossed, her eyes seductive. Though her features were unremarkable, the dim light and cheap perfume lent a certain allure.

Ye Mo offered a weak smile and shook his head. “No need,” he said, turning to leave.

The woman persisted, stopping him. “Big brother, I’m clean,” she said worriedly. “No diseases. You can use a condom if you’re worried.”

Ye Mo frowned, looking at her heavy makeup. “I know, but I’m busy. Goodbye.”

Disappointment and sullenness flickered in her eyes. She participated in this business reluctantly, preferring decent clients. This man, though plainly dressed, possessed a calm demeanor that appealed to her. She would have lowered her price, but he refused, despite appearing not wealthy.

Ye Mo sighed. Such women were ubiquitous, unlike the brothels in Luo Yue; these women solicited openly. He didn’t look down on them; he believed no one willingly chose this life.

The woman bit her lip and stopped him again. “Big brother, you seem unfamiliar with the area. Let me help. My prices are reasonable.”

Ye Mo considered this. He did need lodging. An agent would cost money; this woman’s services would be a cheaper option, plus he wouldn’t have to risk exposure by waiting until tomorrow.

He nodded. “Okay, I need a quiet, clean place. I’m poor, but I’ll pay you. If possible, I’ll meet you here tomorrow.”

He had just over 10,000. Living expenses in this city were at least 3,000 a month.

The woman shook her head. “It’s fine. My rates are low. Pay me later. We can look at places tonight; you can move in tomorrow. My place is close—two minutes away.”

Ye Mo was favorably impressed. This prostitute displayed a longing for friendship and trust.

Moving in tomorrow would allow him to begin his work sooner. He preferred to avoid searching for housing during the day. Her offer was ideal. The possibility of a setup didn’t concern him; he could always use fireball charms if needed.

…

Not far away, a nondescript car held two police officers watching Ye Mo and the woman. They followed as the pair left the bar.

“After this, our month’s assignment is over. Next month, I don’t want to pursue these cases. It’s disgusting—all about money. A repulsive trade,” the young policewoman said.

The policeman chuckled. “You’ll learn. Sex trade cases are the easiest. Safe, quick promotion, good pay. Plus, we all enjoy…”

“Stop,” the policewoman interrupted. Despite her short tenure, she understood her colleagues’ motivations. They were no better than the men they pursued. She muttered, “I want to join the major crimes unit.”

Her ambition was sincere. Sex trade sweeps were typically handled by male officers. She lacked experience to transfer, so this assignment was a means to gain it.

Her colleague was right about one thing: sex trade sweeps boosted performance records.

Before his injury, Ye Mo would have sensed their presence. But his depleted spiritual chi prevented it. He also assumed he wouldn’t be followed in a new city.

“I have a friend in real estate. I can get property information,” the woman said, reassuring Ye Mo.

Ye Mo remained silent; finding lodgings sufficed. He didn’t question her source of information.

Seeing his silence, she added, “We change locations frequently, so we need housing information.”

Ye Mo was perplexed.

Before he could ask, she continued, “We’re here. My friends and I live here. There’s internet. I’ll show you.”

Ye Mo followed her to a second-floor room. She closed the door, opened a computer, and said, “Have a seat. I’ll find suitable housing.”

Ye Mo appreciated her efficiency.

“Found it. Take a look,” she said quickly.

Ye Mo stood, but instead of approaching the computer, he flung open the door, sneering at the two officers. “Fine servants of the citizens, watching us for free.”

The policewoman blushed, adopting a disgusted expression. “Don’t play innocent. I suspect you’re involved in sex trafficking.”

“Get lost! I’ll report you! Which eye saw me in a sex trade? Did you offer yourself? I’m not interested. I’ll count to three. If you don’t leave, I’ll report you. Try me.” Ye Mo felt unlucky. He would have kicked them if he weren’t worried about escalating things.

“You…” The policewoman’s face burned, ready to attack.

Ye Mo was prepared. Despite his lack of spiritual chi, he could handle two officers.

“Zhang Feng, let’s go,” the policeman said, pulling her away. Before leaving, she hissed, “Don’t cross my path again.”

“Likewise,” Ye Mo sneered.

The policewoman was furious but lacked evidence. She was baffled. Sex workers usually went straight to bed. Who waited and opened the door?

“Even if we didn’t catch him, what’s the risk? Why leave?” Zhang Feng grumbled.

The other officer sighed. “It’s wrong to stand at their door without arresting them. If he sues, we’ll suffer. I’d let it go for an ordinary person, but that man…his cold eyes, his fearlessness. He’s connected. We’re just patrol officers. He's got some authority, but still uses streetwalkers—no class.”

The woman, watching the property listings, paled at the officers' presence, but Ye Mo had frightened them off.

“Find a place; I want to move in tonight,” Ye Mo urged.