Chapter 33: The Person Who Sells Fake Medicine

Translator: Tim Editor: Tehrn/Carolin

Ning Qingxue, holding Ye Mo's arm, felt a pang of disbelief as he casually called her "Qingxue." The suddenness of the feeling—the feeling of being his wife—was unsettling. She recalled her immersion in the role during Li Mumei's photoshoot, the memory prompting her to quickly withdraw her arm. Each physical contact with Ye Mo disrupted her composure, leaving her astonished by the unexpected comfort and a growing attraction.

Ye Mo possessed an indescribable allure—a serene yet ethereal quality that drew her in like a moth to a flame. This attraction forced her to constantly remind herself of his true nature.

Observing their interaction—Ye Mo's easygoing manner, Ning Qingxue's leaning against him, and her faint blush—Zhou Lei voiced her suspicion: "Is Ning Qingxue truly in love with Ye Mo? Did they marry for love, or for something else?"

"Let's go," Ye Mo said, pulling Zhou Lei from her contemplation. He disliked her prying into their affairs.

The three left the yard, each lost in thought. Not far away, they spotted Glamorous Cuisine, a renowned restaurant. Ning Qingxue suggested they dine there.

"No, the food there is too expensi—" Ye Mo began, but Ning Qingxue interrupted, indignant.

"Ye Mo, why are you so stingy? It'll only cost a thousand dollars at most. You…" Ning Qingxue wasn't materialistic, but Ye Mo, despite possessing 500,000 dollars, was being miserly with her and her classmate. Though she didn't particularly like her classmate, the classmate was still a member of the Ning family, and Ye Mo's behavior was embarrassing.

Zhou Lei was surprised by Ye Mo's frugality, especially in front of his wife and her friend. Yet, Ning Qingxue's affection for him seemed genuine.

Seeing Ning Qingxue's continued displeasure, Ye Mo resisted his anger. He knew a confrontation would ruin their charade. He was leaving Ning Hai soon, so arguing was pointless.

"Okay," he conceded, "Let's eat there." Internally, he groaned. He only had 3000 dollars, earned from selling his blood. While the blood would have been wasted otherwise, he resented spending it on a woman he disliked.

Ye Mo's decision was made: he would leave Ning Hai in a few days. He'd done enough for Ning Qingxue. He needed to find a secure location to cultivate his Silver Heart Grass. He understood his vulnerability without power or influence.

Dinner was pleasant enough. Though Zhou Lei's curiosity remained unsatisfied, she noted the stark difference in Ye Mo and Ning Qingxue's spending habits. Ye Mo's stinginess further convinced her of the authenticity of their marriage, particularly as he paid in cash, not by card, revealing a lack of wealth.

Ye Mo was the most unhappy. The meal cost 3000 dollars, forcing him to use small bills. The 2000-dollar bottle of wine—mostly consumed by him—exacerbated his frustration.

He knew Ning Qingxue had done this deliberately. She'd given him a frozen credit card and remained defiant. He almost threw the card back, urging her to pay. He thought ironically of the saying, "The hated are also pitiful," finding it apt for Ning Qingxue.

Afterward, Zhou Lei left, perhaps suspecting Ye Mo's display of small bills was a calculated demonstration of poverty.

The ride home was tense. Ning Qingxue was angry at the perceived loss of face, despite her lack of materialistic concerns. Ye Mo's cash payment and the expensive wine—which he drank—rankled. He, too, was silent, his remaining funds down to 20 dollars after the 3000-dollar meal.

Without work, Ye Mo would soon lack even food money, potentially forcing him back to selling blood, an unsustainable solution. He felt undervalued, believing his blood was superior and deserving of a higher price.

Ye Mo's meals became increasingly frugal. Qingxue, while undemanding in her food, looked down on his stinginess. That night, he took out his medical kit, unexpectedly needing to return to the night market sooner than planned, despite curing the old man's poison. His sales efforts, however, were unsuccessful, resulting in a city management reprimand. He avoided Ning Hai University, wanting to avoid Yun Bing and finding no further need for study. He'd intended to give Shi Xiu some medicinal pills, but Shi Xiu had taken a week's leave due to family matters.

Despite their strained communication, Ning Qingxue witnessed Ye Mo's struggles. Her father's call reassured her, promising that he would never sell her, even if expelled from the Ning family, especially not to the Song family. Her parents were in Beijing resolving family issues and would return in two days to take her away.

Seeing Ye Mo's herbal remedies simmering in the hallway, Ning Qingxue's contempt softened. She recalled their transactional relationship—500,000 dollars exchanged for a marriage of convenience. His frugality was his own problem. Why should she be disappointed?

This realization improved her mood. Despite his stinginess, he still bought groceries and cooked. Ye Mo once again set up his stall, but Xu Wei remained absent. Ning Qingxue avoided Xu Wei, possibly to prevent awkwardness between them. Regardless, they were still husband and wife, even if a sham, and she didn't want to encounter Xu Wei, especially with their impending departure. The looming separation created a faint melancholy, unrelated to Ye Mo himself. She ventured out, seeking a familiar view of her temporary home.

She found herself on Ming Du Street, a vibrant nighttime hub. The sights and smells captivated her, and she impulsively bought a golden cake.

"Come see this ancestral recipe! Cures all ailments—headaches, fevers, injuries, even nearsightedness! Anything you can imagine!" A vendor's boast amused Ning Qingxue.

She looked up and froze. It was Ye Mo, disguised in sunglasses and a duck-billed hat, his medical case unmistakable beside him.