Chapter 553: Underground Fighting

Translator: Timothy Editor: GlobeGlotter

Ye Mo sneered. “I repeat: I am not interested. Please leave.”

The blonde suddenly said, “It’s rare to see a Chinese person in this town. Are you here on holiday? I can show you around. I know places others don’t—the ghost house, spinning battlefield, underground fighting… Anywhere you want to go. I charge very little—200 USD for a day.”

Ye Mo thought, This is my first time here. A guide would save time. The blonde’s Chinese was fluent.

Thinking this, Ye Mo asked, “What’s your name? Do you need money?”

The blonde quickly replied, “I’m Annie, and yes, I desperately need money. If you’re tired, I’ll even…sleep with you—for 200 USD.”

“No need. First, tell me: are there many Chinese people here? Where do they live? What’s the town’s history? How long have you lived here?” Ye Mo asked.

The blonde answered quickly, “I was born here. My father’s a blacksmith, so I know this place like…like…”

She searched for a metaphor but couldn’t find one.

Ye Mo nodded. “Take me to the Chinese area. I want to find someone.”

“Find someone? Great! I can help. People call me the ‘white Chinese.’ To find Chinese people, go to the Mengtang Street underground boxing ring. It has the second-largest Chinese population.”

Sister Yan wouldn’t be there. Ye Mo shook his head. “Why the second-best place? Take me to the place with the most Chinese.”

“Okay. What’s your name, Mr…?” Annie asked.

“Ye Mo. Take me to the place with the most Chinese.” After talking, Ye Mo found her less annoying than he’d thought; she just needed money. If she helped him find the Chinese people, he wouldn’t mind paying.

Annie said, “Mr. Ye Mo, the place with the most Chinese is Chinese Back Street, but we have to pass the underground boxing ring. It’ll be faster.”

Ye Mo saw her shining eyes and knew there was another reason. He didn’t care.

As if sensing his suspicion, Annie quickly explained, “You can see Chinese masters fight there, but we don’t have to go if you’re not interested.”

“It’s fine. Let’s go.” Ye Mo waved his hand casually. He wasn’t worried; it was just a small American town.

Annie exclaimed, “Oh, you’re the best! What a gentleman!”

“Just hurry up, and call me Mr. Ye.” Annie’s cheerful attitude despite her financial struggles was refreshing. Ye Mo felt better too.

A white man chewing gum walked past, saying in broken Chinese, “Hey sweetheart.”

Annie ignored him, pointing to an alleyway. “The underground boxing ring’s this way.”

The man, ignored, followed them into the alleyway.

Soon, people rushed past; 40% were Chinese. No wonder the white man knew some Chinese.

Annie led Ye Mo to a large, boisterous hall with stalls, people drinking, playing games, eating, and even using drugs. People of all races were present.

Annie apologized, “Mr. Ye, it’s chaotic here, but there are Chinese—maybe someone you know.”

Annie seemed to know many people. Many greeted her. Seeing Ye Mo’s discomfort, she took him further underground.

At the entrance, Annie said awkwardly, “Mr. Ye, could you lend me 200 dollars? I won’t cheat you.”

A couple hundred dollars was nothing to Ye Mo. He gave her the money.

“Thank you, Mr. Ye. Let’s go in.” Annie looked ecstatic.

Ye Mo sighed. Contentment with little things made people happy.

They entered. Ye Mo saw the boisterous crowd and realized Annie had ulterior motives, but many Chinese were present. Some were shouting near the stage.

“Annie, you’re here early!” a fluent Chinese speaker said.

It was a young Asian man in his twenties, bandaged from head injuries. He looked at Ye Mo.

Annie was about to leave Ye Mo to find the young man, but the young man appeared unexpectedly. Annie awkwardly gave the man 300 dollars. “Ye Mo’s my new friend. Go sign up. I’ll watch your match tonight.”

Ye Mo realized the 300 dollars was his.

The young man hesitated, then took the money. “I won’t let you and Sister Sisi down.” He disappeared into the crowd.

“Sorry, Mr. Ye, I tricked you, but I’ll show you the whole town. If the person you’re looking for is here, I’ll find them,” Annie apologized.

Ye Mo felt a sense of familiarity looking at the young man.