Chapter 673: Surprise
Translator: Timothy_ Editor: GlobeGlotter
Ye Mo overheard two Chinese women at the next table discussing the Luo Yue war. He knew the war had ended before he left, leaving him puzzled. They soon changed the subject.
Intrigued, Ye Mo approached them in a gentlemanly fashion. "Hello, I'm Mo Ying. Would you mind if I joined you?"
The women were surprised. While not unattractive, they weren't particularly beautiful either. They found his approach unexpected. Though his large beard wasn't conventionally appealing, he appeared fit and well-off, suggesting a certain status to warrant his presence on the cruise and in the high-class restaurant.
"Of course! Please, have a seat," the long-haired woman smiled warmly.
Ye Mo sat down. "What are your names?" he asked politely.
"I'm Xi Huanshan, and this is my colleague, Lin Man," the long-haired woman replied, gesturing to the shorter woman. Even though Lin Man was in her thirties, she possessed a more curvaceous figure.
"Nice to meet you both," Ye Mo responded.
He wanted to inquire about the Luo Yue situation, but Xi Huanshan misinterpreted his intentions. The cruise was rather dull; while Ye Mo seemed average and rough, his physique was appealing, and she wasn't averse to a brief encounter.
"Mr. Mo, you're Chinese, yes? Business trip from Canada to Hong Kong, or holiday?" she asked, leaning closer. She found his scent pleasant, a stark contrast to some Western travelers.
Lin Man understood Xi Huanshan's motives immediately. Xi Huanshan's marriage had failed, and she’d invited Lin Man on this trip for company. Finding a companion was important to them both, and Xi Huanshan had yet to succeed.
Ye Mo shifted uncomfortably. "No, I'm an adventurer. I overheard you discussing the Luo Yue war. What's going on? I thought the conflict between Luo Yue and Indonesia was over."
Xi Huanshan looked surprised. "That was months ago. Luo Yue violated the Antarctic Treaty, prompting the Union's intervention. It's a second invasion. You wouldn't know?"
Ye Mo was furious, suspecting US involvement. Though he wasn't overly concerned with Luo Yue's fate due to Ye Xing's presence, he was angered by America's persistent provocations.
Ross and David arrived with Ye Mo's room key. "Mr. Mo, your room is ready. It's a suite with a balcony facing the sun. Do you approve?"
"Wonderful, thank you," Ye Mo replied, accepting the card. He tipped them each $20,000 USD.
Ross and David were stunned. Money seemed insignificant to him. Where did he obtain such wealth?
Xi Huanshan and Lin Man's interest in Ye Mo intensified, realizing his affluence. Even sharing him didn't seem unreasonable.
Ye Mo, however, wished to leave. A familiar figure entered the restaurant.
'Sister Yan?' Ye Mo was shocked. How could she be here?
"Hey! Wait—" He hesitated, remembering she was his aunt and that calling her "sister" would be inappropriate.
She turned, saw him with two women, frowned, and left.
Ye Mo believed she had disguised herself. He wanted to follow her.
"Wait!" He attempted to leave, but Lin Man stopped him. He reacted forcefully, pushing her hand away.
Lin Man was taken aback. "How rude!"
"Sorry, I saw someone I know," Ye Mo apologized, trying to leave again.
Lin Man scoffed, refusing to let him go. "You saw someone you know?! You were flirting with Huanshan, then you see another woman and abandon her! How shameless!"
Ye Mo was astonished. He hadn't been flirting, merely asking a question.
"Ms. Lin Man?" A man in his thirties approached, carrying a bag. Curiosity piqued, Ye Mo used his spirit sense. The bag contained three milky-white spirit stones!
His heart pounded. He momentarily forgot about Sister Yan, focused on acquiring the stones. He could easily steal them, but preferred to buy them if the price was reasonable.
Lin Man explained the situation to the man, Brother Kui, accusing Ye Mo of being fickle and rude. She still intended to keep Ye Mo's attention due to his wealth.