Chapter 698: Woman Who Needs to Sleep with Someone

Mu Xiaoyun, though she had washed, remained in her patched, coarse clothing. Yet, the simple dress seemed to enhance her beauty, almost goddess-like. Ye Mo’s first thought was of Luo Ying; he remembered her in a similar garment, radiating the same ethereal quality. While Mu Xiaoyun lacked Luo Ying's striking features, she evoked the same feeling in him, filling his gaze with longing. He resolved to return to them as soon as possible.

Mu Xiaoyun noticed the longing in Ye Mo's eyes, her surprise and happiness evident. As a village woman, she understood the nuances of his expression. But her feminine intuition quickly revealed the truth: his longing wasn't for her. His gaze, though directed at her, was unfocused, lost in thoughts of another.

A flicker of despair crossed Mu Xiaoyun's eyes. Despite her harsh treatment from her mother-in-law and husband, she remained a traditional woman, averse to running away.

After a long pause, Ye Mo returned to his senses, his brow furrowed as he looked at Mu Xiaoyun. He didn't inquire about the gash on her neck—he wasn't her real husband. Still, despite her mistaken identity, he planned to tell her before leaving.

He found it odd that she hadn't changed into new clothes, but remained uncurious, assuming she had her reasons.

"Mo babe, I—I—" Mu Xiaoyun began, hesitant.

Ye Mo smiled. "Sit down first. What is it? Do you want to go back? If so, you can. Wait a couple of days until security eases up."

"No," Mu Xiaoyun waved her hand. "I don't dare go back alone, but I'm not comfortable here either. After all—"

"Just say it," Ye Mo urged.

Mu Xiaoyun quickly said, "This is the Yu estate, and Mo babe is part of it, but if I stay, I don't think the owner would be pleased."

Ye Mo understood. She feared his job instability, the potential jealousy, and the possibility of him losing his position. While she wanted to leave because of the triangular-eyed man, fear kept her there.

Ye Mo smiled; he wouldn't be staying at the Yu estate. He would leave immediately after the others departed. He knew Young Miss Yu hadn't hired him as a servant.

"Don't worry, stay here for now. I'll send you back." He was about to speak further when Young Miss Yu's maid arrived.

Standing at the door, she regarded Ye Mo with disdain, but said politely, "Mo Ying, our Young Miss requests your presence."

Mu Xiaoyun rose quickly.

Ye Mo smiled. "Don't worry, wait for me here." He left with the maid.

Watching him go, confusion clouded Mu Xiaoyun's eyes. Her husband had changed. He used to be bleak and reserved, but now he seemed open and unconcerned.

More troubling, he was lying—to her, or the red-clothed man, or both. To the red-clothed man, he claimed shame over lost money; to her, he'd been knocked unconscious and suffered memory loss. At the restaurant, he'd spoken of wealth; now, of robbery. His stories contradicted each other.

Mu Xiaoyun shook her head and sat on the bed. Regardless, she preferred this "Mo babe," scarred face and all, to his previous bleak demeanor.

…

Ye Mo was surprised to find himself in Young Miss Yu's bedroom. The impropriety of such a situation in those times was not lost on him.

"I'm Yu Yuyan," she began. "I'm sure you're curious, but for now, let's have a drink." She gestured to the wine and food.

Ye Mo asked no questions. Even if poisoned, he wouldn't fear it, though he doubted her intent.

Yu Yuyan, pleased by his lack of inquiry, raised her cup as he poured himself a drink. "Mo Ying, drink!"

With each invitation, Ye Mo obliged. Soon, the first bottle was empty, and she produced another.

He realized her intention: to intoxicate him. Though unsure of her purpose, Ye Mo allowed his speech to become slurred.

Seizing the opportunity, he inquired about Shang Qing Mountain and the Qian Kun Sect.

A flicker of contempt crossed Yu Yuyan's face, but she replied with a smile. "Shang Qing Mountain is a subordinate sect of the Qian Kun Sect. Shang Qing's core disciples are untouchable, even by the Lian Hua City Lord."

Ye Mo was shocked, thinking of the Luo sisters. Luo Fei had never mentioned their elevated status within the hidden sects. He didn't know that such high-ranking members primarily focused on cultivation and rarely appeared in the outside world.

"Your status must be quite high, being about to enter Shang Qing Mountain!"

Yu Yuyan said proudly, "I'm still an outer sect disciple, but with my talent, inner sect membership is inevitable."

"Is entry difficult? What about Taiyi? Do you know its location?" Ye Mo pressed.

Contempt deepened in Yu Yuyan's eyes. He wanted to join Taiyi? But she replied, "Major sects recruit disciples every three years. Unless you're already part of a hidden sect, you'll never know its location. Revealing it is punishable by death. The next selection will be in Hang Shui City at the beginning of next month."

Ye Mo looked at her strangely. "If the selection hasn't started, how are you already an outer sect member?"

"I have an outer sect membership card. I don't need the selection process," she replied, pouring him more wine.

Realizing she likely knew little more, Ye Mo feigned further intoxication.

"Mo Ying, I've had a crush on you since I first saw you. It's love at first sight, don't you agree? Tonight, we'll sleep together," Yu Yuyan whispered, believing him sufficiently drunk.

Ye Mo sneered. He hadn't anticipated her carrying him to her bed and beginning to undress him. When she reached his underwear, he prepared to intervene, even if it meant exposing himself.

Fortunately, she stopped there, pressing his chest and murmuring, "Are all men's chests this sturdy?" Blushing, she began to undress herself.