Chapter 785: Daughter Yimo

He felt a strange joy at the sight of her, though she was surrounded by students who seemed intent on harassing her. Ye Mo's heart pounded; the next moment, he stood at the high school's entrance.

"Move aside!" the pretty girl's voice, energetic yet angry, rang out.

"We can't beat you, but do you dare defy Di Hua? It's his birthday. Go with him, and you'll be our 'Big Sister' and get a spot in the national math competition. Otherwise, we won't stop, and you know the consequences," a chubby girl threatened.

"Yeah, yeah, who wouldn't want to be Di Hua's girlfriend, Yimo?" another chimed in.

Ye Mo? The same name as him? Studying the girl, he felt a tremor. Her eyes were identical to his. He recalled Ye Ling's words. Could this be the girl at his wedding?

No wonder Ye Ling thought she was his daughter. Even he felt a kinship, though he knew it was impossible. He'd had only three partners, none of whom had been pregnant.

Then, a jolt. He remembered Song Yangzhu, his first. Could it be her? No, it was just once! But he couldn't remain calm. The pieces fit.

If this girl was Song Yangzhu's daughter, then she was his too. He remembered hearing a girl cry at his wedding, a pang in his heart, then a figure hurrying a girl away—Song Yangzhu?

If so, how must she have felt? Carrying his daughter, forced to watch his wedding. Cruel.

A black BMW pulled up. A youth, seemingly fifteen but nearly five foot six, emerged. He addressed the girls surrounding Yimo: "Who allowed you to be so rude? Move aside."

Turning to the pretty girl, he said politely, "Yimo, it's my birthday. If you'll come, please. If not, I understand."

She remained silent, knowing rejection or acceptance would be problematic.

Looking at the plainly dressed girl, Ye Mo felt a bitter guilt, a profound sense of owing Song Yangzhu. He’d never considered her since taking her virginity.

He strode forward, hurling the youth into a nearby trash can. Then, he addressed the shaken girl: "What's your name?"

The girl was shocked. Throwing Di Fan aside casually—he was clearly a master. She’d heard her mother discuss ancient martial arts; perhaps he was Yellow Level! Though she knew of martial arts, she’d never trained. Her mother said it was costly.

Normally, she'd reject strangers, but she felt a closeness towards this brotherly figure who'd defended her. It was as if she'd known him always.

The next moment, she pushed him anxiously. "You must leave! Di Hua's bodyguard is very strong."

"Leave? After hitting Young Master Di?" A bulky man emerged from the BMW.

The girl grew more worried. Ye Mo, however, saw the man was not even Yellow Level. Before the bodyguard could attack, he delivered a stronger kick. The man couldn't defend himself, crashing into Di Hua, who'd just gotten to his feet.

"Wow!" the girl stared, "Big Brother, you're really strong!"

Ye Mo waved his hand. "I'm much older. Call me Uncle. What's your name?" He thought, If she were Song Yangzhu's daughter, who should be Black Level, she'd know Song Yangzhu's strength. Had he been wrong?

"I'm Ye Yimo." Ye Mo froze. His hands shook. Ye? Ye Yimo?

She noticed his tremor. "Uncle, are you alright? You should leave! The police will come. The Di family are ruthless. They could easily have you jailed—"

"Is your mother Song Yangzhu?" He seized her hands, asking shakily.

She pulled away, angry. "Uncle, what are you doing? How do you know my mother's name?"

Seeing her patched shoes, tears welled in his eyes. Song Yangzhu had given birth to his daughter, yet he'd never sought them out. Though a martial artist, she lacked practical skills. He could tell from Yimo's circumstances that they struggled. Those who stopped cultivating regressed. Perhaps she was Yellow Level now?

As for her presence in Ning Hai, her name hinted at the answer. She knew he'd lived there; she came seeking him, harboring no resentment. Otherwise, she wouldn't have named her daughter Yimo or come to Ning Hai.

Ye Yimo sensed his intimacy, noticing the tears in his eyes. She was about to speak when he grabbed her hand again, self-reproach lacing his voice. "I'm so sorry, Yimo. My name is Ye Mo. Perhaps your mother hasn't told you, but—"

"Ye Mo? You're my dad?!" She threw herself into his arms, crying. Mom was right! Dad would return, and now he has! She would finally have a father. No more illegitimate child taunts.

She'd heard his name countless times. Her mother only said he was strong and took her to the Mei Nei Snow Mountains. Nothing more.

"Yes, I'm your dad," he murmured, hugging her. Joy, self-hate, anxiety, excitement—a torrent of emotions.

Luckily, he'd come to Ning Hai. He'd have never known his daughter otherwise. For the first time, he felt this extension of himself, his daughter.

Police cars surrounded them, unnoticed by the pair, lost in their reunion.

"Cousin Di Zi, are you alright?" a young woman called.

Ye Mo saw a woman, younger than thirty, hurrying towards Di Hua.

The police helped Di Hua up; his bodyguard was taken away in an ambulance.

"Sister Cai, that man's a monster! He stole my girlfriend and beat me!" Di Hua cursed at Ye Mo.

"You beat him?" Sister Cai looked at Ye Mo coldly.