Chapter 8: Housemates

Translator: Tim Editor: Tehrn/Carolin

A middle-aged man practiced his martial arts nearby, and Ye Mo noticed him. However, Ye Mo considered his skills unimpressive and paid little attention. When the man approached, Ye Mo couldn't ignore him, so he smiled and replied, "I'm just practicing casually; nothing special."

The middle-aged man smiled awkwardly. It was clear Ye Mo wasn't interested in making his acquaintance. Nevertheless, the man genuinely admired Ye Mo's skill and approached to greet him.

"My name is Fang Weicheng. You have a skilled master. My hands itch for a match. Care for a quick spar?" Ye Mo finally understood the man sought a fight. Looking at Fang Weicheng, Ye Mo shook his head. "You're no match for me. There's no need to spar."

Fang Weicheng was taken aback. Ye Mo's initial humility had given way to arrogance. His face flushed. While impressed by the young man's skills, he felt Ye Mo greatly overestimated himself.

Fang Weicheng served in the army from age seventeen to thirty-two. Although he became a driver after his discharge, he never stopped practicing martial arts. How could Ye Mo claim superiority? The young man was barely twenty; there was no way he'd believe he was outmatched by a kid.

He'd wanted to spar because he sensed Ye Mo's skills were genuine, like his own, and a match would be beneficial.

"How can you know I'm no match for you? To be honest, since leaving the army, I've met no equal. Since you're so confident, let's try!" Fang Weicheng felt his pride wounded.

Ye Mo reluctantly shook his head. "Fine. You go first."

"Right here? Shouldn't we find a larger space?" Fang Weicheng looked around. Ye Mo smiled. "A few moves; it won't be necessary."

"You…" Fang Weicheng was speechless. Anger flared. "Then, I attack!"

Fang Weicheng launched the sturdy, if unremarkable, "Black Tiger Tearing the Heart." He planned to counter Ye Mo's response, showcasing his strength.

Unexpectedly, as Fang Weicheng struck, Ye Mo stepped forward, seizing his fist before he could change his attack. Ye Mo lifted his hand, and Fang Weicheng's nearly 100-kilogram body was hoisted into the air, his head reeling.

The experience was overwhelming. When he regained consciousness, he found himself seated on a stone stool beside Ye Mo, as if he'd been there all along. The young man had vanished.

"Amazing…" After a moment, Fang Weicheng grasped what happened, muttering, "Even my army instructor couldn't defeat me so easily!"

…

Ye Mo entered the small courtyard where Xu Wei tended her flowers. Though Ye Mo grew many flowers, it was primarily to conceal the Silver Heart Grass.

Seeing Ye Mo, Xu Wei felt awkward and stood up hastily, searching for conversation. "I didn't expect you to like flowers. Men who grow flowers are usually meticulous, so you seem… meticulous. Oh, I bought vegetables; let's eat together. We're neighbors; we should get to know each other."

Ye Mo, who usually ate out, was surprised by the invitation. He readily agreed, smiling. "Okay, thank you. I always see you leaving early and returning late. Why aren't you at work today?"

"A colleague is on leave, and I'm taking her night shifts," Xu Wei replied, surprised by his observant nature.

Xu Wei's cooking was good, better than Ye Mo's usual fare. "This was excellent, thank you!" He then mused, "How wonderful if I could freeload meals like this every day. I wouldn't have to go out for food."

"We're neighbors; no need to thank me. You can invite me next time," Xu Wei said playfully, finding Ye Mo not unpleasant.

Ye Mo smiled awkwardly. "I never cook."

"Then let's go to a restaurant," Xu Wei thought. Usually, a man would take a woman to a restaurant; who cooks for a first date?

Ye Mo said helplessly, "Okay. If I have the chance, I'll invite you," thinking, "There's no such thing as a free lunch. One meal leads to owing the next."

"Ye Mo, let's exchange numbers. Mine is 13xxxxxxxx. What's yours?" Xu Wei produced a pink phone.

"I don't have a phone. If you need something, just knock. I can help with small tasks. I'm going back now," Ye Mo said, returning to his room.

Xu Wei was surprised. Even laborers had phones; Ye Mo's lack suggested hardship. She wondered about his rent and how the landlord accepted him.

Yet, he seemed to value his dignity, offering his help. Xu Wei shook her head. He wasn't bad, just insecure. She considered offering him a job at the hospital – better than unemployment.

She considered herself reasonably attractive, yet he left so quickly, disappointing her. It seemed he only cared about the meal. But she quickly realized his self-consciousness. Jobless and without a phone, naturally, he'd be uncomfortable. This brought her peace of mind.

Back in his room, Ye Mo considered buying a phone, but decided against it. He had no friends or relatives to contact.

His $50,000 was spent on rent, herbs, and daily expenses, leaving about $20,000. He decided to restart his stall.

This time, not charms – they were too difficult to sell. Without that desperate woman, he likely wouldn't have sold a single one.

He planned a mobile night market clinic. Xu Wei's job inspired him. It was mobile, evading unwanted attention. The city guards wouldn't bother him at night, and he could cultivate while waiting for customers. The government forbade unlicensed doctors; nighttime was his only option.

His strategy remained the same: either do nothing or earn enough to last a long time.