Chapter 83: I Can’t Let You Go

Translator: Tim Editor: Tehrn

Ye Mo completed another cultivation cycle. By noon, he felt completely healed, invigorated, and slightly stronger—near the peak of the second stage. This small improvement, in such a spirit-chi-scarce location, was significant, and he was not disappointed.

He found Yun Bing gone. She’d apparently left the room. After brushing his teeth with the supplies she’d provided, he heard the doorbell. His spirit sense revealed a young woman, perhaps twenty, not much younger than Yun Bing. While not as beautiful, her figure was more…substantial. He'd never encountered anyone with a larger bust than Wen Dong, until now. Her mature appearance almost suggested marriage, but his limited experience with women made him unsure.

An unknown woman at Yun Bing’s home—even if Yun Bing were present, he’d advise against opening the door. Currently on the run, he had no intention of answering.

The woman waited, then sighed, "Sister Bing isn't at school or home. Where could she be?"

Relieved to see her leave, Ye Mo's relief was short-lived. Yun Bing returned, burdened with several bags, none of which were his.

“Sister Bing! I searched everywhere, from school to here! I finally found you!” the girl exclaimed joyfully.

“He Li, why are you here? When did you arrive in Ning Hai?” Yun Bing responded, but He Li noticed her anxious expression.

“I need to talk to you. Let me in,” He Li insisted.

Yun Bing hesitated at the door.

“Seriously? I traveled so far, and you won’t even let me in? It’s not like you’re hiding a man. Why are you afraid to open the door?” He Li teased.

Yun Bing blushed and stammered, “He Li, let’s talk outside… I have… someone home…”

“You have a boyfriend? I have to meet him! I must see who captured your heart!” He Li exclaimed.

Yun Bing, aware of the stakes, hesitated. He Li was a good friend, but Ye Mo's situation was precarious. She gritted her teeth. “He Li, maybe another time. He’s… still undressed.”

He Li stared at Yun Bing, as if encountering an alien. “Sister Bing, you’re… open. You’re even sleeping together? Who is he? Make him get dressed! I must meet him!”

“His clothes were ripped last night,” Yun Bing offered lamely.

He Li’s eyes widened, scrutinizing Yun Bing before sighing, “Sister Bing, you’re intense. You couldn't even wait to… oh my god…”

Yun Bing’s face burned, speechless.

“Okay, seeing as you’re so embarrassed, I won't disturb your romance. I'm here to tell you Feng Rong returned. He's looking for you. I don't trust him. Be careful. I’m here for a press conference, so I’ll go. Next time, bring your boyfriend!” He Li departed.

Relieved, Yun Bing sighed, thankful to have deflected the conversation, though at the cost of her fabricated wild reputation.

Opening the door, she saw Ye Mo. Terrified, she slammed it shut. “You’re not well! Why are you up?”

Ye Mo said gratefully, “Mrs. Yun, thank you for what you did.”

“You heard everything?” Yun Bing realized he'd been behind the door the whole time. Her words replayed in her mind, and her expression changed. She wondered how Ye Mo would react.

“Yes. That was difficult for you. If I have the opportunity, I’ll repay your kindness. But I’ve troubled you for two days,” Ye Mo said, feeling guilty. He valued those who respected him and kept his accounts straight: goodwill repaid with goodwill, animosity with animosity.

“I didn’t really help, and please, don’t call me Mrs. Yun. It’s… awkward…” Yun Bing recalled their shared sleep, despite its innocence, and the title felt inappropriate.

Suddenly understanding his words, she gasped, “What did you mean?! Are you leaving?!”

Ye Mo nodded. “Yes. I’ve troubled you long enough. You saved me, and I can’t endanger you further. I’ve recovered, and I need to leave. Did you find my bag?”

“No, I can’t let you go…” Yun Bing began, then, seeing his shocked expression, blushed and corrected, “It’s too dangerous! They're searching for you everywhere! Leaving now is suicide!”

Ye Mo’s heart warmed. Yun Bing, cold yet kind, had repaid his help many times over, even sacrificing her reputation.

“Sister Bing, I have a way to escape, don't worry,” Ye Mo said, changing her appellation.

Yun Bing relaxed. She paused, then said, “Ye Mo, stay another night. When you’re here, I sleep better. It was like that last night. Consider it a favor to me.”

Ye Mo stared, her flushed cheeks unexpectedly alluring. He understood her fear of his immediate capture.

Seeing his prolonged silence, her flush faded to paleness. As she was about to speak, he said, “Fine, Sister Bing. You’re right. I’ll leave tomorrow morning. That might be the safest.”

Yun Bing beamed, acting like a child pleasing an adult. “Your things are here! I bought food, and I’ll cook for you.”