Chapter 86: Leaving Ning Hai
Ye Mo awoke at 1:00 AM—the perfect time to leave Ning Hai. Yun Bing was nestled in his arms, a small smile playing on her slightly flushed lips. He wondered what she was dreaming.
Although he'd initially perceived Yun Bing as cold and heartless, a few days of living together had altered his impression. Despite her age (nearly thirty), she seemed less mature than Xu Wei, her coldness masking a yearning for warmth and affection, evident in her nightly habit of seeking his embrace.
She slept as she had the previous night, in a nightgown, her arm draped across his, pressing against her breasts. The lack of a bra revealed the delicate curve of her body, a sight that, despite his inexperience, left Ye Mo's mouth dry. The woman beside him was a stark contrast to the cold teacher he knew.
He sighed. This was likely her way of protecting herself. Gently removing her arm, he covered her with the blanket and got out of bed. After writing a short note, he dressed, grabbed his bag, and climbed out onto the balcony. A jump to the second-floor balcony, then down to the ground, allowed him to vanish into the night.
Ning Hai's barricades posed no significant obstacle; his Cloud Shadow Step far outpaced any vehicle. Within two hours, by 3:00 AM, he was well out of the city. He'd confirmed his identity had been compromised, but lacked the means to create a new one. Using Wen Dong's fabricated identity—also under the name "Ye Mo"—would attract too much attention. He regretted not changing his name sooner.
At a three-way intersection, Ye Mo attempted to flag down a car. Continued use of the Cloud Shadow Step was unsustainable. However, traffic was sparse, with only a few occasional trucks. His attempts to hail them proved unsuccessful.
A car of indistinct make sped toward him. He waved, resigned to seeking a truck if necessary. To his surprise, the car stopped. Before he could express his gratitude, a woman's voice said, "Xueming, why stop for a stranger in the middle of the night? We're being pursued; what if he's with 'Yellow'?"
A man's voice responded, "Dandan, everyone faces trouble. We got this car through someone's help. We've only had it half a day; 'Yellow' couldn't possibly know about us. Besides, he's alone. Don't you trust your man?" A man, appearing to be in his thirties, looked at Ye Mo and said, "Come in, friend." The woman rolled her eyes in silence.
From their brief conversation, Ye Mo gathered that they were also fugitives. The man's willingness to help, despite his own predicament, impressed him.
"I'm Wu Xueming, this is my girlfriend, Yu Miaodan. Where are you headed, friend?" Wu Xueming introduced himself as Ye Mo entered the car.
"I'm Ye Mo. I don't have a specific destination; I just need a ride," he replied, grateful and not bothering to conceal his name.
Miaodan, initially reassured by Ye Mo's quiet demeanor, became wary upon hearing his lack of a destination.
Wu Xueming studied Ye Mo, unconcerned. Ye Mo, sensing their suspicion, explained, "I offended someone powerful, forcing me to flee. I need to get as far away as possible. Just take me somewhere distant before dawn, and I'll be grateful."
Wu Xueming understood. He nodded, started the car, and drove off rapidly.
Ye Mo, in the backseat, sensed Wu Xueming's martial arts skill, though average compared to his own—perhaps slightly better than Fang Weicheng. The identity of "Yellow" remained a mystery.
Miaodan, elegantly dressed and lightly made-up, kept her gaze fixed on Wu Xueming, her devotion apparent. Wu Xueming, with his thick eyebrows and imposing build, exuded a soldierly aura reminiscent of Guo Qi, yet with a fiercer edge, suggesting post-military activities.
"Who did you offend, Brother Ye?" Wu Xueming asked, sensing the tension.
"Someone influential. I had no choice but to run. I'm fortunate to have met you, Brother Wu," Ye Mo replied, sharing only what he felt comfortable revealing.
Wu Xueming sighed, "This society" He then proposed, "I'm heading to Mang Jiang; I can drop you off there. It's near the sea and Hong Kong, making it easy to reach other places."
"Mang Jiang is fine. Thank you, Brother Wu," Ye Mo agreed.
Wu Xueming smiled. "Trouble's unavoidable. I can help with this; the rest is up to you."