Chapter 9: The Prettiest Girl in Ning Hai University

Translator: Tim; Editor: Tehrn/Carolin

The second day, Ye Mo skipped his usual training at Qing Du Lake Garden. He woke early, completed a set of fist exercises in the yard, and then went out to buy a medical kit, a set of silver needles, and several herbs. He used these to make simple medicinal balls and soups—nothing elaborate, but enough to set up a street stall. This left him financially strapped once more. By the time he finished preparing, Ning Hai University had begun its new term—his fourth year.

Unsurprisingly, Ye Mo had failed all his subjects and faced re-exams. He remained unconcerned, a stark contrast to a typical student who would face severe punishment or expulsion for failing more than three subjects. However, Ye Mo was different. Despite being disowned by the Ye family, the university avoided conflict with them, as the intricacies of powerful families remained opaque. Besides, he was graduating in four years anyway. His initial admission hadn't been based on merit, so his academic failures held little weight. He focused instead on preparing his night market stall.

Each day, Ye Mo jogged to Ning Hai University, primarily to practice his Cloud Shadow Step. His cultivation progress was stagnant, and the lack of improvement in even basic martial arts was unsettling. He missed, however, the life-or-death struggles of the Luo Yue continent.

It was the second week of school, and although his medical stall remained unopened, Ye Mo felt significant progress in his Cloud Shadow Step. The 70km daily commute seemed beneficial.

This morning, he slept an hour later than usual, arriving at Ning Hai University around 7 am. After breakfast at a nearby restaurant, it was almost 8 am.

“Big brother, would you like to buy a flower?” A small girl, thinly clad despite the September chill, nervously approached Ye Mo, clutching a bouquet. She looked apprehensive, suggesting a family hardship. It reminded Ye Mo of his own childhood—an orphan until nine, when an old Taoist took him to his master's sect. The Taoist died a year later, but Ye Mo eventually found a mentor, Luo Ying, who changed his life.

“Aren’t you in school?” Ye Mo mused, noting the time. The nine-year compulsory education system meant this girl should be in class.

“It’s Saturday. I’m helping my older sister,” she replied softly, her unease evident. “One flower is five dollars, or three dollars each if you buy more.”

Her voice brightened at the prospect of a sale. Ye Mo bought the entire bouquet (about twenty roses), handing her a 100-dollar note.

“No change needed. Flowers for my girlfriend shouldn’t be discounted!” he said, disappearing into the university.

He would have given the flowers to Xu Wei after school, but now he’d likely have to discard them.

Near the school entrance, two girls observed him. One, recognizing Ye Mo, asked, “Is that Ye Mo? He has a girlfriend? ‘Flowers for my girlfriend shouldn’t be discounted!’ Who would date him?”

The other, even prettier, replied, “So, that’s Ye Mo? I’ve heard of him.”

“Su Mei, you're the campus queen—you wouldn’t know his tragic story. He's notoriously unlucky. Let’s follow him and see who his girlfriend is,” the first girl laughed.

“Yan Zi, I think he bought them for the little girl,” Su Mei frowned.

Before Yan Zi could respond, a voice interrupted: “Xiao Mei, I’ve been looking for you! Dinner? Don’t tell me you’re busy!”

A handsome, but pale, young man emerged from a BMW X7. Seeing Su Mei, his face lit up.

“Zheng Wenqiao, the school’s wealthiest heir! Mei Mei, you’re so captivating. The prettiest girl and the richest guy—I’m envious!” Yan Zi sighed enviously.

Su Mei’s face fell. Turning to see Zheng Wenqiao, she apologized, “Sorry, my boyfriend’s here.”

She rushed to Ye Mo, taking his arm. In a soft voice, she said, “Mo, you’re late! Did you get these for me? They’re beautiful!”

Ye Mo was taken aback. “Since when do I have such a beautiful girlfriend?” He noticed Zheng Wenqiao’s stunned expression and realized he was being used as a shield. A wave of disgust washed over him. This woman, he thought, felt entitled to use him and then walk away, leaving him to deal with the consequences. Her self-centeredness was infuriating.