Chapter 93: Do You Think You Can Leave?

Translator: Tim Editor: Tehrn

Ning Hai.

For several days, Ning Qingxue, unable to rest properly, finally calmed down. Television and online news reports indicated that the perpetrator from the recent case had fled Ning Hai. The noticeably reduced police presence further confirmed that Ye Mo had left.

“Xu Wei, I need to leave for a few days. Could you please look after the flowers I planted, especially the smallest one?” Ning Qingxue was speaking to Xu Wei when Li Mumei arrived from Su Jingwen's place.

Hearing this, Li Mumei exclaimed, “Qingxue, are you going back to Yu State?”

Ning Qingxue shook her head. “No, I just need some time alone to clear my head. Staying in Ning Hai has become too monotonous.” She didn’t reveal her destination.

Li Mumei sensed something was amiss. “Qingxue, you’re not going back to Yu State? May I accompany you?” Ning Qingxue had never traveled alone before, so Li Mumei was concerned.

Xu Wei, aware of Ning Qingxue's unusual background and the strange dynamic between her and Ye Mo (though she'd never directly asked), noticed Ning Qingxue’s request to tend the flowers. She understood the plants held significance for Ning Qingxue, though she didn't know why.

Seeing Ning Qingxue’s reluctance to share her plans, Li Mumei sighed and ceased questioning her.

Two days later, Ning Qingxue departed, reminding Xu Wei again to care for the plants. She couldn't easily transport Ye Mo's belongings, but felt unsafe leaving them in Ning Hai, so she packed the contents into a bag.

She hadn't found a suitable string for the three beads, so they went into the bag as well. She intended to find a beautiful string later to make a bracelet, but for now, she stored them away.

Her reason for leaving Ning Hai was Xiao Lei’s recent report of seeing Ye Mo in Flowing Snake. She believed he might return there. Her research indicated Flowing Snake was a border town, chaotic and ideal for evading capture.

While acknowledging the danger, she reasoned that she owed her life to Ye Mo. Furthermore, she feared that remaining in Ning Hai would prevent her from ever seeing him again, convinced he wouldn't seek her out. She hadn’t understood his return to Ning Hai, but she knew it wasn’t for her.

Her feelings for Ye Mo were increasingly complex. Initially, she'd used him, then felt guilt and a desire to apologize and compensate him. After he treated her injuries sustained protecting the plants, she felt gratitude, even longing to spend her life with him. Yet, the more she learned about him, the more distant he seemed, a paradox that fueled her desire to understand him.

There were no direct flights from Ning Hai to Gui Lin, but she could fly to Xian Mountain and then travel directly.

The journey to Gui Lin was uneventful. However, upon arrival, she found it impossible to secure transport to Flowing Snake. Despite offering generous payment, no one would take her, urging her to reconsider her trip.

Undeterred, she rented a Volkswagen and drove herself. Although transportation was scarce, obtaining directions was easy.

Two hours into her journey along winding mountain roads, she'd barely covered half the distance, and it was already 5 pm. Two more bumpy hours revealed flatter, desolate terrain, punctuated by the howls of animals and fierce winds.

Anxious, she increased her speed.

Hidden in a patch of woods, unseen by Ning Qingxue, several pairs of eyes watched her.

"Big Brother, we didn't expect a car this late. Should we move?”

The man, addressed as "Big Brother," waved his hand. "No need. We have other business tonight. Besides, someone driving that model probably doesn't have much valuable loot. And Fang Nan's influence is too extensive; it's not worth risking exposure for this vehicle."

Ning Qingxue unknowingly escaped danger due to her car model.

She arrived in Flowing Snake around 9 pm. Exhausted, she sought lodging for the night, planning to search for Ye Mo in the morning.

Flowing Snake had hotels, but they catered to bandits and border merchants involved in illicit activities. These establishments offered both rooms and downstairs bars.

Upon entering the nearest hotel, she immediately drew the attention of everyone present. While Flowing Snake had women, Ning Qingxue's youth, beauty, and pale complexion made her stand out, prompting leering stares even from the other women.

The countless hungry gazes sent a shiver down her spine.

Noticing this, a 30-year-old man at the bar, his eyes alight, approached. He raised his cup. "Girl, staying overnight? Don't worry; with me here, no one will harm you. Boss, the best room for this lady, my treat."

His presence silenced the room, replacing lust with a hint of pity. They knew him as Shi Wei, also known as Echidna. He was ruthless and powerful, even beyond Fang Nan's reach, and infamous for his lust, claiming countless victims.

Ning Qingxue turned to leave. "No need. I'm going elsewhere."

Shi Wei, seeing her pale face and attempt to escape, slammed his cup on the floor, blocking her exit. Arms crossed, he glared, “Do you think you can leave? Don't get cocky with me, girl!”