Chapter 98: Last News

Translator: Tim Editor: Tehrn

Ning Qingxue nodded. “Sometimes, ideas just pop into my head, like this trip to Flowing Snake. I knew it was dangerous, but I fantasized about meeting Ye Mo without incident. Before, I never would have done this, but now, I can’t help myself. I don’t know if it’s longing; I can’t articulate the feeling.”

Hearing this, Chi Wanqing asked curiously, “Qingxue, didn’t you fake your marriage to Brother Ye? You only wanted him to act as a shield… and then divorce?” From Chi Wanqing’s perspective, Ning Qingxue’s search for Ye Mo in Flowing Snake was strange enough, but now she planned to go to the desert. Had she not used Brother Ye as a shield? It seemed she’d fallen for him.

Ning Qingxue shook her head, remaining silent for a moment before saying, “I don’t know why; it’s just a feeling. I hoped to hear news of him, but if there’s no information, perhaps I’ll never see him again. I thought Flowing Snake was my last lead, but now I learn he may have gone to the desert. If I lose this chance, I’ll regret it for years to come.”

She hesitated before continuing, “You don’t understand. A few months ago, I never would have gone to Flowing Snake, much less the desert. Sometimes, you don’t even notice you’re changing. Then, you realize some people are impossible to forget.

“Yes, I used him as a shield, but by the time I understood who he was, he’d already left, giving me no chance to apologize. I’m sorry, Wanqing, but he must treat you differently; otherwise, he wouldn’t have told you about the fake marriage. Sometimes, I admire you. He’d never tell me this, yet he told you…”

Chi Wanqing observed Ning Qingxue’s expression and felt sympathy. She was similar, yet different. Ning Qingxue discovered Ye Mo’s worth after he’d left her; Chi Wanqing discovered it while still in contact with him. From his last conversation, he didn't seem inclined to marry her.

No intentions of marrying Qingxue? Chi Wanqing blushed, then shook her head. She had the same problem: if she hadn’t sought Ye Mo out, he wouldn’t have looked for her. He felt the same way about her as about Ning Qingxue—they weren't in his heart. “Does he love someone else?”

Chi Wanqing wondered what kind of woman Ye Mo loved. Even exceptional women like herself and Ning Qingxue weren’t enough; what kind of person would he choose?

She abruptly stopped her thoughts, looking at Ning Qingxue. “Qingxue, going to the desert alone is too dangerous. The Taklimakan is a sea of death, far more perilous than Flowing Snake. In Flowing Snake, you might meet Fang Nan, but in the Taklimakan, you face sandstorms and scorching sun; it’s practically a death sentence.”

Ning Qingxue shook her head. “I know the danger. But I was mortally wounded not long ago. I’ve faced death; I just want to ask him if I’m truly so awful, so hard to see. If he wants me to leave him alone, I will. He saved my life; giving it back is nothing…”

Ning Qingxue’s voice grew melancholic, and she trailed off.

Chi Wanqing looked at her with sympathy, sighing. “Qingxue, are you being reckless for Brother Ye? He won’t appreciate it. Why would he want your life? He saved mine too; am I going to give it back? Maybe he doesn’t want to see you, but he’s busy. Maybe he doesn't even know you want to see him…”

But Ning Qingxue remained silent, determined. Reckless or not, she couldn't rest until she saw Ye Mo. She felt this was her last chance, perhaps her only chance to see him again.

Even if it meant waiting at the desert’s edge, she would wait.

Seeing her resolve, Chi Wanqing knew she was serious.

She considered Ning Qingxue’s words. This might be the last news of Ye Mo; if he left the desert, who knew where he’d go? The world was vast; who could find him?

Suddenly, Chi Wanqing said, “Qingxue, let me come with you. I have more desert experience; I served in the military for several years.”

“You’re going to the desert too?” Hearing that Chi Wanqing also sought Ye Mo, Ning Qingxue realized she must feel something for him, but she hadn’t expected her to go to the desert as well.

Chi Wanqing nodded firmly. “But first, we need to go to Luo Cang; I have a company there. We need to prepare. Going to the desert isn't like going elsewhere; we need tools and medicine.”

Fang Nan watched the two girls leave, relieved. The thought of them coming to Flowing Snake had shaken him. If something had happened… But even though they were gone, his problems weren't over. He’d offended Shi Wei and needed to explain to the Amphibious Gang; otherwise, he couldn’t stay. He knew their power.

The Amphibious Gang was under Nan Qing. Ten years ago, a real estate business near High Point had underestimated them. Nan Qing refused their apology and compensation, annihilating them overnight. Every gang on the border knew this, so they usually treated the Amphibious Gang with respect.

Now Fang Nan had offended Shi Wei, a mere messenger, but still part of the Amphibious Gang. If they reproached him, he’d pay the price.

If they refused compensation, he’d prepare for war. However, Fang Nan thought the Amphibious Gang would accept compensation for such a small offense. At worst, it would hurt his finances; they wouldn’t annihilate him.

His current possessions were from Ye Mo. Without him, he couldn’t have taken Flowing Snake from the Philippines and Vietnam Gang. He deeply respected Ye Mo, believing him extraordinary. So he didn’t regret offending Shi Wei for these two women.

Compared to Fang Nan’s troubles and the women’s search, Ye Mo’s clinic had gained quite a reputation locally.

The day after he saved Xanxan, the child’s parents came to thank him, offering $10,000.

Ye Mo refused the money, giving them $30,000 instead. He wanted their help obtaining the necessary documents.

The father, Zhang Po, worked at the Luo Cang tax office and was a local, making this easy. Ye Mo preferred to remain unseen, sending Yu Erhu with Zhang Po to obtain the permits and clinic registration.

Money solved many problems; whether Yu Erhu had the necessary skills mattered little.

With the couple’s enthusiastic help, Ye Mo’s clinic, open only ten days, gained a great reputation due to their promotional skills.

The clinic was named Hui Chun Clinic. Ye Mo largely ignored it, tending his garden to plant Silver Heart Grass, leaving the clinic entirely to Yu Erhu.

Luckily, Yu Erhu had medical experience, and with Ye Mo’s frequent guidance, he easily treated minor ailments.

Ye Mo gave Yu Erhu $20,000 of the remaining $40,000 for herbs, keeping $20,000 for desert supplies.

The clinic didn’t earn money, but Ye Mo didn’t care. His priority was growing Silver Heart Grass. Earning money was a bonus.

Yu Erhu’s herbs were made into soups and pills by Ye Mo, who explained their uses. Ye Mo freely shared his medical knowledge, teaching Erhu everything he could, including a fist technique and breathing technique.

Yu Erhu, though naive, was intelligent and learned quickly.