"Ye Mo, I want to ask you for a favor," Su Jingwen said, a little embarrassed.
Ye Mo had expected that. Still, he had a good impression of Su Jingwen. Ever since he first saw her desperately trying to save her mother, he had felt she was someone worth helping. Besides, even though he had ended up in the police station because of her last time, he knew she had meant well.
"Go ahead. If I can help and it won't take too long, I'll definitely do what I can. Helping a beauty is my pleasure," Ye Mo said with a grin.
"Actually… you look really nice when you smile. You should smile more often." Su Jingwen suddenly said something completely unrelated.
Ye Mo was slightly taken aback. Though he had grown familiar with the people and events here, deep down he always remained guarded. After the police incident, that vigilance had only intensified. He felt his strength was still too weak; this cautiousness was a way to protect his secrets and prevent danger. That often made him come across as cold.
But after hearing Su Jingwen's words, he realized he might have been too reserved. As long as he didn't reveal his core secrets, there was no need to live so cautiously all the time.
"Ye Mo, I actually asked around about you," Su Jingwen continued, glancing at his expression. Seeing no change, she breathed a sigh of relief and added, "I have a younger cousin who also studies at Ninghai University. Her name is Su Mei. I heard about you from her."
"Maybe you had some misunderstandings with Su Mei. She's a bit proud, but not a bad person. Anyway, I don't know her that well either. Um, I…" Su Jingwen hesitated for a long time but didn't finish her sentence.
Su Mei had once told Su Jingwen that Ye Mo was rude and lacked social awareness. But Su Jingwen hadn't really listened. She knew exactly what kind of person Su Mei was. The real reason she brought her up was to let Ye Mo know he shouldn't give up on himself. She had wanted to mention someone she knew who was capable of treating even people in vegetative states. Maybe Ye Mo could be helped too.
But those words were difficult to say—especially since she and Ye Mo weren't that close. They were just friends, and saying something like that, especially as a girl, felt too awkward.
Ye Mo understood what she meant. Since she was Su Mei's cousin, it was clear she knew about his condition. He gently waved a hand to stop her rambling and said, "Actually, I'm quite happy with my life. No need to worry about me. But thank you for your concern. So, what did you need my help with?"
Su Jingwen blushed slightly. From Ye Mo's calm demeanor, it seemed he really didn't mind that matter. Was he really that open-minded? Either way, she quietly made a decision—if she ever saw that charm-seller again, she'd ask if she could buy a talisman to help Ye Mo.
Although she hadn't known Ye Mo for long, being around him made her feel relaxed. His sunny appearance and easygoing attitude made him very approachable. That was why she was willing to help him.
"Today is my birthday," she said. "Because of family reasons, I haven't had a real celebration in years. I wanted to invite you to my birthday party tonight—if you're willing to come."
She didn't add that she also needed a male partner to dance with and hadn't found a suitable one. Asking someone as pure as Ye Mo was perfect.
Ye Mo was stunned but also warmed inside. Su Jingwen knew he was a cast-off from the Ye family but still came to invite him personally. It showed she treated him like a friend—just like Shi Xiu did—with no other motives.
"Of course, I'd love to. Thanks for inviting me—I'll be there tonight," Ye Mo replied with a smile.
Su Jingwen handed him an invitation card. "I won't come pick you up again. It starts at six, at the Yu Wan Private Club. The address is on the card. I need to go to the airport to pick up a friend. See you tonight."
As he watched her drive off in her Mercedes, Ye Mo thought about what gift he should bring. He couldn't show up empty-handed.
He had some money, but not much—and he needed to save it for cultivation. In the end, he went to the jade market and bought a very ordinary piece of jade. He crafted it into a jade bead bracelet. Although it looked like simple jewelry with six pea-sized jade beads, it was actually a defensive magical item. It could block simple attacks, even though it didn't have an official grade.
However, each bead could only be used once. After defending, it would shatter. The bracelet wasn't particularly beautiful, but it was practical.
There were only six beads—partly because Ye Mo had only spent about 300 yuan, and partly because his current power could only refine six beads. Still, Su Jingwen might wear this bracelet for a lifetime without ever using even one bead.
To someone as wealthy as Su Jingwen, this bracelet's appearance and price meant very little. She might not even wear it. But Ye Mo didn't plan to tell her it was a defensive artifact, regardless of whether she wore it or not.
Back at his place, Ye Mo saw that Xu Wei hadn't returned yet. He tidied up his herbs. In a month or so, his Silver Heart Grass would be ready for harvest.
Once everything was in order, Ye Mo cheerfully headed to the Yu Wan Private Club.
Ninghai Zhongqiao Airport
Su Jingwen had just arrived when she spotted Li Mumei. Next to her stood a breathtakingly beautiful girl—one with a kind of ethereal grace that even outshone Su Jingwen.
Who is this girl? So stunning, so otherworldly. If not for the slight sadness in her expression, Su Jingwen would've thought she was a fairy untouched by the mundane world.
She wasn't the only one. Many people at the airport had their eyes glued to Ning Qingxue. But as Su Jingwen approached, many of those gazes turned to her as well. Two incredibly beautiful women—it was quite a sight. Standing between them, the attractive Li Mumei seemed rather plain by comparison.
"Jingwen! Happy birthday!" Li Mumei shouted from a distance. "I came all the way to celebrate with you, hehe!"
"Mumei, I'm so happy you came to Ninghai. And this is...?" Su Jingwen grabbed her hand warmly.
"Hello, Jingwen. I'm Mumei's cousin, Ning Qingxue. I've heard of you before—and happy birthday." Ning Qingxue smiled softly.
"Thank you! So you're Qingxue? You're really beautiful—no wonder they call you the top beauty of the capital. I think I'm getting a little tempted myself…" Su Jingwen joked, but she noticed the trace of sadness in Qingxue's eyes and immediately thought of Ye Mo. She stopped mid-sentence.
Sensing the awkward silence, Li Mumei quickly said, "Jingwen, Qingxue—look how everyone's staring at us. Let's get going!"