As Su Jingwen drove, she couldn't stop wondering: Why did Ning Qingxue come? They weren't exactly close. Someone like Ning Qingxue wouldn't show up at her birthday party without an invitation.
Oh no… A sudden realization hit her. Ye Mo is coming tonight too. What if they run into each other?
"Jingwen, are you okay? You seem a little distracted," Li Mumei asked, noticing her dazed look.
"Oh, really? I just remembered something, but I've figured it out now." Su Jingwen quickly changed the subject. "By the way, Mumei, Qingxue's coming too. You didn't tell me! Qingxue, have you taken over your father's business? I heard you were working at Ning's Herbal Company?"
Li Mumei replied, "Actually, Qingxue took over the business in Beijing a while ago. I worked with her, helping out with the operations. But something happened, and now she's stepped away from the company for the time being."
Su Jingwen didn't press for details—family matters were better left alone. Seeing the sadness between Ning Qingxue's brows, she guessed Qingxue was probably just here to unwind. Maybe I should call Ye Mo and tell him not to come tonight, in case seeing Qingxue upsets her even more…
But then she remembered: Ye Mo didn't have a phone, and she didn't know where he lived. He wasn't at school either. There was no way to reach him. Looks like their meeting is inevitable.
"Jingwen-jie, I heard from Mumei that your mom hasn't been well. Is she better now?" Ning Qingxue asked, trying to shift the mood.
Su Jingwen had already snapped out of her daze and smiled warmly. "My mom's doing great! Didn't Mumei tell you?"
Ning Qingxue looked a bit awkward—she really hadn't asked about that. But Su Jingwen didn't seem to mind. She continued excitedly, "I was lucky to meet a master. You have no idea—his talismans…"
These days, Su Jingwen practically worshipped Ye Mo. Now that Qingxue had asked, she started raving about the talisman seller who had helped her. She even detailed the entire process—how she bought the talisman and how she used it.
Ning Qingxue and Li Mumei were left completely dumbfounded, staring at Su Jingwen like she was nuts. It was rare to meet someone so obsessed with superstition—especially someone highly educated like her. That talisman peddler must've had a silver tongue.
"Um, Jingwen… It's great your mom got better, but some things are best taken with a grain of salt," Li Mumei said gently, trying to pull her friend back to reality.
"I know you don't believe me. Fine, I won't force you to. But I still have one Fireball Talisman left. If I weren't so reluctant to use it, I'd throw it right here just to show you. But once I use it, I won't be able to get another one—the master disappeared!" Su Jingwen said helplessly.
"…Okay, okay, we believe you, 'Great Conwoman Su,'" Li Mumei finally gave in.
Even Ning Qingxue, who had been frowning the entire time, nearly burst out laughing. Su Jingwen, despite being older and usually level-headed, was talking about talismans and masters with the fervor of a true believer. It was wildly inconsistent with her usual image.
If I weren't feeling so down myself, Qingxue thought, this girl's "mystic act" might've cheered me up.
Meanwhile, Ye Mo had finished making the bracelet. He just stuffed it into his pocket without bothering to wrap it. It had taken quite a bit of effort, and now he needed to recover his spiritual energy. If these things sold well, maybe he'd even consider making and selling a few.
Tonight, Ye Mo took a taxi for the first time since arriving in this world. He would've run to the Yu Wan Private Club if he knew the way—but he didn't.
When the taxi stopped outside the club, the guards wouldn't let the car enter.
The guard noticed Ye Mo stepping out of a cab, looking modestly dressed. Though his clothes were neat, his hair was messy, and he wore cheap canvas sneakers worth maybe thirty or forty yuan. The guard immediately blocked his way.
"Sir, this is a private club. It's not open to—" Before he could finish, Ye Mo pulled out the invitation card and handed it over.
Ye Mo didn't mind the scrutiny. Dressed like he was, it was understandable. No need to get all worked up.
The guard studied the card repeatedly, then handed it back with a surprised look. "Sorry about that. Please, go on in."
As Ye Mo stepped inside the courtyard, a red Porsche suddenly zoomed past him into the lot, as if the guard at the gate were just decoration. The car braked hard, then reversed right back to where Ye Mo stood.
Who drives like this in a private courtyard? This guy must be incredibly arrogant, Ye Mo thought.
Just as he was thinking that, the door of the red Porsche flew open, and a girl jumped out.
She wore a blazing red top with tight jeans that perfectly outlined her curves. Her bold aura was unmistakable.
Su Mei.
Ye Mo wasn't surprised to see her. As Su Jingwen's cousin, it made sense she'd be here for the party. At school, she was flashy but somewhat restrained. Out here, she made no effort to hold back.
"Ye Mo, stop right there. What are you doing here?" Su Mei demanded.
The last time she'd invited Ye Mo to lunch, he had turned her down and even refused a few hundred yuan. She'd felt insulted and rejected.
Ye Mo looked at her calmly. "I'm here because I was invited. What, is this place yours? Do I need to report to you before showing up?"
Just then, another girl jumped out of the car—dressed similarly to Su Mei but even more eye-catching, with dyed yellow hair.
"What's up, Mei-Mei? Who's this old-fashioned guy?" she asked, casting Ye Mo a sideways glance.
Ye Mo shook his head. Birds of a feather flock together, huh.
Su Mei was about to reply when a military-plated Audi pulled up to the gate and stopped without entering. A man in his twenties stepped out, spotted Su Mei, and walked over with a smile.
"Meizi, long time no see! You don't look too happy. What's wrong?" he greeted warmly.
Su Mei's expression instantly brightened. "Brother Wang Xu! You never come to visit, and now you say long time no see!"