“When the president first founded the Qingyu Society, she said that no matter what our goals were, we must always prioritize the nation’s interests and never betray our country for personal gain. That became the organization’s bottom line.”
Su Mo: “…”
“However, the president hasn’t handled society affairs for a long time due to the ancient tomb matter, and it seems everyone has grown lax.”
“I heard Liao Yu is quite capable. And if my sister entrusted the Qingyu Society to him, she must have had confidence in both his skills and character. How could he—”
Wang Er shook his head helplessly. “People change. His abilities are undeniable—he’s developed the Qingyu Society remarkably well these past few years. But he’s become too rigid, blinded by power. It’s inevitable that he’d stray from his original intentions.”
After hearing Wang Er’s explanation, Su Mo suddenly felt that Liao Yu was quite impressive. If not for their conflicting interests, he might have even wanted to get to know him.
Of course, someone like that was only worth knowing, not befriending.
“So, has Second Young Lady really made up her mind?” Wang Er asked again.
“Uncle Wang Er, this is the fifth time you’ve asked me today…”
“Oh, right, right. Well then, I’ll take my leave. If anything comes up, just call me. Another day, I’ll introduce you to the brothers who’ve never forgotten our original purpose.”
Su Mo saw him out. Just before Wang Er got into the car, Su Mo suddenly asked, “Uncle Wang Er, didn’t you say you didn’t bring your phone? How did you show up so quickly after I messaged you?”
Wang Er’s expression froze. “Actually, I did bring it—I just left it in the car earlier and thought I hadn’t.”
“Oh, I see~”
The black car drove off, eventually disappearing from sight.
The information Wang Er brought this time was crucial for the next steps of their plan. Since the higher-ups hadn’t officially issued their mission yet, Su Mo could use this opportunity to learn more about the Qingyu Society.
Thinking this, he headed back into the villa.
The moment Su Mo stepped inside, Xia Qingqing and Huo Jingshu surrounded him, grinning like matchmaking aunties. Su Mo sighed. “If you have something to say, just say it. What’s with the smiles?”
“Hehehe…” The two just giggled without explaining.
Su Mo never expected that Huo Jingshu—a girl known for her cold, silent demeanor—would change so much after spending time with Xia Qingqing.
At dinner, the two suddenly announced they wanted to stay at a hotel instead. Though they didn’t explain why, Su Mo understood their reasoning. Unable to stop them, he let them go.
After the meal, Ye Qingyi pulled Su Mo out for a walk without specifying where. Su Mo agreed without hesitation.
They strolled down one street after another until they reached a bustling square.
The temperature in Jiangcheng had plummeted after the winter solstice, dropping below freezing, but that didn’t dampen people’s enthusiasm. Perhaps because it was the weekend, even groups of elementary school kids were running around, playing.
“Childhood was so carefree,” Su Mo couldn’t help but sigh.
He reminisced about his days as the “kid boss,” when a single rallying cry would summon over a dozen loyal followers—some calling him “Big Bro,” others “Uncle,” even “Grandpa.” Truly a glorious era.
“Yeah, childhood was wonderful. Back then, Mom was still around. She often took me and my sister out to play.” Ye Qingyi’s eyes dimmed.
“Sorry for bringing up painful memories.”
“Why apologize between us?” Ye Qingyi took Su Mo’s hand, sending a shiver through him.
They’d held hands before, but this time felt entirely different. He couldn’t help but wonder—why did it feel so strange when it was still technically his own hand?
“What are you doing?”
Ye Qingyi rolled her eyes. “We’re a couple in the honeymoon phase now. As the guy, of course I should take the initiative.”
Su Mo frowned. “Let’s get one thing straight—some boundaries shouldn’t be crossed.”
“I know, I know. It’s still early, and girls are supposed to be shy.” Ye Qingyi patted her chest, looking utterly reliable.
“It’s not about shyness!”
“Well, I don’t care. You’re my girlfriend now, and I’ll fulfill my duties as a boyfriend.”
“You—” Su Mo gritted his teeth, helpless against her.
Eighteen years of singlehood, and his first relationship had to be like this? Anyone would go crazy.
Still, they were officially together now. And at the core, Ye Qingyi was still his girlfriend—they were just putting on an act for outsiders. The thought actually excited him.
Su Mo reassured himself: A “girlfriend” was just a title. As long as he stayed chaste, she couldn’t do anything to him.
Once they swapped back… heh, he’d make sure to reclaim every bit of lost dignity.
Suffer first, enjoy later—perfectly understandable.
Never had he wanted to switch back so badly.
“What are you thinking about?”
“Nothing. Just marveling at how unpredictable life is.”
“Pfft.”
Even with their identities reversed, their banter remained unchanged—like how a dog could never resist… meat.
“Big brother, buy a flower for your sister! Ours are the sweetest!” A little flower girl seized the moment to approach.
Before Ye Qingyi could speak, Su Mo had already picked one, paid, and handed it to her. “For you!”
Ye Qingyi blinked, took the flower, and inhaled its fragrance. It really was lovely. Delighted, she said, “Thank you.”
The flower girl watched, puzzled, muttering to herself, “They’re so weird. The girl bought the flower for the boy? Is this what my sisters call an ‘older woman-younger man’ relationship? But she looks even younger…”
“Didn’t expect you to be so smooth.” Ye Qingyi’s heart swelled with sweetness, adoring the rose Su Mo gave her.
Su Mo rubbed his nose, keeping the truth to himself.
No way I’d let you buy flowers for me—that’d be embarrassing. I’m still a man, after all.
Ye Qingyi glanced at him, seeing right through his little act but choosing not to expose it.
Hmph, just a silly boy.
They watched the children play for a while, then listened to old men spinning wild tales, each more outrageous than the last.
“Let’s check that out!” Ye Qingyi, now fully immersed in the fun, flitted between stalls, buying all sorts of useless trinkets while Su Mo trailed behind, paying.
Hah, just a silly girl.
Many men nearby looked on enviously, nodding in agreement—this was the pinnacle of male achievement. Moments later, they were all summoned to pay for their own partners’ purchases.
Su Mo smacked his lips, thinking that aside from appearances, he wasn’t much different from those men—still just an errand boy.
But when the men started grumbling, their wives shot back: “Look at what he’s buying—all for his girlfriend. Do you even have the heart to do that?”
The men collectively deflated.
It was true. To outsiders, Ye Qingyi was picking out girly things for him. But who knew she was the girl all along?
Seeing her so happy filled Su Mo with genuine joy. It all felt like a dream—dating a girl he’d never even “met.”