When Su Mo decided to rescue the hostages from the Black Dragon Gang, Wang Er tried to dissuade him, saying it wasn’t worth it.
Several other council members and subordinates also believed they shouldn’t go, but Su Mo stood firm, assuring everyone that he would bring their brothers back safely.
Tang Hu and the others were deeply moved, swearing their unwavering loyalty. However, some who had been on the fence and had just decided to support Su Mo now changed their minds.
To them, Su Mo’s actions seemed like a reckless pursuit of personal influence within the Qingyu Society at the expense of the organization’s safety.
But Su Mo made it clear—he would only take Ye Qingyi and Tang Hu’s men, not a single additional fighter from the Qingyu Society. Even though Wang Er and others volunteered, he refused.
Avoiding suspicion was one thing, but the main reason was that he simply didn’t need them.
Still, he assigned Wang Er and the others different tasks.
Su Mo personally arranged accommodations for Tang Hu and his men, planning to formally induct them into the Qingyu Society after returning from Xing City.
Once everything was settled, he called Tang Hu outside alone and handed him a red fruit.
“What’s this?” Tang Hu couldn’t possibly have guessed it was a rare spiritual treasure.
“For now, let’s just call it a red fruit. Eating it can enhance your innate talent and boost your cultivation.”
“Huh?!” Tang Hu was stunned, staring at the fruit in his hand, unsure how to react. “This is too valuable…”
“No matter how precious something is, it only has meaning when put to good use. To me, it’s just an HP potion.”
Su Mo said it so casually that it didn’t diminish the fruit’s worth. Tang Hu stopped hesitating and swallowed it whole. A warm current instantly spread from his stomach, nourishing his entire body.
“Thank you, Boss Lady.”
“Hold on, hold on—don’t call me ‘Boss Lady.’ I’m only eighteen. It feels weird.”
“Then… ‘Boss’?”
“That works.”
Tang Hu: “…”
Is there even a difference?
“Make the most of the fruit’s effects and train hard. We leave for Xing City first thing tomorrow.”
“Yes, Boss!”
Back at home, Ye Qingyi took the initiative to cook, preparing a lavish spread for Su Mo.
Not only that, but she was unusually gentle today, none of her usual sharp-tongued bickering.
“What’s up with you today? You’re acting strange. Are you setting me up for some big prank?”
“Hmph. So in your eyes, that’s the kind of person I am?” Ye Qingyi pouted, looking displeased.
“Uh… I kinda prefer your usual rebellious self. It feels safer.”
Ye Qingyi rolled her eyes. “Stop overthinking it and just eat. I just thought you did well today, so I decided to treat you. Don’t expect this often.”
Su Mo couldn’t stop grinning after hearing that. “Was I super cool today?”
“Look at you, so full of yourself.”
“Just answer the question.”
“Yes, yes, you were the coolest today. I’m totally in awe.”
“Hahahaha, I knew it…”
From that moment on, his smile never faded. Every now and then, he’d let out a sudden, goofy chuckle, startling Ye Qingyi.
Was a single compliment really enough to keep him this happy for so long? She couldn’t understand why guys could be so weird—even a little childish.
After dinner, Ye Qingyi pressed down on Su Mo’s still-curved lips and said seriously, “I know you wouldn’t agree to Tang Long’s request unless you were confident, but I still don’t get it.”
“Don’t get what? How I plan to deal with the Black Dragon Gang?”
“Exactly.”
Su Mo smirked mysteriously, then suddenly turned serious, staring straight at Ye Qingyi. “Qingyi, tell me what’s going on.”
“Huh? What do you mean?” Ye Qingyi was baffled, unsure what he was playing at.
Su Mo turned and sat on the sofa, crossing his legs. His demeanor suddenly carried an air of dominance and ease, though the warmth in his eyes remained unchanged.
“You’re imitating my sister!” Ye Qingyi realized.
“Bingo. That’s my secret weapon.”
“What does copying my sister have to do with defeating the enemy? Wait—Su Mo, you’re a genius! Why didn’t I think of using her intimidating presence to scare them?”
Su Mo pointed at his head, then at hers. “That’s why, even with the same situation, different minds lead to different paths—and different outcomes.”
“Yeah, yeah, whatever you say. This thing’s got a little water in it, so it doesn’t work as well.” Ye Qingyi tapped her own head, smugly lifting her chin.
KO!
Su Mo, having lost this round, naturally dropped the subject and changed the topic—under the guise of “focusing on the mission.”
“Hurry up. We’ve only got tonight. Teach me all her signature moves and what to watch out for.”
Su Mo changed into an outfit similar to Ye Qingyu’s usual style.
Luckily, her fashion sense leaned toward androgynous, making it easier to mimic.
As for expressions and mannerisms, sisters already share some resemblance—and these two were nearly seventy percent alike.
The only real difference was their aura.
One was a cold, domineering queen, while the other was the sweet school belle. Ironically, Su Mo’s version of Ye Qingyi was closer to the original.
When Su Mo performed under Ye Qingyi’s guidance, he looked like a younger, less polished Ye Qingyu.
But it didn’t matter. Not many had seen her in person, and even those who had likely only met her briefly—no one would remember the finer details.
“Wow, you’re scarily good at this. Feels like you’re her real sister,” Ye Qingyi marveled, clapping in approval.
“Of course. It’s like the difference between an e-bike and a motorcycle—master one, and the other comes naturally. Especially when they’re the same model from the same manufacturer.”
Ye Qingyi scoffed. “What kind of analogy is that? You just say whatever comes to mind.”
“Just a scholar’s basic skill. No need to be impressed.”
“Pfft.”
Ye Qingyi circled Su Mo, frowning. Something still felt off.
“Does it feel like something’s missing?”
“Yeah, but I can’t tell what.”
Su Mo grinned, then glanced downward meaningfully. “Well… I think we might need some… padding.”
Ye Qingyi’s face went from pale to crimson in an instant. “Su Mo! You’re the worst! I’m still young, okay? There’s room to grow! And I’m already above average for my age!”
Su Mo straightened up, feigning seriousness. “My apologies. I shouldn’t have said that. But it’s for the mission. Please forgive me.”
Seeing him play the straight man so convincingly, Ye Qingyi refused to back down. “It’s fine. I don’t mind. A ninety is lower than a ninety-five, but no one thinks ninety isn’t excellent—just that ninety-five is more gifted.”
“Not bad. You’re starting to sound like me.”
But then she suddenly pivoted. “Unlike some people who haven’t even hit the passing mark but still dare to mock my ninety for not being first place.”
Su Mo’s eyes widened in exaggerated outrage. “Hey, hey, who are you calling ‘below passing’? We’re settling this right now.”
“Whoever gets mad first is the one. Nyeh nyeh, below passing~ Nyeh nyeh, below passing~”
Su Mo: (งᵒ̌皿ᵒ̌)ง⁼³₌₃