Su Mo already had a rough idea of how to make money.
But an idea was just an idea—if no one was willing to buy his magical artifacts, he’d still be broke.
After some thought, the only person who seemed able to help him was Ye Qingyi.
He remembered her telling him that after their father, Ye Zhongwen, remarried, the two sisters had left home to live on their own, relying entirely on the income from Ye Qingyu’s business ventures.
That’s right—Ye Qingyu had her own business. She had even given Ye Qingyi a share of the profits, which covered all their living expenses.
Thinking of this, he opened WeChat and sent Ye Qingyi a message: “Still awake?”
Ye Qingyi replied instantly: “No, I’m cultivating. What’s up?”
Su Mo pondered for a moment before typing out a long message, the gist of which was: I want to make money, I need your help, and I’ll cut you in on the profits.
Ye Qingyi sent back a shocked emoji, followed by: “Why the sudden urge to make money?”
Su Mo: “Rich kids don’t understand the struggles of poor kids. (っ╥╯﹏╰╥c)”
A long pause.
Then, Ye Qingyi: “I’m sorry, I didn’t think things through. I shouldn’t have done that. (◞‸◟ )”
Su Mo was both amused and exasperated, realizing she had misunderstood. He quickly typed back:
“Oh, come on, what are you thinking? Do I seem that fragile to you? 【eye roll】 I just figured future expenses might be high, so I’m planning ahead.”
Ye Qingyi: “Fine.”
Su Mo: “Tell me already, I can’t wait. 【money eyes】”
Ye Qingyi sent an “annoyed” sticker before getting straight to the point: “First, let’s talk profit split. If the cut’s too small, I won’t agree.”
Su Mo: “Come on, with our relationship—”
Ye Qingyi: “Cut the crap. I want 10% of your earnings. Any less, and I’m out.”
Su Mo chuckled, knowing she was just messing with him. “Deal,” he replied.
What he got in return was a phone number—one that wasn’t saved in Ye Qingyi’s contacts, so he’d never seen it before.
“So mysterious… Is this some shady business?” Su Mo wondered to himself.
The night passed without incident.
…
Early the next morning, after finding a way to send Ye Wei off, Su Mo headed alone to the agreed-upon address.
This was Jiangcheng’s largest flea market, bustling with endless streams of people. He wrapped himself up tightly, afraid of being recognized.
Stopping in front of an antique shop, he casually picked up a chipped bowl from the stall and smiled at the owner. “Boss, what era is this from?”
“This is from the Three Kingdoms period—used by Cao Cao himself during his campaigns!” The shopkeeper immediately perked up, grinning as his eyes subtly flicked over Su Mo’s face.
“Then I’ll pass. Who wants something someone else has eaten from?” Su Mo shook his head.
“We’ve got brand-new ones inside. Want to take a look?”
“Not from yesterday, I hope?”
“See for yourself.” The shopkeeper led the way inside.
Following him into the back room, Su Mo found a middle-aged man in his fifties studying a ceramic bowl.
“Boss, our guest is here.”
“Mm, you can go.” The man dismissed the shopkeeper before standing up and asking respectfully, “What brings the Second Young Miss to Wang Er?”
Su Mo could tell that despite the surface politeness, the man wasn’t particularly enthusiastic.
It was no surprise they didn’t hold much respect for Ye Qingyi’s status as the “second boss.” At just seventeen, she hadn’t done anything to earn their admiration. If not for her sister Ye Qingyu’s influence, she wouldn’t have any standing at all.
“Uncle Wang, I’m here to discuss a business opportunity,” Su Mo said, cutting straight to the point.
Wang Er remained unmoved but replied, “If the Second Young Miss is in any trouble, just say the word. After all, you’re Qingyu’s sister—we’d be happy to help.”
Su Mo frowned, recognizing the veiled jab—that Ye Qingyi had no real ability and was merely riding on her sister’s coattails.
“If Uncle Wang has no interest in magical artifacts, then I’ll take my leave.” Su Mo gave a polite nod and turned to go.
“Wait.” Wang Er stopped him.
“Something else, Uncle Wang?” Su Mo feigned confusion.
Wang Er’s attitude remained respectful, but his smile warmed slightly. “Don’t rush off, Second Young Miss. I’ve got something special to show you.”
He pulled out a handful of candies from a drawer and offered them to Su Mo.
Su Mo stiffened, caught off guard. I’m not a kid—what’s this about?
Wang Er, noticing his confusion, explained, “These aren’t ordinary candies. They’re spirit sweets imported from abroad—delicious and packed with energy. One piece can sustain you for three days.”
Su Mo feigned realization, accepted the candies with thanks, and made to leave again with an indifferent air.
Wang Er quickly intercepted him once more, shamelessly asking, “About those artifacts you mentioned earlier…”
“I’m just an underage girl still in school. Where would I get artifacts?” Su Mo casually brushed back his hair, “accidentally” revealing the white jade ring on his finger.
The moment Wang Er saw the ring, a flash of greed flickered in his eyes—though he hid it well, assuming Su Mo hadn’t noticed.
“Second Young Miss, you jest. Talent isn’t bound by age—who says the young can’t do business? Qingyu was around your age when she started. The Ye family truly breeds excellence—both young misses are remarkable.”
Su Mo smirked inwardly. As expected—respect only comes when you prove your worth.
He had no doubt that if he’d admitted it was all a joke, Wang Er’s attitude would’ve flipped right back.
In the end, they struck a deal—though Su Mo didn’t hand over any artifacts immediately. Instead, they agreed on a time and place for the exchange.
Of course, Su Mo showed him pictures of the battle blade, which Wang Er seemed quite pleased with.
Leaving the flea market, Su Mo felt refreshed, his spirits lifted.
As he walked home, contemplating how to deliver the artifacts to Wang Er, a red sports car sped past, kicking up dust all over him.
The car didn’t drive off but stopped a short distance behind him—as if its owner had come specifically for him.
The driver was a strikingly beautiful young woman from a wealthy family, her features somewhat similar to Ye Qingyi’s but far more aggressive.
“Well, well, if it isn’t the motherless Second Young Miss, Ye Qingyi. What are you doing wandering around alone? No home to go to?”
This was Ye Qingwen—Ye Zhongwen’s daughter with another woman, even older than Ye Qingyi, which spoke volumes about the situation.
A teenage boy, likely around seventeen or eighteen, stepped out of the car with her—her younger brother.
Like sister, like brother—he immediately joined in the mockery.
Su Mo wasn’t Ye Qingyi, though. He had no patience for their nonsense and no reason to spare their pride. Without hesitation, he strode forward and slapped both of them—hard.
They stood frozen, clutching their reddened cheeks in stunned silence.
After a long moment, Ye Qingwen suddenly burst into tears, while her brother looked ready to retaliate—until he met Su Mo’s icy glare and thought better of it.
A crowd quickly gathered, eager to witness the spectacle of wealthy heirs clashing. Even an old man from the roadside came over for a look.
Su Mo scoffed and walked away.
Hmph. Try me.