Volume One, Chapter 21: Heeding Su Tong's Words

Unlike Xiao Shiyu, whose entire body radiated a golden glow of merit, the light surrounding him contained threads of pure white—a manifestation of righteous energy. This man, in his previous life, must have been a celebrated scholar or a star descended from the celestial realm of literature.

Noticing that Su Tong hadn't followed, Xiao Shiwei turned back and saw her staring blankly to the side. Following her gaze, Xiao Shiwei’s face lit up with delight. "Brother Ye Mo!"

Ye Mo, donning a pair of gold-rimmed glasses and casually draping a bathrobe over his shoulders, turned his head only then. His eyes glimmered with amusement, and his tone was indulgent as he spoke, "Shiwei."

Stepping forward, Xiao Shiwei asked, "Brother Ye Mo, didn't you go to Chuanshi? How come you're back so soon?"

"Work," Ye Mo replied simply.

Xiao Shiwei recalled the way Su Tong had just been staring at him and nudged Su Tong forward with a mischievous tone. "Brother Ye Mo, let me introduce you—this is my friend Su Tong, soon to be a student at Sea University as well."

She winked at Su Tong and added, "This is our neighbor, Brother Ye Mo. He's twenty-three this year—don't be fooled by his youth, he's a professor at Sea University, and he teaches the most challenging course: Paleontology."

Su Tong caught Xiao Shiwei’s meaningful glances but couldn’t quite put her finger on what felt off.

Ye Mo, too, sensed something odd about Xiao Shiwei. It was their first meeting, so why was she sharing his age and occupation so readily? Still, he maintained his courtesy, smiling as he greeted Su Tong, "Hello."

Su Tong studied his face for a moment before saying, "You’d best turn down your upcoming assignment."

Ye Mo had taken her sweet and lovely appearance as a sign of a gentle nature, but he hadn’t expected her opening words to be an admonition against his work. Who did she think she was?

His smile faded, but for Xiao Shiwei’s sake, he refrained from confronting her directly. His voice grew colder, "Miss Su, you’d do well to focus on your own affairs. My work is none of your concern."

He turned to Xiao Shiwei, "Shiwei, enjoy yourselves. I’ll be heading back."

Xiao Shiwei, realizing Ye Mo had misunderstood, hurriedly grabbed his arm to explain. "Brother Ye Mo, you really should listen to Su Tong. She’s an exceptional metaphysics practitioner."

Ye Mo fixed Xiao Shiwei with a stern look. "Shiwei, you’re a university student—you should believe in science. Metaphysics is nothing but superstition."

He shot Su Tong a glare, his tone icy. "Miss Su, I advise you to act with integrity. Don’t use such deceitful tricks—study hard; that’s the right path."

This Su Tong was truly something else—she’d even brainwashed Shiwei. His impression of her only worsened.

Despite the skepticism, Su Tong remained composed, her expression serene and her tone unhurried. "It’s fine if you don’t believe, Mr. Ye. But should you need help, you can contact me anytime. My number is…"

She recited a phone number, confident that Ye Mo’s mind would retain it after just one hearing. After a pause, she added, "But when that time comes, the price will be several times higher."

Ye Mo’s lips curled in a cold smile. "Rest assured, I’ll never trouble Miss Su."

With that, he turned and left.

At his retreating back, Xiao Shiwei stamped her foot in frustration. "Brother Ye Mo, you must listen to Su Tong—she truly isn’t lying to you!"

"Senior Shiwei, don’t worry. If anything happens to him, I’ll step in," Su Tong reassured her, gently tugging Xiao Shiwei’s arm. After all, Ye Mo was shrouded in the golden glow of great merit; helping him would earn her considerable merit herself. But first, he needed to face some hardship—otherwise, he’d never believe her skills.

"Su Tong, you’re so much better. Don’t go easy on Brother Ye Mo—if you help him, make sure you charge him extra," Xiao Shiwei said indignantly.

Su Tong found Xiao Shiwei’s candor amusing and let out a soft laugh. "Senior, aren’t you supposed to side with your childhood neighbor instead of someone you’ve known for only two days?"

Xiao Shiwei’s lips curved into a triumphant smile. "I stand by what’s right, not by who I know. Besides, you’re my junior now, practically my little sister—why shouldn’t I stand by you?"

The words warmed Su Tong’s heart. Silently, she decided that if Xiao Shiwei ever needed her services, she’d offer her a discount.

Luo Xia had been waiting in the hot spring for ages and finally called out, "What’s taking you two so long? Did something happen?"

"We’re coming," Xiao Shiwei answered, pulling Su Tong toward Luo Xia.

After the hot springs, the three enjoyed a full-body spa. It was relaxing, but Su Tong still felt that true cultivation was more effective for health.

By the time they returned, it was nearly nine o’clock.

After taking a call, Luo Xia said to Su Tong and Xiao Shiwei, "There’s an auction in the ballroom tomorrow. Do you want to join?"

Su Tong sensed that Ye Mo’s work was connected to the auction, and that there would be dangerous items involved. Without hesitation, she replied, "I’ll go."

With Su Tong participating, Xiao Shiwei quickly agreed, "Count me in, too."

"I’ll ask my dad to reserve tickets for us," Luo Xia said, dialing her father.

Only then did Su Tong realize she hadn’t started her livestream today. Since she’d be staying here for two more days, she posted a message announcing a three-day break from streaming.

Ever since Su Tong had retrieved Dongdong, Su Beibei had become her devoted fan, tuning in at 8 p.m. sharp every day. Tonight, however, he waited from eight until nine, but instead of her broadcast, he saw her announcement about the three-day hiatus.

He couldn’t help but wonder if something had happened to her. After mulling it over, he finally sent Su Tong a private message: "Why no stream tonight?"

Su Tong happened to be holding her phone and replied, "On vacation with friends at the North City Hot Spring Hotel."

After watching her stream for two days, Su Beibei knew she was different from other hosts—she relied on her abilities, not on private chats with sponsors. When he sent his message, he hadn’t expected a reply.

But to his surprise, she answered.

Overjoyed, he sent another message: "I’ll be shooting at White Deer Hot Spring Resort the day after tomorrow. Which hotel are you at? Maybe we’re staying at the same place."

Su Tong replied, "That’s exactly where I am."

Su Beibei’s heart nearly burst with excitement. "Can we meet the day after tomorrow? I’d like you to read my fortune—price is negotiable. It’s not that I don’t want it done on your stream, but my identity makes it inconvenient to appear publicly."

Su Tong responded, "Of course. I know you’re the top influencer, Su Beibei."

Su Beibei was over the moon—the master knew who he was! Then again, for someone as skilled as she, it made perfect sense.

He replied, "See you then."

"All right," Su Tong answered.

With that, she exited the app, set her phone aside, and prepared to wash up for bed.

Just then, that strange and sinister energy reappeared.

Su Tong immediately opened the door and hurried out in pursuit.