Chapter 76-80

Chapter 76: Your Whole Family Is Stupid

It seemed as if the two brothers were willing to work just for the sake of that delicious braised chicken.

Zhao Erhu responded the fastest, swallowing the last bite in his mouth before speaking with a firm nod. “Even if we didn’t get to eat braised chicken, we would still do our best for Aunt Mingyue.”

"That's right, that's right!" Zhao Dahu chimed in enthusiastically, his cheeks still bulging with food. “We brothers aren’t greedy people!"

But we sure can eat the most!

A brief silence followed, and then——everyone present exchanged amused glances.

It 'barely' noticeable.

At the very least, they could have swallowed their food before making such a bold statement. That would have made their sincerity a bit more believable.

But then again..., so what if they were a little greedy?

Wasn’t the purpose of living in this world simply to eat well, dress warmly, and live happily? Having enough food to eat was the first step toward that happiness. And if a person could eat something delicious, wouldn’t they feel even more content?

Especially when the cook was someone like Xia Mingyue, whose culinary skills could make even the most ordinary dishes taste divine. Not just the children——even the adults found themselves wanting to fill their stomachs with her food.

So really, being greedy wasn’t such a terrible thing after all.

The next morning, as the sun began its slow ascent, painting the sky with soft hues of orange and pink, Zhao Dahu and Zhao Erhu woke up with a sense of purpose. They had a task to complete——one that had been personally entrusted to them by Xia Mingyue.

Their mission was twofold.

First, they had to go to the Nancheng District and verify whether Ding Quan was truly a peddler, as he had claimed. Did he walk the streets selling goods? Was he known in the area?

Second, and perhaps more importantly, they had to find out about his character. Was he an honest man? Did he have a good reputation? And——was his family harmonious?

The two boys, being children themselves, cleverly chose to gather their information from other children. Unlike adults, children spoke freely, with no hidden agendas. Whatever they knew, they would share without hesitation.

“Thank you!” After listening to a little girl about their age chatter away about Ding Quan, Zhao Dahu unwrapped a small handkerchief and handed her a piece of maltose candy.

Children didn’t often get to eat sweets, and maltose was a rare treat. The girl’s eyes lit up with joy. She immediately popped the candy into her mouth, gave them a beaming smile, and ran off.

Zhao Dahu and Zhao Erhu shared a glance and nodded. On to the next source.

After speaking with a few more children, Zhao Dahu suddenly scratched his head, a puzzled expression on his face.

"Second brother, there’s something I don’t quite understand."

"What is it?" Zhao Erhu asked.

"Aunt Mingyue asked us to check if Ding Quan was a capable businessman. That makes sense, since she needs reliable people for her food stall. But why are we also looking into whether his family is harmonious?” Zhao Dahu furrowed his brows. “Isn’t that something you ask about when someone’s getting married?"

He remembered how matchmakers always inquired about a potential groom’s family before arranging a marriage. But this was about business. What did family harmony have to do with selling food?

"You’re so stupid," Zhao Erhu said, rolling his eyes. "Haven’t our parents always said that ‘a harmonious family brings prosperity'? If Ding Quan’s family gets along well, they’ll be able to work together and run the business smoothly. But if they fight all the time, then even if they open a food stall, it’ll be a mess.”

He leaned in slightly, lowering his voice. "Just think about it. If his wife and children don’t support him, they might refuse to help or even argue about the money. And if that happens, Aunt Mingyue’s Xia Ji will end up being dragged into their problems. That would be a disaster.”

Zhao Dahu thought about this for a moment, then slowly nodded. “That... actually makes sense.”

But then, as if suddenly realizing something, he turned to glare at his brother.

"Wait a minute! You called me stupid? Your whole family is stupid!"

Zhao Erhu, caught off guard, opened his mouth in protest but quickly closed it again.

...Alright. He admitted defeat. His brother wasn’t stupid after all.

While the Zhao brothers were busy investigating in Nancheng District, an unexpected guest arrived at Xia Mingyue’s home that afternoon.

Zhang Laifu.

The moment Xia Mingyue saw him, her gaze darkened slightly.

Since she had started selling pancakes and later founded Xia Ji, she had encountered many different types of people. The attitudes of the vendors around her had varied——some were supportive, some were indifferent, and some... well, some clearly disliked her success.

She had heard many things. Some whispered words had drifted into her ears on the wind.

And from what she knew, Zhang Laifu was not a good man.

If he was coming to visit her now, uninvited, it was unlikely to be for a good reason.

Still, she maintained a polite demeanor. "Boss Zhang."

"Madam Xia, you flatter me," Zhang Laifu said with an overly warm smile. "I’m just a small vendor——how can I be called a boss? If anyone deserves a title, it should be you——Boss Xia."

Such excessive flattery.... This man was definitely up to something.

Xia Mingyue arched an eyebrow. "What brings Boss Zhang here today?"

Her tone was polite, but there was a clear sense of distance.

Zhang Laifu hesitated for a brief moment. Clearly, he had noticed it too.

'So, Jiang Erniu must have really spoken ill of me to her,' he thought to himself.

But he quickly regained his composure and leaned in slightly, lowering his voice. "It’s nothing major. I just wanted to have a little chat with you... to offer some advice. Sometimes, it’s best to be wise and not be fooled by certain people.”

Xia Mingyue remained expressionless. "Oh? What do you mean?"

Zhang Laifu let out a dramatic sigh, shaking his head as if troubled. "Madam Xia, you probably don’t know this, but Jiang Erniu is not as reliable as he seems. In fact, he’s quite the worthless man!"

Xia Mingyue’s gaze remained steady, but she said nothing, prompting him to continue.

"Before you came to town, Jiang Erniu sold sesame cakes on the streets. His business was doing fairly well. But after you started selling both meat and vegetarian pancakes, his sales plummeted. His family barely had enough to eat."

Zhang Laifu leaned in even closer, as if sharing a dark secret. "He was furious, blaming you for stealing his customers. He’s ranted about it many times, saying that it would be better if you weren’t here."

He clicked his tongue. "Just before the Dragon Boat Festival, he even tried to sabotage you! When you went to buy flour, he planned to mix glutinous rice flour into it so your pancakes wouldn’t rise properly. If I hadn’t been there to stop him, who knows what trouble you would have faced?

I wasn’t planning to say anything, but now that Jiang Erniu is working with you, I couldn’t stay silent. I just don’t want you to be deceived by him."

Zhang Laifu sighed dramatically again, shaking his head as if he was truly concerned.

But Xia Mingyue merely tilted her head slightly, her gaze unreadable.

Zhang Laifu had spoken a lot. But the question was——was it the truth?

Or was this just another game?

__________________________

Chapter 77: Not Knowing

What's Good for You

"Madam Xia should keep this in mind and take precautions in daily life. It’s better to be cautious than to suffer a big loss later," Zhang Laifu advised, his voice tinged with false concern.

Of course, he didn’t mean this out of goodwill. He wanted to plant a seed of doubt, to slowly create a rift between Xia Mingyue and Jiang Erniu. Watching the cracks widen between them would be highly entertaining.

A small rift would be enough——perhaps just enough to sour their cooperation, making each deal between them an unpleasant exchange. But a larger rift? That would be ideal. If they stopped working together altogether, Xia Mingyue’s business would suffer, and Jiang Erniu would be forced back into a life of hardship. That was the outcome Zhang Laifu most desired.

After all, the worst kind of suffering wasn’t a single fatal wound, but festering sores——persistent, painful, and impossible to ignore.

Zhang Laifu fully understood this principle. Whether or not Xia Mingyue believed his words, he had already planted the seed of doubt. He just had to wait.

Jiang Erniu, oh Jiang Erniu.... You’re not the only one who knows how to strike from the shadows. I can do it better, more effectively, and with a greater sense of satisfaction.

He maintained his expression of concern, but his lips twitched involuntarily into a small smirk. He tried to suppress it, but it did not go unnoticed.

Xia Mingyue had been watching him closely. That brief flicker of smugness confirmed her suspicions.

So that’s how it is.

Zhang Laifu's business, much like Jiang Erniu's, had suffered since her stall flourished and Xia Ji took off. At first, he had tolerated it, perhaps finding some solace in knowing others struggled alongside him. But now that Jiang Erniu had joined Xia Ji and was prospering, Zhang Laifu could no longer sit still.

There was nothing more painful than watching others succeed while you floundered.

Even worse was watching someone you considered an equal, climb higher while you sank lower.

Xia Mingyue sighed lightly, as if lamenting the pettiness of human nature.

Zhang Laifu mistook her reaction as sadness and quickly leaned in, eager to fan the flames. "Madam Xia, don’t be too upset. People aren’t always as they seem. At least now you know the truth."

That is true." Xia Mingyue nodded, her voice slow and deliberate. "You can never judge a person's heart by their appearance. Some may seem respectable on the surface but act despicably behind the scenes. Such people... are truly disgraceful."

"Exactly!" Zhang Laifu agreed enthusiastically, nodding so vigorously he resembled a pecking chicken.

Xia Mingyue continued, "It’s one thing to gossip in private, but actively trying to ruin someone——scheming, manipulating——it’s shameful. If such actions were exposed, I doubt they’d be able to conduct business anymore. No one would be able to trust them."

Zhang Laifu nodded again but suddenly hesitated.

Something felt off.

A cold unease crept up his spine as he replayed her words in his mind. The more he thought about it, the more it seemed as if Xia Mingyue wasn’t talking about Jiang Erniu.

But, more like she was talking about him.

His face darkened. "Madam Xia..., what do you mean by that?"

Xia Mingyue met his gaze, her expression calm yet unreadable. "What do you think it means?"

Without waiting for a reply, she casually reached for the large broom leaning against the wall.

It was an old but sturdy broom, made of tightly bound bamboo branches and a thick bamboo handle. Well-crafted, heavy, and reliable.

"Boss Zhang, since you have your own business, you should focus on running it well. You spend all day eyeing other people’s affairs instead of minding your own. It wouldn't be a wonder your business is struggling. If you keep scheming against others, someone might just start scheming against you. When that happens, well... you may end up losing more than just customers."

Zhang Laifu’s face turned an alarming shade of red. "Are you threatening me?!"

"Threatening?" Xia Mingyue tilted her head, her voice light and airy. "Not at all. Just stating facts."

Zhang Laifu clenched his fists beneath his sleeves. His posture stiffened like a rooster about to fight.

But Xia Mingyue didn’t even look at him. She simply began sweeping the courtyard.

Dry dust rose in a thick cloud, swirling in the air before drifting toward Zhang Laifu.

He coughed violently, his face contorting in disgust as dust clung to his clothes and filled his nostrils.

"This yard gets so dirty if you don’t sweep for half a day," Xia Mingyue mused. "Better to clean out all the filth before it starts to stink."

Zhang Laifu gritted his teeth.

He felt insulted.

He felt outright insulted!

His anger surged, and his fingers twitched, itching to strike. He raised his hand slightly, intending to make Xia Mingyue regret her words.

But, before he could act—— "Woof! Woof woof woof!"

A black blur shot toward him like an arrow.

Wu Jin, the massive hound, lunged, his powerful body knocking Zhang Laifu clean off his feet. He landed with a hard thud, the breath forced from his lungs.

Sharp teeth clamped down on his arm before he could react.

Pain exploded in his senses.

"Ahhh——!!" Zhang Laifu shrieked, his struggles frantic. "Let go! Let go!!"

He flailed desperately, trying to strike the dog, but Wu Jin only bit down harder, a deep growl rumbling from his throat.

Blood seeped through Zhang Laifu’s sleeve, warm and sticky.Sharp teeth clamped down on his arm before he could react.

"I won’t do it again——Madam Xia! Please, forgive me!" His voice cracked with desperation.

Wu Jin released him instantly but remained poised, muscles tense, fangs bared. His golden eyes glowed with a silent warning: Move again, and I will finish what I started.

Zhang Laifu clutched his wounded arm, sweat pouring down his face. He scrambled to his feet, his pride and dignity shattered.

He bolted toward the exit.

But in his frantic escape, he misjudged the doorway and tripped over the threshold, crashing down once more.

His injured arm smacked against the hard ground. He choked back another scream.

"Hey, what’s going on here?"

A deep voice rumbled from outside.

Zhang Laifu groaned and slowly looked up. Through his pain-blurred vision, he saw Wu Xiong approaching, his expression unreadable.

Panic flooded his veins.

"I-It’s nothing!" He stammered. "I just——just fell!"

Wu Xiong raised an eyebrow. "Fell? Looks more like you got chewed up and spit out."

His large hands reached down to help Zhang Laifu up.

But instead of being gentle, he gripped Zhang Laifu’s injured arm——firmly.

Pain exploded once more.

Zhang Lai Fu’s scream caught in his throat as he felt the pressure increase.

"Ah...! No—no...! I'm fine——really fine..."

__________________________

Chapter 78: Frustrated

Wu Xiong narrowed his eyes, his lips curling into a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. "But you don’t look like you’re okay," he said, his voice deceptively light. "You’re injured pretty badly, and in this heat, wounds can fester. You should see a doctor right away. No need to thank me——I love doing good deeds."

As he spoke, he tightened his grip on Zhang Laifu’s wounded arm, pressing into the raw, torn flesh.

Zhang Laifu sucked in a sharp breath, his back drenched in another layer of cold sweat. His body stiffened, every nerve screaming in pain.

If Wu Xiong took him to the clinic, would he even make it back alive?

"N-no, no, that won’t be necessary!" Zhang Laifu stammered, his voice trembling like an old woman’s. "I appreciate your kindness, Brother Wu, truly, but I... I don’t want to trouble you."

Wu Xiong tilted his head, feigning confusion. "Oh? But you were in such a hurry to trouble others just moments ago."

Zhang Laifu’s breath hitched. He had no answer to that.

Wu Xiong finally released his grip, and Zhang Laifu almost collapsed from relief. The pain was still excruciating, but at least Wu Xiong wasn’t grinding his bones into dust anymore.

"Since you’re so determined, I won’t force you," Wu Xiong said lazily, stepping back. "Just be careful next time. When you visit someone else’s house, make sure it’s the right door. Otherwise, you might end up dirtying the wrong place——and that would be a shame."

"Y-yes, yes, I understand!" Zhang Laifu nodded furiously, not daring to meet Wu Xiong’s eyes.

"Then what are you waiting for?" Wu Xiong snapped. "Scram."

"Yes, yes!"

Zhang Laifu turned and staggered away, his body swaying as if he might collapse at any moment. From behind, he looked like a battered, rolling ball, bouncing unevenly as he tried to put as much distance between himself and Wu Xiong as possible.

Wu Xiong sneered."Bastard. You thought you could bully Madam Xia? Tsk."

He spat on the ground in disgust. Then, realizing that he had just made a mess, he quickly wiped it away with his foot, even using some dirt to scrub away the blood stains Zhang Lai Fu had left behind.

Once satisfied, Wu Xiong exhaled, ran a hand along his lips, and adjusted his expression. He checked his smile with his fingers, ensuring it looked friendly rather than menacing.

Only then did he pick up the small bamboo basket he had been carrying and step into Xia Mingyue’s courtyard.

Inside the yard, Jiang Zhuguo was just about to toss a pile of vegetable leaves into a broken wooden barrel when she nearly bumped into Wu Xiong.

"Ah——Brother Wu!" Jiang Zhuguo yelped, almost dropping the dustpan in her hands. He quickly took a step back, clutching the dustpan like a shield.

Wu Xiong frowned.

Why was everyone in this household so terrified of him?

The last time he came, Madam Jiang had reacted the same way. Now Jiang Zhuguo, too?

Was his face really that scary?

Wu Xiong felt an unexpected pang of frustration, his usual confidence momentarily shaken.

Seeing Wu Xiong’s face darken, Jiang Zhuguo’s grip on the dustpan tightened. "B-brother Wu, are you here to see Sister Xia?"

"Yes," Wu Xiong said flatly. "I have something for Madam Xia."

As if summoned, Xia Mingyue appeared at the doorway, her gaze sweeping over the scene with calm curiosity. "Brother Wu."

Wu Xiong’s frustration disappeared instantly. He straightened, bowing slightly as he presented the small bamboo basket. "My mother made some preserved eggs. They’re ready now, so she asked me to bring some over for you to try."

Xia Mingyue raised an eyebrow, then smiled. "Auntie is too kind. Please thank her for me."

"My mother actually wanted to come herself, but the weather’s unbearable this time of year," Wu Xiong explained. "Even in the mornings and evenings, it’s hot enough to make people feel faint. I didn’t want her walking around in this heat, so I convinced her to stay home and rest."

Xia Mingyue chuckled. "Auntie always worries about me, but it’s her health that’s more important. I’ll visit her soon."

"Good, good," Wu Xiong said quickly, his eyes brightening.

His mother often complained about being bored, and if Madam Xia visited more often, she would surely be delighted. Wu Xiong wanted to suggest that she come by whenever she had time——but then he hesitated. If his mother found out he had pushed for it, she’d likely scold him for troubling a busy woman.

Better to let Madam Xia decide for herself.

Swallowing his words, Wu Xiong exchanged a few more pleasantries before bidding farewell.

The moment he left, Jiang Zhuguo released a long breath of relief.

Xia Mingyue noticed and smiled. "Brother Wu isn’t a bad person. There’s no need to be so scared of him."

Jiang Zhuguo scratched her head, embarrassed. "I know he’s not bad, but he just looks so fierce. My body reacts before my brain can."

Xia Mingyue laughed softly. "Sometimes, the people who look the scariest are the ones with the kindest hearts. It’s the ones who hide their evil behind a smile that you should truly be wary of."

Jiang Zhuguo immediately understood that she was referring to Zhang Laifu. She nodded. "That’s true."

Her gaze darkened slightly as he recalled something. "I just wonder..., when our pancake stall was struggling, did Brother Jiang ever...."

She trailed off, hesitant.

Xia Mingyue knew what she was implying and shrugged. "It doesn’t really matter if he did. As long as thoughts remain just thoughts, they don’t mean much."

She glanced at the cloudy sky and smiled faintly. "People always have dark thoughts. The difference between good and bad is whether they act on them."

Jiang Zhuguo pondered on her words, then smiled in agreement. "That makes sense."

The two continued their work, their conversation drifting into lighter topics.

Just then, Sister Lu burst into the yard, carrying a bundle of fresh vegetables. Her face was flushed from the heat, but her expression was serious. "I heard Zhang Laifu came to cause trouble for you. Are you alright?"

"We’re fine," Xia Mingyue reassured her. "Zhang Laifu, on the other hand... well, Wu Jin gave him a lesson."

Sister Lu’s eyes gleamed with satisfaction. "Good! That black-hearted scoundrel deserves worse! Can’t run his own business properly, but he has time to plot against others? Someone like him deserves to be struck by lightning the moment he steps outside!"

At that exact moment, a deep rumble echoed through the sky.

Dark clouds gathered ominously, and a strong breeze swept through the yard, cooling the air.

Then——raindrops began to fall.

Sister Lu blinked in surprise. "Huh...? I just mentioned lightning, and now there’s thunder."

Xia Mingyue grinned as she hurried to gather the laundry from the clothesline. "Maybe the heavens really are listening to you."

Sister Lu pursed her lips in thought. "You know, I have a pretty good track record of being right about things. Maybe I should start giving prophecies."

Jiang Zhuguo snorted. "If you get it wrong, are you going to blame the heavens for bad timing?"

Sister Lu crossed her arms smugly. "Well, maybe I just need to be more specific about when the lightning should strike."

The three of them laughed as they hurried to finish their tasks before the rain picked up.

Meanwhile, somewhere in town, Zhang Lai Fu——drenched and limping——sneezed violently.

Was it just the rain?

Or had someone cursed him?

__________________________

Chapter 79: Transformed

The summer rain arrived with a sudden force, pounding against the rooftops and cascading off the eaves in glistening sheets. At first, the droplets were distinct, visible to the naked eye, but within moments, they blurred into streaks of silver, merging into a steady downpour. The sound of rain drumming on tiles and splattering into puddles filled the air, bringing with it a refreshing coolness that cut through the thick summer heat.

For most, the rain was a relief——a welcome respite from the relentless swelter of the season. But for one particular inhabitant of the household, it was more than that.

Wu Jin, the resident dog, stretched out luxuriously on the dry patch of ground beneath his sturdy shelter. His nest had been designed with care——the tiles extending outward just enough to prevent water from creeping in, the floor raised slightly higher than the ground to keep him dry. It was a palace by canine standards, and Wu Jin fully intended to enjoy it.

He rested his head on his front paws, his dark eyes following the rhythmic fall of raindrops. The air smelled clean, fresh——like wet earth and distant greenery. If he had a bit of something delicious right now, life would be perfect.

His ears perked up.

What’s for dinner tonight?

Lifting his head, Wu Jin turned his eager gaze toward the kitchen, his nose twitching as he caught a faint scent carried by the breeze.

Inside the kitchen, Xia Mingyue and Jiang Zhuguo were seated at the wooden table, carefully peeling eggs. Their hands moved deftly, revealing the glossy, amber-like yolks within. These weren’t ordinary eggs——they were century eggs, a delicacy prepared similarly to preserved eggs but using chicken eggs instead of duck eggs. The yolks shimmered golden under the dim lantern light, their texture firm yet tender.

Jiang Zhuguo picked up one of the peeled eggs, turning it over curiously in her fingers. “This looks strange. I’ve never seen anything like it before.”

“Jinqiu County doesn’t make preserved eggs, does it?” Xia Mingyue said with a small smile. “These are called century eggs. The method is similar, but the taste is slightly different. You’ll see.”

Jiang Zhuguo nodded, still fascinated. “How do we eat them? Steam them? Fry them?”

Xia Mingyue chuckled as she reached for a handful of fresh green peppers. “Cold dish,” she replied.

She set to work, slicing the peppers with practiced ease. Their crisp, sharp scent filled the air, blending with the faint smokiness of the wood ash that had coated the eggs. The peppers, though mildly spicy, carried a refreshing aroma. She tossed them into a pan with a drizzle of oil, stir-frying them until they blistered, their skins wrinkling into deep green tiger stripes.

Pour the hot oil cooked with a few Sichuan peppercorns, add some soy sauce, vinegar, and sugar, crush the peeled egg, and finally sprinkle with a little coriander....

Once they were softened, she mashed them coarsely in a stone garlic mortar, mixing them with minced garlic and finely chopped green onions. A sizzle filled the kitchen as she poured over a stream of hot oil infused with Sichuan peppercorns. The fragrance intensified, mouthwatering and rich. A dash of soy sauce, a splash of vinegar, a pinch of sugar——each ingredient brought the dish to life.

Finally, she crumbled the delicate century eggs into the mix, their golden yolks blending with the smoky peppers, forming a vibrant, aromatic dish.

By the time she carried the plate to the table, Wu Jin had already left his cozy nest.

The dog burst into the kitchen, his nails clicking on the wooden floor, his eyes locked onto the plate as if hypnotized.

“Woof! Woof woof woof!”

His tail wagged furiously, his body practically vibrating with anticipation.

Jiang Zhuguo stifled a laugh. “Looks like someone’s hungry too.”

Xia Mingyue smiled as she reached for Wu Jin’s earthenware bowl. She scooped some warm rice porridge into it, tearing up pieces of pancake and mixing them in. Beside the bowl, she placed a meaty bone, setting it down next to his nest.

Wu Jin blinked.

Then stared.

Then flicked his ears back in utter betrayal.

This was not what he had asked for.

His stomach grumbled. He whined in protest, then, without further hesitation, trotted straight into the kitchen. He sniffed around, then nudged an egg resting in the corner, his message unmistakable.

Xia Mingyue arched an eyebrow. “Wu Jin wants to eat this?”

“Woof!” He sat down primly, tail swishing, eyes filled with unshakable determination.

She hesitated. “You can only have half.”

His ears drooped slightly, but he did not protest. Some was better than none.

With care, Xia Mingyue cracked the shell against the door frame, peeling away the quicklime coating. She placed half the egg yolk in a separate bowl and set it beside his usual meal.

Wu Jin huffed but accepted his fate. He buried his snout into the rice porridge, taking a few large bites to fill his stomach before finally turning to the prized golden yolk.

Just as he gingerly licked the yolk into his mouth——

CRACK!

A bolt of lightning split the sky, illuminating the entire yard in a blinding flash. The deafening roar of thunder followed a second later.

Wu Jin yelped in fright, leaping backward and crashing into the wall of his nest. His tail fluffed up, his fur standing on end.

And worst of all——

Gulp.

The entire egg yolk slid down his throat.

Wu Jin froze.

He hadn’t even tasted it!

For a moment, he just stood there, stunned.

Then his ears flattened. His lips curled.

Damn it.

Damn it all!

With a furious bark, Wu Jin threw his head back and howled toward the stormy sky, venting all his frustration at the heavens.

Inside the house, Xia Mingyue and Jiang Zhuguo paused mid-bite, exchanging puzzled glances.

“Maybe he doesn’t like thunder,” Jiang Zhuguo offered.

“Probably,” Xia Mingyue agreed.

They watched Wu Jin for a few more moments before returning to their meal. The hot noodles mixed with scallions and the fragrant rice porridge paired perfectly with the century egg and peppers. The rich, salty yolk balanced the crisp freshness of the vegetables, creating a dish that was both comforting and flavorful.

“This is really good,” Jiang Zhuguo said between bites.

Xia Mingyue nodded, already thinking about trying another variation tomorrow. Perhaps with cucumbers this time——more garlic, more coriander. That would be refreshing.

Meanwhile, outside, Wu Jin gnawed furiously on his meaty bone, rage simmering in his chest.

Lightning.

Egg yolks.

Life was full of betrayals...!

Far from the cozy warmth of Xia Mingyue’s home, the rain had only made the night more alive elsewhere.

At the gambling house, the downpour had drawn in more patrons than usual. The air buzzed with tension, dice rattling against wooden tables, voices rising in excitement and despair. Some came in hopes of reversing their misfortunes, others believing the rain carried luck.

On the second floor, Boss Ge surveyed the scene from his balcony, a satisfied smirk playing on his lips. Business was thriving.

But when his gaze shifted to the corner, where Wu Xiong sat drinking cup after cup in silence, his brows furrowed.

Something was wrong.

“Troubled?” Boss Ge approached, his voice casual.

Wu Xiong sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “Boss.”

He hesitated, then took a deep breath.

“…Do you think I was born looking scary?”

Boss Ge blinked.

“...What?”

__________________________

Chapter 80: Practice More

Boss Ge paused for a moment, carefully choosing his words. After a brief contemplation, he nodded and spoke in a firm yet reassuring tone.

"Brother, you are full of manliness!"

It was an undeniable fact. Wu Xiong’s towering frame exuded raw strength——broad shoulders, thick arms like tree trunks, fists as solid as iron. His face, square and imposing, was framed by a beard so thick that it nearly hid his expressions. His presence alone was enough to make people instinctively take a step back.

Boss Ge felt that he had neither exaggerated nor flattered. It was simply the truth.

Wu Xiong, however, frowned in thought. "Since I'm so manly, that shouldn’t be a problem...." His voice trailed off, frustration creeping in. He finally sighed and turned back to Boss Ge. "Then tell me, Boss, how can I look more... friendly?"

Boss Ge was stunned in disbelief.

You? A gambling house enforcer? Wanting to look friendly?

It was an absurd request. Wu Xiong's job required intimidation. Friendliness had no place in a world where debtors needed to be reminded——sometimes forcefully——of their obligations. But Boss Ge had a good idea of why Wu Xiong was suddenly concerned about his appearance. It had to be because of his mother, Auntie Han.

The old woman had always been dissatisfied with Wu Xiong's job, and her words carried weight. She was the only person he feared disappointing. Though his filial piety might seem excessive, Boss Ge still respected him for it.

After a moment's consideration, he tapped his fingers against the table and said, "There's an old saying——'Don't hit a smiling person.' Even if someone bears a grudge, when greeted with a sincere smile, they’d find it difficult to stay angry. So if you want to appear friendlier, just smile more."

If looks alone were too fierce, a smile could soften them.

Wu Xiong mulled over this suggestion. "Is that really all it takes?"

"When in doubt, trust simplicity," Boss Ge assured him.

Wu Xiong nodded thoughtfully. Maybe he just hadn’t been smiling the right way. When he had visited Madam Xia's house earlier, he had tried to be pleasant, yet Madam Jiang still looked frightened of him.

Perhaps he just needed more practice.

Resolved, he immediately began practicing his grin, repeatedly turning to his subordinates for feedback.

His underlings, however, were less than enthusiastic.

"...Boss, please stop."

"Yeah, I suddenly really want to get beaten up and take two days off."

Wu Xiong ignored their complaints, determined to master the art of the friendly smile.

The rain had stopped completely before daybreak, leaving the world fresh and glistening. The eastern sky was painted in strokes of crimson and gold, promising a warm day ahead.

Taking advantage of the cool morning air, Xia Mingyue borrowed a hoe from the Zhao family and stepped into her yard, where the soil, softened by last night’s heavy rain, was now perfect for tilling.

Zhao Dahu and Zhao Erhu arrived shortly after, eager to help. Since there weren’t enough hoes and shovels to go around, they improvised with axes, using their dull sides to break up the earth.

The yard wasn’t large, and by midmorning, they had turned over the soil.

By evening, when the land had dried slightly, Xia Mingyue carefully sowed radish and mustard seeds, two crops that thrived in summer’s warmth. She knew their growth cycles well: radishes in the first ten days, mustard greens in the second, and cabbages in the third. However, instead of planting them separately, she decided to sow them all at once, making use of the remaining warmth of summer.

For a small portion of the yard, she prepared neat ridges for cabbages. For the radishes and mustard greens, she used the broadcast method, scattering the seeds generously. When the seedlings sprouted, she would thin them out, using the tender greens for crisp, refreshing salads.

When their task was complete, Zhao Dahu and Zhao Erhu stood proudly, hands on their hips, waiting for their due praise.

"You two did a good job," Xia Mingyue said with a smile.

The brothers beamed, their grins stretching from ear to ear. But they hesitated, exchanging quick glances.

Shouldn't there be a reward?

Something delicious, perhaps?

Sister Lu, ever perceptive, crossed her arms and interjected, "Hey, hey, if you two have nothing else to do, go home and fill up the water tanks. While you're at it, fill up your Aunt Mingyue's too."

Their faces fell slightly, but they nodded. "Alright...."

Before they could sulk away completely, Xia Mingyue called after them.

"Wait, come here."

Their spirits lifted instantly.

Sister Lu frowned playfully. "Sister Mingyue, don’t spoil them. If they start expecting rewards for everything, they won’t work hard without them in the future."

Xia Mingyue chuckled. "Oh, I have something else for them to do." She turned to the brothers. "If you can find what I’m looking for, you’ll get a real reward."

Their eyes lit up.

"What do you need us to find, Aunt Mingyue?" Zhao Dahu asked eagerly.

"False nightshade seeds," she said.

The brothers blinked. "False... nightshade?"

"Yes. Go around the streets, especially ask farmers. See if anyone sells them. If you find a good amount, buy a whole basket."

They repeated the words under their breath, committing them to memory. Then, with a burst of enthusiasm, they sprinted off to start their search.

Sister Lu shook her head, watching them go. "Well, at least they’ll be busy for a while."

Two days later, Ding Quan returned, arriving precisely at the time he and Xia Mingyue had agreed upon.

After the usual pleasantries, he hesitated slightly, clearly wanting to bring something up. But before he could, Xia Mingyue spoke first.

"Brother Ding, have you found a place and prepared the money needed to join?"

His face brightened immediately. "Yes! I found a good spot, and the money is nearly ready. I’ve also looked into the stoves, iron pots, tables, chairs, bowls, and everything else we’ll need. We can start setting up right away!"

It seemed he was a man of careful planning.

"That’s good," Xia Mingyue said approvingly.

The two then sat down to discuss the finer details of the partnership——franchise terms, supply chains, and operational logistics. After everything was settled, she followed Ding Quan to inspect the location he had chosen.