The other party had clearly seen her as well, looking like they wanted to approach but were somewhat embarrassed to do so. Just as Lin Chuxia was about to step forward, a clear, surprised voice rang out from behind her, “Sister?”
Lin Chuxia turned around and saw the teenager amidst the crowd.
Wang Tianyu couldn’t believe he was seeing the big sister who had helped him before, and only two steps after squeezing out of the crowd did he realize that Lin Chuxia seemed to have an unusual status today, attracting many glances. The boy’s face instantly flushed red.
But he didn’t back down and gathered his courage to say, “Sister, is this your shop? I wish you a roaring business and abundant wealth.”
Lin Chuxia had already recognized him as the young boy from the public bus in the city that day and smiled and nodded in thanks.
Wang Tianyu knew this wasn’t the right time for a chat, scratched his head, and finally said, “Sister, my name is Wang Tianyu, I forgot to tell you last time. Today’s a weekend, my mom asked me to buy some stuff. Sister, from now on, for buns and ready-to-eat food, I’ll only patronize your shop.”
Having said that, with his little face all red, he turned and disappeared back into the crowd.
Lin Chuxia smiled helplessly, this child, she had merely lent a hand easily, yet he kept it in his heart.
She glanced at the time once more and said to Qin Han behind her, “Big brother, get ready…”
Before she could finish her sentence, a few people had pushed through the crowd and came over with an intimidating presence.
“Excuse me, excuse me…”
“Disperse, disperse, what are you all crowding around here for?”
Three or four men, either tall or with a ruffian look on their face, walked in with a swaggering gait, sizing up the Bun Shop and the woman in front of them.
Seeing the newcomers, Qin Han, Qin Wu, and the others quickly stepped forward, shielding Lin Chuxia behind them.
Especially Qin Han and Qin Wu, one to the left and one to the right, shielded Lin Chuxia tightly.
“What are you trying to do?”
The lead man had the ruffian look of a man with medium-length hair, a cigarette dangling from his mouth.
He ignored Qin Han, his gaze peering through the gap between their shoulders to fall on Lin Chuxia.
“We don’t mean to do anything in particular, just heard there’s a shop opening here and came to have a toast for congratulations. Just not sure if Boss Lin is willing to let the brothers give it a boost.”
Qin Wu, dissatisfied, retorted, “Is this how you boost a place? Making people leave as soon as you get here?”
They had made such a fuss for the opening of their Bun Shop to attract a crowd. These people, without saying a word, started shooing others away. Clearly, they weren’t here to celebrate, but to cause trouble.
“Is this gentleman trying to teach us brothers how to handle things?” The lead man coldly looked towards Qin Wu, and the few people behind him instantly took a step forward.
Qin Wu clenched his fists tightly, and Qin Han also prepared for an attack.
Alongside them, Sun Wensong and Sun Bingnan also had serious expressions.
Lin Chuxia patted Qin Wu’s shoulder, indicating for him to step aside a little.
In the Qin Family, it was the two brothers, Qin Yang and Qin Wu who were tall, they shielded her so well she couldn’t see anything.
Qin Wu hesitated a bit, but Qin Han had already made room.
“Guests are coming, of course we welcome them, but I’m afraid these brothers aren’t just here to celebrate our shop’s opening, right?”
The lead man saw Lin Chuxia and a flicker of amazement passed through his eyes. He smiled meaningfully, “I didn’t expect it to be a female boss. I like dealing with smart women. It’s nothing really, the brothers are just worried the boss’s shop might not do well after its opening and want to offer you some protection. Wonder if the boss would honor us with that privilege?”
Lin Chuxia nodded in understanding, “Big brother here means you want some protection money?”
The man burst out laughing, “Boss, you’re joking. We’re law-abiding citizens. We’re taking care of your business out of kindness. No offense, but selling buns here isn’t a very good idea; cutting off someone’s income is like killing their parents. We’re just trying to help you make big issues small and settle things amicably. After all, money comes from peace. I believe you’re a smart person, boss.”
Qin Han frowned upon hearing this and looked at Lin Chuxia.
Lin Chuxia just smiled slightly, “Oh? I’m not aware of whose income I’m blocking. If you say so, I might just visit and apologize.”
“No need to apologize. You just need to make up for it monthly.”
Lin Chuxia glanced around at the crowd that had formed. Some people had taken several steps back to stay far away due to the arrival of these men, while others had come closer to watch the excitement.
Her voice cold and unrippled, “What if I’m not willing?”
The leading man sneered, “Not willing? Do you really think your store can stay open with us brothers around? You haven’t asked who’s in charge of this street.”
After his words, the man gestured with his hand, and several people behind him immediately stepped forward.
Lin Chuxia was ready to kick off her heels and have a serious discussion with them when a lazy, deep voice suddenly came, “Sixth, haven’t seen you for a few days, and you’re all grown up?”
The man called Sixth stiffened and turned to the newcomer, immediately putting on a smile, “Lord Liang, what brings you here?”
“You’re in charge of this street?” Jia Liang asked, lifting eyelids.
“No… No, it’s you who’s in charge.”
Jia Liang waved his hand, “I’m looking after this store. Go do what you have to, and if I hear you’re scheming against them again, don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
“Yes, yes…”
Without another word, Sixth gestured and led his men away from the Bun Shop.
This turnaround was quite sudden; both the onlookers and the people in the shop were confused.
Even Lin Chuxia and Qin Han were slow to catch on.
Being watched by several people, particularly by Lin Chuxia’s gaze, Jia Liang embarrassingly brushed his bald head.
Lin Chuxia came to her senses and smiled, “I didn’t expect Lord Liang to have such prestige around here.”
Jia Liang grew even more embarrassed, “Boss Lin, you jest. They’re just small fry, trying to scare people to make a living. Is it about time?”
Lin Chuxia checked her watch, the auspicious time was almost upon them, so she had no time to chat with Jia Liang. She called everyone to set off firecrackers and hang up the signboard.
The lively sound of firecrackers made everyone forget the earlier scuffle, and they lined up to buy buns.
There were separate lines for cooked food and buns, and soon both lines were very long.
Only then did Lin Chuxia invite Jia Liang into the house to sit, and with the hospitality hard to decline, Jia Liang accepted and entered graciously.
On the other side, after Sixth and his men left, there were still some who were discontent.
“Brother Liu, why are you afraid of him? I heard Jia Liang has already retired. Look at him now, all washed up. We don’t even need to lift a finger, Brother Liu, we can take care of it ourselves.”
Sixth slapped the man across the face, “Take care of your mother, will you? Do you think Jia Liang will simply stop just because he says so? Even if he did quit, those who used to be under him are not to be messed with.”
“He’s retired. Who cares about him anymore?”
“You know nothing. Even Sun Wensong is in jail, and his people are still sticking together, do we even get a say?”
After Sixth finished speaking, he noticed a person standing in the middle of the road ahead, and the people behind also stopped.
Hou Xiaobao, with one hand in his pocket, approached, “Don’t be nervous, I just want to ask some questions.”