Annoyed by the bombardment of questions, Ye Xiaoxian and Li Hongmei began asking in reply who the strangers were. These groups of people were more than arrogant, but it was strange that none of them were willing to give their names. They looked rather fierce when mentioning Xiao Baoshan, as if they had a vendetta against him.
Ye Xiaoxian guessed that they came to take vengeance. Had Xiao Baoshan exposed his identity because of her? Why did he have so many enemies who came in group after group? Was that the reason why he had left without saying goodbye? Was he afraid of getting her into trouble?
She was furious that he had left so suddenly and written such a letter. She swore that she would never forgive him even if he came back. But the daunting number of his enemies reminded her that Xiao Baoshan also had a hard time. Therefore, she changed her mind. She could forgive him if he came back within a month and would explain everything to her.
However, he still didn’t show up even two months later. Disappointment swelled in her heart. As she grew impatient with the strange visitors, her tone became increasingly aggressive and harsh.
One day, a group of people even threatened them with violence. On entering the restaurant they smashed several bowls on the ground in a surly manner. To avoid getting themselves into trouble, some customers fled in panic before finishing their meals.
Hearing the noise, Li Hongmei rushed out of the kitchen followed by Ye Xiaoxian.
The men said abusively, “A month has passed and you haven’t given us any information. You must know where he is. If you go on like this, we’ll definitely pull down your restaurant!”
Li Hongmei had been very scared a month ago, treating them well with delicious food and drinks. But now, she had had enough. Just then, she also picked up a bowl and smashed it on the ground. “Great! Do it! Pull down my restaurant! I’ve told you he’s not here and we don’t know where he is. We don’t even have any idea whether he’s alive or not. Because of you, we’ve become a joke in the county. People regard us as a family of murderers and our customers are dwindling. Such a restaurant doesn’t matter to me anymore. Destroy it! Now!”
After Li Hongmei had flared up, Ye Xiaoxian also exploded. She lifted a chair high and slammed it onto the ground. “Aren’t you coming for Xiao Baoshan? Then go and find him! Why do you have the face to bully women? Besides, he has nothing to do with us anymore!”
The men didn’t believe her words at all. “Are you joking? You’re his wife. How could I believe that he has nothing to do with you?”
Ye Xiaoxian pulled out the letter from her chest and slapped it on a table. “You can trust me now!”
After reading the letter, the men were all astonished. It seemed that Xiao Baoshan was really not in Qinghe county. They stopped creating disturbances and soon left. With the customers scared away, the restaurant became quiet and deserted.
Ye Xiaoxian folded the letter slowly, her hands shaking. She hadn’t planned on showing the letter because she didn’t want to be regarded as someone who had been abandoned.
“Little Ye…” Li Hongmei gazed at Ye Xiaoxian sorrowfully. She wanted to say something to comfort her daughter-in-law but failed.
Ye Xiaoxian shook her head feebly to reassure Li Hongmei.