"If they really want to trouble us, the enemy is in the dark and we are in the open, which puts us at a disadvantage. So, we can only wait and see tomorrow. If someone really wants to make trouble, we certainly can’t let ourselves be bullied,"
"Could it be someone coming to collect protection money?" Whether it’s the county or the city, all kinds of small businesses are forced to pay protection fees.
"That’s also a possibility," Zhao Xi had been in the area longer and knew these people better: "Just like what Su said, we can only play it by ear tomorrow."
Because they had no idea who the other party was or what they were planning to do tomorrow?
Early the next day, Xiaofeng got up early, prepared the babies’ food for the day, stored it in the fridge, and all they had to do when the babies got hungry was pour some into a pot and heat it up.
Su Peng glanced at Xiaofeng, who was drowsily sitting in the passenger seat, feeling a pang of sympathy. Compared to most girls, his sister really was pushing herself too hard.
He vowed even more so in his heart that he must become stronger and ensure that his sister could enjoy a better life as soon as possible.
Xiaofeng, feeling Su Peng’s gaze, straightened up with a yawn, "Brother, I’m going to the Imperial Capital this spring. After I leave for the Imperial Capital, you’ll need to keep an eye on the factories and stores at home."
Su Peng looked surprised, "Have you really decided?"
"I’ll go and see for a few days first; if I’m not comfortable, I can always come back." She had absolutely no idea what the Imperial Capital was like in the ’90s or what might happen once she got there.
"Ye Cheng is quite a good man; he would make a good husband," Su Peng felt that Ye Cheng was someone Xiaofeng could trust for life: "It’s just that once you’re in the Imperial Capital, you will be on your own, so be careful in every way."
Thinking of something, Su Peng finally caught on, "Imperial Capital? Isn’t Ye Cheng from Haicheng?"
How had he ended up in the Imperial Capital?
Seeing Su Peng’s exaggerated reaction, Xiaofeng smiled lightly, "He’s at home wherever he goes. Now that he’s moved to the Imperial Capital, he wants me to join him there."
How to explain? She couldn’t explain and could only make up some nonsense.
"No matter where you are, without us by your side, you must take good care of yourself. If you go alone, what about the twins? You can’t take care of two by yourself."
Xiaofeng had asked Xiaoqi about this; Xiaoqi said that on the road, one of the twins could be transferred into the space. Once in the Imperial Capital, Ye Cheng would send someone to pick them up, so there was no need to worry.
"No worries, the trip might be a bit troublesome, but Ye Cheng will come to pick me up once I’m there."
"He loves the children as if they were his own; I’m just worried that his family might mistreat you. What if I accompany you there and make sure you’re okay with his family before coming back?" Su Peng thought it over and couldn’t shake off his concern.
Not to mention that his sister was traveling with two kids all by herself for the first time returning to her marital home; he had no idea how the in-laws might treat Xiaofeng.
"I’m not alone, you know; you’ve forgotten about my godmother’s family. Once there, the Quan Family will be my maternal home, and I won’t be a person without support."
"You didn’t mention it, and I almost forgot. They are quite decent people. Anyway, if you feel wronged there, come back immediately; we won’t stand for that. Rest assured, brother will grow up quickly so that you and mom can have a good life."
"Mm, having big brother’s support feels great," Xiaofeng giggled and yawned again, "I’m going to sleep a bit more."
Early in the morning, many customers came by reputation.
There was no helping it; the advertisements had been sent out early, and the lure of all kinds of delicious food was overwhelming, especially since it was Saturday. Those young people who didn’t have to work rushed over early for a taste of something new.
They had no choice; they were so tired from working during the weekdays, and finally, there was a place where they could relax and satisfy their taste buds. Of course, they’d come to check it out and, by the way, buy some snacks and some beautiful clothes to take home. It was very convenient to shop everything in one stop.
From the morning on, whether it was the first, second, or third floor, the customers were packed. Around ten o’clock, four men arrived, all in suits and ties, wearing sunglasses. At first glance they had a certain presence, but upon closer inspection, you could tell their pants were baggy and their shirts crumpled, as if they had been dug out from somewhere.
The man in the lead had his hair casually tied back and a faint scar between his brows. He was good-looking and caught the attention of many young female customers.
The three men behind him, however, looked indescribable. Such a group stood out awkwardly in the crowd, utterly comical.
Xiaofeng recognized the ruffian-looking man walking in front, Bai Xiangbing, who had apparently decided to dress the part overnight.
Bai Xiangbing saw Xiaofeng at the doorway on the first floor and ordered his three brothers to stand aside, hands behind their backs.
He approached Xiaofeng.
Today, he had altered his approach, trying to smile harmlessly, "Su Xiaofeng, I heard you were short-staffed today, so here I am, bringing my brothers to help. Wherever you’re short-handed, just point them there. They’ll work for free."
He had thought it all through the previous night, and finally had a brilliant idea: if threats didn’t work, he had to appeal to emotions.
"Are you trying to mess up my place in a different way?" Xiaofeng glanced at the three men nearby. Just three men, and they seem to be in pretty bad shape, aren’t they?
"Don’t misunderstand; I sincerely brought my brothers here to help. You can order us around as much as you like, and I promise we won’t ask for money." A true man must know when to bend and when to stand.
He couldn’t believe that if he treated Su Xiaofeng with kindness, she wouldn’t be moved or grateful.
"I wouldn’t dare to use your help even if you were willing. If you did something to my customers or to my shop, I’d regret it with nowhere to turn."
"Right, how could you not think of that." Bai Xiangbing laughed heartily, "Rest assured, I’m definitely not here to cause trouble."
"If you really are here to help, then please leave right away. Your presence here is scaring off my customers." The tattoos on the backs of their hands, and not just any attractive tattoos, made people naturally step back.
"Alright, whatever you say," Bai Xiangbing seemed struck by an idea and leaned in mysteriously, "Could you arrange lunch for us? I told my brothers before coming that you would provide food."
So Bai Xiangbing was really just god’s own clown, wasn’t he? After all this talk, he had brought people over for a free meal.