0018 :Shop
Wang Lei's shop had been quiet lately, but when he noticed a well-dressed young couple entering, he hurriedly approached them with a warm greeting.
"Hello, handsome men and beautiful ladies! You've got a good eye. Take a look at the treasures in our shop. We have everything from moonlit skies to sea pearls, with men's grooming items and women's beauty care. Feel free to choose."
Despite the disdainful words, Wang Lei maintained a warm smile, concealing any negative feelings.
"Do you still have the nerve to say that? You went to save that brat that night. Now, you know the consequences of saving him, right?"
"If I had another chance, I would definitely not have done that. It's just a pity that my white jade pendant has been opened," Wang Lei sighed.
Upon hearing this, Mrs. Chen squinted her eyes and inquired, "What white jade pendant?"
"I wanted to inquire about the situation, but I couldn't go empty-handed. Besides, those two are good at identifying fake jade. If they find out it's fake, I'd be in trouble. So, I simply took a piece of white jade."
Before Wang Lei could finish, Mrs. Chen grabbed his leg, expressing her disapproval and scolding loudly, "You fool! Do you know what it means to throw a meat bun to a dog? You won't be able to get it back!"
While held in place by Mrs. Chen, Wang Lei cried out in pain.
As the two argued, Xue Yang entered the scene carrying something resembling a pillow.
Interrupting their exchange, Xue Yang said, "I've never heard of a meat bun beating a dog, but I believe a drop of water is enough to repay a favor. So, I've brought a big gift today."
Taking advantage of the distraction, Xue Yang revealed the Little Rat from his pocket, which happily explored the store.
Wang Lei, still unaware of what was happening, expressed his displeasure: "What do you mean by that? Speak clearly!"
"Don't you remember giving me a piece of white jade that has already been lit up? It seems that the jade brought me good luck, and even the doctors said it was a miracle that I recovered. So, I'm here to restore it."
Mrs. Chen dismissed his words, accusing, "Don't try such a small trick with me. Whatever you're giving must be fake. You're trying to ruin our store's reputation!"
At that moment, a young couple that had been browsing rings exited the store, seemingly dissatisfied with their selection.
The girl complained, "The style and quality here are too different from the other side. However, everything there has been reserved. Let's wait for the next batch of new goods."
The boy nodded in agreement.
Mrs. Chen, frustrated, exploded at the couple: "If you don't have the money, just say so! What kind of excuse are you trying to make? If you're not buying, get out!"
The outburst created a moment of silence in the store. Seizing the opportunity, Xue Yang smiled and said, "Let me show you what I'm giving you."
He uncovered the red cloth from the small crystal coffin, conveying its significance. Wang Lei, angered, attempted to attack, but Mrs. Chen restrained him.
"Don't pull me! He already bullied people like that. Uncle can endure it, but Aunt can't!" Mrs. Chen asserted, portraying Wang Lei as an innocent victim.
Realizing he was being too hot-headed, Wang Lei quickly changed his demeanor. "Ah, I didn't expect the little brother to be so generous. Alright, to bring good luck, I'll also give you a bright white jade pendant!"
With that, Wang Lei handed Xue Yang a jade stone identical to the previous one. Xue Yang, seemingly unfazed, accepted it and left the store.
Back in his shop, Xue Yang retrieved a purple ball from the red cloth. The Little Rat had transformed into a round ball, its stomach plumper than ever. Xue Yang shook it, surprised by its increased weight.
Aren't you afraid of overeating?
Ignoring the question, Xue Yang stuffed the "Opening Light Jade Pendant" into the Little Rat's mouth, which swallowed it without hesitation.
That evening, as they enjoyed their dinner in front of the carriage, they realized the shop across the street was missing many valuable items. The police sirens hinted that they had called for law enforcement.
Amidst the sirens, Xue Yang and Song Yu continued to dine quietly.
A slim female police officer entered, and despite the tensions between the Little Rat and Wang Lei earlier, the interaction seemed gentler.
The officer addressed them, "Hello. Our investigation reveals that your shop was once harassed by local thugs and the Wolf Gang, correct?"
Xue Yang, with a mouth full of food, complained about the slow efficiency of their work. Song Yu, however, gestured for him to behave.
The female officer, smiling, acknowledged their concerns, "Our apologies for the oversight. However, if you had called us immediately, it might have been too late for us to respond. We're here now to inform you that the Wolf Gang is gathering forces to strike a devastating blow to a shop. While we police officers will protect you, you should also be cautious."
Upon hearing this, Xue Yang choked on his food, quickly taking a sip of water.
"Officer, are you mistaken? You know they're gathering, yet you're not planning to arrest them first? You're just warning us?" Song Yu questioned, clearly displeased.
The policewoman, taking a step back, explained, "I'm sorry. They haven't committed any crime yet, and without evidence, we can't arrest them. We're only here to alert you. Please be cautious."
With that, the policewoman left the shop. Song Yu sat there, deep in thought.
After Xue Yang finished his meal, he stretched lazily. Although he wasn't concerned about the Wolf Gang's kung fu, Song Yu's safety was a priority.
"Lady Boss, don't be distracted anymore. Pack your things tonight; we're leaving tomorrow morning. Okay?"
"Leave? Where are we going?"
"If the Wolf Gang has enough people, I can't guarantee your safety. The best choice now is to close the shop, take a vacation, and wait for the storm to pass before returning." Xue Yang, seemingly pleased with his plan, spoke confidently.
However, this was merely his idea. Song Yu, determined, responded, "I'm not going anywhere. I won't allow them to destroy Father's shop!"