Chapter 14: The Filthy Beggar
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“They were stopped by your shopkeeper, who called us scammers and wouldn’t let us in.”
“That bunch of scoundrels—I clearly told them beforehand.”
“Come on, follow me inside.”
After introducing Ni Wenyu to Gu Qingran, Jiang Lihua followed him into the courtyard, and Gu Qingran instructed the workers to unload the goods.
Shopkeeper Zhao Fusheng hurried over upon hearing that the boss had arrived.
He bowed and smiled obsequiously before Gu Qingran. “Boss, why have you come?”
“If I didn’t come, would you have just turned away the business I arranged?”
“Boss, I’ve been deceived so many times, I didn’t dare agree.”
“Get out of here, I have no time for you now.”
“Yes, yes, I’m leaving right away.”
After Zhao Fusheng retreated, Gu Qingran said to Jiang Lihua, “Lihua, let’s have a meal together.”
“Sure.”
Since she needed to discuss the kimchi matter with Gu Qingran, Jiang Lihua agreed without hesitation.
Ni Wenyu watched the two of them interact so naturally and felt somewhat uneasy.
He had no idea when Lihua had gotten to know this man.
In the private room, Gu Qingran kept serving dishes to Jiang Lihua.
“Lihua, eat more, you’re too thin.”
“Thanks, I can serve myself.”
Seeing Ni Wenyu not reaching for his chopsticks, Gu Qingran warmly said, “Brother Ni, please eat too, don’t be polite.”
“Thank you.”
When they had almost finished, Jiang Lihua began discussing business with Gu Qingran.
“Brother Gu, how do you plan to sell the kimchi?”
Gu Qingran thought for a moment and replied, “I’ve been considering this. I want to give a small portion free at each table. Once it becomes well known, then we start selling it.”
Jiang Lihua nodded approvingly; Gu Qingran was quite skilled in business.
After finishing the discussion with Gu Qingran, Jiang Lihua went back to the village with Ni Wenyu.
—
After failing to incite Li Lian’er to cause trouble for Jiang Lihua, Huang Yingrong sought out Yang Wenbin.
Inside the Yang family residence.
Yang Wenbin looked at Huang Yingrong sitting opposite him.
“What do you want from me?”
Previously, since Huang Yingrong was the granddaughter of the local magistrate, she had some standing in the village, and Yang Wenbin was somewhat fond of her.
But ever since he passed the imperial examination, he looked down on her. His future wife would definitely be a refined lady from a good family.
He had no intention of marrying an illiterate village girl.
“I saw Lizi and Ni Xiaoxiu skulking outside your house, and I even heard ghostly screams.”
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“What did you say?” Yang Wenbin was shocked. Could those chilling screams be their doing?
“I don’t know why they did it, but there must be some secret.”
“Why are you telling me this?”
“Let’s cooperate.”
“Why should I cooperate with you?”
“You hate Ni Xiaoxiu, don’t you? And I hate Lizi.”
Since she came to him, she must have thought of a plan. Yang Wenbin asked, “What do you intend to do?”
“That shameless woman is always with Ni Xiaoxiu, and they live close by. Find a chance to lure him away, then send a passing beggar to that girl’s house to ruin her reputation.”
“Heh, I didn’t expect someone who seems harmless to be so ruthless inside.”
“Hmph, Yang Wenbin, what are you pretending? Aren’t we two of a kind? Your child bride was killed because of you, wasn’t she?”
Yang Wenbin’s expression changed. “I warn you, don’t make baseless accusations. That girl ran away and never returned; whether she’s dead or alive, we don’t know.”
“Don’t worry, I’m not interested in your family’s affairs. What do you think about the plan I just mentioned?”
“No problem. I don’t like that girl either. Let’s ruin her and see how she dares to act arrogantly in the future.”
Huang Yingrong left the Yang family satisfied.
Jiang Lihua returned home and had just stepped into the courtyard.
“Ah!”
Ni Wenyu heard her scream and rushed over.
“What’s wrong, Lihua?”
Jiang Lihua pointed inside the courtyard.
The entire yard was filled with dead cockroaches and insects, creating a chilling sight.
“Who would do such a thing? Lihua, come stay at my place first. I’ll clean up your courtyard.”
Jiang Lihua feared nothing but creepy crawlies and soft-bodied creatures.
“The courtyard is all cleaned up,” Ni Wenyu wiped the sweat from his face.
Jiang Lihua looked at the young man in front of her. Whenever she had trouble, he was always by her side.
She picked up a handkerchief and wiped his sweat.
He blushed shyly. “Lihua, I can handle this myself.”
Jiang Lihua gently embraced him.
“Thank you for always being here for me.”
“I will always be by your side.”
“Mhm.” Jiang Lihua nodded firmly.
A few days later, Jiang Lihua went to collect the custom wooden boxes from Carpenter Wang.
This time, the bottom of the boxes was engraved with the words “Lihua Pavilion,” which took some extra time.
After retrieving the boxes, Jiang Lihua began dividing the BB cream in the main room.
Suddenly, a filthy beggar burst in.
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Jiang Lihua hurriedly grabbed a stool to shield herself. “Who are you? What do you want?”
“Hehe, someone sent me to ruin your reputation.”
After saying this, the dirty beggar charged at Jiang Lihua.
Thinking quickly, Jiang Lihua threw a stool at him.
The stool hit him squarely.
Clutching his bleeding forehead, the beggar cursed fiercely, “You little bitch.”
Jiang Lihua screamed and ran outside.
“Hmph, you won’t get away. I’ve locked the courtyard gate.”
“How much do you want? I’ll pay you.”
“I don’t want money anymore—I want your life.”
The beggar suddenly lunged, knocking Jiang Lihua to the ground.
Gu Qingran had been asking for directions and finally found Jiang Lihua’s home, but then he heard a scream from the courtyard.
He hurriedly called out, “Lihua, are you home?”
“Yes, yes, Gu Qingran, please come in and save me.”
Upon hearing Gu Qingran’s voice, Jiang Lihua frantically called for help.
Gu Qingran kicked open the door and rushed in.
He kicked the filthy beggar away and held the trembling Jiang Lihua. “Lihua, Lihua,I'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that request.