Chapter 61-65

Chapter 61: Fried Buns with Vegetables

"Please forgive me, my husband. I failed to discipline our daughter properly." Madam Tian's face was filled with guilt and shame.

Jiang Yihe nodded solemnly. "Zhuguo has indeed strayed a little. If a son is not well educated, the father is to blame. If a daughter is not properly taught, the responsibility falls on the mother. You must guide her more carefully in the future so that she does not act rudely in public and become a laughingstock."

"Yes." Seeing that her husband was not truly angry and only offering a few admonishing words, Madam Tian felt relieved——yet the weight of shame in her heart deepened.

Jiang Yihe pursed his lips as if debating something before speaking. "Actually..., there's another matter I need your help with...."

Before he could continue, he hesitated, then shook his head with a bitter smile. "Forget it, just pretend I never said anything." He waved his hand dismissively and turned to go back inside.

"Husband, just say it plainly. Why are you being so reserved with me?" Madam Tian hurried after him. "No matter how difficult it is, your concerns are my concerns. Husband and wife should share both hardship and prosperity."

Hearing this, Jiang Yihe's eyes turned red with emotion. He took Madam Tian's hand, his voice gentle. "With a wife like you, what more could a man ask for? It's actually like this....

I heard from my classmates that in addition to the results of this autumn's Imperial Examination, the County Magistrate has two special quotas for selecting individuals known for filial piety and honesty. Earning such recognition would bring prestige to one's name and could improve one’s standing in the examination. Many are trying to visit the magistrate to gain his favor.

I wish to go as well, but such visits often require a token of goodwill. I'm short on money and have nothing suitable to present. I thought of your silver bracelets from your dowry. I was hoping to borrow them to pawn for silver. If I pass the Imperial Examination this autumn, I promise to redeem them for you."

Madam Tian let out a breath, relieved. "I thought it was something much more serious. If it’s for my husband’s future, of course I’ll support you wholeheartedly."

Without hesitation, she entered their room, dug out a wooden box buried deep in the corner of the kang bed, and retrieved her silver bracelets before handing them over.

Jiang Yihe weighed them in his hands. Though they appeared large, they were hollow and surprisingly light. The years had dulled their luster, darkening their surface. They were worth far less than he had hoped.

But still, it was better than nothing.

"Thank you, my dear wife." Jiang Yihe bowed deeply, his gratitude evident.

"My dear husband, there’s no need for such formality," Madam Tian said, her own eyes misting with emotion.

This was what it meant to respect and support one another.

She had truly found a good man to share her life with.

She could only pray that he would achieve his dreams this year....

By the time Jiang Zhuguo returned to Xia Mingyue’s home, the sun had already set. The sky burned with the warm glow of the sunset, casting a crimson hue over the courtyard.

Xia Mingyue was busy making steamed buns.

Unlike regular buns, these were made without leavening, oil, or salt. Instead, the dough was flattened and cooked directly in a pan until it became as thin as paper——perfect for wrapping vegetables.

Liu Caisheng had once built a small stove just for her. A flat, thin iron griddle rested atop it, with a straw fire burning underneath.

The griddle’s thin material heated up quickly. As soon as a round, paper-thin dough was placed on it, the heat caused tiny bubbles to form almost instantly.

Flipping it over, the small bubbles gradually merged into larger ones, inflating the steamed bun like a delicate balloon. The moment both sides turned slightly golden yet remained pliable, Xia Mingyue swiftly removed it and placed it in a bamboo basket.

Seeing this, Jiang Zhuguo hurried over to help with the fire and flipping.

With that taken care of, Xia Mingyue focused on kneading and rolling out more dough. Her hands moved swiftly, the small rolling pin flying up and down with practiced ease, mesmerizing to watch.

"I suddenly craved these buns this afternoon, but making them alone was quite a task. Luckily, you came back just in time," Xia Mingyue remarked. Her gaze fell on the cucumbers and beans in the small bamboo basket, and she smiled. "I was just wondering what vegetables to pair with these. Looks like you read my mind."

"I figured Sister Xia might want some, so I picked them fresh from my vegetable garden." Jiang Zhuguo raised her chin proudly, pleased with herself. Then, she flipped another bun on the griddle.

Xia Mingyue chuckled at Jiang Zhuguo's enthusiasm and quickened her pace, already thinking of what dishes to prepare.

Once all the dough was rolled, Jiang Zhuguo remained by the griddle while Xia Mingyue began chopping vegetables and meat.

The long beans were blanched and diced, while pork belly was chopped into small, tender chunks. In a sizzling wok, scallions, ginger, and garlic released a mouthwatering aroma as she stir-fried the pork, seasoning it simply with salt, soy sauce, and rice wine. The result was a fragrant, savory dish of minced meat and green beans.

To enhance the flavors and make the buns even tastier, Xia Mingyue tossed in a few extra red chili peppers for a spicy kick.

Once the meat and beans were done, she quickly prepared shredded potatoes stir-fried with vinegar and a refreshing cold cucumber salad with fresh hyssop leaves.

To complete the meal, she boiled a pot of white flour porridge and cracked two frangipani eggs into it.

As everything was set on the table, they finally sat down to eat.

A freshly made bun was placed in hand. Carefully, a hole was torn open along one side. The bottom was folded up, forming a pocket, and filled generously with stir-fried potatoes, minced meat, and green beans.

With a final fold to secure the filling, the bun was wrapped neatly into a perfect roll.

Taking a bite, the textures and flavors burst forth——the chewiness of the bun, the savory spice of the meat and beans, the tangy crispness of the potatoes. The contrast between the soft bread and crunchy vegetables was delightful.

The occasional bite of cool, refreshing cucumber balanced the rich flavors, and a sip of smooth porridge soothed the palate.

Life couldn’t get any better than this.

Xia Mingyue adored these steamed buns. They were light, oil-free, and endlessly satisfying. Before she realized it, she had eaten four in one sitting.

That night, her stomach felt uncomfortably full, making it difficult to bend over.

To aid digestion, she paced the courtyard under the night sky.

One lap, two laps, three laps....

Wu Jin, who had been drinking porridge nearby, paused to watch her.

Why did this scene feel so familiar?

Tilting his head, he pondered for a long time but couldn’t figure it out.

So, he simply lowered his head and resumed drinking his porridge.

Egg porridge really was delicious!

As the Dragon Boat Festival passed, the days grew hotter.

Cold noodles, a seasonal favorite, quickly surpassed wontons as the most popular item at Xia Ji’s food stall. To perfect the dish, Xia Mingyue experimented with different methods until she was satisfied with the flavor.

*****

Luozi (炙鏊): A slightly convex griddle used for making pancakes. Three bricks support it over an open flame.

Laomo (烙馍): A thin, chewy flatbread similar to a Shandong-style pancake, but rolled from dough instead of batter. If left on the heat longer, it becomes Jiaomo (焦馍), a crispier version. Sesame seeds can be sprinkled on top for added flavor.

__________________________

Chapter 62: Help

After the noodles are cooked to about 90% doneness, they are removed and rinsed with cold water before being served with shredded cucumbers, carrots, blanched green bean sprouts, fried peanuts, chili oil, and salt.

The result is a dish that is both chewy and refreshing, offering a more substantial bite than regular cold noodles.

With its unique texture and bold flavors, cold noodles quickly became another bestseller at Xia Ji’s food stall.

Always attentive to market trends, Xia Mingyue carefully adjusts the proportions of her dishes daily, ensuring that supply meets demand without waste. Following her lead, Jiang Erniu also increased his stock of cold noodles, fine-tuning his stall’s offerings accordingly.

After some time, Jiang Erniu’s stall on north street flourished, its popularity nearly rivaling Xia Mingyue’s.

Jiang Erniu and his wife, Madam Feng, could hardly contain their joy.

That morning, as they prepared for another busy day, Madam Feng handed Xia Mingyue a small cloth bag. “Madam Xia is always busy, so I figured you don’t have much time for needlework. I made two pairs of shoes for you——see if they fit.”

"Thank you, Sister Feng," Xia Mingyue replied warmly, accepting the gift without hesitation. "I was just thinking about needing a new pair of shoes, and here you are with the perfect solution."

She stepped inside to try them on. “They fit perfectly——not too tight, not too loose.”

“I thought so!” Madam Feng beamed. “Now that I know your size, I’ll make you a few more pairs when I have time.”

At that time, shoes were made with the traditional Thousand-Layer Sole, a painstaking process that required layering strips of old cloth on a wooden board, pasting them together, and letting them dry before carving out the sole. The finished layers were then stitched together with strong hemp thread.

These soles were not only durable but symbolized steady progress in life, making them popular across all social classes. Even in modern times, many still preferred these handmade cloth shoes over mass-produced footwear.

Crafting shoes was labor-intensive, and since shoe-making was not a casual gesture, it was clear that Madam Feng’s gift was a sincere token of gratitude, not mere courtesy.

Xia Mingyue felt warmth in her heart. “These two pairs will last me a long time. Sister Feng, you have your business to manage and a household to care for——don’t trouble yourself over me.”

“Now, now,” Madam Feng chided with a knowing smile. “Don’t refuse kindness from me. Just wear them well.”

In just over half a month, the money from their food stall had already matched what Jiang Erniu earned from selling sesame cakes in an entire year.

Seeing their savings grow, Madam Feng’s heart swelled with gratitude for Xia Mingyue.

Though Xia Mingyue profited from the food stall herself, she had no obligation to franchise the business or share her knowledge. It was one thing to conduct fair business; it was another to teach wholeheartedly, ensuring others succeeded alongside her.

Madam Feng had witnessed Xia Mingyue’s selfless guidance and took it to heart.

Gratitude mattered. Taking generosity for granted could erode friendships, but cherishing kindness would strengthen bonds.

Since Madam Feng was firm in her insistence, Xia Mingyue smiled and let the matter rest.

That morning, after their usual preparations, Xia Mingyue, Sister Lu, Jiang Zhuguo, Zhao Dahu, and Zhao Erhu went to set up their stall.

As the day unfolded, business ran smoothly, with customers coming and going.

“Madam Xia,” someone called.

The voice sounded familiar. Looking up, Xia Mingyue’s face lit up.

“Auntie Han?”

“Auntie Han! You’re out and about——is your foot feeling better?”

“Thanks to you, I’ve fully recovered.” Auntie Han’s eyes crinkled with a smile. “I could walk properly a few days ago, but just to be sure, I visited the clinic yesterday. The doctor said everything is healing well.”

She chuckled. “Didn’t I promise to visit your stall once I could walk again? Today’s weather is nice, so here I am, ready to try Madam Xia’s famous cooking

“That’s wonderful!” Xia Mingyue beamed. “What would you like to eat?”

“I’m not picky. Everything smells delicious, so I don’t know where to start!” Auntie Han admitted with a laugh.

“In that case, why don’t you try some cold noodles first?”

“That sounds good.”

“Do you like spicy food, Auntie?”

“Give me plenty of chili oil——it smells amazing.”

“Coming right up!”

With practiced ease, Xia Mingyue cut the cold noodles into wide strips, tossed them with seasonings, and plated them in a flash. She also handed Auntie Han a freshly made scallion-meat pancake.

“Try this. If anything needs adjusting, just let me know.”

Auntie Han took a bite, her eyes widening in delight.

The meat pancake was crispy on the outside, bursting with savory goodness. The cold noodles were smooth and chewy, with just the right kick from the chili oil. Even the gluten strands were tender yet satisfyingly springy.

Delicious!

No wonder Xia Ji’s food stall was always packed——this wasn’t just simple street food. It was crafted with care and skill.

As she savored each bite, Auntie Han couldn’t help but smile. This generous, kindhearted woman not only helped people but also made truly excellent food.

Meanwhile, across the city, in a dimly lit alley of Dongcheng District, the Sifang Casino was roaring with noise, the chaotic energy threatening to shake the very walls.

Wu Xiong stood at the entrance, flanked by his men, periodically patrolling the gambling floor to keep an eye out for cheats, thieves, or sore losers unwilling to pay their debts.

Two familiar figures approached——Sun Gousheng and Tian Dazhuang, both wearing ingratiating smiles.

“Boss, we have something to discuss,” Sun Gousheng said, rubbing his hands together.

Wu Xiong raised an eyebrow. “Good news or trouble?”

“Of course, it’s good news!” Sun Gousheng grinned even wider, stepping forward to knead Wu Xiong’s shoulders. “Just a small favor we need from you.”

Wu Xiong snorted. “Spit it out.”

“Well....” Sun Gousheng hesitated, exchanging a glance with Tian Dazhuang. “Actually, it’s not just about us. There’s someone out there who’s being really disrespectful——not just to us, but to you, Boss.”

His smile twisted into something darker. “And we can’t just let that slide, can we?”

__________________________

Chapter 63: Smash It for Me

Seeing that the two had been beating around the bush for a long time without getting to the point, Wu Xiong grew impatient. "You’ve been talking for ages, but you still haven’t said anything useful. What’s going on?"

"There’s a food stall on West Street called Xia Ji, owned by someone named Madam Xia. The food tastes good, so we went there to buy wontons. But this Madam Xia looked down on us. First, she accused us of not coming to eat properly but to cause trouble. And when we were leaving, she not only made us pay for the wontons but also for the bowls, claiming we had dirtied them....

"Naturally, we were furious and argued a little. But then, Madam Xia hit us with a rolling pin and scolded us! We had no choice but to tell her that we work for you, Boss. But the moment she heard that, she got even angrier and said that 'whoever brought up whoever would be the boss!'

Then she insulted you, Boss, calling you a rogue who spends all day doing nothing but shady business, saying you’re a disgrace of a man."

Sun Gousheng and Tian Dazhuang took turns exaggerating the story, carefully watching Wu Xiong’s reaction. Seeing that his expression wasn’t dark enough yet, Sun Gousheng rolled his eyes and gritted his teeth before adding, "That Madam Xia also said that you turned out this way because you had no parents to discipline you. She even claimed that your mother must regret it to death, wishing she had strangled you the moment you were born...."

Wu Xiong’s father had died before he was even born.

When Auntie Han was pregnant with him, she endured severe morning sickness and relentless hardships. Worse still, after losing her husband, she was shunned by the Wu family, labeled as a curse who had killed her husband, and thrown out.

Alone and helpless, she had to wash clothes for others to survive. In the dead of winter, her hands soaked in icy river water until they were covered in frostbite. Even when the wounds festered, she couldn’t afford to stop. For years, no matter how much care she gave them, the frostbite would return every winter, bringing unbearable pain and itching.

After finally giving birth to Wu Xiong, Auntie Han scraped together enough money to settle down. But because she was young, beautiful, and a widow, malicious rumors spread, and some men even tried to take advantage of her....

Wu Xiong had seen it all. He had witnessed his mother suffering, struggling just to raise him, and he had grown up with an unwavering sense of filial duty. A fierce, unreasonable kind of filial piety.

Because of his childhood hardships and his mother’s mistreatment, Wu Xiong hated two things above all else.

First, anyone who mentioned that he had no father.

Second, anyone who insulted or disrespected his mother.

Sun Gousheng was confident that by hitting these two sore spots, Wu Xiong would surely take action.

Tian Dazhuang, however, was left stunned.

When he suggested that they provoke Wu Xiong by saying Madam Xia had insulted him, he hadn't expected Sun Gousheng to say something so deeply wounding.

If Wu Xiong lost his temper....

Before Tian Dazhuang could process his thoughts, Wu Xiong’s expression had already turned as dark as the bottom of a pot. His fists clenched tightly, his teeth gritted. "Where is this 'Madam Xia'?"

That bastard actually dared to insult his mother. He didn’t care if Madam Xia was a woman——he would smash that stall to pieces and slap Madam Xia so hard that she’d learn what should never be said and who should never be messed with!

"It’s on West Street. I’ll take you there!" Sun Gousheng quickly led the way.

Wu Xiong followed, bringing Tian Dazhuang and two other men along.

A group of five, heading west with a menacing air.

Wu Xiong was already an imposing man, and the thick beard covering half his face only made him look even more fierce. Now, with fury burning in his eyes, he looked ready to kill.

The four men behind him, all rough-looking, strode with powerful steps, exuding an aura of intimidation that made pedestrians quickly move aside.

"Who is that? His face looks like a thundercloud...."

"Shh! Don’t talk nonsense unless you want a beating. That’s 'Wu Xiong'!"

"'Wu Xiong' from the Sifang Casino?"

"Yeah, that’s him. He’s one of their enforcers, responsible for collecting debts. I’ve heard he’s ruthless——if someone can’t pay up, he’ll break their arms and legs without hesitation. He doesn’t even listen to pleas for mercy. There was even a guy he nearly beat to death once."

"And the authorities don’t do anything?"

"Why would they? The people owing money signed IOUs. Paying back debts is only fair. Plus, most of those debtors are gamblers. Even the authorities are sick of them. The most they do is tell Wu Xiong to be ‘a little more restrained.’"

"With no one keeping him in check, he’s gotten bolder. If someone so much as says the wrong thing around him, they’ll get beaten up. And the victims don’t dare report him. Even if the officials ask, they won’t tell the truth. They just have to endure the abuse. It’s terrible!"

"Judging by his expression today, I wonder if he’s out collecting a debt or just looking for trouble. If it’s the former, fine. But if it’s the latter, I pity whoever’s about to suffer."

"I bet even their family dog will get slapped...."

As the crowd whispered among themselves, they watched Wu Xiong and his group march straight to Xia Ji.

At first, people felt relieved.

Oh, it’s nothing serious——he’s just here for food.

After all, Madam Xia’s cooking was renowned. Even a thug like Wu Xiong might crave a good meal.

But their relief was short-lived.

Wu Xiong came to a stop in front of the stall, glaring fiercely. His eyes were full of rage as he roared, "Who is Madam Xia?"

That tone made it clear——he wasn’t here to eat.

He was here to cause trouble.

But how?

Madam Xia had always run an honest business. How could she have offended a brute like Wu Xiong?

Everyone was confused. Even Xia Mingyue looked puzzled as she gazed at the furious Wu Xiong, wondering what kind of grudge he held against her.

Then, she spotted Sun Gousheng and Tian Dazhuang standing beside him, and everything clicked into place.

So, those two troublemakers had failed last time and now returned with backup.

But even if they wanted revenge, they should at least have a legitimate reason.

And if they didn’t...

Xia Mingyue subtly reached for the rolling pin beside her. "I don’t know why you’re looking for me," she said evenly.

So, this young woman was Madam Xia.

Wu Xiong squinted at her.

She was young, fair-skinned, and carried herself with the elegance of a noblewoman. A pity she was just a filthy, arrogant wretch.

He had no interest in talking.

With a sharp wave of his hand, he barked, "Smash it!"

Tear this stall apart!

__________________________

Chapter 64: Stupid

That was exactly what Sun Gousheng had been waiting for!

He was overjoyed, feeling as though all the humiliation he had suffered earlier had finally been avenged. Gripping a thick wooden stick, nearly as thick as his wrist, he sneered at Xia Mingyue, his face full of malicious delight.

"Madam Xia, I'm sorry!" He taunted, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

All the indignities you put me through before——I'll make you pay a hundredfold today!

With those words, he raised the wooden stick high, ready to strike.

The diners at Xia Ji, who had initially stepped aside when they sensed trouble, now fled in terror. Some turned on their heels, hurrying to report the incident to the authorities.

These rogues..., these thugs....

Xia Mingyue and the others clenched their jaws, desperately searching for anything they could use to defend themselves. Just as tension reached its peak, a chilling voice rang out from the crowd.

"Let's see who dares!"

A sharp, authoritative voice cut through the chaos.

A figure stepped forward from the shadows——a middle-aged woman, her face darkened with fury.

Mother?

Wu Xiong froze in place.

His eyes widened in shock, and for a brief moment, his mind went blank. Then, in the next second, he reacted as if struck by lightning.

Without hesitation, he snatched the wooden stick from Sun Gousheng’s hands, his movements swift and forceful. He turned, halting the other men in their tracks before they could cause any further damage.

Then, with nervous hands, he hurried to Auntie Han’s side, his face flushed with embarrassment.

"Mother..., why are you here?" He asked, his voice unusually meek.

Auntie Han ignored his question. Her glare was sharp enough to cut through steel.

"Kneel down!"

Her command was as unyielding as iron.

Wu Xiong didn't even pause to consider the situation——he simply dropped to his knees.

The sound of his knees slamming against the hard ground was so loud that onlookers winced, some instinctively rubbing their own bones as if feeling the impact themselves.

Gasps rippled through the crowd.

This woman... is Wu Xiong’s mother?!

She looked gentle, her face lined with the kindness and patience of a mother——but how could such a formidable bully be raised by someone like her?

Noticing the murmurs and curious glances from the onlookers, Auntie Han’s anger only burned hotter.

Her lips trembled with fury. She lifted a hand and struck Wu Xiong’s head, her voice shaking with rage.

"You disgraceful fool! You ungrateful traitor!"

Wu Xiong, a towering and intimidating figure feared by many, did not dare to dodge. He sat still and took the blows, as if punishing himself.

"Mother, be careful," he said quickly. "If you keep hitting me, your hand will hurt. Let me do it myself."

With that, he raised his own hand and slapped himself across the face——twice.

SMACK! SMACK!

The slaps were crisp and loud, ringing through the air. Wu Xiong’s face turned visibly red, his cheeks burning from the force.

Seeing this, Auntie Han’s raised hand trembled but did not fall. Instead, she clenched it into a fist, shaking with rage.

"You useless fool!" She scolded. "Why did you come here to destroy Madam Xia’s stall?"

"This—this Madam Xia insulted you and me!" Wu Xiong stammered. "I—I couldn't just stand by, so I...." His voice trailed off, growing softer and softer until it became barely more than a whisper.

"Did you hear it with your own ears?" Auntie Han demanded.

"...No...."

Auntie Han’s expression darkened further.

"So you’re telling me," she said, her voice now eerily calm, "that you were ready to destroy someone’s livelihood——someone’s hard work——just because you took someone else’s word for it?"

Wu Xiong lowered his head in shame.

"You disgraceful idiot!" Auntie Han struck him again, though this time, the pain was more in his heart than on his skin.

"You don’t even have the sense to verify the truth for yourself? You just act blindly on whatever nonsense someone tells you?"

She turned to Xia Mingyue, her expression now pained rather than angry.

"Madam Xia is a kind-hearted person," Auntie Han said firmly. "Last time I sprained my ankle, she was the one who helped me home. If not for her, I might have been lying on the road all night. How could someone so kind insult you or me?"

Wu Xiong’s head snapped up in shock.

She.... She was the one?

For months, he had been wondering how to repay the kind person who had helped his mother, but she had refused to reveal their identity. And now, not only had he found her..., but he had nearly ruined her stall?

His heart filled with guilt, an unbearable weight pressing down on him.

"I was wrong," he murmured. His voice grew louder. "I was wrong! Mother, I was completely wrong!"

"Don’t apologize to me!" Auntie Han snapped. "Apologize to Madam Xia!"

Wu Xiong scrambled to his feet, rushing toward Xia Mingyue.

He bowed repeatedly, his forehead nearly touching the ground.

"Madam Xia, I’m truly sorry!" He said earnestly. "I misunderstood you. I—I was blinded by anger and acted foolishly. Please, forgive me!"

Then, as if realizing that words alone weren’t enough, he untied the purse at his waist and shoved it into Xia Mingyue’s hands.

"This is my fault for disturbing your business today," he said, his voice sincere. "Please take this as compensation. It’s a small token, but I hope you won’t refuse."

The diners, who had been watching the scene unfold, blinked in astonishment.

An awkward silence hung in the air before Wu Xiong turned and addressed the crowd.

"It’s my fault for causing a disturbance today," he announced. "Everyone’s meal is on me. Please——continue eating, and make sure to come back to support Madam Xia in the future."

The BULLY was... paying for their meals?

A moment passed. Then another.

Slowly, the tension dissolved. Murmurs of confusion turned into laughter and conversation, the atmosphere at the food stall returning to normal.

"Well, if the bully is treating us, it would be rude to refuse!" Someone joked.

"If this gets out..., people might start thinking Wu Xiong is a good guy!" Another laughed.

Wu Xiong turned back to his mother.

"Mom, I——"

"Enough!" Han cut him off, waving him away. "Get out of my sight!"

Wu Xiong winced but didn’t argue. He knew he had completely embarrassed himself today.

"Yes, yes, I’ll leave!" He said quickly, bowing his head and retreating, dragging his men with him.

As soon as they were far enough away, he stopped abruptly——then turned and kicked Sun Gousheng square in the leg.

"AHHH!" Sun Gousheng yelped, tumbling to the ground.

"You idiot!" Wu Xiong snarled. "You nearly got me killed!"

The other men gulped, exchanging nervous glances.

Today was a very bad day for Sun Gousheng.

And tomorrow wasn’t looking much better.

Meanwhile, back at Xia Ji, the commotion finally settled.

Auntie Han turned to Xia Mingyue, her expression filled with shame.

"Madam Xia, I’m truly sorry for what my foolish son did today," she said sincerely.

"Auntie, you’re too kind," Xia Mingyue replied with a smile. "It was all just a misunderstanding."

Auntie Han sighed.

"That brainless son of mine was used like a tool and didn’t even realize it," she muttered.

Xia Mingyue chuckled.

"It’s alright," she said. "At least he knows his mistakes now."

And with that, peace returned to Xia Ji’s once more.

__________________________

Chapter 65: Pocket Bun

Madam Xia is a kind person.

As his mother said, there’s no way she could have spoken those words.

The only person capable of saying such vile things was Sun Gousheng.

Not only did he manipulate him into doing his dirty work, but he also took the opportunity to insult both him and his mother.

This kind of person is the most despicable!

The more Wu Xiong thought about it, the angrier he became. Without hesitation, he lifted his foot and kicked Sun Gousheng again. And to be fair, he didn’t forget about Tian Dazhuang’s involvement either.

Both men, now sprawled on the ground, dared not make a sound. They didn’t even attempt to stand up, fearing that the moment they did, another ruthless kick would send them back down.

Wu Xiong sneered, his voice laced with contempt. “Trying to outsmart me, are you?”

Despite his fury, he was aware that continuing to beat them in the street would attract too much attention. So instead, he ordered his men to drag Sun Gousheng and Tian Dazhuang back to the backyard of the gambling house.

Once inside, a thick, sturdy whip was raised high——then brought down with a resounding crack!

With each strike, their garments tore, their skin split open, and their wails filled the air. They pleaded, their voices trembling with desperation.

“Brother Xiong, we were wrong! Please, spare us!”

“We won’t do it again! Have mercy!”

But Wu Xiong turned a deaf ear. His expression remained cold as he dipped the whip into a basin of saltwater.

The renewed howls of agony echoed through the establishment, reaching the ears of Boss Ge, the owner of Sifang Casino. His brows knitted in slight irritation as he called over a passing waiter.

“What’s going on back there?”

The young man hesitated before answering truthfully. “It seems Brother Xiong is punishing Sun Gousheng and Tian Dazhuang for something they did. The beating... it’s rather severe.”

Boss Ge tapped the jade handle of his folding fan against his palm, seemingly unbothered. “Wu Xiong knows how to handle things. Let him be.”

Having worked with Wu Xiong for years, Boss Ge knew the man never acted without reason. If he was this enraged, those two must have done something truly foolish.

“But..., what if they die?” The young waiter asked uneasily.

Boss Ge chuckled. “Die? Let’s not forget, these two are refugees——no family, no household registration. No one will come looking for them. And even if someone did..., does Sifang Casino fear the law?”

The waiter gulped and nodded, falling silent.

On the other side, Auntie Han lingered at the stall for a while, enjoying another bowl of cold noodles before heading home.

As usual, Xia Mingyue and the others closed up the stall and made their way back, their conversation inevitably turning to the incident from earlier.

“Those two wicked fools! They keep coming back to stir trouble!” Sister Lu spat angrily. “And that Wu Xiong——what an idiot! He believes whatever he hears without even thinking it through.”

“Thankfully, Aunt Han arrived in time,” Xia Mingyue said with a sigh of relief.

The truth was, she had been terrified.

Ruffians and bullies were the most troublesome adversaries. If Wu Xiong had truly set his sights on her, this food stall would have been doomed.

“That’s right.” Sister Lu nodded fervently. “But, if you ask me, it was good karma. You helped Aunt Han before, and now she helped you. Good deeds always come full circle.”

Indeed, kindness given would always find a way to return——sometimes in unexpected ways.

Jiang Zhuguo, however, still had lingering resentment. “It’s a shame those two didn’t get punished properly.”

“Oh, I wouldn’t be too sure about that.” Xia Mingyue’s voice carried a knowing edge. “Wu Xiong lost a lot of face today, especially in front of Aunt Han. Someone like him wouldn’t let that slide easily.”

“That’s true...,” Sister Lu agreed with a smirk.

Those two fools were bound to suffer.

Upon arriving home, the group busied themselves with their nightly routine. As the evening wore on, Xia Mingyue began preparing dinner.

Having learned her lesson from overeating a few nights ago, she opted for something lighter yet satisfying.

She cooked golden cornmeal porridge, rich and sticky. She beat a few eggs, seasoned them lightly, and spread them thin in a pan to make delicate omelets, which she then sliced into fine strips. She stir-fried them with julienned carrots and fresh zucchini, creating a dish that was light yet bursting with flavor.

Meanwhile, the dough she had prepared earlier was now ready. She kneaded it into small rounds, rolled them into oval shapes, and brushed each with a mixture of peanut oil and flour——creating layers of fragrant, flaky pastry.

She then fried them in a pan until golden brown, the outside——crisp, while the inside remained soft and tender. Once done, she sliced them open——revealing a hollow pocket.

With chopsticks, she carefully stuffed the warm, crispy buns with the vibrant stir-fried vegetables.

A pocket steamed bun, filled to perfection.

Paired with a bowl of rich cornmeal porridge, the meal was a feast for the eyes.

One bite——the bun, crispy yet pillowy; the vegetables, refreshing and flavorful; and the porridge, warm and fragrant.

Simply delicious.

Yet, somehow... Xia Mingyue felt full again.

As if on cue, she found herself strolling around the courtyard to aid digestion.

Wu Jin watched her, silent and speechless.

This is just the way humans are, huh?

As the evening deepened, Jiang Zhuguo went to lock the courtyard gate.

Just as she was about to shut it, a rough voice called out——

“Wait a moment!”

Jiang Zhuguo flinched, her hands shaking slightly as she turned to face the sudden visitor. A bearded man stood before her.

Caught off guard, Jiang Zhuguo instinctively stepped back several paces before managing to steady herself.

Hearing the commotion, Wu Jin dashed forward, barking fiercely, the fur on his back standing on end.

The man quickly raised his hands in surrender, looking embarrassed. “I-I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to startle you.”

He hesitated before explaining, “I... came to see Madam Xia. I need to apologize properly for what happened today.”

At that moment, Xia Mingyue, having heard the noise, walked over. Upon recognizing the visitor, she offered a polite smile and gestured for him to enter.

She motioned for Jiang Zhuguo to pour him a cup of tea.

“Brother Wu, you’re too polite,” Xia Mingyue said gently. “You’ve already apologized and even compensated me for the trouble. There’s no need to go out of your way.”

Wu Xiong shook his head firmly. “No, Madam Xia. I was truly in the wrong.” His expression was filled with guilt.

“But rest assured——I’ve already punished those two mercilessly. They won’t be getting out of bed for at least a month, and they won’t dare cause you trouble again.”

“Furthermore,” he continued, “I’ve spread the word that Xia Ji is now under my protection. No hooligan will dare bother you from now on.”

His expression softened slightly. “More importantly, Madam Xia, my mother told me how you helped her when she was injured. I never knew it was you. If I had known..., I would have come to thank you much sooner.”

From behind him, he produced a small package.

“These are the best pastries from Zhao’s Cake Shop. I hope Madam Xia won’t mind accepting them as a token of gratitude.”