"Song Qiao, don't do anything rash. The Li fellow has already apologized to me, and we can't afford to offend him right now."
Xia Yuqing noticed Song Qiao's unusual demeanor and quickly stepped in front of him, whispering a warning.
Song Qiao remained silent, instinctively positioning himself in front of Xia Yuqing.
"Little Song, we meet again," Director Li greeted Song Qiao as soon as he entered the shop.
Song Qiao didn't respond, merely fixing him with a hostile gaze.
"I've already apologized to Yuqing for what happened last time. I hope you won't hold it against me, Little Song."
Seeing that Song Qiao was ignoring him, Director Li didn't get angry and continued as if nothing was amiss.
It was as if the awkwardness was someone else's problem as long as he wasn't embarrassed.
"I heard your stinky tofu sells well. Give me two skewers to try."
Director Li said, taking out a ten-yuan bill from his wallet and offering it to Song Qiao.
Song Qiao didn't reach for the money, simply stating coldly, "I'm sorry, we're sold out of stinky tofu for today."
He wasn't lying to Director Li; they were indeed out of pre-made stinky tofu.
If a customer ordered a large quantity, he could still make more.
However, for a mere ten yuan, and from Director Li, the man he most wished he could beat up, it wasn't worth the trouble.
"Oh? I've heard your shop is always so busy, Little Song. I'm truly impressed today. It lives up to its reputation."
Director Li, met with a polite refusal, raised an eyebrow, his tone laced with sarcasm.
He then glanced at Xia Yuqing, who stood silently beside Song Qiao.
He immediately put on a regretful expression and said,
"It seems I have no luck today. I'll have to ask Little Xia to bring me here again tomorrow."
"The snacks I sell here are rather common."
"I imagine someone as distinguished as Director Li wouldn't deign to look at them."
"Perhaps it's best if you don't come again in the future. I wouldn't want you to go home smelling of stinky tofu and have to explain yourself to your wife."
Seeing that Director Li intended to pester Xia Yuqing again tomorrow, Song Qiao decided to cut to the chase and retorted directly.
He had learned from Xia Yuqing's colleagues that Director Li, though outwardly imposing, was actually very henpecked at home.
His words were a veiled warning, reminding him to be careful about his wife finding out about his actions outside.
"You..."
Director Li was momentarily speechless, a flicker of embarrassment crossing his face.
He stood there for a long time before managing a strained smile and saying to Xia Yuqing,
"It seems I overestimated Little Song's magnanimity. He clearly hasn't gotten over what happened that afternoon."
"Little Xia, you need to be careful with a man this petty! You need to look out for yourself!"
As he spoke, he reached out to pat Xia Yuqing's shoulder.
Xia Yuqing felt a wave of disgust and quickly stepped back, evading Director Li's lecherous hand.
Song Qiao was enraged by this and felt an urge to step forward and teach Director Li another lesson.
But Xia Yuqing held his arm tightly, stopping him.
Director Li gave Song Qiao a sinister smile, then turned and left the shop without looking back.
"Hmph, I'll make your woman willingly crawl into my bed sooner or later."
Back in his car, Director Li snorted, casting a resentful glance at Song Qiao's shop before driving away.
"Song Qiao, please don't do anything impulsive. I still need to work at the factory.
"We have to make do and avoid provoking him."
Xia Yuqing, seeing that Director Li was gone, felt a wave of relief and said to the furious Song Qiao.
"Wife, why don't you just quit this job?"
"This Li fellow clearly has ill intentions towards you. I really can't rest easy."
Song Qiao hesitated for a moment before saying to Xia Yuqing.
"No, I can't lose this job."
Xia Yuqing refused decisively.
Although Xia Yuqing appeared nonchalant about her job when dealing with Director Li, she secretly cherished it.
After all, this job had once been her and her daughter's sole source of income.
Otherwise, she wouldn't have endured Director Li's harassment so patiently.
"But..."
Song Qiao was about to say more.
Xia Yuqing shook her head. "Let's not discuss it further. Don't worry, with so many people watching at the factory, Director Li won't dare to go too far."
"Yuqing, you really don't need to work so hard."
"My shop is doing very well now. I can fully support you and our daughter."
Seeing that Xia Yuqing had no intention of quitting, Song Qiao, a seasoned businessman, quickly grasped the core of the issue.
Xia Yuqing couldn't help but chuckle, her heart warming.
In the past, Song Qiao had been addicted to gambling, and she had to support the entire family on her meager factory wages.
Now, he had completely changed, not only quitting gambling but also learning to care for her and their daughter.
"Alright, when you've earned enough money, I'll quit my job and focus on enjoying life at home."
Xia Yuqing teased Song Qiao.
Unexpectedly, Song Qiao looked serious, his tone suddenly firm.
"Wife, don't worry. I promise that day will come very soon."
"Why so serious? I was just joking."
Xia Yuqing's nose twitched, and she playfully punched Song Qiao's shoulder, speaking with a touch of petulance.
Song Qiao had never been happier. His wife finally believed him, and his efforts had not been in vain.
With this thought, his heart swelled with excitement, and he rubbed his hands together, saying to Xia Yuqing,
"Wife, how about we take our daughter out for dinner tonight, the three of us?"
Although the last gathering had ended on a positive note, he hadn't had much time to interact with Xixi due to Xia Xueqing's unreasonable behavior.
"Let's not. Even if you're earning money now, we can't eat out every day."
Xia Yuqing, accustomed to frugality, felt a pang of concern about spending money and refused Song Qiao's request.
Just as Song Qiao was about to try and persuade his wife further, a lazy, familiar voice drifted from outside.
"Brother Song, it's been a few days. How have you been?"
Duan Kun swaggered into the shop with his characteristic swagger, followed by about a dozen henchmen.
Xia Yuqing's heart leaped with alarm at the sight. She shot up from her seat.
"What is Duan Kun doing here? He's the one who made my husband obsessed with gambling and kidnapped my daughter."
"Does Song Qiao still owe him money?"
"Duan Kun has been involved in the underworld for years, always involved in fights and violence. He's even more troublesome than Director Li."
Thinking this, her heart sank into her stomach.
Song Qiao also felt a sense of helplessness. Why did Duan Kun have to show up now, when Xia Yuqing was at the shop?
He would probably have to spend a lot of effort explaining things to his wife.