Aunt Tian, after her initial shock, finally came to her senses, followed by deep regret. She wished she had asked for more, as these shops were sure to appreciate in value within a couple of years.
However, since the deal was done, and with so many people watching, including her son and daughter-in-law who were eager to see the other party make a fool of themselves and were even recording the scene on their phones, it was too late for regrets.
Guan Jiawen was also greatly shocked, her heart pounding wildly. She hadn't expected Xiao Xun to help her like this.
Xiao Xun coldly said to the aunt, "The money has been given to you, and the contract is signed. I'll give you one night to 'clean up' all these shops. Otherwise, you'll face the consequences."
Then he turned to the head of the management office and said, "And you. If Guan Jiawen encounters any accidents or trouble here in the future, I will not let you off."
"Naturally. This is a reputable market, and no accidents will occur."
The people around them dared not say anything more. As for the owners of those few shops, they were naturally to be handled by the aunt. In any case, they only had until tonight, and it couldn't affect tomorrow's business.
Guan Jiawen's face turned as red as an apple, her small ears and neck flushed pink.
Suddenly, a man called out from a distance, "Guan Jiawen, why are you chatting here instead of selling fish?"
"Dad, why are you here?"
Guan Jiawen's father first glared at her fiercely, then said impatiently, "Hurry back and sell fish. Stop chatting with these disreputable people here."
Guan Jiawen lowered her head and explained, "Dad, the fish are all sold out. And he's not just anyone; he's President Xiao."
Guan Jiawen's father took a closer look and realized it was indeed Xiao Xun!
His face immediately brightened, and with a brilliant smile, he said, "President Xiao, why have you personally come to this place? Has she caused any trouble again?"
Guan Jiawen broke free from her father's hand and quickly explained the whole situation.
Upon hearing this, Guan Jiawen's father was stunned. "What did you say? Five shops? All bought by President Xiao?"
As he spoke, he patted his head, clearly quite startled.
Xiao Xun nodded, "Yes, they are my shops now, and I'm renting them to you for free."
Guan Jiawen's father gave an awkward laugh, his attitude towards Xiao Xun doing a complete 180-degree turn. He immediately shook Xiao Xun's hand enthusiastically and said, "President Xiao, what can I say? You've found her a job and helped her solve problems. I really don't know how to repay you. You must come to our home for dinner tonight!"
Xiao Xun, unable to refuse the warm invitation, informed Mu Jiahe and drove them back.
Guan Jiawen's home was in an urban village in G City. All sorts of people were gathered there. Their house was in a narrow alley. The only advantage was that they had a yard, but unfortunately, the surrounding buildings were too tall, and they barely saw any sunlight throughout the day.
While Guan Jiawen was cooking, her father took a big gulp of wine and said, "President Xiao, you've helped my Jiawen so much. Do you have feelings for her?"
"No, uncle, don't misunderstand."
Guan Jiawen's father smiled, "Uncle is experienced and knows about the relationships between young men and women these days. It's all about mutual consent."
Then he changed the subject, "Look at our situation. She has a younger brother who is of marriageable age, but we can't even afford the down payment for a house."
Xiao Xun's expression turned cold. "What does that have to do with me?"
Guan Jiawen's father didn't understand why Xiao Xun's attitude had changed so quickly. However, he immediately said, "From now on, Jiawen is yours. If you tell her to go east, she goes east; if you tell her to go west, she goes west."
Xiao Xun glanced at Guan Jiawen, who was coming out with dishes. "I think you've misunderstood. I'm helping her for no other reason."
Saying this, he stood up.
"It's getting late, so I'll be going back now."
Guan Jiawen saw Xiao Xun to the entrance of the urban village. "Don't take what my dad said to heart. I'll pay whatever the rent is."
"It's alright. With five shops at once, you can't manage them alone. Hire people if you need to. If you're short on money, I can lend you some interest-free."
"Thank you."
"No need to thank me. Don't borrow money anymore. I won't be coming over regularly. The company is quite busy recently, but I'll introduce customers to you when I have time."
After saying this, Xiao Xun drove home.
Upon returning home, Yun Mei came to greet him, her brows immediately furrowed. "Little Uncle, where have you been? You smell so strongly of fish."
Xiao Xun looked at himself and thought, "Damn, I forgot to change clothes."
He then told Yun Mei about what happened today.
Yun Mei smiled. "Is that colleague pretty?"
"How pretty could she be? If she were that pretty, would she be selling fish?"
"That's not necessarily true. Haven't there always been 'tofu beauties'?"
"If you don't believe me, go and see for yourself."
The next day, as soon as he drove the car into the underground garage, before Mu Jiahe could even get out, his phone rang.
It was Guan Jiawen calling. Mu Jiahe didn't say anything and went straight to the elevator.
Xiao Xun answered the phone and asked in a cold tone, "What is it?"
Guan Jiawen fidgeted slightly. "President Xiao, the matter I asked you about yesterday, you haven't forgotten, have you?"
Xiao Xun thought for a moment and suddenly remembered the gathering. "I haven't forgotten. Shall I pick you up?"
When Xiao Xun met Guan Jiawen, she had changed into a pure white gauze dress, making her appear very pure, like a girl next door.
They arrived at a branch of Fengming Restaurant. The consumption level here was one tier lower than the main branch, making it a preferred "holy land" for those who were not as wealthy but still wanted to experience Fengming Restaurant's service for their gatherings.
After parking the car and just as they entered the main door, someone called out from behind, "Guan Jiawen."
Turning around, they saw Guan Jiawen's classmate, Zhou Yunfeng.
Upon seeing him, Guan Jiawen's expression immediately darkened.
Su Qian, the campus beauty, walked over with Zhou Yunfeng's arm linked in hers and said sarcastically, "Is this the Prince Charming you've been bragging about so much?"
Zhou Yunfeng also looked at Xiao Xun with a smile and said, "Buddy, you really don't discriminate against any kind of girl. A village girl?"
However, Guan Jiawen grabbed Xiao Xun's arm. If she hadn't stopped him, Xiao Xun would have certainly taken action.
Guan Jiawen spoke sternly, "Zhou Yunfeng, Su Qian, as human beings, I urge you to be kinder!"
Su Qian covered her mouth and chuckled, "As human beings? Haha, Guan Jiawen, don't joke. People are born into a predetermined class. You are at the very bottom, and even if you try your best your whole life, you can't catch up to us."
At this moment, someone walked out of the lobby. It was Guan Jiawen's class monitor, Zhao Xuliang.
"Why are you all standing at the entrance?" Zhao Xuliang walked directly towards Zhou Yunfeng and the other person.
"Long time no see, old classmate."
Zhao Xuliang and Zhou Yunfeng tacitly ignored Guan Jiawen. They seemed very familiar with each other.
Then, Zhao Xuliang greeted Su Qian as well, praising her for looking much prettier. Su Qian giggled charmingly, and the three of them appeared very harmonious.
"Oh, isn't this Guan Jiawen? You've brought your boyfriend too. Sorry, I was so busy greeting Yunfeng just now that I didn't see you."