The wall was designed by Su Xiaotian, imbued with a touch of ancient charm and rich cultural depth.
Its antique appearance was pleasing to the eye.
Grandpa Su and Grandma Su didn't understand the design, but they trusted their granddaughter.
Su Xiaotian had said that such a wall was distinctive and would attract customers, so they decorated it accordingly.
As it turned out, Su Xiaotian's idea was excellent; customers could see the available dishes upon entering, eliminating the need for introductions.
For convenience, the dish names were not fixed on the wall but were written on specially made, beautiful book-shaped wooden plaques.
Each dish offered by the restaurant was written on these thin wooden boards.
Customers could see everything at a glance.
Yiming Pavilion’s business grew better and better. As more people came and went, some praised the wall.
Some familiar faces even expressed their anticipation for the day the wall would be covered with menus.
Whenever someone said this, Grandpa Su would modestly reply that maintaining the current situation was good enough.
However, in his heart, Grandpa Su also hoped that one day, Yiming Pavilion’s business would flourish, and the wall would be completely covered with menus.
As always, the person writing was Su Ciliang.
Su Ciliang treated this task with great reverence, purifying his hands before writing each menu.
Su Xiaotian teased him, saying he was more solemn than when he painted.
Today was also Su Ciliang’s turn to write. After solemnly washing his hands, he picked up his brush and swiftly wrote two dish names.
Su Ciliang was skilled at painting and his calligraphy was also excellent, something he could be proud of.
“Second Brother, hang it up quickly!” Su Xiaotian clapped her hands and shouted. “Second Brother’s handwriting is getting better and better, very elegant!”
Su Ciliang was so delighted by Su Xiaotian’s praise that he felt like flying.
He happily picked up the wooden plaque, stood on a stool, and hung it on the wall. He examined it from the side, ensuring it was hung straight before feeling at ease.
Just as Su Xiaotian was about to offer more praise, she heard a clatter from the entrance.
“What’s happening outside? Is there a fight?” Su Xiaotian asked, her round eyes wide open.
“I’ll go see!” Su Xiaojiu was about to rush out, but after only two steps, several people entered.
In a moment of panic, Su Xiaotian quickly called out, “Ninth Brother, come back!”
She had seen troublemakers before.
The people in front of her looked similar to those she had seen previously.
Su Xiaotian keenly sensed that these people were here to cause trouble.
Su Xiaojiu was also a smart and quick-witted child. Hearing Su Xiaotian’s voice, he immediately realized something was wrong and quickly turned to run back inside.
Su Ciliang jumped down from the stool and stood in front of Su Xiaotian and Su Xiaojiu.
As an elder brother, he had to protect his younger siblings.
Su Shouwen, Su Sangong, and a few others shared the same thought as Su Ciliang.
Grandpa Su quickly stood in front of his grandchildren.
“Please, have a seat inside!” Grandpa Su said with a smile, his tone sincere.
However, it was clear these people were here to stir up trouble. One of them glared fiercely at Grandpa Su.
“Old man, you’ve offended someone you shouldn’t have, you know?”
“This old man doesn’t know!” Grandpa Su replied earnestly, showing no fear on his face.
With only six or seven people, Grandpa Su was confident his grandsons could handle them.
Clearly, the speaker hadn’t expected the old man to say such a thing.
“Old man, you’re looking for death!”
“I wouldn’t dare. This old man hasn’t lived enough yet and doesn’t want to die!”
Hearing Grandpa Su’s words, the group immediately became enraged and were about to attack.
“Wait, esteemed elder brother, what exactly did our family do that was inappropriate to warrant your visit?”
Su Shouwen, afraid of his grandfather getting hurt, stepped forward to shield him.
“You’ve offended someone and don’t even realize it. We advise you to quickly close your shop and go back to the northwest to farm. The capital is not a place for you.”
Su Shouwen frowned. Was this professional competition?
“Esteemed elder brother, our family is doing business here honestly, and we haven’t provoked anyone. The country now supports our business, and we are responding to the nation’s call. There’s nothing wrong with that!”
Su Shouwen’s words were resounding and firm.
However, the people on the other side were here to cause trouble and were naturally unwilling to listen to Su Shouwen.
“Enough of your nonsense. If you don’t close this shop, we’ll smash it once every day. We’ll beat up anyone from your family we see.”
“Beat up anyone we see? Let’s start now!” Su Xiaotian could no longer hold back.
It was obvious these people wouldn’t give them a chance to explain. The best approach for dealing with such people was to fight back directly.
The opponents were talking to Su Shouwen when they suddenly heard a crisp, young girl’s voice, and they were somewhat shocked.
However, they looked around but couldn’t find Su Xiaotian, who was completely hidden behind her brothers.
“Who? Come out and speak! Hiding your head and tail, what kind of hero are you!”
“This young lady is not a hero, so I’ve disappointed you!” Su Xiaotian emerged from behind her brothers.
Her brothers were too tall, and it wasn’t a good thing, making her seem even smaller.
Seeing a little girl pop out from behind, the thugs exchanged glances, confused about what was going on at Yiming Pavilion.
“You, a little girl, go play on the side. You have no right to speak here!” one of the thugs said impatiently.
Su Xiaotian smiled, a smile that seemed harmless.
“You say that, but if I go play on the side, will you stop hitting me?” Su Xiaotian asked with an innocent expression.
The thugs wanted to say that they hadn’t intended to hit a little girl, but it was awkward to say it at that moment.
“Quickly get out of the way, my fists have no eyes!” one of the thugs waved his fist impatiently at Su Xiaotian.
Although his fist didn’t hit Su Xiaotian, for the Su brothers, threatening their precious sister was unacceptable.
It was a joke; if their beloved sister was bullied in front of so many brothers, how would they face her in the future?
With a single glance exchanged between the brothers, they instantly charged at the thugs.
They moved so fast that the three elders of the Su family didn’t even have time to react.
Although the youths were impetuous, they were also careful with their expenses. Fearing damage to the shop if they fought inside, the older ones each grabbed a thug, while the youngest, Xiaoba and Xiaojiu, each grabbed one, and they tossed the thugs outside.
Seven thugs were all thrown onto the street through the combined efforts of the eight Su brothers.
“Are you planning to fight us? Stand up, let’s spar!” Su Ciliang was the first to strike a fighting stance.
It was a joke; these useless individuals wanted to fight them?
Coincidentally, they hadn’t had a chance to spar with anyone for a long time, and these few “sandbags” appearing today were excellent.
The other brothers shared similar thoughts with Su Ciliang.
As for the seven thugs, they were stunned.
What was going on?
They had come to beat people up and smash the shop, but how did they end up being thrown out?
What did these brash boys eat to grow so strong?
Su Xiaotian followed closely behind her brothers. Seeing the few people lying foolishly on the street, not even getting up, she smiled!
“What are you doing?” Su Xiaotian suddenly heard a familiar voice.
[Author’s Note]
This is the first chapter today. A reader asked if Shiguang was from Xi’an. No, but it’s not far from Xi’an. Shiguang is not a medical professional but is involved in community work and also busy with her own unit’s tasks, which is indeed very stressful. I can only add more chapters after things have settled down a bit. I apologize to all the readers who have supported Shiguang along the way, and I thank you for your support. Mwah!