Lin Xiaohui’s lips twisted in anger as she pointed at Chen Lishu, saying, “Look at those worn-out cloth shoes on your feet. You can’t even afford a pair of leather shoes, what do you know!”
Due to her physical condition, Chen Lishu was sensitive to the cold. Her hands and feet were always icy, so she paid extra attention to keeping them warm.
The black cotton shoes she wore at the moment were made by Li Xiulan. Though they were clunky and not very stylish, they were exceptionally warm.
“I don’t know much, but aren’t those leather shoes you’re wearing single-layered? Aren’t you cold on this freezing day?”
Lin Xiaohui, like a cat with its tail stepped on, instantly bristled. “Who says these are single-layered? Don’t talk nonsense if you don’t know. These are the latest style from the department store. Chengming queued up specifically to buy them for me. His affection is priceless. Unlike you, standing here alone, spewing sour remarks. How laughable.”
Lu Chengming stepped forward cooperatively, looking down at Chen Lishu and saying, “Chen Lishu, I never realized before, but how did you end up like this? It seems your taste in men is truly poor. What’s so great about soldiers? Time will tell, they’re not available and they don’t spend money on you. You’re just asking for trouble.”
“Chengming, you don’t know yet. Her man led a team to fight down south. It’s uncertain whether he’ll return. Even if he does, who knows if he’ll be missing limbs…” Ah!
Before Lin Xiaohui could finish, she felt a tug on her scalp, followed by two sharp slaps that stung her cheeks.
“A dog’s belly can’t hold two ounces of sesame oil. Wearing a pair of worn leather shoes, and you don’t even know your own worth? I wouldn’t bother with you if you didn’t provoke me, but refusing to deal with you means I’m being lazy!”
Chen Lishu grabbed her hair, pressing her head down so she couldn’t look up, while her other hand rained blows down on her.
Originally, out of respect for Wu Zheng and Lin Xiaoyue, Chen Lishu couldn’t be bothered to deal with her. But unexpectedly, she cursed Gu Xingdong, which finally crossed her bottom line.
“My man is on the front lines, risking his life to protect the country, and you’re maliciously cursing him. Anyone with a shred of conscience wouldn’t say such things. Even if I beat you to death today, it wouldn’t be too much!”
“Wuwu, Chengming, save me–”
Lin Xiaohui hadn’t expected Chen Lishu to strike without a word. Her face, having been hit several times, stung intensely. She wanted to fight back, but Chen Lishu’s grip on her hair was so tight that her scalp felt like it was splitting. The pain brought tears to her eyes, and she could only cry out for help to Lu Chengming.
“Chen Lishu, if you’re going to act out, at least consider the place. Xiaohui didn’t say anything wrong. Do you really think no one can handle you!”
Lu Chengming stepped forward and clamped onto Chen Lishu’s arm. With a forceful shove, Chen Lishu, caught off guard, stumbled and nearly fell.
“Xiaohui, are you alright?” Lu Chengming pulled her into his arms and comforted her softly.
“Chengming, that bitch Chen hit me so hard. My face must be ruined from her scratches. You have to teach her a good lesson. Hold her down for me, I want to get even and vent my anger.”
Lin Xiaohui touched her stinging cheek, letting out a soft hiss of pain.
“If you hurt Xiaohui, don’t blame me for being impolite.” Releasing his arm around Lin Xiaohui’s shoulder, Lu Chengming stepped forward, his gaze towards Chen Lishu filled with malice.
“What, finally dropping the act?” Chen Lishu’s expression turned cold as she watched the approaching figure, a trace of mockery flashing across her face.
“A grown man, and this is all you’re capable of? Just showing off amongst women?”
Every time Lu Chengming saw the disdain and mockery in Chen Lishu’s eyes, he felt an impulse. He vowed that one day he would trample this woman under his feet and ravage her thoroughly.
“Chengming, shut that b*tch up.” With Lu Chengming backing her, Lin Xiaohui’s spirit returned. Gritting her teeth, she glared at Chen Lishu, wishing she could pounce and scratch her pretty face.
“What’s wrong with your man? Is fighting such a big deal? He earns his money that way, always acting high and mighty, but still looks like a pauper. You…”
“Damn it, do you really think Lishu has no one around her!”
Wang Aixiang, appearing from who knows where, grabbed a nearby mop and began to beat Lin Xiaohui and Lu Chengming with it.
“Seriously, where did these two dogs come from? They’ve got a couple of dimes in their pockets and they’re already showing off. Why are their mouths so venomous? Aren’t they afraid of having sons with crooked asses.”
Winter clothes were thick. A single swing of the mop on cotton wasn’t satisfying, so Wang Aixiang deliberately aimed for their heads.
“My brother-in-law is a hero for going to war. You’re a scoundrel not fit to carry his shoes. I’m telling you, if anyone dares to lay a hand on my sister today, I’ll risk my life to make sure they don’t leave this room!”
Wang Aixiang, always fiery, now acted with fierce intensity. Lin Xiaohui and Lu Chengming had no chance to fight back, only covering their heads and scattering.
“You shrew, I’ll make you pay sooner or later!” With nowhere to dodge, the occasional blow made them gasp in pain.
Lu Chengming, tall with long legs, spotted an escape route and rushed towards the door. He flung the door open and ran without looking back, leaving Lin Xiaohui shrieking and scurrying around the shop.
“Forget it, Aixiang jie.” Chen Lishu stepped forward and restrained Wang Aixiang’s arm.
Wang Aixiang put down the mop and spat at Lin Xiaohui, “My sister is kind-hearted, but I’m not someone to be trifled with. If you dare to spout nonsense again, I’ll break your teeth.”
Lin Xiaohui, clutching her throbbing arm, looked at Chen Lishu with resentment and said, “What kind of ability is it to have others defend you?”
Chen Lishu’s brow twitched slightly. “Are you suggesting you want me to handle it myself?”
Lin Xiaohui fell silent.
Chen Lishu hadn’t held back when she hit her, and it hadn’t been any lighter than Wang Aixiang’s mop.
“Don’t glare at me. What can you do by glaring with your eyeballs out?” Chen Lishu said, pointing to the open shop door. “The people who came to defend you have all abandoned you and run off. They don’t protect you when it matters. I truly pity you.”
Hearing Chen Lishu’s words, Lin Xiaohui felt a pang in her heart, but she remained stubborn. “Chengming just didn’t react in time. You don’t need to be a busybody and meddle.”
Feeling disgraced, Lin Xiaohui turned and walked towards the door.
…
Jin Kun used all his savings to successfully acquire the 'Meili' Dressmaking Shop. Zhao Hong renamed the shop 'Xiaohong' Clothing Store.
Skipping the hassle of redecorating and restocking, the 'Xiaohong' Clothing Store officially opened the day after the sign was hung.
Early in the morning, Jin Kun specifically took leave and brought a few brothers to set off two strings of firecrackers before leaving.
As the temperature was low in winter, there weren’t many customers. Zhao Hong sat behind the counter, listlessly watching the pedestrians outside the window. Suddenly, a familiar figure caught her eye, and she excitedly stood up from her stool.
“Chengming?”
Zhao Hong hurried out. Seeing him about to walk away, she quickly called out to him anxiously.
Lu Chengming turned around. Upon realizing it was Zhao Hong calling him, he visibly paused.