Su Su sat listlessly in the pharmacy when a man carrying a briefcase pushed open the door and walked in. Su Su quickly put on a smile, stood up, and asked enthusiastically, "Hello, what kind of medicine would you like to buy?"
The man with the briefcase said, "Hey, it's the electricity bill collector. You're in arrears. Go to the bank today to pay it off, or the power will be cut off. You'll have to pay a fee to reconnect it."
"Ah!" Su Su was stunned. It was truly a case of misfortunes never coming singly. Because of the air conditioning, the shop's electricity bill would easily be several hundred yuan a month, but now all the small bills added up didn't even amount to that much.
The person in the leather bag left after notifying the household; they didn't care whether you had money or not. If you don't have money, don't use electricity.
Su Su wanted to call her father, but then she thought it best not to trouble him. If she could borrow the money, that would be fine, but if she couldn't, it would be pointless to call.
Su Su was so depressed that she had no appetite and didn't even want to eat lunch; she felt no hunger at all. Just then, the door opened again. Su Su recognized the person who entered; it was the owner of the shop—a successful man in his thirties.
"Brother Liu, hello. What brings you here today?" Su Su greeted him warmly. The landlord held the right to rent out the property, and she had finally managed to make some progress here. It would be troublesome if the landlord took back the property.
"Su is here, where are your parents?"
Su Su said, "I had to go out. Brother Liu needs to see my parents."
The landlord said, "Yes, have your dad settle next year's rent."
Su Su was startled: "Brother Liu, isn't the lease not due until the 15th? We used to pay the next year's rent around that time."
The landlord sighed, "There's nothing I can do. I'm going to visit relatives out of town during the Lunar New Year, so I won't have time to collect rent then. Also, I don't have any spare cash at the end of the year, so I'm using your rent to cover my trip. Tell your dad to get ready today, and I'll come to collect it tomorrow morning. It's 36,000, right?"
Su Su was almost in tears: "Brother Liu, can you be lenient for a couple of days? Something happened at home and we need money right now. Even if I sold myself, I wouldn't have that much money."
The homeowner suddenly gave a lewd smile: "Su, if you really want to sell for 100,000, I'll pay. Why don't you think about it?"
Su Su's expression changed: "Brother Liu, show some respect!"
The landlord, his lewd expression vanishing, said seriously, "I'll come to collect the rent tomorrow morning, otherwise I won't rent the house to you next year."
With a bang, the glass door slammed shut, and Su Su began to sob.
"Susu, who bullied you?" someone whispered from outside the counter.
Su Su hurriedly stopped speaking, not even noticing someone had come in. Looking up, she saw a high school classmate. "Wang Xiaoliang? What brings you here?" Su Su wiped away her tears.
Wang Xiaoliang's eyes blazed with fury. Su Su was originally the pure and innocent type. Now, with tears streaming down her face, she was incredibly delicate and charming. Although her figure hadn't fully developed yet, she was already well-proportioned and attractive, a beautiful flower to be enjoyed.
"Pan Su, who bullied you? I'll get someone to beat him up!" Wang Xiaoliang loudly proclaimed his protective instincts as a man towards a woman.
Su Su said, "No one bullied me. Are you here to buy medicine?"
Wang Xiaoliang said, "No, I came here specifically to see you. Let's go sing karaoke together tonight. I really want to hear your songs."
Su Su shook her head: "I don't have time."
Wang Xiaoliang said, "No way, how about we go to an internet cafe? What's the point of you staying here all alone?" Su Su knew exactly what Wang Xiaoliang was up to. Last time she went to karaoke with her classmates, he had already made unwanted advances towards her. If she went out with him alone tonight, it was hard to say whether he would take advantage of her. "Even if it's not interesting, I'm willing. You can go now. Don't interfere with my work."
Wang Xiaoliang snorted: "How much money can you make with this job? Here's what we'll do, you keep me company tonight. I'll give you ten thousand yuan, make sure you understand, ten thousand yuan! Your pharmacy probably doesn't even earn that much in a month."
Thank you to all the users for your support, including the 6 coins and 5 monthly tickets! This chapter is a make-up for yesterday's extra chapter. I was too tired to stay up late last night and went to bed early, sorry! I'm making up for it now by bowing and wishing you a Happy New Year!
Volume 2 [175] I Won't Let You Suffer
Pinbusu picked up the iron pipe from the counter, which was a tool that Zhao Qiang had prepared for him, along with a wooden stick. "Wang Xiaoliang, don't try to show off in front of me just because your family has some money. I hate people like you the most!"
Su Su rushed out from behind the counter wielding an iron rod. Wang Xiaoliang was startled by her fierceness and hurriedly opened the glass door and ran out. Su Su didn't chase after him; girls are bound to suffer in a fight, so she just wanted to scare him.
Wang Xiaoliang shouted through the glass door, "Susu, I will definitely win you over! I have money, I don't believe you won't be tempted!" Wang Xiaoliang's father is a well-known real estate developer in Hedian District. In this day and age, real estate is the top business, so he is not exaggerating when he says he has money. However, even if a man Susu doesn't like has hundreds of millions, she won't give him a second glance.
Wang Xiaoliang's meddling actually cheered Su Su up a bit. She made herself a bowl of instant noodles. As she ate, she thought of that guy who could eat a whole box of instant noodles in one sitting, and a smile involuntarily crept onto her face.
In the afternoon, Su's parents returned home disappointed. The relatives and friends who could lend them money had already done so in the previous round, and those who were unwilling to lend money would not be able to borrow even if they went several more times. Seeing her parents like this, Su didn't mention the electricity bill and rent. Even if she did, it wouldn't help, and it would only make her parents worry more.
Before the New Year, there were still quite a few people during the day, but as soon as evening fell and the temperature dropped and the wind picked up, the streets became deserted. Su Su closed her shop early and sat alone at her computer desk, feeling lost. Tomorrow, she had several waves of debt collectors coming to collect. How was she going to deal with them? Her sister had asked her to help borrow money, but she couldn't get in touch with Zhao Qiang at all, and even if she could, it would be too late.
Knock, knock, knock. There was a banging on the door. Su Su was startled, and after a long while, she dared to pick up the iron bar and go behind the security door to ask, "Who is it?"
"I am Wang Xiaoliang Su. Come out with me. I'll agree to whatever you ask."
"Get out!" Su Su was furious.
When Su Su refused to agree, Wang Xiaoliang lost his temper and yelled, "You bastard, don't try to act tough with me. Believe me or not, I'll get someone to break down the door and take care of you!"
Su Su said, "If you don't get out of here, I'm calling the police."
Wang Xiaoliang threw down a sentence: "Fine, you're ruthless. You just wait. You'd better not sleep tonight, or you'll wake up to find yourself gang-raped!" Wang Xiaoliang was considered a bully at school, with a bunch of male classmates following him around. If he called on someone, he could really get a whole bunch of them. Lately, Wang Xiaoliang was deeply infatuated with Su Su's pure beauty. If he couldn't have her before the New Year, he couldn't expect to have a comfortable Spring Festival this year.
Su Su had barely settled into her bedroom chair when she heard a loud crash from the back window, followed by shattering glass and a gust of cold wind rushing into the room. Startled, Su Su shivered as the cold wind hit her face. A fist-sized rock slammed against the floor; it seemed the glass hadn't broken naturally, but rather deliberately.
"Su Su, open the door right now! Otherwise I'll really smash the pharmacy!" Wang Xiaoliang shouted arrogantly from behind. He had been wandering around all day, feeling incredibly hot all over, as if he had taken an aphrodisiac. If he couldn't release his pent-up desire, he would suffer terribly.
Su Su immediately called the police; otherwise, how could she, a young woman, cope? Wang Xiaoliang waited outside the window for a while, then dashed away upon hearing the sirens. The police looked at the broken window but didn't say anything, only telling Su Su to stay safe, as they couldn't possibly guard the area all night.
An hour later, Wang Xiaoliang returned and smashed another piece of glass with a loud crash. He stood outside, smugly saying, "Susu, you know how to call the police, right? Go ahead and call them again. I'm leaving before the police arrive. Let's see how many times they come tonight!"
Su Su had to put down the phone after picking it up. She looked out the window at Wang Xiaoliang and said, "Please, stop making a scene, okay?"
Wang Xiaoliang said, "Then let me in and I won't make a fuss. I promise I won't lay a hand on you, and I'll cherish you for the rest of my life. Actually, I'm doing this because I miss you so much."
"Pah!" Su Su spat inwardly. "Wang Xiaoliang, you really overestimate me. Your family is so rich, I'm not good enough for you, so please find another girl, okay? My family has had enough bad luck already, just leave me alone."
"
Wang Xiaoliang weighed the stone in his hand and said, "That won't do. To be honest, I think you're the only one I'm good enough for in our school. The other women are too vulgar, and I don't even look at them."
Su Su picked up her phone and said, "Fine, keep smashing. I'll keep calling the police."
Wang Xiaoliang was still afraid of the police after all. When he saw Su Su dialing a number, he ran away. Su Su cunningly put her phone away, which only showed a few numbers.
Although Wang Xiaoliang wasn't bothering her for the time being, two pieces of glass were broken, and the bedroom was freezing cold! Su Su could only find some thick clothes to plug the holes, hoping they would be blown away if the wind picked up. She felt disheveled, cold, and wronged. Su Su started crying again.
*Snap.* The indoor lights suddenly flickered and went out, startling Su Su. The darkness and cold filled her with immense fear. She almost ran out of the pharmacy, but looking around, the lights were still on. Had the power company really cut off the power?
Knock, knock, knock. Someone was knocking on the door. Su Su trembled with fear in the cold wind and darkness. Who could it be? Wang Xiaoliang? Possibly. He knew Su Su had lied when the police car didn't come. He must be back for revenge, probably more serious than smashing the glass ring. It could also be the power company coming to announce a power outage.
"Who?" Su Su asked cautiously from behind the security door, holding an iron rod.
"I.
The other party's answer was too simple; Su Su couldn't understand anything. "Who are you?"
"I'm hungry, do you have any instant noodles here?"
Su Su didn't realize what was going on. "We don't have instant noodles here because it's a pharmacy. Go to a restaurant or a store to eat."
"But theirs doesn't smell as good as yours."
Su Su stammered, "You...you're Zhao Qiang?"
The voice outside chuckled, "Are you angry because I didn't answer your call? Didn't I want to give you a surprise? I came here before going home. If my mom finds out, she'll scold me."
Su Su threw down the iron bar with a bang, hurriedly opened the security door, and then threw herself into Zhao Qiang's arms, crying. For some reason, she always felt that Zhao Qiang was the only one who could give her safety. Perhaps it was the strong reaction caused by Zhao Qiang's fierce treatment of Gan Beiwei and his ilk, coupled with the fact that Zhao Qiang had not done anything wrong to her despite sharing a bed with her, and the timely help of 80,000 yuan. This made Su Su place her complete trust in Zhao Qiang, especially in this turbulent time. Su Su needed an incredibly strong man to comfort and protect her.
Zhao Qiang patted the girl in the handkerchief. "What's wrong? Did something happen at home again?"
Su Su couldn't help but sob, "Um, what should I do, Zhao Qiang?"
Zhao Qiang sighed. Actually, he didn't want to get involved in Su Su's family affairs, but seeing this girl who made his heart ache crying like this, he couldn't bear it. "Alright, stop crying. It's nothing serious. You're my escort girl, I won't let you suffer."
Su Su punched Zhao Qiang in the chest and then left his embrace, saying, "Ugh, who's the escort girl?"
Zhao Qiang laughed and said, "Isn't that right? You're offering to eat, drink, and sleep with me, and you're not planning to let me in on this cold day? Do you expect me to just wait outside your door all night?"
Su Su said, "Come in, but it's not as warm inside as outside."
Zhao Qiang felt a chilly wind as he walked in. Once inside the bedroom, he saw that two panes of glass were broken. He asked, "What happened? Why is it so windy here?"
Su Su felt much more at ease. She said, "Someone broke in. A male classmate from my school insisted that I go to an internet cafe with him to sing karaoke. When I refused, he tried to barge in."
Zhao Qiang touched his nose and said nothing. He wasn't the type to make empty promises; he valued action more. He flipped the light switch but found the power was out. Zhao Qiang said, "That's not right, the shops next door clearly have power."
Su Su said, "The electricity bill wasn't paid; it was cut off a few minutes before you arrived."
Zhao Qiang was somewhat annoyed. He had traveled over a hundred kilometers in the freezing cold just to come here and enjoy some warmth and sweet nothings with the girl he had a crush on in high school, only to be met with this scene. However, he also understood how aggrieved Su Su must be feeling, and Zhao Qiang felt a pang of sympathy. Such a pure girl deserved to be cherished and cared for by a man.
"Okay, I admit I haven't cared enough about you. I'm guilty. Don't worry about the rest; I'll handle it." Zhao Qiang was genuinely distressed. Su Su had been keeping him company in the evenings lately. Their relationship was quite deep, and Zhao Qiang harbored a possessive streak towards the innocent Su Su. He felt Su Su deserved a happy and carefree life, not to be troubled by various problems.
Finally, someone was going to support her, and Su Su nodded with relief: "Zhao Qiang, I owe you so much."
Zhao Qiang laughed and said, "Then you'll have to accompany me to repay the debt slowly."
Su Su chuckled: "Why does it feel like I'm paying off gambling debts with my body? You're such a scoundrel, just like how you always lie to me in front of the camera, bending over and exposing myself."
Zhao Qiang, completely oblivious to the situation, said, "Girls don't like men who aren't rascals. Let's figure out a way to seal the windows first. Then we'll get someone to reconnect the electricity. Otherwise, we'll freeze to death tonight."
Su Su said, "I'm afraid we can't get through without paying the electricity bill. Where can we pay the electricity bill in the middle of the night?"
Zhao Qiang said dismissively, "You don't need to worry about it. I'll find someone to pick me up."
Clang! Another pane of glass was smashed. There are six panes of glass in the rear window, and now, half of them are broken.
"Su Su, you bitch! How dare you lie to me! You didn't even call the police!" Wang Xiaoliang roared angrily outside, this time he was truly enraged. He had come with four companions, two of whom were classmates from school. The other two were thugs he had hired from the streets, and this time he was determined to break down the pharmacy's security door.
Su Su shrank closer to Zhao Qiang in fear. Zhao Qiang knew who it was without her saying a word. He turned around, opened the security door, and whispered to Su Su, "Let him in to talk. It's not proper to keep a guest outside in this cold weather."
This chapter is an extra chapter thanks to the sixth monthly ticket I received yesterday, as well as monthly tickets from Dark Blue Fox, Fire Lake, and others. I wish everyone a Happy New Year! (Mountains have mountains...)
Volume 2 [176] Xiao Su, I was wrong
Su nodded, then called out the window, "Zhu Xiaoliang, don't smash the factory!"
Wang Xiaoliang, standing outside the window, paused for a few seconds before cheering, "Su, you're so great! Just wait. Brother Liang will be here soon!"
Perhaps because he was too excited, Brother Liang walked a little unsteadily. The pharmacy was pitch black, and he groped his way in while saying, "Su. Why didn't you turn on the lights? Are you trying to be romantic? You're so naughty, you like to play with romance."
Su Su sniffed. She snorted and ignored Wang Xiaoliang. She still had some confidence in Zhao Qiang, after all, she had witnessed Zhao Qiang single-handedly take down Gan Beiwei and his brother, a scene that was incredibly brutal.
Wang Xiaoliang vaguely saw Su Su standing at the bedroom door, but he didn't notice Zhao Qiang on the customer lounge chair next to him, mistaking him for something on the chair. Wang Xiaoliang opened his arms and rushed towards Su Su: "Su, I missed you so much! Just thinking about you makes my heart race uncontrollably. Tonight, my wish will finally come true. Don't worry, I'll give you back the 10,000 yuan in full tomorrow! I'll buy you whatever you want from now on!"
Before Wang Xiaoliang could finish speaking, he suddenly tripped and fell flat on his face, landing right at Su Su's feet. Wang Xiaoliang's face made intimate contact with the ground; his nose and mouth were covered in blood. That was no small fall.
The moment Wang Xiaoliang looked up, Su Su kicked him in the head. Wang Xiaoliang's words were like needles piercing Su Su's chest; how could she not be enraged? Wang Xiaoliang screamed and rolled two meters backward, yelling, "You bitch! You tricked me into coming in to get back at me! Mom, I'll have someone come in and gang-rape you!"
Without a word, Zhao Qiang shoved the iron rod into Su Su's hand. Su Su knew Zhao Qiang wanted her to take revenge. The events of the day had already infuriated her, and Wang Xiaoliang's repeated harassment, even breaking three windows in the pharmacy, meant that with Zhao Qiang backing her up, Su Su wasn't worried about Wang Xiaoliang retaliating. She closed her eyes. The iron rod lashed out at Wang Xiaoliang's neck with a whoosh. Although Su Su's strength was limited, the momentum combined with the hardness of the iron rod still knocked Wang Xiaoliang to the ground again!
Wang Xiaoliang's mouth was crooked, and his speech was slurred, "Fierce, fierce brothers. Come in and fuck her!"
Seeing Wang Xiaoliang beaten to such a state, Su Su was naturally frightened. She threw down the iron rod and hid behind Zhao Qiang, grabbing his arm with both hands.