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byA menacing man growled impatiently, "Are you doing it or not? If not, we'll get someone else!"
"Panicking for what?" the woman grumbled. "Haste makes waste. Let's go!"
The pair ascended the stairs in the middle of the shop while chatting.
Chu Yuening's gaze followed upward, and she curiously glanced at the sign on the second floor: Shin-Izumi Japanese Shiatsu.
Shiatsu? Could it be a massage parlor?
She was rather exhausted today. Should she give it a try?
Feeling her bulging purse, she wondered if the masseurs in Hong Kong were skilled and soothing.
"Ning Ning?" Shanpo, having packed up her stall, pushed her wooden cart to head home. Seeing Chu Yuening considering going upstairs, she was startled and quickly let go of the cart to grab hold of Chu Yuening.
Chu Yuening blinked, turning around to look at Shanpo with confusion. "Can't I go to a massage place?"
Shaking her head, Shanpo released her grip and steadied the cart again. "It's no massage parlor, just a place with ladies selling their bodies. It says 'Japanese Shiatsu' on the sign."
"Ning Ning, you should visit less often; it's a mixed crowd here, I worry you might get picked on."
"Okay."
Chu Yuening cleared her throat awkwardly and helped pick up the fallen apples from the wooden cart.
"By the way," Shanpo pushed the cart, "your younger sister is here, so since someone is watching the stall, I thought I'd head home. That energy-boosting syrup really works wonders, are you making more tomorrow?"
Chu Yuening pondered for a moment before responding, "I'll be going to Sai Kung tomorrow, so I might not set up the stall. If you have extra fruit, feel free to use our spot."
"Alright, looks like I need to bring even more fruit tomorrow." Shanpo didn't hesitate, as A Hua and Yuening's stalls were connected, allowing for more spacious fruit display and potentially attracting more customers than other fruit stands.
"I'll go check on my younger sister first, take your time getting home." With that, Chu Yuening hurried off to the stall.
Sure enough, Chu Yi was there, sweeping the ground, sending dust flying into the air.
Several classmates were lending a hand, both boys and girls assisting in clearing the trash from the stall.
One of the classmates asked...
"A Yi, is your elder sister really that beautiful?"
"Obviously," Chu Yi replied, putting down her broom and crossing her arms, puffing out her chest with pride. "If Sister had entered the Miss Hong Kong pageant a few years earlier, there wouldn't have been any competition for Lee Ka-Shing!"
"Are you exaggerating?" a male classmate doubted. "The Miss Hong Kong contest is still on this year. She could participate anytime."
"You guys just don't understand. Sister has said she doesn't rely on her looks to get by!" Chu Yi cupped her face with both hands, holding the broom between her armpit, a worried expression on her small face. "If only she could share half of her beauty with me."
"Typical bragging," the male classmate dismissed it.
"Just wait till you see her," Chu Yi, a sister-doting enthusiast, was not fazed.
As she spoke,
"Ah Yi."
Their gazes turned to see a girl approaching them with a subtle smile. The boy who had doubted Chu Yi's claim now turned red in embarrassment.
Chu Yuening walked over, greeted her classmates, then looked at Chu Yi. "Why are you here?"
Chu Yi pulled out a red glossy notebook with an image of Chairman Mao from her backpack. Chu Yuening opened it and found IOUs tucked inside. Her eyes lit up. "Where did you find this?"
"In the bottom of the wardrobe, buried under clothes," Chu Yi said with a grin. "I knew how hard you were looking, so I brought it along."
"You're always so resourceful," Chu Yuening said, tucking the notebook away, feeling relieved.
With the IOUs, they could demand payment from the Fang family.
Let's see how they try to wriggle out of it now!
Seizing the opportunity, Chu Yi whispered, "Big Sister, do you still have that refreshing syrup you gave me this morning?"
"Did you like it?"
"It was more than just good, it was incredibly effective." A classmate chimed in, "A Yi brought some to school and shared it with us. It was so invigorating. After drinking it, I was wide awake during classes where I usually nod off, and my study efficiency shot up."
The others followed with their own praises.
Chu Yi felt a bit guilty, fidgeting with her new leather shoes behind her back. "As soon as I brought the syrup to school, I shared it with two close friends. They were amazed, and then..."
The voice gradually faded away.
"The classmates all want to order."
Chu Yi felt a twinge of guilt for having shared the dessert prepared by her sister with others, but she also wanted to contribute to easing the family's financial burden by bringing in business.
Upon hearing this, Chu Yuening still declined, addressing her classmates apologetically, "Soothing Sugar Water can only be served up to three cups a day. It won't be enough for all of you, I'm afraid."
The classmates were visibly disappointed but didn't press the matter.
One of Chu Yi's friends spoke up.
"Auntie Chu Yi, it's alright. You don't have to worry. We're already thrilled just to have seen such a beautiful lady during this visit."
"Absolutely!"
The classmates laughed heartily.
In the end, Chu Yuening treated them to an ice cream parlor meal and even offered a discount, much to the delight of her classmates.
The next day, early morning.
Leaving a refreshing sugar water on the table, Chu Yuening hopped onto her food cart and headed towards Kowloon. Even before she arrived, she could already see a continuous stream of golden vitality entering the Huatian Building's entrance.
The Huatian Building was a 30-story Grade A commercial complex, housing offices, shopping malls, restaurants, entertainment facilities, and a parking lot. It belonged to the Hua Xin Group.
Since the building was absorbing the construction site's vitality, there must be another array here.
Chu Yuening parked her cart in a corner and decided to enter the building to investigate. At that moment, she saw Shancai Jun exit the building with a troubled expression, carrying his luggage.
Their paths crossed.
Realizing that he had discovered the truth, Chu Yuening asked, "Did you get your money back?"
Shancai Jun let out a bitter smile and shook his head. "I once believed Ruyi was the person who understood me best in this world. But returning to Hong Kong with high hopes only to receive such an outcome has left my heart dead."
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