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With the interest excluded, it was barely 200,000 - an amount he could afford.

Qiu Hao led his entourage away with a grand presence. As they walked, Fei Yu whispered, "Brother Qiu, is it really not a loss to spend 200,000 just for a divination?"

Qiu Hao savored the meaning behind the phrase 'bitterness ends in sweetness.' When they passed by the acupressure shop, he paused and looked thoughtfully at the second-story window. Given his character, if something truly terrible happened, like losing limbs, he would never want to burden others.

200,000 for peace of mind - it seemed like a worthwhile gamble.

Worried that the incident might be disclosed, Qiu Hao instructed his followers, "Wait downstairs, Fei Yu."

Glancing up at the Japanese acupressure shop, Fei Yu smiled understandingly. "Brother Qiu, go ahead. I'll bring flowers up later."

Once Qiu Hao had ascended the stairs, his subordinates felt free to speak.

"One wouldn't have guessed Brother Qiu had such a tough past."

"I felt my heart ache listening to it. No wonder he's so driven."

"Stop gossiping about big shots!" Fly Fish, sharp-witted, scolded the nearest underling. "Don't let word of what happened on Temple Street today slip out. If I hear anyone else talking about it tomorrow, you'd better watch your step!"

He had seen through Qiu Hao's expression just now.

Such a tragic backstory could easily make other gangsters look down on them. If news of Temple Street's incident reached the ears of other bosses' minions, someone would be thrown into the sea to feed the fish by tomorrow.

As the rowdy gang members dispersed from the dessert stall, Lin Jiahua hurried over, relieved that the tension had eased. He had refrained from approaching earlier to avoid causing trouble.

The menacing group had intimidated him, but Chu Yuening had handled the situation with ease.

"Did they scare you?"

"Not at all."

Beneath the sunlight, Chu Yuening's lychee-shaped eyes curved in a smile, her fair face radiating tranquility. Lin Jiahua pushed up his glasses, suddenly feeling a wave of relief.

"Ning Ning, thank you so much."

"There's no need for thanks between friends."

"We're all good friends, so there's no need for all this formal thanks," Zhang Jiande said, interrupting the exchange.

Zhang Jiande, carrying the fish, had intervened upon hearing that Ning Ning was giving a fortune to the second-in-command of the Fourteen Gang. Worried about her safety and leaving his restaurant unattended, he'd rushed over with Ah Shan Po and a few other employees.

He turned around, scanning the deserted dessert stall. "Where is everyone?"

"They've all left," Chu Yuening shrugged. "If they stayed any longer, the other stall owners on Temple Street would be trembling."

Sure enough, the neighboring vendor could be heard grumbling softly.

"The Fourteen Gang is notorious for their violence. With a dozen hooligans standing here, anyone could get attacked at any moment. Who wouldn't be afraid?"

"Exactly, it's bad for business."

"Just standing here like a group of menacing gatekeepers is scarier than those who collect protection money."

With a protruding belly, Zhang Jiande retorted fiercely, "What's wrong with you people? If you're not happy, go talk to that second-in-command! Demand an explanation!"

His belly jiggled with each syllable.

"They only know how to fight within their own circle," Zhang Jiande ridiculed. "Thankfully, that second-in-command didn't collect protection fees. If there were a line of people here doing that, you all would have paid willingly."

The two stall owners from the neighboring stalls looked embarrassed. "Brother De, you can't put it that way."

"It's because we're not good with words that you all feel free to complain," Shanpo chimed in to defend them.

The grumbling stall owners finally fell silent. Their gazes kept wandering to Chu Yuening, who sat at the wooden table, saying nothing but occasionally brushing off dust from her clothes.

At first, they had merely seen her as a vulnerable woman.

But they hadn't expected so many people to stand up for her.

She was someone they couldn't afford to provoke.

Zhang Jiande smiled and shared some cheerful news. "Well, don't say I didn't tell you all. Ning Ning has moved into a new apartment—it's a genuine sea view unit."

Lin Jiahua was surprised. "She moved without a sound? Ning Ning, are we still good friends?"

When Shanpo heard 'sea view,' her eyes lit up. She grabbed Chu Yuening's hand. "When did you move? Silly girl, you need help when moving! Why didn't you call for assistance?"

"Someone offered to help," Chu Yuening smiled sheepishly. "Besides, there's not much to carry – one vehicle can handle it all."

Lin Jiahua chimed in, "Moving is a big event! Why don't we cook at the new place and add some festive vibes?"

"Didn't need you to say that," Zhang Jiande said with a mischievous grin, holding up the fresh fish. "It was already planned. Decision made – we'll have dinner at the apartment! Brother De's hidden culinary skills, decades in the making, should be revealed today."

Chu Yuening chuckled. "Are you serious?"

"Of course, I am," Zhang Jiande patted Lin Jiahua's head with his free hand. "Right over A Hua's skull."

Caught off guard, Lin Jiahua's glasses slid down his nose as he pushed them back up, turning to smile. "Brother De, just talk, no need to pat my head."

"Eh, who else has the most genuine personality here if not you? Who else to pat?" Zhang Jiande reminded after the pat. "Remember, after Ning Ning helps sort this out, you can't let the Lin couple manipulate you again."

Shanpo added, "That's right. They're two heartless vampires. You mustn't bother with them anymore. Others raise kids as a debt, but they two are collectors. You've done enough looking after them for so many years."

Lin Jiahua rubbed his head, smiling wryly. "Okay, okay, I'll listen to all of you."

With her chin on her hand, Chu Yuening watched the playful banter among the intergenerational friends, her mood equally bright. The mention of 'Master Chu' drew her attention back once more.

Yuan Tianbo stood beside the sugar water stall, holding two large gift bags, accompanied by another person.