Chapter 030

Chapter 030

Chen Erhu's subordinates had long witnessed their boss being repeatedly beaten by Chen DaHu, so they were somewhat afraid not only of Chen DaHu but also of those around him.

When Chen Jian was blocking people at the door, neither Lao Si nor Lao Wu dared to come over directly, but they did summon the courage to stand two meters behind Chen Jian, forming a triangle.

"This doesn't look like a welcome greeting," said Thug A as he stepped up onto the steps, facing Chen Jian directly.

"Just a catchphrase," Chen Jian said, "Don't take it seriously."

"Alright," Thug A nodded, then turned his head to glance into the shop over Chen Jian's shoulder, "Business is good, congratulations."

Chen Jian didn't respond; he couldn't be bothered to waste words on these two. He generally didn't speak unless there was no room for turning back, which was why he used to talk to Chen Erhu but usually stayed silent when it came to Chen DaHu.

Not speaking sometimes prevented conflicts from escalating, a tactic that Shan Yu clearly understood well, though he used it in reverse.

It was truly a blessing for the shop that the boss wasn't around right now.

"Chen DaHu is a man of his word," said Thug B, "He promised Shan Yu that he wouldn't come over until Shan Yu figured out the money issue..."

Did he promise that?

It was a unilateral ban issued by Shan Yu.

Chen DaHu had already slept here once; he couldn't keep coming over to sleep all the time.

"But it doesn't mean we can't come over," said Thug B.

"Hmm," Chen Jian responded, standing at the door with no intention of letting them in.

"What, is Store Manager Chen planning to block business today?" said Thug A.

"Should've said so earlier," Chen Jian stepped aside, then called out to Hu Pan, "Panpan, some guests want to check in, take care of it."

"Right away!" Hu Pan raised her hand, "Please come over and show your IDs—"

"...We want to check out the rooms first," Thug A paused.

"Didn't you check them out the other day?" Lao Wu said.

Chen Jian gave Lao Wu a look, feeling that his IQ, which seemed to drop by twenty, oddly matched Shan Yu's from a certain angle.

"What do you mean?" Thug B immediately pointed at Lao Wu.

Chen Jian stood directly in front of Thug B's pointed finger and slowly pushed his arm down, "The rooms have been checked, and you're welcome to look around the environment. It's fine, I'll accompany you."

"No need for such high standards," Thug A said.

"Friends of Big Hu," Chen Jian said, "It has to be this standard."

Chen Erhu's way of harassing the town's merchants was learned from Chen DaHu. He would keep showing up and hanging around your shop, not necessarily doing anything too outrageous, but making loud noises, smoking, playing cards, and making sure people didn't dare enter your shop. Those who couldn't take it would fork out some money.

Chen DaHu's goal wasn't necessarily just for a little cash; he wanted bigger money, like hiring thugs. For example, that day he mentioned helping Qian Yu's shop occupy space from another shop in the old town.

This time, it was just harassment. The busier the business, the more likely he would show up, reminding Shan Yu that the nonexistent ten thousand dollars really didn't exist, like an alarm clock.

Chen Jian accompanied these two "alarm clocks" as they wandered around the first floor.

"Buffet?" Thug B walked into the restaurant and saw the steaming hot porridge and pancakes that Zhao Fangfang had just brought over for the guests. He reached out and grabbed a pancake.

Chen Jian didn't say anything, just staying by their side.

Lao Si and Lao Wu followed, not obviously crowding around the two thugs but keeping a distance while still forming a triangular encirclement with Chen Jian.

This was a common tactic used by the "Pig Pen Gang." These guys weren't very good in fights and generally avoided one-on-one combat. Even fighting a mouse required a group effort, as there was no guaranteed victory.

After wandering around the restaurant and eating a bit, the two went over to check out the counter, then walked into the coffee shop.

"Oh, they even serve coffee here. Didn't notice that last time," said Thug A.

"Let's have a cup," Thug B stretched and walked over.

Chen Jian was about to say it wasn't open yet, but seeing guests coming down from upstairs to have breakfast, he didn't stop them and let them into the coffee shop.

Hu Pan came out from the front desk, ready to make coffee for the two.

Chen Jian gestured for her to go back.

Only Hu Pan in the shop knew how to make coffee, but Chen Jian could do it if needed for these two.

Chen Erhu and his men couldn't appreciate tea, and naturally, Chen DaHu and his men couldn't understand coffee either.

After the two sat down, Chen Jian walked over to the coffee machine, turned it on, and as the machine clicked to life, he took two coffee cups, grabbed two instant coffee packets from the cabinet, tore them open, and poured them into the cups.

These were from when Lao Wu had compared Hu Pan's coffee with ones bought from the nearby supermarket, claiming this tasted better.

The coffee machine finished starting up, and Chen Jian turned on the steam nozzle, adjusting it to hot water, filling the two cups with over half a cup of water.

Then, using a small spoon, he stirred thoroughly to ensure there were no clumps, and finally placed two cookies on the saucers. He carried the cups over to the two men.

San Bing, who had rushed over upon receiving the message, saw his store manager serving people and immediately stepped forward to take the coffee, placing it on the small table in front of the two.

He greeted them, "Brother Bin, Brother Zhi."

"Where's your boss?" Thug A, Brother Bin, asked, "Isn't he coming over to say hello?"

"He's not back yet," San Bing said.

"Busy?" Brother Bin took a sip of the coffee.

"Working for someone else is like this, not as free as the older brothers," San Bing said.

Chen Jian stood behind the coffee machine and took out his phone to send a message to Hu Pan.

"Chen Yu Luo Yan, don’t let Er Hu come over."

"Who are you?" 0

Chen Jian walked over and sat down opposite the two, signaling San Bing and the others to go about their work.

Just waste time, anyway, there’s plenty of instant coffee.

Walking from the small path behind the homestay into the mountains, it’s quite peaceful. Most of the tourists are hikers or those camping in the mountains. More tourists drive up the mountain from the main road near the rafting area.

There will definitely be more people these days than usual. If Shan Yu didn’t want to stay in the shop, he wouldn’t have chosen this time to come. With him gone, the shop owner could relax a bit more with work.

Shan Yu strolled forward. The mountain forest had completely changed colors. Whether looking far into the distance or up at the sky, the bright autumn leaves shone like sunlight.

Beautiful.

He raised his phone and took a picture of the patch of blue sky visible through a circle of red leaves.

But he didn’t plan to go too far. The doctor told him to stay active, not to go hiking.

Today, he just wanted to see how far he could walk before feeling exhausted, to judge how well his leg had recovered. He was really tired of this inconvenient life.

Walking slowly along the path for almost an hour, he stopped next to a large rock. This was a corner of the mountain path, offering a view of the large colorful forest opposite and a river shimmering with silver light.

Shan Yu sat on the rock and looked for a while, then lay down.

Comfortable.

It was a bit cold in the shade, but the stone was warm under the sun, making him feel like he was slowly melting and sprawling on the rock.

In the second before falling asleep, he thought to himself, if he had known, he would have come here to sleep every day, falling asleep instantly...

"Sir! Handsome guy! Hey—"

Shan Yu was very clear that this distant voice wasn’t from a dream, someone was calling him.

"He seems to be waking up," the voice said again, "But not sure... no injuries... we’re at the scenic spot about three kilometers away..."

Shan Yu jolted awake, opening his eyes.

"Awake, awake," another person said, "Handsome guy? You okay?"

"I... was sleeping," Shan Yu sat up and saw a young man standing next to him, holding his phone and talking.

"We passed by, your phone was ringing on the rock, and you wouldn’t wake up," a girl leaned against a nearby tree and said with a relieved smile, "We were scared something happened to you."

"Here, sorry, we were too anxious and answered the call," the young man handed him the phone.

"Thanks," Shan Yu took the phone and saw it was indeed a call from Chen Jian. It was now 11:30 AM; the shop owner probably called to ask if he wanted lunch. He cleared his throat, "Chen Jian?"

"Did you take sleeping pills?" Chen Jian’s voice was panting.

"Haven’t slept so soundly in a long time," Shan Yu said, "I’ll come down the mountain right away."

"Is your leg okay?" Chen Jian asked.

"It can roll down if it has to," Shan Yu said.

The group of young people hadn’t left yet, waiting for him to finish the call. The girl asked again, "Do you live in the homestay down below?"

"Yes," Shan Yu nodded.

"Which one?" the young man leaned in, "We stayed in the mountains yesterday, it was too cold, and we want to find a homestay today."

"I live... at Da Yin," Shan Yu said, "Any of them are fine."

"Any recommendations?" the young man pressed.

"...Da Yin," Shan Yu said.

"Any reason for the recommendation?" The young man, perhaps having been burned before, asked carefully.

"The service is great, the rooms are clean, the garden is beautiful, and the food is delicious," Shan Yu said, "But this evaluation is quite subjective."

"Hmm?" The young man looked at him.

"I’m the owner of Da Yin," Shan Yu said.

The group of young people laughed, startled. Another girl said with a smile, "What a coincidence! We’ll stay at Da Yin then."

"Welcome to Da Yin," Shan Yu said, "Tell the shop owner that you were the ones who answered the phone earlier, there might be a discount."

"Thanks, boss!" The group of young people walked away, still talking and laughing by the path.

The shop owner might be busy right now, not sure if there’s time to receive guests.

Before he came out, he saw the two people Chen Da Hu brought the other day squatting at the intersection smoking. After they finished, they would probably go into the shop.

At this time, they should have left, or the shop owner wouldn’t have called him.

Not sure what the situation in the shop was before.

Probably, the two were just looking for an excuse to wander around and then sit in the café, checking out the high-end bottle the boss brought back a few days ago.

They definitely couldn’t start anything with so many customers around.

Without lifting a finger, it's certain that sending those two away will leave me fuming.

Tsk.

Glad I got out though.

Shan Yu walked back along the path. After the nap, his previously tired legs had recovered, and he walked smoothly.

It was just that going downhill put a bit of strain on his legs. He had overestimated them today; he shouldn’t have walked so far.

Before long, he saw Chen Jian.

He stopped in his tracks and couldn't help but raise an eyebrow.

"Why are you here?" he asked.

"To see if you rolled down the hill," Chen Jian said.

"Not that bad," Shan Yu said, "Want me to roll down for you?"

Chen Jian didn’t say anything, just pointed to the ground, telling him to watch his step.

After walking a bit further on the gentler slope, Chen Jian spoke again. "Chen DaHu's men came by earlier."

"Did they?" Shan Yu said, "Are they gone?"

"Yeah, didn’t cause any trouble," Chen Jian said, "Just had a cup of coffee."

"Rest more during the day these few days," Shan Yu said, "And don’t sleep too soundly at night."

Chen Jian looked at him. "You're thinking of…?"

"Just do as I say," Shan Yu didn’t intend to tell Chen Jian too much. After all, Chen Erhu was Chen DaHu’s younger brother. If he thought Chen Jian was involved, it might stir up some trouble.

"Why would I tell Chen Erhu?" Chen Jian asked.

That angle was very typical of Chen Jian.

"What, you want to snitch on Chen Erhu and earn a spot behind Lao Wu as Lao Liu?" Shan Yu said.

Chen Jian paused and laughed.

"I'll let you know if something comes up," Shan Yu said, "There are many variables; it’s not a foolproof arrangement."

"Hmm." Chen Jian turned and walked ahead.

Shan Yu followed behind for a while but finally couldn’t hold back. "Move aside."

"What’s wrong?" Chen Jian stepped aside and turned back.

"I’m going to roll down." Shan Yu said.

Chen Jian paused for two seconds and reached out. "Are you too tired to walk?"

"Just feel like rolling," Shan Yu said.

Chen Jian stepped back and grabbed his arm. "Next time, if you want to wander around, stick to flat ground, at least you could use a wheelchair."

"Not going out until they remove the support," Shan Yu said.

We’ll see when Liu Wu arrives.

Liu Wu and the others were arriving tomorrow. Chen Jian had been getting so many calls lately that his dorm mates thought he was in a relationship.

With that level of excitement, and keeping it in to surprise his brother, once they met, Liu Wu would probably drive Shan Yu crazy with his chatter.

When he returned to the guesthouse, Hu Pan and the others were already eating at a booth in the corner of the restaurant. It was the first time they weren’t sitting at the big central table for staff meals.

The large table was filled with fruits and snacks, and there were two small baskets with beautiful leaves that Hu Pan had picked from the yard and the edge of the woods outside. They were cleaned so guests could use them as props when taking photos in the garden.

"Quite a spread," Shan Yu walked over, took an orange, and put a piece of soft candy in his pocket.

"You’ve got a portion in your office," Chen Jian said, "Panpan brought one up for you."

Shan Yu hesitated, then took the soft candy out and put it back on the table.

"If you took it, just keep it. It’s just one piece," Chen Jian sighed.

"Are you messing with me?" Shan Yu turned to look at him.

"...I’m just letting you know," Chen Jian said.

Shan Yu picked up the soft candy, this time not putting it in his pocket but peeling it and popping it into his mouth. "Get me some food later, I’ll eat in the office."

"Hmm." Chen Jian responded.

The afternoon was busier than the morning; most guests who booked rooms arrived in the afternoon. When they arrived around the same time, Chen Erhu and the others had to help Hu Pan.

Chen Jian occasionally made rounds, checking for any sudden situations and keeping an eye out for any sign of Chen DaHu. Though normally, nothing would happen in broad daylight, Chen DaHu wasn’t exactly normal.

However, when Liu Wu and his group arrived, Chen Jian didn’t need to worry about anything anymore. With this group of "happy beans," whether it was Chen DaHu or Li DaLang, they’d all turn into happy beans with them.

"Chen Jian—" Liu Wu opened his arms as soon as he entered the yard. "Chen Jian—Chen Dianzhang—"

The few "happy beans" behind him also shouted, "Chen Dianzhang—"

"Hey," Chen Jian hurried out. "Right here."

"Good to see you again!" Liu Wu gave him a hug. "Long time no see!"

Time really does fly when you're having fun.

"In a bit, your people can follow the servers to take the luggage to the rooms. Once everyone is settled, come back down to give your IDs to the front desk..." Chen Jian led him inside.

"Is my brother here?" Liu Wu asked in a low voice, "You didn't tell him I was coming, right?"

"No," Chen Jian also lowered his voice, "He only knows that fifteen rooms were booked for today."

"Let's go find him then." Liu Wu was very excited and waved to the classmates behind him, "You guys follow their people to the rooms. I'm going to meet their boss."

His words sounded quite grand.

"Classmates, follow me on the first floor," Hu Pan raised her hand, "Second floor, follow him up."

"Second floor—" San Bing also raised his hand and headed towards the stairs, "Those with heavy luggage can take the elevator."

Liu Wu, carrying only a backpack, didn't go into the elevator and ran all the way to the fourth floor.

"Is he still using the old office?" Liu Wu asked, "I thought he'd change that old-fashioned office."

"That would cost money, bro." Chen Jian said.

After bringing Liu Wu to the office door, he knocked on it.

"Come in," Shan Yu said from inside.

Liu Wu pushed the door open and strode in, "Dear cousin— guess who I am?"

"What are you doing here?" Shan Yu leaned back in his chair and glanced at Chen Jian, "Get him out of here."

Chen Jian smiled but didn't move.

"Surprise!" Liu Wu placed his hand on the desk and looked at Shan Yu.

"The fifteen rooms were yours?" Shan Yu asked, somewhat lazily, not even bothering to change his expression, but still cooperatively asked.

"Didn't expect that, huh? They're all my classmates. I'll tell you more about it later," Liu Wu threw his backpack onto the sofa and checked the small fridge next to it, "I'll have a Coke... Why is it sugar-free?"

"If you want, go downstairs and get the sugared one." Shan Yu said.

"It's fine, sugar-free is okay." Liu Wu said.

"Then I..." Chen Jian pointed outside, "Should I go down first?"

"Don't." Shan Yu immediately mouthed.

"Don't," Liu Wu said out loud and, while drinking his Coke, opened his backpack, "I brought you both gifts."

"You brought gifts?" Chen Jian was a bit surprised and came over.

"Of course, every time my brother and I go somewhere, we bring each other gifts," Liu Wu took out two boxes, looked at them, and placed one in front of Shan Yu, "Open it and see if you like it."

He put the other one in front of Chen Jian, "This one's for you, check it out."

"Thank you." Chen Jian opened the box, revealing a bracelet. Liu Wu seemed to really like these, as he often gave them as gifts.

Inside Shan Yu's box was also a bracelet.

"Two of the same?" Shan Yu asked.