Not long after heading out, the sales manager spotted the security captain and hurriedly beckoned him over. "Come with me immediately to handle an urgent matter!"
As the security captain followed the sales manager toward the hillside villas, he asked in a low voice, "What happened?"
The sales manager explained the situation.
The security captain stomped his feet. "Oh no! The owner of the villa happens to be in today! If he finds out about this..."
The last shred of wishful thinking the sales manager had vanished, and he broke into a jog, leading the security captain toward the site.
In front of the hillside villa, Zhao Ming looked at Jiang Dongchen with a mocking expression. "You loser, if you don't run now, you won't be able to escape later!"
Lin Feifei looked at him with even greater disdain. "Don't think that just because you're leaning on Zhan Feng's power, you can run wild here! I'm telling you, if the Yun family gets angry, the consequences will be severe!"
Watching Zhao Ming and Lin Feifei singing in chorus, Jiang Dongchen lost all interest in speaking and walked straight toward the villa.
Lin Feifei panicked and reached out to grab him. "You loser, it doesn't matter if you want to die, but don't drag us down with you!"
If this loser Jiang Dongchen disturbed the "big shot," who knew if the big shot would blame her and Zhao Ming in his rage? That was why Lin Feifei had spoken up.
Jiang Dongchen turned around abruptly and glared fiercely at Lin Feifei. She suddenly felt a sense of suffocation, and her hand froze in mid-air.
Seeing the sales manager arrive on the scene with five security guards, Lin Feifei hurriedly went to meet them. "Manager, this loser is trying to disturb the big shot! I tried to advise him, but he wouldn't listen at all! Hurry up and kick him out!"
Hearing Lin Feifei call Jiang Dongchen a "loser," the sales manager felt the world spinning. The security captain didn't hesitate and slapped her across the face. "How dare you call Mr. Jiang names!"
This slap left Lin Feifei stunned. She stood there clutching her face, blinking rapidly, unable to utter a single word.
Zhao Ming glared at Lin Feifei. "Why are you shouting so loud? If you disturb the big shot, you'll be in deep trouble!" Clearly, Zhao Ming thought the security captain had slapped her for that reason.
At this moment, the sales manager hurried to Jiang Dongchen's side. "Mr... Mr. Jiang, I am terribly sorry! We failed to manage the villa area properly and allowed them to disturb you. Please punish us!"
*Thump... Thump...*
Zhao Ming and Lin Feifei’s legs gave way, and they collapsed to the ground. The sales manager had actually called Jiang Dongchen "Mr. Jiang"? How was that possible? No, it couldn't be! Jiang Dongchen must be relying on Zhan Feng's influence for the Yun family manager to be so respectful to him!
Realizing this, Zhao Ming and Lin Feifei prepared to expose him. But the security captain waved his hand, and four fierce-looking guards rushed over. They grabbed the pair two-to-one and quickly escorted them away.
Only when they reached the sales office did the guards release them. Feeling the burning pain on her face, Lin Feifei felt a sense of unease. For the past few days, Jiang Dongchen had been like a different person. He had caused a scene at the Matriarch's birthday banquet and moved into the Yun family's villa. Could it be... that Jiang Dongchen really had a shocking background? If so, had she been too rash to divorce him?
Seeing the sales manager walking back with a grim expression, Zhao Ming hurriedly explained, "This loser is being kept by Zhan Feng! This villa must belong to her! He's just staying there temporarily! You don't need to take him seriously at all!"
Hearing Zhao Ming say this, Lin Feifei let out a dry laugh. If this loser really had a background, why would he have endured three years of humiliation in the Li Family? His sudden change in the past few days was nothing more than relying on Zhan Feng's influence. As soon as her influence faded, he would be reduced to that loser everyone despised once again.
A flash of mockery crossed the sales manager’s eyes, but she didn't bother explaining. "There are two villas left, but I won't sell them to you. Go back."
A dark look flashed in Zhao Ming's eyes. He wanted to ask if it was worth offending them for a loser, but knowing the sales manager's status in the Yun family, he just snorted and stormed off.
After leaving the area, the resentment in Zhao Ming's eyes was palpable. "I actually regret setting our engagement party for tomorrow!" If it were earlier, he could have humiliated Jiang Dongchen openly and taught him a lesson!
Lin Feifei understood what he meant and sneered, "A good meal is never late. Let that loser be arrogant for one more day."
Jiang Dongchen didn't take the minor episode to heart and entered the villa. Seeing him come in, Li Ruolin hurriedly approached. "Mr... Mr. Jiang, I'd like to move back."
Jiang Dongchen frowned. "Why?"
Li Ruolin's eyes flickered. "I'm not used to living here." No woman would refuse such a large and luxurious house, but knowing she wasn't close to Jiang Dongchen, unable to remember saving him ten years ago, and considering herself a jinx, she had reached a decision.
Jiang Dongchen roughly guessed her thoughts but didn't expose her. He nodded. "Then I'll take you back."
Li Ruolin nodded silently. She hadn't brought much luggage anyway. After they left the villa, they caught a taxi. Seeing the driver glance curiously at Li Ruolin’s bandaged face from time to time, Jiang Dongchen decided he really should buy a car.
Li Ruolin lived in a slum area where sewage ran along the road and the paths were muddy. It was a simple studio, but it contained two beds. In the corridor, there was a rice cooker, which served as her kitchen. Seeing how simply she lived, Jiang Dongchen felt a sharp pain in his heart.
Li Ruolin felt a sense of relief. "Mr. Jiang, thank you for taking care of me these past two days. But I am a jinx. Let's not have any more contact if it's not necessary, okay?"
Jiang Dongchen smiled. "Your condition hasn't fully healed, and the wounds on your face need to be redressed every other day. If we don't stay in touch, aren't you afraid of being left with scars?"
Li Ruolin clearly hadn't considered this and was momentarily speechless. Jiang Dongchen didn't press her. "How about this: I'll come see you every day. Once you've fully recovered, we can decide then whether to stay in touch."
Li Ruolin nodded. Jiang Dongchen signaled for her to sit, and he began to check the wounds on her face. Seeing that they were scabbing and new skin was growing, he breathed a long sigh of relief. The recovery pills were effective; in another week, the bandages could be removed. Of course, it would take at least half a month for her to fully regain her former appearance.
After finishing, Jiang Dongchen strolled out of the slum and entered a large supermarket. Half an hour later, he walked out and snapped his fingers in satisfaction.
Another half hour later, he received a call from Li Ruolin. "Mr. Jiang, I know you are very kind to me, but I really don't want to drag you down. Please don't buy me anything else without my permission, okay?"
Jiang Dongchen knew what she was worried about, but he could only say he understood. After hanging up, he stood by the roadside in a daze. Finding Li Ruolin to repay the favor of saving his life ten years ago was the thing he wanted most in this world. When he first saw the real Li Ruolin, he only thought about repaying that debt. But through their contact over the past few days, he realized that Li Ruolin was self-respecting, strong-willed, and always considered others... He now realized that his willingness to get close to her and help her wasn't just about repaying a favor.
After some thought, Jiang Dongchen decided to rent a place near her home. After all, it was too far from the villa; a round trip took at least two hours, and he wouldn't be able to reach her in time if she needed help.
The place was old, but after Jiang Dongchen tidied it up, it was spotless and felt a bit like a home. As the sky grew dark, he felt hungry and decided to grab a bite. Asking the landlord, he learned there was a night market on the west side of the slum, so he headed over.
The night market was large and bustling with people. There were snacks, clothes, and handicrafts. Judging by their attire, the vendors were mostly locals trying to supplement their income.
As Jiang Dongchen walked, he stopped in his tracks upon seeing a girl with a bandaged face sitting at a small stall. It was Li Ruolin! She was actually setting up a stall here! It made sense—ever since the rumors about her being a jinx had spread, no company would hire her. If she didn't vend, how would she survive?
He felt a pang of sadness, but forced it down and walked to her stall with a smile. "What a coincidence, seeing you again!"
Li Ruolin stood up, her gaze flickering. "I know I should be resting, but I haven't been out for three days. If I don't set up the stall, Long Ada will take the spot."
Jiang Dongchen nodded and glanced at the stall. There were handmade items like knitted gloves, phone cases, crystal bracelets, and other girl's accessories. Seeing his interest, Li Ruolin hurriedly introduced them. "These are all handmade by me. If you like something, pick one! It's a gift from me."
Jiang Dongchen nodded. "You pick the one you think suits me best."
Li Ruolin scanned the items and picked up a crystal bracelet. "This is made of natural crystals. It symbolizes peace. May good people have peace their whole lives."
Jiang Dongchen took the bracelet and put it on, finding himself quite fond of it. After fiddling with it for a while, he said, "You gave me a gift, so let me treat you to a meal."
Li Ruolin shook her head. "It's nothing valuable; no need."
Jiang Dongchen was insistent. "If you don't agree, I'll give it back to you!"
Li Ruolin hesitated for a moment. Before she could speak, a bright voice sounded. "Ruolin, what happened? Why are you wrapped up like a pig's head?"
Jiang Dongchen turned around and saw a girl. She looked to be twenty-three or twenty-four, her blue jeans hugging her legs perfectly. Her curves were eye-catching, and although she was dressed modestly, she was undoubtedly a beauty.
Li Ruolin introduced them. "This is Yang Qingqing, my best friend!"
Jiang Dongchen felt a bit strange. Didn't Li Ruolin fear bringing disasters to others and keep everyone at a distance? How could she have a "best friend"?
Yang Qingqing noticed his confusion and laughed. "My horoscope is strong! Even if Ruolin is having bad luck, it doesn't affect me. I'm doing just fine!"
Without waiting for him to respond, she asked, "What happened to your face?"
Li Ruolin explained, "I was accidentally splashed by oil while cooking. It'll be fine in two days."
Yang Qingqing didn't doubt her and looked at the stall with dissatisfaction. "I told you, just sitting here won't sell anything! Everyone, come take a look at these handmade accessories! Pick whatever you like!"
Many people gathered around, mostly men. While they commented on the accessories, their eyes wandered toward Yang Qingqing. Li Ruolin leaned toward Jiang Dongchen and whispered, "Yang Qingqing is a graduate student at Tianhai University. Whenever she's free, she comes to help me sell things."
Jiang Dongchen nodded, but before he could speak, footsteps approached. An arrogant voice rang out. "Move, all of you get out of the way! Are you blind? If you bump into Brother Long, I'll kill you!"
The voice seemed to have a magical effect; most people stepped aside. Looking at the man walking over with his subordinates, Li Ruolin’s eyes flickered, and Yang Qingqing frowned. "The vampire is here again."
Jiang Dongchen understood what "vampire" meant and grabbed Li Ruolin’s hand. "Don't be afraid, I'm here."
Long Ada walked up to the stall, his greedy eyes fixed on Yang Qingqing. "Stall fee, fifty!"
Yang Qingqing looked unhappy. "We haven't made a single sale yet, where would we get the money?"
Long Ada's gaze hardened. "If everyone uses that excuse, what are we supposed to eat?"
Yang Qingqing was intimidated by his presence and fell silent. She felt a flicker of contempt—Jiang Dongchen was clearly trying to woo Li Ruolin, but now that she was in trouble, he was acting like a coward! She decided she had to tell Li Ruolin to stay away from this man.
As this thought crossed her mind, Long Ada's gaze shifted to Li Ruolin and Jiang Dongchen.
"Clack!"
Long Ada's mouth hung wide open; his jaw nearly dropped to the floor. The gentleman in front of him was someone that even Liu Dajiang had to kneel before! He had actually come to collect protection money from his friend's stall... Was he tired of living?
Stammering, Long Ada greeted him. "Mr... Mr. Jiang... I... I didn't expect to see you here!"
Jiang Dongchen glanced at the accessories. "I think the things here are quite nice."
Though Long Ada was a thug, he wasn't a fool. He understood the subtext. He pointed at the items. "One hundred per piece! I'm taking everything here!"
Yang Qingqing and Li Ruolin were both stunned. His subordinates, however, began to complain. "Brother Long, what are you doing? We came to collect fees, why are we buying stuff?"
"Yeah, these are girlie things. Even if you buy them for the boss's wife, can she wear them all?"
"Brother Long, these things sell for ten bucks at other stalls. Why are you offering a hundred?"
Long Ada roared, "I have too much money, is that any of your business? Look at the quality! Even if the boss's wife can't wear them all, I'll reward you with a few! You can give them to girls and tell them they're worth thousands—who would dare to disagree?"
As he scolded his men, he wiped the sweat from his brow, thinking, *Finally, I survived.*
Li Ruolin spoke up. "Our items are marked at twenty each. If you want them all, I can give you a discount!"
Long Ada was startled. "These are worth far more than twenty! One hundred each, I'm taking them all!"
Without waiting for her to say anything, he glared at his men. "What are you waiting for? Pay up!"
After dropping 23,100 yuan and taking the accessories, they hurried away.
Jiang Dongchen looked relaxed. "Nothing left to sell, let's go eat. My treat!"
Just as Li Ruolin was about to say something, Yang Qingqing pulled her aside. "You have to be careful with this guy!"
Yang Qingqing wasn't stupid. She saw how Long Ada had been fawning over him, proving that Jiang Dongchen likely had ties to the underworld. She didn't want Li Ruolin getting mixed up in that.
Li Ruolin looked at Jiang Dongchen with hesitation. Then, she sighed softly. "If it weren't for him, the stall would have been smashed. In reason and sentiment, I should thank him. But don't worry, I'm a jinx—to keep from dragging him down, I'll keep a proper distance."
She returned to Jiang Dongchen and smiled. "I made money today! If we're going to eat, let me treat you!"
Jiang Dongchen shrugged. "That works."
A look of anticipation flashed in Li Ruolin's eyes. "There's a barbecue place over there; it's quite good. I haven't had it in ages!"
Yang Qingqing rolled her eyes. "I have things to do, I'm not going!"