Chapter 120: Dealing With Her

Guan Yanqing’s gaze suddenly hardened, turning icy.
Someone had put croton beans in Lin Sangqian’s tea?
Heh… how bold they were!
“But that Miss Lin is really impressive—she tasted it after just one sip and spat it out. If she hadn’t… Young Master, are you all right?” An Yu was mid-sentence when he noticed Guan Yanqing’s expression growing darker by the moment. Startled, he instinctively edged away.
Having served Guan Yanqing for so many years, he knew well: this look meant his mood was truly foul!
“Have someone deal with her,” Guan Yanqing said coolly.
An Yu dared not delay, uttering a quick “yes” before hastily departing.
After living in the town for a while, he’d almost begun to believe Guan Yanqing was merely a wealthy young gentleman…
That maid, too—of all people to offend, she chose Lin Sangqian!
Lin Sangqian was now Guan Yanqing’s only hope for salvation!
…
Lin Sangqian, of course, knew nothing of what was happening with Guan Yanqing.
She enjoyed a sumptuous lunch at Kangya’s place before leaving with Liao Shuxia.
Together, they arrived at Pecking Chicken. There were still a few pieces of fried chicken left unsold, and after lunchtime, there’d surely be customers.
At the milk tea shop next door, the crowd was as bustling as ever.
Lin Sangqian was already considering opening a new store.
She would make Pecking Chicken’s name ever more renowned, expanding beyond this small town—to greater, farther places!
Liao Shuxia felt sleepy and wanted a nap.
Beside the kitchen was a small room where they usually rested; it had just a single bed, but it was enough for Liao Shuxia.
Yawning, she went in to sleep.
Lin Sangqian sat at a table, tallying accounts. Lin Beitao sighed softly, “Ah, I wonder when Father will return. I’m really worried about him.”
“He’ll be fine,” Lin Sangqian replied with a smile. “Father’s skills are trustworthy.”
“I agree,” said Lin Wenyan.
After training with Lin Hongda for so long, he’d come to realize just how formidable Lin Hongda was.
Compared to the drunken father of old, he was a completely different man…
Lin Wenyan’s gaze dimmed for a moment.
“It’s strange,” Lin Beitao mused. “I used to hate him so much, thought he was the most irresponsible father in the world. But now, I actually find myself worrying about him.”

Lin Sangqian lowered her head a little guiltily.
She couldn’t very well say that the current Lin Hongda was, in fact, not the same person as before…
Lin Wenyan glanced at her, then said to Lin Beitao, “People do change.”
“True.” Lin Beitao smiled. “Everyone in our family’s getting better and better. By the way, I want some of those mung bean cakes over there. Big Brother, shall we go get some?”
“Why waste money on that?” Lin Wenyan glared at him. “If you want something to eat, I’ll fry you a chicken leg.”
“It’s been so long, I’m craving them…” Lin Beitao muttered.
Lin Sangqian smiled, “Big Brother, why don’t you go buy some? I’d like one too.”
Lin Beitao was still very much a child at heart.
Hearing that Lin Sangqian wanted some, Lin Wenyan immediately relented and took Lin Beitao out.
Lin Beitao snuck a thumbs-up to Lin Sangqian as he left.
Not long after they departed, someone walked in.
“Welcome, what would you like…”
Lin Sangqian looked up, her expression instantly wary.
The newcomer was a middle-aged man, not tall but somewhat stout, his face full of malice—nothing like an ordinary customer.
Lin Sangqian quietly gripped her brush and stood up.
“Are you Lin Sangqian?” The man scrutinized her.
“I’m not,” Lin Sangqian replied firmly.
Admitting it in such a situation would be foolish.
Unfortunately, the man didn’t believe her.
He sneered, “Heh, stop pretending. This is Pecking Chicken—if you’re not Lin Sangqian, who else could you be?”
“Who are you?” Lin Sangqian asked.
“I’m asking you—why won’t you let me work in your shop?” he demanded angrily. “Do you look down on me?”
With that, Lin Sangqian finally understood.
This man was Niu Auntie’s wretched husband, Niu Dazhu.
Lin Sangqian wanted to ask him: don’t you know why you weren’t hired?
Besides, it’s my shop—I decide who works here!
But with both her brothers gone, she certainly wouldn’t be foolish enough to provoke Niu Dazhu now. She responded calmly, “I have enough staff in my shop; I don’t need any more.”

“I don’t care! My wife works herself to the bone for you every day. The least you could do is let me work here too! If anything, you’re getting a bargain!” Niu Dazhu said shamelessly.
Lin Sangqian was utterly stunned by his audacity.
How did Niu Auntie ever fall for a man like this—and stay with him all these years?
“If you don’t agree, I’ll smash up this lousy shop!” Niu Dazhu threatened, raising a chair and slamming it to the ground.
Lin Sangqian decided to stall him, “Fine, let me see if there’s any work you could do.”
“Heh, little girl, trying to fool me? Words alone aren’t enough—you need to write a contract!”
Lin Sangqian’s expression changed.
If she wrote a contract, she’d never be rid of this man!
“I knew it—you little brat are trying to trick me!” Niu Dazhu roared, rolling up his sleeves, as if ready to attack Lin Sangqian.
Lin Sangqian was considering whether to jab him in the eye with her brush, when suddenly she heard someone shout behind her, “Puppy, down!”
Lin Sangqian reacted instantly, dropping to a squat.
Niu Dazhu turned, only to have a faceful of chili powder thrown at him.
“Ah! Cough! Achoo!”
He was left gasping and disheveled. Lin Sangqian quickly ran to Liao Shuxia’s side, “Mother, you’re awake.”
“With all that racket, how could I not wake up?” Liao Shuxia replied angrily.
She’d been sleeping soundly, when suddenly she heard someone shouting outside.
Sensing trouble, she hurried out of bed, grabbed a handful of chili powder from the kitchen, and found a vile man threatening her precious daughter. How could she stand for that?
Throwing chili powder in his face was mild, really!
By now, Niu Dazhu had recovered. Luckily, the chili powder hadn’t gotten in his eyes.
He wiped his face, glaring fiercely at the two women, “You filthy wretches, I’ll show you how to deal with you!”
He bent to pick up a chair, but just as he straightened, someone kicked him hard from behind!
Caught off guard, Niu Dazhu cried out and lunged forward.
Lin Sangqian and Liao Shuxia quickly stepped aside, and Niu Dazhu crashed to the ground, landing face-first in utter humiliation.