Chapter 156: The County Government Office is Surrounded

Shu Yu, the likable girl, went to the veterinary clinic again, where the cat from a couple of days ago was still staying.

The clinic attendant sighed with relief upon seeing her. "Miss, you finally came. If you hadn't come, we would have thought you didn't want this cat anymore."

Shu Yu looked around upon entering. "Why would I not want it? I had some things to take care of the past few days, so it got delayed. Where is my cat?"

"Here." The attendant led her to the backyard and stood in front of one of the cages. After opening it, he picked up the cat and handed it to her. "As per your instructions, our shopkeeper has thoroughly examined this cat. It seems that when it was a stray cat before, it had been bullied. Being young, it had gone through some tough times and had several hidden injuries. We've treated most of them, but it still needs some care. We have also given it medication for the fleas, and it looks quite clean after the bath."

Shu Yu took the little cat in her arms. It seemed to recognize her and meowed at her.

The meow was soft and delicate, and its white fur was smooth and clean, making it very lovable.

"How old is this cat?"

"About six months old."

Shu Yu furrowed her brows slightly. "So young?" She was a bit concerned about the sedative she had given it last time. Hopefully, there wouldn't be any issues.

She asked the attendant again to confirm that besides some hidden injuries, the cat was fine. Only then did she feel relieved.

Shu Yu had left some money at the veterinary clinic previously, so the cat had been eating well these past few days. It looked much better than when she first saw it.

After checking it over and finding no problems, she told the attendant, "Thank you. I'll take it back now."

"Sure, if you have any questions, feel free to bring it here for a check-up again, Miss."

The attendant prepared a small basket for her, lined with a layer of shredded cloth, and placed the white cat inside.

Shu Yu carried the basket and headed back to Ningshui Street.

To her surprise, when she passed by the county government office, she noticed a crowd of people outside, engaged in heated discussions.

Due to her previous identity, Shu Yu had always tried to avoid any contact with the county government office. Whenever she passed by, she would hurry past without stopping.

But today, it seemed unusually lively. Not only were there many onlookers, but there were also several soldiers standing on the steps of the government office, holding swords with a stern and oppressive aura.

Shu Yu asked a person next to her, "What's happening here?"

The person immediately lowered their voice and said, "I heard that our county magistrate got into trouble. An hour ago, a troop of soldiers suddenly arrived and surrounded the entire government office, capturing the county magistrate. The leader of the soldiers is still inside, and no one knows what's going on."

Shu Yu was astonished. The county magistrate of Jiangyuan County had been arrested already? But thinking about it, it made sense. The troubles for the Shu family would soon come, and before that, they would certainly deal with the officials below, expose the county magistrate's involvement, and then pile up the charges to sentence the Shu family.

It seemed that the time for the Shu family to be captured was not far away.

She had to make good use of her time.

Just as Shu Yu was about to leave, she suddenly heard another bystander saying, "I overheard something. It seems someone escaped from the government office, and now the city gates are closed. No one is allowed in or out."

"What? Does that mean I can't go home today? No, I have to go home."

Shu Yu furrowed her brow. If she couldn't leave the city, it meant she couldn't return to Shishi Village today.

Fortunately, she had already informed her family a few days ago that if there were too many things going on, she would stay in a shop in the county town, so they didn't have to worry.

(End of this chapter)

 Chapter 155: Mercantile Spirit

Shu Yu took the promotional flyers but didn't return to her shop. Instead, she went straight to Doctor Xu's clinic.

As usual, the clinic was empty. Doctor Xu glanced at her and said, "You're here."

He looked behind her but saw no one. Furrowing his brows, he asked, "Weren't you supposed to bring your third sister here to show me the scar removal results? Where is she?"

Shu Yu smiled and walked up to the counter. "I've been busy these past few days and haven't had the time. I'll bring her over the day after tomorrow."

"Then why are you here today?"

Shu Yu placed the flyers on the counter. "I hope Doctor Xu can share some of your clients with me."

Share clients? What on earth was she talking about?

Doctor Xu picked up the flyers and glanced at them. "What do you mean?"

"You know I have a shop selling clothing and offering makeup services for women. But as someone from a village, I don't have much social connections, and I'm worried about not getting enough business. So, I've placed these flyers here at Doctor Xu's clinic. Whenever a patient visits, you can give them one of these flyers."

Doctor Xu was known for his medical skills and high fees. Only those who had some wealth could afford to visit his clinic.

Shu Yu's target customers overlapped with his, but their businesses didn't conflict, so she naturally came up with the idea of using his influence.

Doctor Xu chuckled. "You borrowed a pestle and a pot from my backyard, and now you're being opportunistic. I'm a doctor who serves the community, and I won't get involved in your mercantile schemes. I refuse."

Shu Yu looked him up and down. "You, a doctor who charges exorbitant fees, telling me that you don't dabble in mercantile matters? Fine then."

"In that case, it seems I can't continue running my clothing store. I'll have to find another way to make a living. I'll release my scar removal ointment, and I'm sure many people will buy it."

Doctor Xu expression froze.

"You promised me that you would sell me the prescription for the scar removal ointment. You're not a man of your word."

Shu Yu sighed. "There's nothing I can do. My mercantile spirit drives me to do anything for money. I might as well lie and kill for it. Doctor Xu, farewell."

She turned to leave, and Doctor Xu was almost overwhelmed with anger.

"Stop right there."

Shu Yu replied, "I can't. I need to go earn money. My family is so poor, we're practically drinking the northwest wind."

"I promise you."

Shu Yu's footsteps instantly halted, and she turned to look at Doctor Xu. "Doctor Xu, you truly are a kind-hearted person."

Doctor Xu sneered. "Don't try to flatter me. Just remember, the day after tomorrow, bring your third sister and the prescription for the scar removal ointment."

He felt that if he waited a few more days, it would only lead to more trouble.

He couldn't believe that the person who had seemed so honest and filial before could have such a dark heart.

Shu Yu adopted a serious expression and nodded sincerely. "I'll remember. I'll come over the day after tomorrow."

She placed the flyers down and quickly left.

Doctor Xu casually left the flyers on the counter. One of his employees asked in a low voice, "Boss, what about these flyers?"

(End of Chapter)

 Chapter 154: Young Master Meng, the Great Philanthropist?

Meng Yunzheng listened attentively, but question marks started popping up in his mind.

If he remembered correctly, the Lu family's shop was a clothing store, right? Since when did clothing stores reach such high standards? Buying clothes could instantly make you beautiful, change your appearance, and outshine everyone else?

Seeing him in a daze, Shu Yu coughed lightly. "The slogan might be a bit common, but it's concise and powerful. You can understand it at a glance."

No, he didn't quite understand.

Frowning, Shu Yu continued, "Or maybe I should change it up a bit. How about this: 'Come to No. 78 Ning Shui Street and discover a different you. Experience what it means to have your own unique beauty that cannot be concealed.' How does that sound? These two sentences create more suspense, right?"

Meng Yunzheng had three question marks hovering above his head. Was there a gap between him and Shu Yu? Or was it simply a matter of different perspectives between men and women?

He sighed and decided to stick with the first three sentences, keeping it shorter.

Meng Yunzheng dipped his brush in ink and, in front of Shu Yu, switched to writing with his left hand.

Shu Yu widened her eyes. "Are you left-handed?"

"No, I can write with both hands."

Shu Yu raised an eyebrow. If he could write with both hands, then why did he switch? Was he afraid someone would recognize his handwriting? But it was Meng Yunzheng's privacy, and Shu Yu didn't ask further.

Meng Yunzheng arranged the order and format according to her instructions. Since Shu Yu only needed a few sentences for the flyer, he could fit four copies on one sheet of paper, making it easier to tear apart.

Paper was quite expensive these days, and Shu Yu had become thrifty and frugal.

However, Meng Yunzheng underestimated the amount of words Shu Yu had to say. What she meant by "just a few flyers" was clearly dozens of them.

Shu Yu felt no guilt. She even furrowed her brow after seeing the completed flyers and said, "It feels like something is missing. It's a bit monotonous."

She walked around the hall, stroking her chin, and suddenly her eyes lit up. "Can you draw? How about drawing a beauty on this flyer for me?"

Meng Yunzheng looked up. "..." This was called taking advantage of the situation.

He still lowered his head, and with a few strokes, he sketched a beautiful portrait, while also drawing a few branches in the empty space next to the promotional flyer.

Shu Yu widened her eyes as she watched, "I think if this flyer is sent out, the recipient might treasure it."

Meng Yunzheng paused for a moment with his pen but didn't say anything, and continued to finish the rest of the flyers.

Shu Yu was overjoyed and almost reluctant to send them out.

She neatly packed the flyers and sincerely thanked Meng Yunzheng, taking out a couple of silver coins, "This is a token of appreciation. I know it's not much for you as compensation. But I'm currently tight on budget and can only offer this much. When I earn more money in the future, I'll make it up to you."

Meng Yunzheng originally didn't intend to accept it, but seeing how earnest she was, he hesitated for a moment and finally took it.

Only then did Shu Yu smile, "I've taken the flyers. If Meng Gongzi has the time, please come and visit on the day of the opening."

She left the main hall, greeted Zhao Daifu, who was squatting in the courtyard playing with ants, and then exited the courtyard.

As soon as she left, Doctor Zhao stood up and walked into the main hall, sighing, "Ah, someone's valuable calligraphy and paintings were sold for just a couple of silver coins for dozens of copies. When did Meng Gongzi become such a benevolent person? Why don't you paint a few dozen copies for me too?"

Meng Yunzheng threw his brush directly at Doctor Zhao. The tip of the brush was still coated with ink, instantly smearing Doctor Zhao face black.

(End of this chapter)

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 Chapter 153: Innocent Meng Yunzheng

Meng Yunzheng picked up the pen and ink that had long been prepared on the table and started writing.

"I'm doing it for myself too."

Shu Yu looked at the words and smiled. If it was truly for himself, Meng Yunzheng could have dealt with these two individuals right away. However, if he did that, the Lu family would propose a divorce, and others would think that the Lu family despised Zhang Shu, which would completely ruin his reputation.

Therefore, the extra time and effort Meng Yunzheng spent were all for her sake.

Of course, she owed him more than just this one thing. A bag of pastries certainly couldn't repay it all. But now that Meng Yunzheng didn't need her help, she could only... continue owing him for now.

Shu Yu didn't continue the topic but instead leaned closer to him, lowering her voice with a mysterious look. "I came here today with something else I wanted to ask you. Did you do the thing with Zhang Shu and Zhou Jian, cutting their tongues and blinding their eyes?"

Meng Yunzheng was taken aback, his expression innocent as he wrote on the paper, "They had their tongues cut and eyes blinded?"

Shu Yu thought, "...Do you think I can't see through your act?"

Meng Yunzheng replied, "I honestly don't know about this matter, and I definitely didn't do it."

Shu Yu sighed, "Alright, if you say you didn't do it, then you didn't do it. I believe you." Yeah, right.

Having their tongues cut was because Zhang Shu and Zhou Jian had said some extremely filthy things behind his back and even called him dumb.

Being blinded was because Zhang Shu had been staring at him with that naked, vulgar gaze for several days.

But what puzzled Meng Yunzheng was why Shu Yu immediately suspected him as the culprit.

Could it be that his usual gentlemanly and refined image wasn't ingrained enough? Moreover, she knew he had committed such cruel acts, yet she didn't feel a hint of fear?

Of course, Shu Yu wasn't afraid at all. She even...

"It's just that you acted first, otherwise I would have done it in a few days too."

Meng Yunzheng said, "...Didn't you just say you believed me earlier? And it seems like she's not afraid at all."

He sighed, not telling her that those two individuals had become more than just mute and blind—they were now completely incapacitated in another aspect.

The aphrodisiac he had used earlier was potent and had lifelong consequences.

Wasn't this for the better? It prevented the two of them from continuing to harm others.

Meng Yunzheng wrote, "Those two individuals probably won't cause any trouble anymore, so you don't need to dirty your hands further." After writing this, he changed the topic, "When will your shop be open?"

"The shop will be ready tomorrow. We'll clean up the day after and make final preparations, so it can open in three days." Any later, and she wouldn't have the time.

Saying that, Shu Yu looked at Meng Yunzheng with a mischievous smile. "Speaking of opening the shop, there's actually something I wanted to ask for your help with when I came today."

She already owed him so much, and she had no qualms about owing him a few more times.

Meng Yunzheng looked up and asked, "What is it?"

Shu Yu pointed at the words he had written on the paper. "Your handwriting is so beautiful. How about helping me write a few promotional flyers?"

Promotional flyers??

Meng Yunzheng's face flashed with skepticism.

Shu Yu explained, "It's about promoting the shop with catchy slogans. For example: 'Do you want to become more beautiful? Do you want a new look? Do you want to outshine everyone else? Come to No. 78, Ning Shui Street, and we guarantee you won't be disappointed.' Hmm, something like that."

(End of Chapter)