Blossom In Adversity - Vol. 2

C240. No One Can Die.

Chapter 240: No One Can Die

The people from Yu Shun Fishing arrived faster than Hua Zhi had anticipated. The steward, while maintaining a polite demeanor, couldn't hide his domineering nature.

"Our boss said that it's rare for a young lady like you to visit such a small place. We should provide better accommodations. Staying in this shabby inn is simply too inconvenient. Our boss has already arranged a clean courtyard. Please feel free to come with me."

As he was about to signal for someone to move her luggage, Yu Tao stepped forward, blocking his path. His towering height forced the steward to take a step back, and a displeased expression crossed his face. "You must be from a big city, young miss. But as the old saying goes, even a mighty dragon cannot suppress a local snake. Our place may be small, but there are a few people you shouldn't provoke. I advise you not to force the issue."

Hua Zhi smiled softly. It was true. Without the protection of the Hua family, anyone outside of the capital city thought they could bully her. Even someone from such a small place wanted to step on her.

"Throw him out."

Without a word, Yu Tao grabbed the steward's collar and tossed him out. The loud thud made everyone wince.

The steward let out a yelp and shouted, "What are you all standing there for? Attack!"

Dealing with these people was beneath Yu Tao's dignity. With a kick here and a kick there, he sent them all flying to join the steward.

The steward, realizing he had met his match, no longer dared to be arrogant. He was helped up and fled.

Shao Yao was a little unhappy. "Why didn't you let me do it, Huahua?"

"You'll have plenty of opportunities. When you beat a dog, the owner will naturally come out. Otherwise, where would you put your face?" Hua Zhi pursed her lips. "If I have to avoid even the people here, then I might as well bow down to everyone I meet."

Shao Yao grinned. She had been cooped up for too long.

Bao Xia and Xu Ying borrowed the inn's kitchen to cook. Worried about encountering any trouble, Bao Xia also prepared some extra dry food just in case.

The villager usually ate two meals a day. The innkeeper wandered around, sniffing the delicious aroma, his heart filled with both fear and curiosity. These people must be of some importance. The man he'd just thrown out was Yu Shun's manager.

How dare they beat someone from Yu Shun's group and expect to get away with it?

He licked his lips, thinking that when Yu Shun came, perhaps he could enjoy a good meal.

Hua Zhi didn't wait for Xiao Liu and had a meal first.

There were fewer rules outside, so she and Shao Yao sat at one table, while the others ate at a small table nearby."

In coastal towns, seafood was plentiful. Although Bao Xia's cooking skills couldn't compare to Fudong's, the fresh ingredients made the dishes incredibly delicious. A simple boil with a pinch of salt was enough to make people want to swallow their tongues.

Shao Yao was eating so fast she barely looked up.

Yu Tao abruptly set down his bowl and strode to the window. Shao Yao followed closely behind, her expression turning grave. Hua Zhi, sensing something amiss, paused mid-meal.

"There’s someone tailing Xiao Liu. Yu Tao, go handle the rear.’

Without a word, Yu Tao shoved the window open to its fullest and leaped out. Shao Yao sneered, a cold glint in her eyes. She flicked her fingers, launching four pills that shattered mid-air, raining down on their pursuers. Yu Tao, coordinating perfectly, kicked the leading group back and retreated into the inn.

As the powdery substance drifted down, screams erupted from the street. People writhed on the ground, clawing at their faces, necks, and arms. Some even tore at their own hair, oblivious to the pain. Hua Zhi watched from the window, her expression impassive. She knew exactly what the powder was and its effects, but she didn’t ask. Even without Shao Yao, she would have shown no mercy.

The door creaked open, and Hua Zhi turned to see Xiao Liu, running in, slightly out of breath but showing no fear. This was what it meant to be a member of the Royal family—a natural poise and calm, even in the face of danger.

"Are you hurt?" she asked.

Xiao Liu shook his head. "They protected me as soon as they realized something was wrong. Were they from the Yu Shun Fish Market?"

"I can’t think of anyone else," Hua Zhi replied, beckoning him over. "You haven’t eaten yet, have you? Come and have something."

The other guards exchanged glances, unsure of her priorities. Shouldn’t they be focusing on dealing with the immediate threat?

"Caochao, I won’t stop you this time, but no one should die," Hua Zhi said, pulling Xiao Liu to the table and motioning for the servants to bring more food. "We need to teach them a lesson they won’t forget. If we don’t hurt them badly enough, they’ll keep trying to cause trouble."

Shao Yao laughed and leapt out of the window, followed by the other guards. Hua Zhi resumed her meal, calmly feeding Xiao Liu.

Xiao Liu lowered his head, a small smile playing on his lips. He couldn’t understand how the Hua family could raise someone like sister Hua.

When Shao Yao and the others returned half an hour later, she was brimming with excitement. "We wrecked the fish market, Hua Hua. Don’t worry, they won’t bother you anymore."

Wang Cheng glanced at Shao Yao and kept quiet. They had done more than just wreck the place—the owner was probably on death’s door. But given Shao Yao’s obedience to Hua Zhi, the latter must have given the order to spare his life.

They didn't stop Shao Yao from going crazy. Who could have expected that even in such a small place, people could be so cruel? Those twins were only eleven or twelve years old but were abused to such an extent. Carrying such a past, even if they survived, they might prefer to die.

Seeing Shao Yao's reluctance to talk about it, Wang Cheng had to remind her, "Those twins..."

Shao Yao's smile gradually faded, "Let's put an end to it."

Huazhi held Shao Yao's hand and quietly watched her.

After a moment of silence, Shao Yao finally said, "That devil was inhuman, tormenting a pair of siblings until their flesh was torn apart. It's better to die clean than live in suffering with those memories."

"It shouldn't be your burden to bear the debt of karma for them. Hand them over to..." Hua Zhi trailed off, realizing that a person's life, whether long or short, spans several decades. With such a past, enduring the days in this small place seemed no better than death.

But she couldn't just watch someone take their last breath in front of her. Hua Xhi patted Shao Yao's hand, "Do what you can. As long as you give your all, you can have a clear conscience."

"I already know that," muttered Shao Yao, as warmth gradually filled her eyes.

Hadn't she always known? Hua Zhi was just that kind of person.

———
Author's Note:

Originally, I had detailed the segment about Caocao tidying up at Yushun Fishing Company, but during revision, I felt it wasn't necessary. It's not right to focus too much on a person who hasn't even been named yet. It breaks my heart that I had to cut over a thousand words, huhuhu.