Upside Down Grocery Shop - Chapter 34

Hearing Su Ran’s explanation, Zhao Feifei finally relaxed a bit. “That drunk man got what he deserved.”

Su Ran and Li Xiaotong were more than happy to hear a story.

Zhao Feifei invited the two to sit down, poured them tea, and took a moment to compose herself before speaking.

 “That drunk man saw me walking alone at night and, fueled by alcohol, tried to take advantage of me. I fought back and ended up hitting him on the head with the bottle in his hand.”

Ohhh, so that’s what happened.

Li Xiaotong instantly regretted calling the police on the drunk man earlier. If she had known this, she would’ve let the guy rot on the street.

“Didn’t expect it—Zhao Feifei, you’re quite the heroine. Truly admirable.”

Zhao Feifei was amused by Su Ran’s comment, and the atmosphere lightened again. “You’re joking. Heroine? I was scared out of my mind.”

“We happened to pass by and saw your bag abandoned on the road. Later, we spotted the drunk man, so we came to return it,” Li Xiaotong explained. “You should check if anything’s missing.”

Zhao Feifei looked through her bag. “Thankfully, the valuable stuff is all here. What a relief—I was losing sleep over it last night.”

“Thank you both. I really don’t know how to repay you.”

“You’re too kind.”

This was the usual polite back-and-forth.

“If you really want to thank us, you can tell me this—where did you get this?”

Su Ran opened the gift box, revealing the flying sword inside.

“Oh, that. A subordinate of mine gave it to me. She said it’s a traditional craft from her hometown. I thought it was pretty and didn’t want to reject her sincerity, so I accepted it.”

“A craft? From her hometown?” Su Ran asked. “May I ask, is that subordinate still around?”

“Unfortunately, no. She’s on a week-long leave,she said something came up at her school.”

“She’s still a student?”

“Yes, a senior in college, interning with me. She’s a bright and capable young woman.”

“What’s her name?”

“Wang Xiaoqin.”

That name sounded oddly familiar, like they’d heard it before.

“Sichuan native?” Su Ran inquired.

“Yes, how did you know?” Zhao Feifei looked surprised.

Su Ran took a deep breath and glanced at Li Xiaotong. “That text message.”

Li Xiaotong suddenly understood. No wonder it sounded familiar—Li Chuan’s investigation had pointed to Wang Xiaoqin, who happened to attend their school.

Zhao Feifei looked at them with some suspicion. “Do you need her for something?”

Su Ran didn’t elaborate. “Zhao Feifei, would you mind if we took this?” He gestured to the flying sword.

“Erm…”

Zhao Feifei hesitated. After all, it was a gift from a kind young girl. Giving it away after just one glance didn’t feel right.

Moreover, she didn’t even know who these two people were. Letting them take it felt too risky. “I’m afraid I can’t give it to you.”

Li Xiaotong didn’t know how to explain it to Zhao Feifei either.

Su Ran glanced around, confirming the area was secure. “Zhao Feifei, I hope you can keep what you’re about to see a secret. Can you do that?”

Zhao Feifei looked at him warily. What was he up to? A charlatan’s trick?

“I’m not some con artist,” Su Ran said, catching on to her thoughts. “I just want to show you how dangerous this thing can be.”

Zhao Feifei was startled. How did he know what she was thinking?

“Don’t get the wrong idea. I don’t go around reading minds, but your thoughts were so loud that I couldn’t help but hear them.”

Now Zhao Feifei was truly shocked. “You… can read minds?”

Su Ran sighed and nodded. Her reaction was just like Li Xiaotong’s back then.

“Who exactly are you?” Zhao Feifei asked, her fear growing.

“I’m just a convenience store owner,” Su Ran said casually, holding up the flying sword. “Zhao Feifei, whether you agree or not, I’m taking this with me today.”

As he spoke, the sword floated into the air, glowing faintly as it flew around the office like something out of a movie.

“What the…” Zhao Feifei was stunned. There was no way this was a magic trick.

“This is not some decorative craft. If you keep it with you, it will bring you immense danger,” Su Ran warned gravely.

Zhao Feifei was no stranger to the ups and downs of the business world, but she had never encountered anything like this. She had no idea what to make of it.

At the same time, a thought lingered—what if he was a scammer? Some of the tricks these days were just too realistic to guard against.

Su Ran facepalmed. “Zhao Feifei, your concern is valid. Fine, it looks like I’ll have to prove myself further for you to believe me.”

Just as Su Ran was about to show off some real skills, there was a knock at the door.

“General Manager, the police are here.”

The police?

Zhao Feifei tensed up. Could this be about the drunk man from last night?

“No need to worry,” Su Ran said, stepping forward. “If it’s about the drunk man, we can testify for you. You won’t be in trouble.”

Zhao Feifei smiled faintly. “Thanks, but I’m not someone who’s afraid of trouble. Please wait here for a moment.”

As they waited, Li Xiaotong asked Su Ran, “If she doesn’t agree to give it to us, what will you do?”

“What else? Knock her out and take it.”

Li Xiaotong glared at him. “What kind of nonsense plan is that? Can’t you think of something better?”

Zhao Feifei returned not long after, but her expression was grim. Clearly, the news wasn’t good.

Could the drunk man really have tried to pin this on her?

Su Ran looked at Zhao Feifei. “Wang Xiaoqin is dead.”

Zhao Feifei stared at him. “I believe you’re not a fraud now. Yes, the police informed me that Wang Xiaoqin’s body has been found. Since she worked here, they came to ask me some questions.”

Li Xiaotong turned to Su Ran. “Su Ran, that’s the fourth one.”

Yes, the fourth. Just when they found a lead, it was cut off again.

Someone out there was clearly moving faster than them.

“Zhao Feifei, can I take this now?” Su Ran slipped the flying sword into his pocket. “Hold out your hand.”

Zhao Feifei was puzzled but extended her hand instinctively.

Su Ran pressed three points on her palm.

“Stay here for the next week. Don’t go home, don’t attend any social gatherings, and avoid all outside activities. If you encounter danger…”

He pointed to the glass window nearby. “Jump.”

“Jump?” Zhao Feifei and Li Xiaotong were both shocked. This was the 26th floor! Jumping would be a guaranteed death.

“Trust me. In seven days, I’ll return with an explanation that satisfies you.”

Su Ran scribbled something on a piece of paper, his so-called map.

“This is my shop’s address. If you’ve got nowhere to go, you can sit there for a while.”

Although Zhao Feifei now believed Su Ran wasn’t a fraud, she still wondered if he might be a bit insane.

Su Ran sighed. “I’m trying to save your life, and you’re calling me crazy?”

“Ah…” Zhao Feifei blushed. In front of this guy, it seemed nothing could be hidden. This mind-reading thing was way too terrifying.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it. I’ve just never encountered anything like this before, so I’m at a loss. Please forgive me.”

“Alright, we’re leaving.” Su Ran pulled Li Xiaotong away.

Zhao Feifei looked at the poorly drawn map in her hand and chuckled. Not even a directional arrow—if she hadn’t been educated, she might not have been able to decipher it.

“Su Ran…” Zhao Feifei leaned back in her chair. “An interesting man.”