The reborn of paranoid boss cannon fodder wife(211-215)

Chapter 211: Provocation at the Door

About two hundred and thirty burly men, dressed in black, marched boldly down the middle of the road, wielding steel pipes. Vehicles approaching them refrained from honking, diverting their paths well before getting close. Bai Lu furrowed her brows, casually asking, "Who are they? Why are they smashing the electronics store? Don't they allow people to run electronics shops in the city?"

The driver had slowed down to bicycle speed, growing increasingly wary as they neared the menacing group. "It's not that they don't allow it; they demand money. No one in the city can run an electronics shop without paying a hefty sum," he explained.

"They have a leader named Biao Ge. Heard he has strong backing, and nobody in Pingcheng dares to offend him. Anyone who encounters him has to bow and scrape, or else, if he's displeased, he can beat people to the ground!"

As they were about 800 meters away from the new electronics store, the driver decided to stop. He earnestly advised, "Biao Ge is extremely ruthless. It's better for you not to get involved."

"Last year, a new electronics store opened on North Street. On the opening day, the entire store was smashed to bits within an hour. TVs, radios, everything gone. Even small light bulbs weren't spared; all shattered into pieces."

"So brazen?" After getting out of the taxi, Bai Lu, holding back Xaio Wei who wanted to go to the electronics store, paid the fare without a trace of fear.

Seeing Bai Lu's lack of fear and her frequent glances towards the electronics store, the driver tried to dissuade, "Evil people are arrogant. If you can't buy a TV here, you can always go elsewhere. But don't risk your lives."

"This electronics store will definitely close down. If you go and get hurt, who will you blame? The owner of that store had some connections; after the attack, he sent people to seek revenge and ended up in the hospital."

The driver spoke a lot, but Xiao Wei only caught one phrase and retorted, "The electronics store won't close. That's my brother..."

Before he could finish speaking, he was muffled.

Xiao Wei anxiously and helplessly looked at Bai Lu.

Bai Lu, however, didn't look at him but preemptively cut off the driver's attempt to advise again, "We're not buying a TV; we're going to buy candied chestnuts."

After saying that, she pulled Xiao Wei away.

When the driver realized, the two were already across the street, clearly not heading towards South City Road.

They were going to the fruit street selling candied chestnuts.

The only fruit shop in the city that sold candied chestnuts had run out of stock a few days ago, catching both new and old customers off guard. Today, as soon as candied chestnuts appeared, a long line immediately formed, fearing they might run out again.

Sure enough, they sold out when only five people were left.

Yu Fugui assured them that there would be candied chestnuts in the afternoon, and the customers reluctantly stayed.

The crowded entrance instantly brightened, and the clear figures of Bai Lu and Xiao Wei came into view.

Yu Fugui came out to welcome them, realizing that something was happening with Xiao Cheng's electronics store on the day of its opening.

"Are you not familiar with the way to Xiao Cheng's new store? Let me take you there."

Bai Lu thanked Yu Fugui for his kindness, explaining, "I need to handle something first. I want Xiao Wei to stay here; I'll come back to pick him up after I'm done."

Yu fugui's shop wasn't on South City Road, and it was in the opposite direction of Xiao Cheng's electronics store. Also, with the recent rush of customers buying candied chestnuts, he had no idea what was happening.

He immediately agreed, "No problem. You go ahead; I'll watch over Xiao Wei. He won't run around."

Xiao Wei, however, held onto Bai Lu's sleeve, not letting her go. "Take me with you to find big brother."

Bai Lu softly explained, "I'm going to bring reinforcements, not to find your brother. Wait for me to come back, okay?"

Xiao Wei knew the meaning of bringing reinforcements; Bai Lu had explained it to him before when they watched it on TV.

The store of big brother was about to be attacked by people with steel pipes, and big sister-in-law was going to bring reinforcements back to help big brother.

Xiao Wei had to release Bai Lu's sleeve before finishing his sentence, "Then come back to pick me up after you're done."

"I'll be waiting here and won't run around."

Hearing the anxious and fearful tone of the little guy, Bai Lu comforted him by patting his head, "Don't worry, I'll definitely come back."

After seeing Bai Lu off, Yu Fugui turned to find that Xiao Wei was still staring as if rooted in place, unmoving and waiting for Bai Lu to return.

Just a moment ago, the atmosphere was joyous at the entrance of the electronics store, but now, it was tense and filled with the smell of gunpowder.

"Looking for death?" With a disdainful tone, Xiao Cheng glanced down at the seemingly insignificant figure of Hu Biao across the street.

The words "underlings defeated" repeatedly echoed in Hu Biao's mind, and the vivid image of being beaten by Xiao Cheng that night was still haunting him, losing face completely.

Filled with hatred, Hu Biao wished he could dismember Xiao Cheng on the spot. "You're the one seeking death!"

























Chapter 212: Rebellion Against the Big Boss

"Wannian La'er, back for more after refusing to accept defeat?" Luo Shiliu's tone was full of mocking amusement.

Wannian La'er, a blatant taunt referring to Hu Biao being constantly suppressed by Xiaocheng in front of the big boss.

Even though Hu Biao brought a new group of people this time, he still couldn't hide the widely known fact of his humiliation.

Bringing so many people was a joke, especially in the face of Xiao Cheng's disdainful gaze, treating everyone with contempt, turning Hu Biao's arrogance into a pitiful sight.

"Cut the crap!" Before Hu Biao could get angry, his henchmen started firing shots: "The past is the past, now is now, here, our Brother Biao calls the shots!"

"Pay the shop fee when it's due, no exceptions. If you don't have the money, pack up and leave!"

A group of expressionless black-clad strong men behind them, solely responsible for business, with steel pipes striking the ground in coordination.

The show of strength was similar to Hu Biao's.

Wang Hao, unreservedly sarcastic, said: "If you need money, pay up. If you want a fight, bring it on! How about you, Brother Biao? Did you get your knocked-out front tooth reattached after the last beating? Did you forget what our sister-in-law said about the defeated underlings? Trash is always trash, defeated underlings will always be defeated underlings. Where's the dog face barking and yelling?"

As soon as the words "defeated underlings" fell, Hu Biao's arrogant momentum plummeted, his face alternating between red and blue.

However, Xiao Cheng smiled, repeating Bai Lu's words with interest: "Defeated underlings."

This disdain towards Hu Biao and approval of the term "defeated underlings" dealt a heavy blow to his confidence, leaving Hu Biao red-faced and angry.

Xiao Cheng, however, chuckled and repeated Bai Lu's words: "Defeated underlings."

This tone of approval and acceptance struck a chord with Hu Biao, making him lose his composure: "Xiao Cheng, everyone knows the rules of the martial world. If you don't want to close the shop on the opening day, it's best to be sensible!"

His henchman echoed loudly: "Also, look at how many people you have and how many we have. The situation from last time won't happen again. Be sensible, follow the rules, or we'll make sure your shop closes within three minutes!"

A crowd of onlookers had gathered, hesitant to approach too closely, observing from a distance.

Some watched for entertainment, some sympathized, feeling sorry for the electronics store that was about to close its doors just after opening.

The number of people on both sides and the mismatch of bare hands against steel pipes made it inevitable that the shop would close.

So many new TVs smashed, what a pity.

Hu Biao looked at Xiao Cheng's ten-person camp, a triumphant look on his face, as he was determined to regain his position in Pingcheng after being humiliated by Xiao Cheng last time.

He wanted to show everyone that he, Hu Biao, was the true leader of Pingcheng, the one who could control the city.

Only he—Hu Biao!

Xiao Cheng had promised Bai Lu not to easily resort to violence in public, and last night, Bai Lu had delicately reminded him that today was a good day for the new store opening, not suitable for confrontations with lowlifes.

Customers avoided troublemakers, and in business, customer sources were crucial. Good fortune in business brought wealth and prosperity.

Xiao Cheng understood Bai Lu's meaning and agreed with it. However, with Hu Biao's current posture, if there were no results from this confrontation, he wouldn't leave easily.

Not using violence in public was acceptable, but closing the door provided another solution.

"If you want rules, then come inside and discuss it," Xiao Cheng's abyss-like eyes revealed a cold and ruthless intent.

"No!" Xiao Dazhuang, who had followed Xiao Cheng for so long, even if he was slow-witted, knew that trouble would arise if they entered the store.

He stood at the door in a single step.

Relying on the courage given by Bai Lu, he refused to let Xiao Cheng and everyone else enter the store. "No one can come in."

Xiao Dazhuang was not good at speaking or persuading; he just said whatever came to mind. "Cheng-ge, if there's something, talk outside."

Hearing this, Wang Hao immediately knew it wasn't good news. He walked over and pulled Xiao Dazhuang "What's good? Didn't you see that someone needs a lesson? Why block the door? Move aside!"

Xiao Dazhuang refused to move, and under Xiao Cheng's cold gaze, he stood firm at the door.

No matter how hard Wang Hao pulled, he remained unmoved.

Luo Shiliu, shocked by the audacious behavior of this straightforward guy, was silent for a moment before saying, "What are you doing? Are you planning a rebellion?"

Xiao Dazhuang shook his head vigorously, not daring to look at Xiao Cheng. "There are things that need to be discussed outside, can't come in."

"Why can't we come in?" Zhang San and Li Si asked. "Are you afraid of death?"

"You're the one who's afraid of death!"

Xiao Dazhuang stared at Zhang San and Li Si, anger evident on his face. "I've been with Cheng-ge for so long, and I've never been afraid. I won't let Cheng-ge down."

"Then why won't you move? Are you waiting for Cheng-ge to invite you?" Wang Hao, Luo Shiliu, Zhang San, Li Si, and others suddenly moved, all rushing to pull Xiao Dazhuang.

...

After making the second call, Bai Lu went to the police station to report the case.

Entering the station with the security guard, she told the officers that she needed to speak to Director Liu.

Seeing her calm demeanor and confident attitude, the officers realized she wasn't a troublemaking delinquent but someone serious.

The officers informed her that Director Liu was not present, and she could discuss her concerns with them.

Bai Lu said, "The call I made earlier was to report a location outside the city. There's more important information I need to report to Director Liu. Could you please inform him?"

The officers' expressions gradually became serious. There had indeed been a report about illegal gambling, and the caller had mentioned that the location was not explicitly known. However, the caller had promised to provide more details in person.

"If you can share the information with us," a female officer with a gentle tone suggested, echoing what the male officer had said earlier.

Bai Lu diplomatically replied, "Thank you. I appreciate your help. The location of the gambling den is not entirely clear. If Director Liu is not available, I can wait. I rushed over here, and my memory of the route is a bit fuzzy. I'll think about it, and I should be able to remember it soon."

The two officers exchanged glances at the mention of the unclear location.



After a moment, the female officer said, "Please come with me to make a statement. He will call Director Liu to inquire about his return."

"Okay."

In the director's office,

After the officer explained the situation to Director Liu, he paused his pen signing on the document.

"No one knows about an underground gambling den with a huge amount of money, and they are outsiders?"

The officer nodded. "That's what she said on the phone. She seems serious and sincere, not causing any trouble."

"A hidden gambling den with no known evidence should not be acted upon until we have solid proof. But if it's a hidden den unknown to all, it might be a good opportunity," Director Liu mused.





























Chapter 213: A New Perspective

Sweeping away the darkness and eradicating evil to maintain social order and stability is the duty of a police officer.

Deep-rooted tumors are not easily removed. Without thorough cleansing, future troubles are inevitable.

The higher-ups have issued a warning: without conclusive evidence to uproot the problem entirely, one should not act recklessly to avoid causing social unrest.

Despite Pingcheng's economic struggles, small entertainment venues had influential backers, and disrupting one part could have widespread consequences.

Outsiders involved in substantial gambling were likely not ordinary citizens but rather affiliated with some of the local troublesome elements.

The plan to eradicate crime had to proceed covertly, meticulously laid out step by step, making it somewhat challenging.

If there were a focal point not apparent on the surface, there was a chance to infiltrate, gain more critical evidence, and information.

Liu Zhenguo put down his pen and inquired, "Did she mention a specific amount?"

The officer whispered a monetary figure, causing Liu Zhenguo's stern face to shift from seriousness to surprise. "How does she know this so precisely?"

"Director Liu, there's urgent news."

As the knocking and anxious voice echoed simultaneously, Liu Zhenguo furrowed his brow. "Come in."

The door swung open, and the policewoman who had just finished the transcript briskly walked in, heading straight for the desk.

"Director Liu, I know who the girl outside is!"

Liu Zhenguo asked, "Who?"

The policewoman, sounding excited, replied, "It's Bai Lu!"

The male officer looked bewildered, "Who is Bai Lu?"

Liu Zhenguo maintained a serious expression, though he shared the same question.

The policewoman realized that, besides her, no one else recognized Bai Lu.

Quickly explaining, she said, "Bai Lu is Xiao Cheng's wife. I saw Xiao Cheng bringing her to the hospital late at night when I went to see my grandmother. The doctor addressed her as Xiao Cheng's wife, and when explaining the condition, Xiao Cheng not only didn't object but also attentively listened to the doctor's instructions."

"She's the wife of Xiao Cheng, the one who often visited our bureau. After he left the underworld, there was an incident with Wang Hao and Li Chengbin, and Xiao Cheng came to the bureau to bail someone out. You were not there at that time, Director. Xiao Cheng waited for you to come back and left only after... uh, after having tea."

Realizing she was about to share information that shouldn't be disclosed, the policewoman quickly changed her tone, becoming very agitated.

Afraid that the male officer and Liu Zhenguo might not remember Xiao Cheng, she asked, "Did Xiao Cheng get into trouble again?"

The male officer stated, "Xiao Cheng's electronics store on City South Road is opening, and Hu Biao has already taken people there."

The policewoman, puzzled, asked, "But didn't Xiao Cheng choose the right path? Why is he in trouble with Hu Biao again?"

"He may want to walk the right path, but he still needs others' approval."

The male officer was also somewhat helpless.

This matter wasn't easy for them to intervene in. A misstep could disrupt the entire plan.

However, there was an equivalent exchange outside, a better chip to redesign the overall plan.

Liu Zhenguo rubbed his forehead, contemplating for a moment before standing up. "Let's go and see."

He also wanted to see what kind of girl could keep Xiao Cheng under control in the new town for so long.

What kind of girl, alone, would come to negotiate with the police, exhibiting a courage and intelligence surpassing that of men?

A pure and sweet-looking obedient girl?

An intelligent and graceful gentle girl?

Or a charming and enchanting beauty?

Not quite, yet somehow yes. When Liu Zhenguo first saw Bai Lu, he was not amazed by her beauty but rather surprised by the aura resonating with his own.

Even higher...

The inexplicable thing called aura, intangible and elusive, like the oppressive feeling from a superior or leader, the awe-inspiring influence without anger.

In a crowd of ordinary people, it could instantly draw everyone's attention.

Liu Zhenguo did not use a superior tone when questioning Bai Lu; they communicated on an equal level.

Bai Lu remained neither flattered nor humble, revealing the information she knew, logically organized in every detail.

What to say, what not to say, was crystal clear, without flattery, without humility, without begging.

Breaking Liu Zhenguo's expected conclusion, Bai Lu's sincerity and determination caught him off guard, earning his admiration.

He immediately dispatched people to check the gathering places mentioned by Bai Lu.

Bai Lu's clear understanding of the underground gathering points was credited to Xiao Cheng's memory.

Those people were friends of the big boss, learning scams outside, aiming to find a "lawless land" to trap fools and make money, honing their skills.

Before Xiao Cheng withdrew, he accidentally overheard the big boss and his friends talking about this. He didn't take it seriously.

Xiao Cheng, indifferent to matters unrelated to him, didn't even spare a glance.

Bai Lu's more vivid memory was an incident where Xiao Cheng went to a convenience store to buy bottled water. When he was about to cross the road, a bloodied figure thrown by a truck landed right in front of him, blocking his way. Without changing his expression, Xiao Cheng stepped over.

Continuing to unscrew the bottle cap, he drank the water...

Liu Zhenguo gathered all the information he could, thanked Bai Lu for her courageous report, and commended her for revealing the truth.

Liu Zhenguo, in a somewhat ceremonial manner, suggested, "Comrade Bai Lu, you're going to the electronics store on City South Road. It's your first time in the city, and you may not be familiar with the route. Li Qing, organize a team to escort her."

Li Qing promptly led a team of fifteen officers.

Onlookers on the street were curious about the commotion, and many decided to follow the police convoy to City South Road.
























Chapter 214: The Arrival of Sister-in-law

Outside the electrical appliance store on Chengnan Road.

Xiao Dazhuang finally couldn't hold on.

In the second before being pulled away by his brothers, he decisively revealed the mastermind behind it – his sister-in-law!

As soon as the words "sister-in-law" were uttered, all the hands reaching towards Xiao Dazhuang froze instantly.

The cruelty in Xiao Cheng's eyes also came to a sudden halt.

After a lengthy explanation of the facts, when Hu Biao was getting impatient, Xiao Cheng finally finished asking various questions arising from Bai Lu's brief phone call and fell into silence.

Luo Shiliu and others stopped pulling Xiao Dazhuang, standing next to him very consciously, guarding the door.

No one paid any attention to Hu Biao calling for a fight.

Completely ignored, Hu Biao was furious and shouted on the spot: "Xiao Cheng..." "Get lost!"

As soon as Xiao Cheng's words landed, he was rewarded with a "get lost," leaving Hu Biao with a face flushed with anger.

"You..." "Get lost!"

"Stop wasting time..." "Get lost!"

"You give me..." "Get lost!"

"I see you're..." "Get lost!"

Hu Biao couldn't get his words out, and his belly full of words was pushed back, making him roar in frustration.

Then he raised his hand and gestured. Behind him, more than thirty black-clad strong men picked up steel pipes and swarmed forward.

The onlookers, who were already far away, immediately retreated even farther to a safe zone.

This retreat opened up Kangyang Avenue.

Seeing the situation ahead, the police car immediately sounded its siren.

The piercing police siren echoed through the streets, causing the strong men with raised steel pipes to pause abruptly.

"Cops coming?"

Hu Biao's men turned to look, nodding affirmatively, "Cops are here, what should we do, Boss Biao?"

"What's there to fear? We'll wait for them to leave before we strike again." Hu Biao remained calm, waving his hand to signal the strong men to return to their positions.

Outside the entrance, the strong men who had raised the steel pipes to within three meters of Xiao Cheng breathed a sigh of relief after surviving the ordeal.

They almost ended up injured, fortunately, the police arrived just in time.

The steel pipes raised in front of Luo Shiliu, Wang Hao, and Xiao Dazhuang had been snatched away and thrown on the ground.

The strong men picked them up one by one and retreated behind Hu Biao.

Xiao Cheng looked at the approaching police cars, a hint of doubt in his eyes. The police rarely intervened in underworld matters.

How could they suddenly arrive so timely?

Xiao Dazhuang's gaze, prompted by his big brother's inquiry, swept decisively, shaking his head, "It wasn't me; I didn't call the police."

Luo Shiliu and Wang Hao, among others, hadn't entered the shop again after leaving, let alone had the chance to call the police.

"Could it be some busybody in the crowd?" Zhang San looked at the onlookers watching from a distance, squinting with strong suspicion.

"Definitely a busybody reporting to the police!"

Just as Li Si was about to speak, Xiao Dazhuang's voice, on the verge of tears, preempted him, "It's Sister-in-law!"

"Sister-in-law is here!"

"Cheng Ge, look, Sister-in-law is here!"

"Cheng Ge, quick, Sister-in-law is here!"

Xiao Cheng: "...I'm not blind."

The police car stopped not too far from the electrical appliance store's entrance. The door opened.

Dressed in white with black pants, Bai Lu elegantly and calmly stepped out of the car, smiling graciously under the sunlight.

Wearing police attire, Liu Zhenguo, upright and dignified, got out of another police car. The other four police cars, one after another, stopped, and police officers with holstered guns stepped out.

Standing in front of the police lineup, Bai Lu, without any hint of awkwardness, was no less imposing. Amidst the onlookers, she turned her head to greet Liu Zhenguo with a nod before heading towards Xiao Cheng.

Xiao Cheng experienced the longest walk of his life – it felt long, very long.

"Why is it this woman again!" Hu Biao hated her to the core. "Who is she?"

His subordinates thought Hu Biao's mind might be confused. At this moment, the focus should be on the police chief who personally attended the grand opening, not the trivial matters of Xiao Cheng's wife.

"Why care about the woman, who didn't even finish high school?"

"Exactly." The subordinate corrected, "It's the town's woman, not just any village girl. She's from the same small town as Xiao Cheng."

Their subordinates might not be capable of much, but their ability to collect information was commendable. They had precise details.

Hu Biao frowned, "What's going on? Today, the police chief seems different from usual. Why is he getting involved in our affairs?"

The subordinate suddenly interrupted, "Biao Ge, it seems like Chief Liu is looking at you."

Not seeming, Chief Liu Zhenguo was indeed looking at Hu Biao, and his gaze was like that of someone staring at a soon-to-be arrested criminal.

Hu Biao, puzzled, approached and greeted, "Chief Liu, what brings you here?"

Liu Zhenguo, with neither warmth nor coldness, said, "I heard that there's a new electrical appliance store opening in Pingcheng, so I came to take a look."

Having said that, he asked, "What are you doing here?"

Hu Biao finally realized that today, Liu Zhenguo was different from before, making it clear that he intended to intervene in his affairs.

Liu Zhenguo's men, although not as many as Hu Biao's, were armed to the teeth, and they represented the law.

Confrontation was not a wise choice.

Hu Biao felt resentful but had to temporarily suppress his anger. "We came to celebrate the grand opening of Xiao Cheng's new store."

Liu Zhenguo swept his eyes over the steel pipes in the hands of the strong men. Coldly, he questioned, "Is this your idea of a celebration gift?"

Hu Biao was speechless.

If there was any doubt before, at this moment, Hu Biao was certain – Liu Zhenguo had taken Xiao Cheng's side, even if it was just for today.

Even if it was only for today, it meant that he wouldn't allow anyone to harm the electrical appliance store. The police with guns were an obvious warning.

Hu Biao, even if unwilling, had to temporarily endure. "There are other gifts inside the steel pipes."

Hu Biao signaled more than thirty strong men to put down the steel pipes, and they left in a hurry.

Just as he turned around.

A clear and bright voice rang out, "Uncle, there's scrap metal here; you can pick it up and sell it."

Hu Biao couldn't believe his eyes, turned around, and indeed saw that annoying woman, Bai Lu, telling an old man to pick up the steel pipes they had dropped.

It was an outright

provocation!

"You..." Hu Biao's words were not finished when he was promptly grabbed by his subordinates and dragged away.

The onlookers, who had been watching the exciting scene with the police chief present, were dumbfounded. In just a moment, the bustling scene of the electrical appliance store's entrance had quieted down, with only the delightful sound of an old man picking up steel pipes, which seemed particularly pleasant.

Those who were watching the scene from a distance, still shocked by the chief's personal presence and the quick expulsion of the troublemakers, finally began to discuss.

"No need to look further. With the chief personally coming to congratulate the electrical appliance store and driving away the troublemakers, what's there not to understand? This electrical appliance store is bound to thrive."

"The things in the store must be worth buying!"

"This is the only new store opening ceremony where the chief not only personally congratulated but also entered the store. I've been doing business in the city for ten years and have never seen any new store opening where the chief not only came to congratulate personally but also entered the store. Quick, let's go take a look!"

"The electrical store has the chief's personal blessing; it won't close down. After-sales service is guaranteed. It's worth buying."




































Chapter 215: Bai Lu Receives Wealth

Liu Zhenguo originally intended to lead his team into the store, take a quick look, and then leave the scene.

However, he was persuaded by Bai Lu and Xiao Cheng to stay and watch the lion dance performance celebrating the grand opening, adding a festive touch to the occasion.

The lion dance is a traditional folk art performance in China with a history of over a thousand years. The lion used in the dance is considered an auspicious symbol, believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck. During significant events like the opening of a new store, lions are invited to perform, symbolizing prosperity and success.

Bai Lu, unaware of the lion dance performance, was pleasantly surprised as Xiao Cheng had only told her to arrive early before leaving. Traditional folk art has always fascinated Bai Lu, especially lively and festive performances like the lion dance.

The lion in the dance is not a real animal but a costume worn by two performers – one controlling the lion's tail and the other the majestic lion head. Xiao Cheng didn't hire a lion dance troupe; instead, members of the store staff took on the roles. Luo Shiliu became the golden lion, while Xiao Dazhuang became the red lion. The lion tail was also controlled by two strong men, with Wang Hao and the other brothers playing musical instruments.

As the lions initially appeared, they were in a sleeping state, awaiting the moment someone would apply cinnabar to awaken them. Once awakened, the lions would come to life, symbolizing good fortune, warding off evil, and signifying prosperity and wealth.

With the area around the store crowded with people, the police officers maintained order.

Bai Lu stood on the side, eagerly watching as people carried trays covered in red cloth to Liu Zhenguo, who was to apply cinnabar.

When another man approached Xiao Cheng with the tray, instead of using the brush dipped in cinnabar, Xiao Cheng personally accepted the tray and walked towards Bai Lu.

Perplexed, Bai Lu asked, "Is it okay for me to do this?"

Xiao Cheng, watching her with an encouraging smile, replied, "Go ahead, everyone is waiting for you."

Reluctantly, Bai Lu followed Xiao Cheng to the golden lion. She picked up the brush from the tray and lightly dipped it in cinnabar.

Simultaneously, Liu Zhenguo applied cinnabar to the lion, and cheers erupted from the crowd.

"One dot on the left eye – prosperous business!"
"Two dots on the right eye – wealth flowing in!"
"Three dots on the forehead – good luck ahead!"
"Four dots on the lion's mouth – peace and prosperity, everything going smoothly!"

The awakened golden lion, with a playful wink, focused its furry, golden eyelashes around its large sparkling eyes. Bai Lu couldn't resist the temptation and gently touched the lion's furry cheek, feeling its liveliness.

Just as she was about to rub the lion's sparkling eyes again, a large hand suddenly reached in and pushed the golden lion's head away, saying, "Go and perform."

The golden lion: "..."
Bai Lu: "..."
It seemed like there was a hint of jealousy in the air.

The drumming and music began, and the golden and red lions, hearing the sounds, stood up tall, swaying their bodies and showcasing powerful and lively movements. Each action exuded strength, creating a spectacular and visually appealing performance, drawing applause from the crowd.

In Pingcheng, during festivals, celebrations, or significant store openings, lion dances were common. However, today's performance was unique, representing the first store in Pingcheng that, against all odds, had not succumbed to external pressures and managed to stay open. Moreover, it was the only store in Pingcheng selling major appliances.

The crowd eagerly followed the lions into the store, focusing on the showcased electronic products. Some were there for the excitement, while others were potential buyers.

Xiao Cheng and Bai Lu, joined by the awakened lions, entered the store, leading the way for the crowd. The police officers helped maintain order, allowing groups of people to enter the store.

Busy with customers, Luo Shiliu and Xiao Dazhuang, now out of their lion costumes, became sales assistants. Wang Hao and the remaining brothers, having set aside their drums, also joined as sales guides.

Liu Zhenguo, after symbolically circling the store to wish Xiao Cheng prosperity, was ready to return home.

"All right, you're busy, go ahead. With such a thriving business, one person collecting money is not enough," Liu Zhenguo said, glancing at Bai Lu, who was the center of attention, introducing products to the crowd. "You're lucky to have married such an intelligent and exceptional wife. Walk the path of sunlight in the future."

Xiao Cheng, looking at Bai Lu, nodded and responded, "Indeed, it's a rare blessing."

Liu Zhenguo was bid farewell with the admiration-filled gaze of the people. He felt a sense of satisfaction he hadn't experienced in a long time.

Due to the large number of customers, Xiao Cheng and Bai Lu worked tirelessly until past midnight, primarily focusing on processing transactions. The excited crowd inside the store gradually dwindled as customers completed their purchases.

After the lion dance brought prosperity and auspiciousness into the store, Xiao Cheng and Bai Lu, along with the crowd, experienced a joyous and successful grand opening.