Chapter 6: Tiles

As dusk fell, some people blew out their lamps and went to sleep, while others ventured out for nighttime strolls. For those engaged in trade, it was far from time to rest.

Wen Zhongxia continued hawking popcorn near the marketplace.

She noticed that the common folk of Dongjing truly adored theater. The bright red posters plastered at the marketplace entrance had advertised the play "Mulian Rescues His Mother" for three consecutive days.

Was it really that captivating?

It made her want to see it herself.

But she had no time; the popcorn sales kept her busy.

"Miss, six portions of popcorn, please."

It was the same young servant who had bought from her last time, attached to the son of Magistrate Feng.

A big client indeed.

Wen Zhongxia beamed and quickly packed the order. The young servant didn’t haggle and even handed her more than ten copper coins as a tip.

He hurriedly took the popcorn into the marketplace, climbing to the second floor.

"Young master, your popcorn is here."

"Why so slow? Put it down quickly."

Feng Xin was sitting cross-legged, nodding along with three or four other young gentlemen as they watched the performance on the stage opposite.

The table was already laden with preserved fruits and sweets, but the golden popcorn, once opened, drew everyone's attention.

Feng Xin remarked, "Too much preserved fruit gets cloying, but this street-corner popcorn leaves you craving more."

His friends readily agreed, happily munching away—except one, who only glanced at the popcorn but didn’t touch it.

"Brother Han, don’t you like the popcorn?" Feng Xin asked.

Han Zeren replied coolly, "Not particularly interested."

"That can't be. Aren’t you fond of sweets?"

"I never eat street food," Han Zeren answered honestly. "Some street snacks come from questionable environments; I don’t dare eat them. That’s just my personal habit—you all do as you please."

Those words left the friends exchanging awkward glances, unsure whether to eat or not.

Feng Xin was a little annoyed; he had bought the popcorn himself and didn’t want to spoil the mood.

Trying to keep the atmosphere light, he said, "Brother Han, am I the type to buy blindly? The little seller is a beauty—her hands are probably cleaner than ours. Just eat with confidence."

Han Zeren showed no expression, but the others grew curious.

"Is she really beautiful?"

"Of course," Feng Xin said, standing and peering out the window, beckoning his friends over.

"See her? The girl in the blue dress."

"She really is quite a beauty."

"Feng, you didn’t buy just because she’s pretty, did you?"

"What kind of person do you take me for? I was drawn by her sales pitch first."

Feng Xin and his friends teased each other, while Han Zeren stood stiffly by the window.

He never expected to see Wen Zhongxia again in such a setting—his former fiancée.

How had she come to hawking snacks at a night market?

"Brother Han, are you stunned?" Feng Xin noticed Han’s odd expression and patted his shoulder.

Han Zeren snapped back to reality, murmuring, "No, no."

"Of course you’re stunned—everyone loves beauty," Feng Xin smiled.

One friend pointed down below, "Hey, look—has that girl gotten into trouble?"

Feng Xin glanced at the scuffle unfolding beneath them. "Probably some troublemaker causing a scene."

Han Zeren’s brow furrowed deeper.

---

Not long before, Wen Zhongxia had just seen off a father out with his child for a night stroll. She shook the bag; only a few portions of popcorn remained.

Xu Xiu sighed in relief, "Just a few more sales and we can head home."

Suddenly, Wen Zhongxia caught a whiff of alcohol.

"Hey, when did such a flashy little lady show up here?"

The speaker was a short man with a red flower tucked behind one ear. He staggered, his face flushed—clearly drunk.

The old grocer muttered under his breath—this was Guo San, a notorious troublemaker. No skills, but a habitual drunkard who caused disturbances, ran up debts, and harassed respectable women—a well-known scoundrel in the night market.

Wen Zhongxia sized him up at a glance, expressionless, "Sir, popcorn is five wen a portion. Would you like some?"

"Sure, pop-pop-popcorn—what’s that? Is it tasty?" Guo San’s tongue was thick with drink.

"You can try before you buy."

Wen Zhongxia patiently held her ground. Xu Xiu was anxious, and even little Dong’er sensed the tension, clutching her sister’s skirt tightly.

"I—I want to try," Guo San slurred, reaching for the bag. The stench of alcohol made Wen Zhongxia’s patience wane.

She quickly closed the bag’s mouth. "Don’t touch it. I’ll get it for you."

"Ah, so polite... hic..." His murky, yellowed eyes fixated lecherously on Wen Zhongxia’s slender hands. "So white."

Her gaze instantly turned cold. She clenched the bag and took her brother’s hand, eyeing the drunkard. "I’m not selling popcorn anymore."

"Right, not selling anymore. Let’s go home," Xu Xiu said hurriedly, grabbing the basket and small stool, shielding Wen Zhongxia’s side, eager to leave.

"Why not sell? I have money—just won it today." Guo San blocked their way, pulling out a string of copper coins from his pocket.

With a swagger, he said, "I’ll buy all your popcorn, little lady—hic—come drink with me, I’ll give you all this money."

Xu Xiu was both angry and afraid, face pale. "What nonsense are you spouting? We are respectable girls. Move aside, or I’ll call for help."

"You woman, this isn’t your business."

Guo San ignored her and tried to shove the money at Wen Zhongxia, attempting to grope her.

Gritting her teeth, Wen Zhongxia warned, "Say that again and move."

"I just want money—I have money... ah, hands, hands..."

Suddenly, Guo San yelped in pain—little Wen Mengdong had bitten the webbing of his left hand, squeezing with all his might, his face scrunched in effort.

"Ouch, you brat, let go..."

"Dong’er!"

Guo San flung the boy off abruptly. Wen Mengdong almost fell but Wen Zhongxia caught him immediately.

The boy was furious. "Bad man! Bad man!"

"You little brat, you’re asking for a beating!" Guo San’s hand bore a tooth mark. The alcohol wore off somewhat as he cursed and lunged at them.

Wen Zhongxia shielded her brother and stepped forward.

"Miss, if you come drink with me, I won’t make a fuss..."

Before Guo San could finish, Wen Zhongxia delivered a fierce kick below his abdomen.

Strike the snake’s vital spot; cut the grass to the roots.

"Drink my foot!"

Caught off guard, Guo San crumpled in agony, clutching himself and hopping. His face turned a dark purplish hue; he collapsed, unable to speak, only groaning softly.

Han Zeren and Feng Xin had just rushed downstairs and stopped in their tracks, expressions vivid.

The young lady’s kick was ruthless—just watching it made them wince.

The old grocer dropped his staff and grabbed a pair of cymbals from his stall, clashing them loudly while shouting, "Constables! Constables! A rogue is causing trouble!"

Curious onlookers gathered, and nearby patrolling officers, hearing the noise, hurried over.

The grocer told Wen Zhongxia, "This fellow is a repeat offender. The constables will handle him. Miss, you should leave quickly."

---

Wen Zhongxia knew her current status made it unwise to get entangled in legal troubles. She thanked the grocer, then pulled Xu Xiu and little Dong’er through the crowd, running home without looking back.

"That girl is really fierce," Feng Xin kept marveling.

His friend said, "You can’t judge a book by its cover."

Han Zeren watched the direction Wen Zhongxia had gone, his expression growing darker.

Meanwhile, the two constables arrived and saw Guo San lying on the ground.

"Guo San, it’s you again."

"Officers, I… I didn’t do anything this time," Guo San whimpered, frightened like a mouse before a cat.

"Bullying helpless orphans and widows—don’t say you didn’t do anything, shame on you!"

"Exactly. We all saw it with our own eyes."

The surrounding vendors, long annoyed by Guo San, clamored to recount his misdeeds, including debts owed to them.

"I—I..." Guo San stammered.

"Enough. Come with us to the station. You should’ve been locked up longer last time to teach you a lesson."

"Officers, I’m innocent—I was the one beaten... can’t you spare the shackles?"

Han Zeren watched the constables haul the scoundrel away, then bowed to Feng Xin.

"Gentlemen, I have affairs to attend to. I must take my leave." With that, he turned and left.

Feng Xin looked puzzled. "What’s his problem? Did someone upset him?"

A friend said, "Maybe he’s still troubled by that matter."

"What matter?"

"Feng, didn’t you know Brother Han recently broke off an engagement?"

"Is that so? Tell me more."

---

Once inside, Wen Zhongxia quickly bolted the door. Xu Xiu leaned against it, pale and trembling.

"That was terrifying. Good thing we ran fast."

Wen Zhongxia swiftly lit the oil lamp with a tinderbox. The bright flame immediately dispelled the darkness inside.

She pulled Wen Mengdong into the light. "Ah, open your mouth, let me have a look."

The boy opened wide. Wen Zhongxia carefully examined his teeth and tongue.

"Does it hurt? Any bruises?"

He shook his head, "No pain."

Xu Xiu poured a bowl of water for him. "Dong’er, rinse your mouth. Who knows where that rogue’s hands have been."

Wen Mengdong rinsed three times before the two women were somewhat reassured.

"Don’t be reckless next time," Wen Zhongxia said softly. "You’re still a child. He’s an adult. It would be easy for him to hurt you, right? If this happens again, just hide quietly."

Wen Mengdong lowered his head, mumbling, "I promised Dad."

"What promise?"

He looked up, his dark eyes glistening with tears. "Before Dad and big brother left, I promised I would protect Sister and Sister-in-law, because I’m the only boy in the family now."

He rubbed his eyes, pouting with hurt.

Xu Xiu couldn’t bear to listen and turned away, her shoulders trembling slightly.

Wen Zhongxia’s eyes also grew moist, emotions hard to express.

She drew Dong’er close, whispering, "You’re brave. You did wonderfully. Sister thanks you."

"You’re still young. When you grow taller and stronger, you’ll be able to protect us for real."

Leaning on her shoulder, Wen Mengdong sniffled; in truth, he was very scared.