Chapter 42: Do You Like Me?

She had only known Liu Chao for three days, and Yuan Banyue for just two.

Did she really have to sell on credit?

There wasn’t even a scrap of paper as proof.

Settling accounts weekly, and if they wanted goods every day, that would be a thousand or two in merchandise!

Liu Chao was a market worker—he definitely couldn’t run off.

But Yuan Banyue…

Chu Xuan lowered her voice and asked Liu Chao, “How well do you know Yuan Banyue?”

“You’re worried about the payment, right? That’s my fault for not explaining it clearly.” Liu Chao patted his chest in assurance. “Don’t worry about the money. He and I grew up together. He’s his own boss now, and he comes here every week to buy stock. Not just your goods—he settles up with everyone weekly. To be honest, I usually help him restock. Just a phone call. Up to now, he’s never missed a payment. And if he ever does, you don’t need to worry—I know where he lives. I’ll help you collect. As for my commission, I’ll get it when he pays up.”

With Liu Chao’s guarantee, Chu Xuan finally felt a bit more at ease. She couldn’t bear to lose the profit from the grilled fish jerky, so she let the delivery truck through.

But she still made a mental note to have Yuan Banyue sign a contract next time.

After all, a debtor is always in the right.

You can’t be too careful—there had to be something in writing.

After watching the truck drive off, Chu Xuan asked, “Brother Liu, so you mean Boss Yuan doesn’t need my grilled fish jerky every day?”

“That’s right. How about this—if he needs a big order some day, I’ll call you in advance.”

“Okay. Thanks for connecting us, Brother Liu.”

“It’s a win-win. I’ll write you a receipt—how many pounds of fish jerky, how much money, the date, my signature and fingerprint.”

“Thanks for the trouble!”

Soon, Chu Xuan had the receipt in hand. Seeing Liu Chao’s signature and fingerprint on it, she felt much more at ease.

Just then, someone else came to pay for a temporary stall. Liu Chao went back to the payment office, and Chu Xuan waved and headed to her own temporary stall to wait for Mu Chenze.

The stall next door had a big pile of pears, thirty cents a pound.

Chu Xuan bought ten pounds on the spot.

The stall was only rented for a limited time, and she hadn’t renewed it. Half an hour later, someone came over with a payment slip to set up their own stall.

Chu Xuan had to gather her things in a burlap sack and wait outside the market. She took out a multigrain steamed bun, eating as she waited.

When she got thirsty, she ate a pear.

She didn’t care whether eating pears was allowed while taking Chinese medicine.

Another half hour passed before Mu Chenze finally arrived.

Mu Chenze was drenched in sweat and panting. “Sorry to keep you waiting!”

Chu Xuan looked at him with concern. “Was it tough delivering today?”

“No, it went fine. Actually, I got here early and saw you clearing your name. That troublemaking woman fell flat on her face—I followed her quietly, which took a while, so I’m late… cough, cough…”

Mu Chenze’s throat felt like it was on fire, and he started coughing.

It was only 4:30 a.m., and all the stalls selling water or cold drinks were closed.

For the first time, Mu Chenze realized he should bring a water bottle to the market—he really was thirsty.

Chu Xuan took a pear from her sack and handed it to him. “Find somewhere to wash it.”

Mu Chenze didn’t bother—he pulled out a handkerchief, wiped the pear, and crunched into it.

The skin was thin, the flesh juicy and crisp.

He finished one in no time.

“Did you buy this from the stall next door?”

Chu Xuan nodded.

Mu Chenze tossed the pear core into a nearby trash bin. “Wait a sec, I’ll go buy some to take home.”

Chu Xuan suddenly remembered he loved pears. “I already bought some for you! Is five pounds enough?”

“That’s plenty. How much? I’ll pay you.”

“It’s a gift—no need to pay.”

Mu Chenze was in a good mood, already thinking about what he could buy for Chu Xuan in return. “Thanks! Give me the sack. Let’s walk and talk.”

Chu Xuan didn’t stand on ceremony and handed him the sack.

He slung it over his shoulder and walked ahead.

Chu Xuan followed behind.

Mu Chenze stopped, raising an eyebrow. “Walk next to me, or we can’t talk.”

Chu Xuan nearly bumped into him, but stopped just in time. “Next time you stop suddenly, warn me first. If I knock you over, you’re responsible. I’m a big person—about 200 pounds. You know what that means.”

Mu Chenze couldn’t imagine being knocked over by her. Embarrassed, he rubbed his nose. “Got it. But you seem to have lost some weight. You probably aren’t 200 pounds anymore, right?”

“I forgot to use the market office scale just now. I’ll weigh myself next time.” Chu Xuan walked beside him. “So, did you find out that troublemaking woman is related to Zhang Dong’s family?”

“Exactly. She’s Zhang Dong’s aunt. Zhang Dong’s younger brother, Zhang Qiu, came with her, but didn’t show himself. They’re plotting how to deal with you. From what I heard, they’re thinking about robbing you on the road.”

“Rob me? Aren’t they afraid of breaking the law?”

“Of course they are! That’s why they’ll be in disguise. We need to be prepared.”

“Should we bring more people to the market from now on?”

“No need. I have a few friends in the city—I’ll ask them to help keep an eye on you for a few days. Leave it to me, don’t worry.”

Chu Xuan blurted out, “You’re amazing!”

She looked at him with admiration.

Mu Chenze blushed and fell silent.

Chu Xuan took a wad of cash from her pocket, counted out fifty yuan, and handed it to him. “If it’s not enough to pay your friends, just let me know.”

Mu Chenze didn’t take it. He quickly composed himself and replied boldly, “No need. I’ll just give them some seafood.”

“Then I’ll send them some grilled fish jerky.”

“Deal.”

Chu Xuan actually hoped the Zhang family would try to rob her soon—then Mu Chenze’s friends wouldn’t have to keep protecting her.

The sooner it happened, the sooner it would be over.

But this wasn’t something she could control.

Maybe the Zhangs would decide it was too risky and give up.

“Oh right, Mu Chenze, is it that you don’t want your family to know we’re close, or your family doesn’t want us to be close?”

Mu Chenze stopped again, and Chu Xuan stopped too, looking at him calmly.

Mu Chenze looked conflicted. “My family doesn’t mind us being close. It’s me—I just don’t want them to know for now. The village chief’s family isn’t gossipy—even if they know, they won’t say anything.”

Chu Xuan looked puzzled. “Why?”

Mu Chenze blushed all the way to his ears. “No reason. I just don’t want them to know yet.”

Honestly, he didn’t know why himself. He was just following his heart.

Chu Xuan was curious. “Didn’t you say we’re good buddies? Shouldn’t good buddies visit each other’s homes? Let your family know we’re friends?”

“You’re right. But I’m particular about who I bring home. When you’ve proven yourself as a good buddy, then I’ll let you visit my family. For now, it has to stay secret.”

“I was actually thinking of inviting you and Ji Ping over for dinner soon, but since you want to keep it secret, I’ll just invite Ji Ping.”

“No way! Just go to Ji Ping’s house and cook for us there—that way it stays secret.”

“Still with the secrecy! Mu Chenze, you’re acting like an old lady. Don’t tell me you like me?”

As soon as she said it, Chu Xuan felt she might have been a bit too bold."