Tonight at midnight, this book will make its first attempt to climb the rankings. There will be an additional update at that time, and I hope all the heroes out there will lend their support. The performance of this book this week will determine future official recommendations, making it a matter of great importance. The outcome hinges on your support. I, Mo, humbly request your recommendation votes.
However, Yang Kai didn't think much about it. This was Wumei Town, so close to Lingxiao Pavilion that it was normal for disciples to come down for some activities.
Before long, Yang Kai arrived at He's Rice Shop. The shop occupied two storefronts on the main street and was bustling with business. An attendant was busy inside and out. The shop owner was calculating on the abacus at the counter, and his wife was also serving customers.
As the crowd buying rice thinned out, Yang Kai finally walked into the shop.
"Madam," Yang Kai greeted. The woman in her forties looked up and smiled, "Little brother, here to buy rice again?"
"Hmm." Yang Kai went straight to the cheapest brown rice, pointed to the sack, and said, "Give me a bag."
The shop owner's wife responded, scooping the rice into a cloth bag while chattering away, "Little brother, you come to buy rice once a month. Is this enough?"
Yang Kai replied, "It's basically enough."
"Liar!" The shop owner's wife glanced at Yang Kai, "Look at your thin arms and legs. You wouldn't be so scrawny if you had enough to eat."
Yang Kai smiled awkwardly, "I also hunt in the mountains, so I don't go hungry."
The shop owner, seemingly engrossed in his accounts, spoke without looking up, "Wife, there's some old rice over there. It's just sitting around, so give it to the young man."
"Whatever you say," the shop owner's wife responded with a smile.
"That won't do, you're running a small business too," Yang Kai hurriedly waved his hand.
The shop owner's wife put on a stern face, "Nonsense, it's not a problem. That old rice is infested with bugs and can't be sold anyway. But my husband says these rice bugs are more nutritious than white rice. Wait here, I'll get it for you."
She headed towards the back as she spoke.
Yang Kai felt a mix of emotions, unsure what to say. Every time he came to buy rice, the kind shop owner and his wife would give him extra, always finding some excuse like the rice being infested. Yet, it was actually good quality white rice. This kindness stirred feelings in Yang Kai, who had almost lost faith in the world's compassion.
"Thank you, Uncle He," Yang Kai's voice trembled slightly.
The shop owner smiled and looked up, "Everyone has tough times when they're alone. If you're ever hungry, come here. We have plenty of rice."
"Hmm," Yang Kai nodded, grateful to find good people in the world.
As he was feeling moved, two more people entered the shop. The sole attendant warmly greeted them but was immediately kicked to the ground by one of the newcomers.
"Ow…" The attendant fell hard, taking a moment to get up.
"What's going on?" The shop owner hurried over from the counter, and Yang Kai helped the attendant up, then looked at the two men. One had a pale face and clutched his stomach, looking weak, while the other, a burly man who had kicked the attendant, supported him.
"Who's the owner?" the burly man shouted.
"I am," the shop owner quickly responded. He was just a regular businessman, while these two men looked fierce and carried swords, clearly not to be trifled with.
"You wicked boss! You sold my brother poisoned rice. Look at him now. He was a strong man, but after eating your rice, he's like this. He could fight tigers with his bare hands, but now he's on the brink of death. You greedy boss, you care nothing for human life!"
The outburst frightened the shop owner. "How… how could this be?"
"How should I know? My brother bought some rice from you this morning, cooked it into porridge, and now he's like this. Thank heavens I didn't eat any, or I'd be joining him in hell!" the burly man roared.
The shop owner wiped his sweat nervously, "There must be some misunderstanding."
"Misunderstanding? Misunderstand your mother! If it weren't for your rice, how would my brother end up like this?" the burly man bellowed.
Yang Kai watched coldly, understanding the situation. He knew the shop owner's character well; he often gave Yang Kai free rice. A kind person like him wouldn't do such a thing. Even if he were unscrupulous, he wouldn't poison his own goods.
Such a rumor would ruin his business. These men were clearly trying to extort money. Their story was full of holes and didn't hold up.
Yang Kai, though slight of build, was a martial artist with a sense of justice. The shop owner had been kind to him, so he couldn't stand by. He stepped forward, "Gentlemen…"
"What?" one of the men glared at him, becoming more agitated.
Before Yang Kai could speak, the shop owner hurriedly blocked him and signaled him to stay quiet.
"Uncle He…" Yang Kai was stunned.
"Sometimes you have to pay to avoid disaster," the shop owner whispered.
Yang Kai sighed in frustration. The shop owner clearly understood the men's intentions but knew he couldn't win against them. Business depended on harmony, and the commotion had already attracted attention. Further conflict could damage the shop's reputation.
Though he knew they were extorting him, the shop owner had to yield to get rid of them quickly.
Reluctantly, the shop owner forced a smile, "Your brother's poisoning has nothing to do with my rice…"
Hearing this, the two men were about to explode in anger when the shop owner added, "But regardless, since it happened here, I can't just ignore it. Your brother's suffering is distressing. You should seek medical help immediately. If you're short on money, I can advance the medical fees."
His words showed he was willing to pay to avoid trouble. If the men were indeed extortionists, they would take the money and leave. Moreover, his response allowed onlookers to see the truth, preserving the shop's reputation.
Unexpectedly, the two men showed no sign of backing down. The burly man angrily declared, "You think my brother and I are thieves and robbers? Ridiculous! We've always acted righteously, with a clear conscience. You, on the other hand, sell poisonous rice without a shred of conscience!"
His righteous indignation was laughable to Yang Kai. Such scoundrels claiming to be virtuous!
The shop owner was stunned. What? They weren't just here for money?
As he struggled to respond, a young man stepped out from the crowd. About Yang Kai's age, he was handsome and well-dressed, clearly better off than Yang Kai.
The young man circled the two men, clicking his tongue as he examined them.
The onlookers were puzzled, but Yang Kai recognized him. He had seen this young man with the other two in an alley earlier. The burly man had glared at him, and the young man was also present.
They were working together! Yang Kai realized they were con artists.