{Chapter: 64 Dig coals for a lifetime!}
"Master, what should we do?" the security guards asked with utmost respect, their voices filled with a quiet reverence that made their previous arrogance seem a distant memory.
Li Si and Zhang Shan, now fully aware of their grievous mistake, exchanged frantic glances. Even they, despite their bluster, could see the looming consequences of crossing the wrong person.
They had gravely misjudged Lin Yuan's importance—and the situation had taken a dangerous turn for them.
"Master, we're sorry! We made a terrible mistake!" Li Si quickly began, his voice trembling with the fear of what was to come.
"Yes, yes! We were wrong, Master! Please show us mercy!" Zhang Shan joined in, his voice almost pleading as he lowered his head in frantic submission.
The two of them were now on their knees, their fear palpable as they kowtowed before Lin Yuan. Their desperate cries filled the air, but Lin Yuan remained unfazed, his demeanor cold and unyielding. He didn't even glance at them, and the sheer indifference in his silence was enough to send chills down their spines.
Lin Yuan turned his attention back to Qiu Wanxi, his expression softening as he smiled at her. "Wanxi, what would you like to do with them?" he asked, his tone casual but carrying an undercurrent of authority that commanded respect.
Qiu Wanxi hesitated, her thoughts tangled in a whirlwind of confusion. Despite knowing the cruelty of her aunt and uncle, she still struggled with the thought of punishing them.
She was a kind-hearted person, and even though she understood they were far from well-intentioned, her moral compass prevented her from deciding their fate without hesitation.
Li Si and Zhang Shan, sensing an opportunity, immediately turned their pleading eyes toward her, begging in unison.
"Wanxi, please! We're your family! You can't let this young master take action against us!" Li Si cried desperately, his voice quivering.
"Yes, yes! We're family, Wanxi! Have some mercy!" Zhang Shan echoed, his eyes wide with fear.
But Qiu Wanxi, though troubled, steeled herself. She looked at Lin Yuan with a resolute gaze, her voice firm. "Master, I trust you to decide. They have no hold over me. You are the only one who matters."
Her face flushed a soft shade of red as she spoke, the vulnerability of the moment mixing with her growing strength. She didn't expect Lin Yuan to notice, but her declaration was sincere, even if it embarrassed her.
Lin Yuan's expression softened with a satisfied smile. Without a word, he reached out and gave her a gentle pat on the head, his hand lingering for a moment longer than necessary.
Turning back to Li Si and Zhang Shan, Lin Yuan's voice took on a chilling edge. "Send the two of them to the plane," he ordered, his eyes cold and steady.
The security guards, who had been waiting for their instructions, looked to Lin Yuan in complete obedience. They moved quickly, the weight of the situation settling heavily upon them.
"Master, where should we send them?" one of the guards asked, his voice low and respectful.
"Shanxi Coal Mine," Lin Yuan replied with icy detachment. "Let them spend a lifetime digging coal."
The words left his mouth with a finality that left no room for argument. The fate of Li Si and Zhang Shan was sealed in an instant.
Li Si and Zhang Shan, realizing the gravity of their situation, began to panic. They screamed, begged, and even attempted to flee, but the security guards were merciless. They were dragged from the shop, their cries for mercy ignored as the guards obeyed their master's command without hesitation.
Lin Yuan's gaze remained steady, his attention now shifting to the rest of the room. His hand fell away from Qiu Wanxi's head as he looked around, his mind already moving on to the next matter at hand.
"Mr. Zhang," he said, his voice calm but carrying an edge of command. "Where do you think you're going?"
Boss Zhang, who had tried to sneak away in a desperate bid for escape, froze in his tracks. His face drained of color, and he crumpled to the floor, kneeling before Lin Yuan, his entire body shaking.
"Master Lin, please! It's all a misunderstanding!" Boss Zhang cried out, his voice trembling as he prostrated himself. "I didn't know this was your shop! I swear, I had no idea they would resort to force and threats!"
Boss Zhang had finally recognized Lin Yuan for who he truly was—Young Master Lin Yuan, the prodigy in the stock market. The realization hit him like a cold wave. He knew that offending Lin Yuan would spell disaster for him, and he needed to beg for mercy before it was too late.
"I'm really sorry! Please forgive me!" Boss Zhang begged again, his words stumbling over each other as he desperately kowtowed, his forehead hitting the floor with a dull thud.
Lin Yuan considered his words carefully, his gaze cold. He knew that Boss Zhang's apology was only half-hearted. Boss Zhang might not have known about Lin Yuan's involvement with the shop, but his actions were still far from acceptable.
"Sorry isn't enough," Lin Yuan replied indifferently, his voice cold and authoritative.
Boss Zhang, sensing the severity of the situation, gritted his teeth and continued his desperate plea. "I'll compensate! I'll pay two million for the store manager's psychological damages! Please, just don't send me away like this!"
He then added, almost as an afterthought, "And my company will provide Hope Cake Shop with high-quality butter, flour, and eggs for free. I'll make sure they receive the best products. I hope Ms. Qiu will allow me this opportunity."
Qiu Wanxi looked startled, her thoughts racing as she processed Boss Zhang's offer. His words seemed to carry a hint of sincerity, but she remained uncertain.
Lin Yuan, sensing her hesitation, waved his hand dismissively. "Go away," he said simply.
At the sound of Lin Yuan's command, Boss Zhang, as though released from a great weight, scrambled to his feet and fled from the store in haste. He quickly transferred the promised two million to Hope Cake Shop's account, ensuring the funds were delivered without delay. Simultaneously, he ordered his employees to deliver the finest butter, flour, and eggs to the shop.
Once the matter was settled, Lin Yuan turned to Qiu Wanxi, his eyes glinting with curiosity. "What about the surprise you mentioned?"
Qiu Wanxi blinked, her face lighting up as she remembered.
*****
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