Accused by Thousands (2)

The next morning, as Shen Qiong was rushing from home to his shop, he was surprised to find a crowd gathered in front of it. Normally, he would stride forward with his head held high, exuding an extraordinary presence, but in this situation, he knew without a doubt that this crowd was there to cause trouble.

Shen Qiong quickly took out his phone, intending to call Ren Tianxue and tell her not to come, but discovered no one was answering.

Seeing the crowd in front of the shop start to stir, Shen Qiong panicked. Could that girl have come to work early today?

At that moment, Ren Tianxue was surrounded by the troublemaking crowd. She had wanted to come early today to discuss what she overheard yesterday with Shen Qiong, but she hadn't expected to run into this kind of trouble.

Shen Qiong approached and saw that she was indeed trapped. The troublemakers were a mixed bunch, and some were even sneakily trying to take advantage of Ren Tianxue, making underhanded moves.

This was unbearable! Shen Qiong cursed, "What the fuck?" and charged into the crowd.

She saw Shen Qiong's figure in the chaotic crowd and quickly shouted, "Why are you here? Hurry and leave! They all said they were looking for you."

Shen Qiong's forehead darkened. It's over! Instantly, all eyes were fixed on him.

She cried out, "Ah!" and was knocked to the ground by the jostling crowd.

Seeing this, Shen Qiong completely lost it. He squeezed through the crowd with all his might, helped Ren Tianxue up, and asked with a face full of worry, "How are you? Are you hurt?"

Ren Tianxue endured the pain, touched her calf, and whispered, "I think I twisted it!"

"Damn it, are these people crazy? If you have a problem, come at me! Why are you picking on a woman?" Shen Qiong cursed angrily.

Immediately, curses erupted from the surroundings: "Who are you calling crazy?"

"You're that scoundrel, Master Shen?"

"Beat him up! Trying to be a hero and save the damsel? Don't you even know your own worth."

In an instant, countless fists and feet flew. Shen Qiong, fearing Ren Tianxue would be accidentally injured, immediately turned to protect her. As a result, he was kicked to one knee, enduring a barrage of blows with his body.

It would be a lie to say it didn't hurt. Shen Qiong's face contorted in pain, and he gritted his teeth. These people were hitting him with no restraint, as if they wanted to beat him to death.

Shen Qiong wanted to run, but he couldn't now. Ren Tianxue was still in his arms. Wait, in his arms? He was surprised to realize he had unconsciously embraced the girl.

Ren Tianxue's face was filled with panic. She closed her eyes, too scared to watch...

Another heavy kick landed, and Shen Qiong couldn't help but yelp in pain!

Just then, a shout came from a distance: "Stop! What are you doing?"

The troublemakers turned and saw seven or eight burly men in vests with tattoos all over their arms rushing over.

"Quick, run! These guys are not to be trifled with."

One of the cowards bolted, and everyone else followed suit. After all, beating people up in front of someone else's shop was their fault.

"Cough, cough!" Shen Qiong wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and looked up. It turned out to be Zhu Deshou's men. He sighed inwardly, This "protection fee" wasn't paid for nothing!

Brother Li, Zhu Deshou's top subordinate and a die-hard fan of Shen Qiong, was furious to see Master Shen being beaten. He shouted, "Brothers, grab your weapons! Damn it! Let's finish those bastards."

Shen Qiong quickly raised his hand to stop them. "No! Don't escalate things."

Brother Li said angrily, "They've already dared to come to our doorstep and beat someone up. What are you afraid of escalating? Anyone who comes to our territory, we'll deal with them one by one. A group? We'll deal with the whole group."

"That's right! On Shili Street, who are we afraid of?"

Shen Qiong said with a bitter smile, "Public opinion is not in my favor right now. If this really goes to the police, it might not be beneficial."

"Are we just going to let it go? I can't stand this insult." Shen Qiong was still being beaten on his own turf, and Brother Li was very displeased.

"Brother Li, why don't we just stake out Master Shen's place? Damn it, let's see who dares to come again."

"Good!"

Shen Qiong nodded. This was for the best. If anyone else dared to cause trouble, he really wouldn't be able to handle it.

Ren Tianxue helped him slowly stand up. Shen Qiong winced, "Easy, easy."

She showed a worried expression, lifted Shen Qiong's shirt, and saw his back was covered in injuries, bruised and battered.

"Ah!" she cried out in distress.

Shen Qiong gritted his teeth and squinted, "How is it? Is it gruesome to look at?"

She bit her lower lip and nodded continuously, looking heartbroken.

"As long as you're okay." Shen Qiong grinned.

She gave him a reproachful look and then pulled him towards the shop. "Sit down. Do you have any strong medicinal wine here?"

As it happened, he did!

Shen Qiong pointed to the drawer under the bookshelf. "There, the one on the far right, yes!"

Ren Tianxue carefully applied the medicinal wine to him, and Shen Qiong let out a pig-like howl.

She teased, "Does it hurt? Serves you right for playing the hero and rushing into the crowd."

"Of course! If you were hurt, I would be heartbroken," Shen Qiong blurted out.

He spoke carelessly, but she took it to heart. Her heart warmed, and she continued to apply the medicinal wine with a smile.

"Alright! Be careful yourself. You might have to sleep on your side," Ren Tianxue instructed.

Shen Qiong nodded and leaned back in the chair, but the pain made him quickly straighten his back, not daring to lean back.

Suddenly, someone else walked into the shop. Seeing it was the internet cafe owner, Shen Qiong asked awkwardly, "Did you see that?"

The Internet cafe owner chuckled, "They're all nearby. With that much commotion just now, how could they not know?"

Shen Qiong sighed. It was truly a tragedy. He never expected to end up in such a state.

"Those people are too brazen. If Brother Li hadn't arrived in time, my scrawny body would have ended up in the hospital," Shen Qiong said with a wry smile.

Brother Li shook his head. "I was still too late. I was worried yesterday, so I made a point to pass by today. I didn't expect anyone would actually dare to cause trouble."

At this moment, the nearby grocery store owner also came to "check on" Shen Qiong. "Master Shen, are you alright? With that scene just now, I really didn't dare to step in! I'm truly sorry!" the grocery store owner apologized.

Shen Qiong nodded. "I understand, I understand. If this little lady hadn't been trapped, I wouldn't have planned to show myself either." As he spoke, he glanced pointedly at Ren Tianxue, implying it was all her fault.

Ren Tianxue, knowing she was in the wrong, stuck out her tongue.

Seeing her cute expression, Shen Qiong's heart softened. He thought, Those people are truly insane to be able to lay hands on such a beautiful woman.

"Perhaps Master Shen should just rest at home for a few days until this storm passes," the grocery store owner suggested.

Ren Tianxue quickly nodded in agreement. "Yes, once Yuan Jiancheng recovers his senses, he'll definitely be able to help clarify things. Also, yesterday I discovered his wife wasn't deliberately slandering you; someone was instigating her behind the scenes, aiming to trick kind-hearted people into funding them."

"Sigh, people these days! They'll do anything for money. We all know Master Shen's character," the Internet cafe owner said, looking at Shen Qiong. "Don't worry! The neighbors are all on your side, rest assured!"

Shen Qiong took out his phone and glanced at Yuan Jiancheng's information. Yesterday, he had specifically checked his health value at 53; today, it had increased to 55.

He immediately smiled. It looked like in another two or three days, it would recover to 60, and he'd probably regain his senses by then.

"No! I won't close the shop. The more brazen they are, the less I can tolerate it. I will not compromise," Shen Qiong stated decisively.

The Internet cafe owner and the grocery store owner, knowing Shen Qiong's "stubbornness," exchanged glances and showed helpless smiles.

Brother Li also said boldly, "Close the damn shop? We'll keep the doors wide open waiting for them. If they dare to come again, we'll cripple them, brothers!"

Ren Tianxue knew Shen Qiong's temper well and realized she wouldn't be able to persuade him. "With Brother Li here, it should be fine," she said.

Shen Qiong looked at the young lady. "You don't need to come. I don't expect much business these few days, and even if there is, I won't be in the mood for fortune telling."

She pouted. "No."

"Are you the boss, or am I?" Shen Qiong asked, looking at her with amusement.

"I said no, and it's no," Ren Tianxue stated firmly.

Shen Qiong chuckled and rubbed his head. This young lady had the same temper as him; no one could talk her around. His mind raced, and he immediately said, "I'm telling you to go to work, to 'fight' my fans and those who slander and mock me, not to go home and rest."

"Oh," she replied reluctantly.