A Thorny Apology

In the end, Zhou Zhuling didn't refuse Ma Feifei's suggestion. With an excited smile, she walked out of the Mysterious Bookstore, leaving Ba Jiu and Zhang Yunji at the entrance somewhat surprised. They rarely saw Zhou Zhuling smile so happily in front of outsiders.

"Something's going on in there!" Ba Jiu and Zhang Yunji exchanged glances, each reading the same thought in the other's eyes.

But Zhou Zhuling didn't notice their expressions. As soon as she stepped out of the Mysterious Bookstore, she saw that the long street had somehow become packed with people. A large group was kneeling beside the bookstore. She recognized the old man leading them as the president of the Yunteng Chamber of Commerce. Lian Yi was beside him, along with Yunxiang, who was bare-chested and bound with thorny branches.

"So they're kneeling to atone for their sins..." Zhou Zhuling murmured to herself, in high spirits. She clasped her hands behind her back and walked toward them. "President Yun, you should all get up. So many people are watching. This can't be good for your reputation."

President Yun had noticed Zhou Zhuling coming out of the Mysterious Bookstore, but hadn't felt comfortable greeting her. After all, he was doing something so humiliating. He hadn't expected her to come straight over and speak to them first.

Even he, thick-skinned as he was, felt embarrassed. He hurriedly clasped his hands in a salute. "Thank you for your kindness, President Zhou. We deserve this punishment. We deserve it."

Zhou Zhuling turned slightly to avoid standing directly opposite them, then said with a smile, "The shopkeeper has entrusted me with handling this matter. President Yun, with you all kneeling here, how am I supposed to deal with it?"

The group kneeling on the ground was taken aback. They instinctively looked