"First, you can target me however you like. Insult me to my face or behind my back, or write things on my house. I won't mind."
"Second, I despise thieves. Whoever stole from me knows exactly what they did."
Xiu Yuan pointed at the large bag of supplies beside him, sweeping his piercing gaze across the crowd. Not a single person dared meet his eyes.
Everyone hung their heads, like children being scolded by their homeroom teacher.
For all he knew, every one of them was silently cursing him.
"I'll leave these supplies outside my door today. Anyone who needs them can come and take them."
"But as for those who stole from me, I expect to see what you took outside my door tomorrow."
"You're allowed to take my things, provided you have my permission. Without my permission, that's stealing!"
"Those who stole anything had better leave it outside my door tonight. If you've already eaten or used it, leave a note explaining why."
"If I wake up tomorrow morning and find you haven't returned anything, I'll throw you into the sea to feed the fish."
"Don't worry. I won't catch the wrong people. Tengu noses are far more sensitive than you imagine."
"And third, you can spread whatever rumors or insults about me you like, but don't interfere with my life. If anyone dares throw garbage around my place, I'll personally stuff it into their mouth."
"That's all."
Having finished speaking, Xiu Yuan walked over to the fire and took off the water that had already boiled.
The people of Watatsumi Island remained rooted to the spot. Not one of them dared move.
With their heads lowered, they exchanged uneasy looks and fidgeted with their hands, terrified of Xiu Yuan deep down.
Although they hated Xiu Yuan, not