The Tycoon's Mysterious Darling Wife
Chapter 37. Prone to attracting negativity?

Chapter 37: 37. Prone to attracting negativity?

Editor: Larbre Studio

The small alley exuded the cultural heritage of Hang City for a hundred years. It was narrow, with only dim streetlights in the alley. Moss and weeds could barely be seen growing at the corners of the walls.

Twisting and turning, Qinglan finally found the shop. It was her good luck that the old lady hadn’t closed for the day.

"Grandma, do you still have osmanthus cake?" Qinglan asked the elderly lady softly in front of her.

Truly white-haired, the old lady had not a single black hair on her head.

The old lady looked up and saw a beautiful young woman speaking with a non-local accent. She smiled and said, "Young lady, what I made today is all sold out. Come back tomorrow."

Qinglan felt a bit disappointed. "I have to leave tomorrow and probably won’t be able to come back. I’ve heard from an old gentleman that your osmanthus cake is the most authentic, so I thought of buying some for my friends to try. It seems they won’t have the chance."

Noticing the compassionate expression of the old lady, Qinglan was reminded of Granny Shen, who had passed away, and she couldn’t help but say a few more words.

Seeing Qinglan about to leave, the old lady called out to her, "Young lady, wait a moment. I have some leftover ingredients at home. If you’re not in a hurry, wait for half an hour, and I’ll make a batch for you."

Qinglan’s eyes brightened, an unusual emotion showing, "Thank you, Grandma."

The old lady smiled and invited her to sit in the shop, and then a slightly younger woman came out, carrying a cup of tea, "Have some tea. My grandma is already making it."

"Thank you."

The young woman chuckled, "Are you visiting Hang City as a tourist?"

Qinglan nodded.

"I guessed as much. But finding this place is impressive; even many locals don’t know about it. However, those who’ve tried my grandma’s osmanthus cake never come just once. After you try it, you’ll definitely want to come back for more." Her voice was soft and sweet, typical of a Jiangnan woman, gentle in demeanor, naturally reminding one of the words "smoke-rain Jiangnan."

The young woman chatted with Qinglan. Though they didn’t speak much, it kept the waiting time from feeling dull.

Half an hour later, the old lady came out with several boxes, put them in a bag, and handed it to Qinglan.

"Young lady, this freshly made osmanthus cake doesn’t keep well, so you should finish it in the next few days."

Qinglan took them, "Thank you, Grandma."

When paying, Qinglan deliberately gave extra.

"Miss," came the young woman’s voice from behind, "if you go out from here, you’ll reach Changhua Street, where it’s easier to catch a ride."

"Thank you," Qinglan said warmly, turning in the direction the young woman had indicated and walked away.

The alley was long and very quiet, with few people around.

But before long, Qinglan heard cries for help, sounding like a young woman’s voice.

Qinglan paused, a trace of helplessness in her eyes. Why did she always run into such things? Last time it was Shi Feng, and now, while buying osmanthus cake, she encountered this.

Could she have that so-called trouble-magnet constitution?

Qinglan didn’t continue forward; she wasn’t a saint, nor was it her duty. Saving Shi Feng last time was purely coincidental—if it wasn’t for the fierce, lone-wolf-like look he gave her, even if Shi Feng died, she wouldn’t have spared a second glance.

A distance away came several men’s lewd voices. It was obvious what was happening there.

Qinglan turned to head back the way she came.

But before she could take two steps, several women’s screams erupted from behind. Qinglan’s eyes twinkled, sighing helplessly.

"Leave her alone," a clear voice echoed in the darkness, instantly catching everyone’s attention.

"Oh, Boss, here comes another one," a sleazy male voice sounded. Qinglan looked over to see a young blonde man speaking.

The person he called "Boss" had red hair, also young. Another man’s hair was green, looking like a turtle, the three combined resembling a traffic light.

Also looking over was the woman who had just screamed. When she saw Qinglan under the dim street light, her eyes widened.

"Big sister, run, it’s dangerous here," it was Ya Xi, whom Qinglan had met once. Tear stains were still on her face.

Qinglan didn’t run. She glanced at Ya Xi, seeing her clothes were intact despite her pale face.

"So, you know each other. Little girl, why not join us for some fun?" said the redhead, his eyes lecherous as he looked at Qinglan.

The other two laughed, and the greenhead even reached out towards Qinglan, making Ya Xi anxious.

"Sister, run quickly, get the police."

The blondie grabbed Ya Xi, preventing her from moving. Earlier, he hadn’t succeeded only because he was teasing her—otherwise, three grown men couldn’t possibly struggle with one little girl. They hadn’t expected the situation to attract Qinglan, a stunning beauty.

This was truly an unexpected surprise.