Chapter Sixteen: The Little Tyrant of South Street

“Is it alright for you to go alone? Would you like me to come with you?” At eight o’clock the next morning, Zhuang Xiaoyuan and Feng Guoqing set out punctually by car toward South Street in the city. At the entrance to South Street, Feng Guoqing stopped the car to let Zhuang Xiaoyuan out. Even so, he couldn’t help but worry about her—a fifteen-year-old girl, after all, though this certainly wasn’t her first or second time coming here alone. What he didn’t know was the reputation Zhuang Xiaoyuan had already earned in South Street.

“No need, Uncle Feng. You go take care of your own matters. This is South Street, my turf, remember?” Waving to Feng Guoqing in the car, Zhuang Xiaoyuan turned and headed for the entrance. Having grown up in this city, she knew every corner by heart. Especially this street—South Street—where she’d spent much of her childhood. Uncle Feng was so nervous, as if she were venturing into a dragon’s lair. Still, though she thought this, Zhuang Xiaoyuan was genuinely touched by his concern.

“Hey, young lady, want to take a look at my latest treasure? The newest Orange phone, ninth generation! Special sale, only 1,998—take an Orange phone home today!” No sooner had Zhuang Xiaoyuan stepped onto South Street than a stranger, a middle-aged man, blocked her path, brandishing a gaudy gold phone and trying to sell it to her. The Orange brand—she’d heard it was famous before the demonic outbreak. But ever since the CEO died during the chaos, sales had plummeted. Still, as a high-end brand, it retained some reputation and was beloved by nostalgic youth.

“Come on now, Xiao Wang, that trick won’t work on her. Quit showing off those outdated sales pitches.” Just as the man tried to extol the phone’s virtues, an elderly man at the next stall stopped him.

“Oh, Uncle Zhao, what are you doing stopping me? I’m not stealing your customers, just selling phones,” grumbled Xiao Wang, the middle-aged man, clearly displeased at both being interrupted and having his salesmanship disparaged. Still, since Uncle Zhao had helped him with so many things since he arrived, he didn’t dare argue further and slunk back to his stall.

“Uncle Wang, you must be new here.” Watching the exchange between Uncle Zhao and Xiao Wang, Zhuang Xiaoyuan crouched down by the stall, grinning as she began to browse his wares.

“How did you know I’m new? Take a good look, young lady—my stuff is all top quality. Absolutely honest business—if anything goes wrong, you come find me,” boasted Xiao Wang, full of bluster.

He wasn’t exactly lying. The items he sold rarely had issues—the quality was decent enough. But as for the brands, well, that was another story. Though functional, none were as genuine as the price tags suggested; most were knock-offs or substandard goods.

“Xiaoyuan, don’t drive such a hard bargain—give your Grandpa Zhao some face, will you? Xiao Wang’s situation isn’t easy. Let him make a little profit,” said the elderly Uncle Zhao, glancing knowingly at Xiao Wang as he saw Zhuang Xiaoyuan crouch down.

“Oh, Grandpa Zhao, how could you say that? I’m not that kind of person. I’m just looking over the goods here. If something catches my eye, and I happen to need it, I’ll pick it out,” Zhuang Xiaoyuan replied, pouting as she sifted through the digital gadgets.

“I mean it, Xiaoyuan. We’ve all watched you grow up on South Street; we know you. You’re good-hearted, but whenever there’s a bargain to be had, you can’t help yourself. Xiao Wang’s new here—just settled in. It’s tough out there these days—making it here wasn’t easy,” Uncle Zhao said, his tone gentle yet firm, explaining Xiao Wang’s background.

He knew Zhuang Xiaoyuan was an orphan. Though she’d been taken in by the agency, life hadn’t been easy. She’d made it through sheer stubbornness and perseverance. She could be obstinate at times, but her nature was kind—she couldn’t bear to hear of others’ misfortunes. People on South Street might not know the city’s heroic defenders by name, but everyone knew Zhuang Xiaoyuan, who’d been around since childhood.

Uncle Zhao didn’t want her to drive too hard a bargain and then, upon learning Xiao Wang’s story, feel guilty about it later.

Among the longtime residents of South Street, there might be those who’d never been outwitted by Zhuang Xiaoyuan, but none who hadn’t been helped by her. Whether it was setting up a stall when arthritis acted up, fixing a leaky roof, or driving off local thugs, she was always there to help. Sometimes, bruises could be seen on her arms.

There were many things she never spoke of, and so no one asked. But the old-timers all knew. Many had saved enough to open new shops uptown, yet they stayed—because Zhuang Xiaoyuan was here, and they couldn’t bear to leave the street she watched over.

Lately, though, it had been a while since Zhuang Xiaoyuan had visited. Word was she’d graduated from the basic academy and joined the military. The old residents were proud of her, but they missed her presence.

Seeing her now, Uncle Zhao felt a surge of happiness, though he kept it to himself. If Xiao Wang, oblivious as he was, hadn’t tried to fleece her, drawing her attention, Uncle Zhao wouldn’t have intervened at all.

“So, Uncle Zhao, you know this girl?” Xiao Wang, realizing from their conversation that she was an old hand, thought ruefully that he’d been showing off in front of an expert. Anyone who’d been on South Street long knew that while you seldom found outright junk here, you’d never find genuine products either.

“Alright, Grandpa Zhao, you’re worrying too much. I’m not a heartless merchant like you lot. I’ll mind my manners,” Zhuang Xiaoyuan replied nonchalantly. But she’d taken Uncle Zhao’s words to heart and had sized up Xiao Wang’s situation. Indeed, surviving out there and making it in here wasn’t easy.

“That’s good, that’s good,” Uncle Zhao said, relieved. If she’d said so, she’d make sure Xiao Wang wouldn’t lose money—though, knowing her tightfisted ways, he probably wouldn’t make much either.

“Uncle Wang, I’ll take this Super Planet notebook. Name your price,” Zhuang Xiaoyuan said, having found her target after chatting with Uncle Zhao.