Chapter 33: No Hatred Without Reason
“Working part-time at Auntie’s shop a few days a week earns me a decent living. It’s easy, pays well, and Auntie is such a good person.”
Paul sat on a stool, examining the higher-quality fabrics on the table. “And she’s so beautiful. I wonder which lucky guy will end up with her. No, she’s too beautiful to be with just anyone…”
The thought of Ella’s angelic face and devilish figure sparked a “mature” desire within him for the first time.
“Strange, why is it so noisy outside today?”
The commotion from the front of the shop interrupted his thoughts. He shrugged it off, remembering it was the weekend.
He spread out a piece of fabric and began embroidering, oblivious to the world outside.
Unlike the other workers toiling in the backyard, he had a small room to himself.
He was quite skilled with his hands. With these skills, he wouldn’t have to worry about unemployment.
As long as the noise didn’t exceed a certain threshold, it wouldn’t disturb him.
…
Outside, Kailun and his entourage had entered the courtyard. Accompanying them were Captain Loston, Roden, and Philip.
The sight that greeted Kailun was one of chaos. Mountains of unprocessed fabrics, scattered basins of water, clotheslines crisscrossing the cramped space, barely leaving room to walk.
About twenty women with sallow faces toiled tirelessly, washing, cutting, and sewing. They barely acknowledged Ella’s arrival, only glancing up briefly before resuming their work.
Only a skinny middle-aged man greeted her with a “Shopkeeper.”
His hasty attempt to hide a wooden stick caught everyone’s attention.
Carol, too, noticed the stick. It reminded her of the bruises on her mother’s body, inflicted by a similar object.
She had asked about them countless times, but her mother had never answered. Now, she finally understood.
A pang of pain shot through her heart. She unconsciously tightened her grip on Kailun’s hand.
He instantly sensed her distress and guessed the reason. Recalling rumors from his past life, he decided to use the skinny man as a breakthrough point.
“Someone’s welcoming us with a stick. Do they think we’re here to work?”
Kailun chuckled, rolled up his sleeves, and released Carol’s hand. “Perfect. I’d like to work here for half a day. How much do you pay?”
“Are you joking?” Ella was bewildered. She couldn’t fathom his motive.
“？？?” Loston was equally confused.
Roden and Philip, who trusted Kailun implicitly, remained silent. They didn’t need to understand. They could learn by observing.
Carol had a hunch, but she kept it to herself.
Kailun ignored Ella and pointed at the skinny man. “Bring him here. I have some questions for him.”
“Yes, sir!”
This time, it wasn’t Roden who acted, but the two assistants standing at the back.
Seeing the two burly figures approaching, the skinny man panicked. He backed away until he was pressed against the wall. “What are you doing? This is the Royal City! You can’t just assault me! Aren’t you afraid of the Royal City Enforcement Squad?”
The mention of the enforcement squad made Loston’s already grim expression darken further. He turned away, hoping to reduce his presence.
He had a feeling that if he uttered another word, he wouldn’t leave this courtyard alive.
“Shopkeeper Ella, help me! I’m your employee!” The skinny man cried out, but he was dragged before Kailun and forced to kneel.
Kailun nodded approvingly. These assistants were quite perceptive.
“This is outrageous! He hasn’t done anything! Why are you treating him like this?” Ella finally snapped, her voice devoid of its usual politeness.
“Want to know why?” Kailun asked.
She bit her lip. “Yes!”
“Then pick up that stick over there. Otherwise, I’ll have to resort to violence to get the truth.” He pointed at the stick the skinny man had dropped.
‘Do you think I’m your dog?’
She wanted to retort, but she obeyed.
She knew she couldn’t refuse him. He was a spoiled young master who could get away with anything.
The thought of the butler’s terrifying strength made her legs tremble.
Humiliated, she retrieved the thick wooden stick and presented it to him. “Here!”
“Good girl. If only you were my dog.”
Kailun grinned and, with lightning speed, plunged the stick deep into the skinny man’s shoulder.
“Aaaargh! It hurts!”
The stick pierced through flesh and bone, the force behind it crushing everything in its path. The skinny man almost fainted from the pain.
If not for the two assistants holding him up, he would be writhing on the ground.
The women working in the courtyard stared at Kailun in horror, their fear far exceeding what they had felt towards the skinny man.
Ella wanted to intervene, but Roden’s murderous aura kept her silent. She could only watch in anger.
Carol, witnessing Kailun’s brutality, felt no fear. Instead, a warmth spread through her. She knew he was doing this for her.
“Stop screaming. One more peep, and I’ll pierce your other shoulder. Now, tell me, how much do you pay these workers?” Kailun asked coldly.
“Three… three copper coins!” The skinny man wailed, his survival instincts kicking in.
Ella was stunned. “What? I told you to pay them six copper coins! You lied to me! If not for my brother-in-law recommending you, you’d be starving on the streets!”
The skinny man whimpered. “It’s not my fault! He takes half my earnings for recommending me! Where do you think he gets his drinking money?”
“You… you…”
Ella was devastated. She had been supporting her good-for-nothing brother-in-law, even allowing his children to work at her shop to earn a living. Why would he betray her like this?
“Thud!”
She collapsed onto the ground, her spirit broken. The image of the stick flashed through her mind, and a chilling realization dawned on her.
Perhaps Carol’s mother’s death wasn’t as simple as it seemed.
‘It’s all over.’ She covered her face, tears streaming down her cheeks.
Kailun looked down at the future business mogul, his eyes devoid of sympathy. She might still have a conscience now, but as her wealth grew, it would be devoured by greed.
Gold had a way of corrupting even the purest hearts. She would eventually become its slave.
Moreover, she had played a part in his family’s financial ruin in his past life. Did she really think she had achieved her success through mere luck and business acumen?
This wasn’t just Carol’s revenge; it was his as well.
[Humiliated, enraged, and powerless… Ella’s complex emotions have given rise to hatred towards you. Favorability -40.]
[Paul’s hatred towards you has intensified after witnessing your despicable treatment of his aunt. Current favorability: -55.]
Oh, there was a peeping Tom as well. This courtyard was full of surprises.
Learning of Paul’s presence, a mischievous idea sparked in Kailun’s mind.
His gaze fell upon Ella once more…
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