Chapter Five, The Unrelenting Spirit

Before I could get closer, a car behind me honked its horn. I turned around to see Cao leaning out from the back, waving and saying, "Xu Ai, hurry up and get in." I handed the card back to him and replied irritably, "I know you won't die, so I'm leaving now." He really is something; in no time at all, he had a driver. I don't need to worry about it!

I drank water in large gulps, and then, with a surge of energy, I took down all the clothes from the rack to iron them. Suddenly, I heard a knock on the door, which surprised me greatly. This storeroom is not mine; no one has ever knocked when entering, not even when changing clothes. I remained silent as steam hissed out, billowing clouds of smoke that obscured my vision. I felt hot, took off my jacket, and rolled up my sleeves, tugging at the sleeves of the cotton coat as I ironed back and forth. The middle of the sleeves was damp, and under the high temperature, the creases gradually disappeared.

It was done in just a few moments. I let out a long sigh and turned to see him standing outside the door, his face darkened again. Before I could press the button, he had already courteously used his own bank card to open the glass door for me. Did he think this would make me grateful? I still emerged with a sullen face, carelessly stuffing my wallet into my pocket and striding towards the exit. He took a step back, indicating for me to go first! Tch, what a little show-off, pretending to be a gentleman! I angrily walked into the revolving glass door. At that moment, another person squeezed in, and I stepped aside. When I came out, he accidentally bumped into me. Looking at his back, I suddenly felt something was off; I reached into my pocket and realized my wallet was gone

She still wouldn't let me go, grabbing my face and asking, "Are you going to say it or not?" I straightened my back and declared, "This young lady cannot be corrupted by wealth, cannot be swayed by poverty, and cannot be subdued by power! I absolutely will not say anything!" She boredly let go of her hand and said seriously, "Mu Xi, I find you quite mysterious. Have you experienced something in the past? It makes people feel as if they are looking through fog or gazing at the moon in water." I interrupted her repeatedly, saying, "Do you think this is a TV drama? Am I some celestial being descending to the mortal realm? It's just a name change! What's so strange about that? A trip to the police station would suffice!" She rubbed her hands together, glared at me, and said, "Who has nothing better to do than change names all day? You are just being dishonest, so hurry up and come clean!"

I was repeatedly begging for mercy under her questioning, and after fixing my messy hair, I said: "Zhu Zhu, you don't know that in the past, when emperors encountered unfavorable situations, they would change their reign titles? So I learned this trick, whenever something bad happens, I change my name, and then good luck comes, from adversity to prosperity, it never fails!" She first replied: "How would I know these things! What is a reign title? Can it be eaten?" Then she asked: "Can changing a name really bring good luck?" I nodded seriously: "This is based on my personal experience, it absolutely cannot be wrong!" She said with half belief: "I don't believe it." I exclaimed: "It's just changing a name, it doesn't cost anything, what is there to not believe!" After thinking for a while, she nodded: "That makes sense." Then she laughed and said, "Can I change the 'Zhu' in 'Zhen Zhu' to 'Zhu' in 'Zhi Zhu'? There is a character named Zhu Zhu in 'The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber'. Anyway, they sound the same, so it counts as a name change." I almost burst out laughing, and kept nodding in agreement.

Zhu Zhu leaned in and asked, "Mu Xi, have you finished ironing your clothes?" I replied, "Not yet, I'm in the process of ironing. Are you waiting for the delivery?" She quickly shook her head, saying, "No rush, no rush, take your time with the ironing." Then she plopped down beside me. I ignored her and focused on getting rid of the wrinkles. Eventually, she couldn't hold back any longer and peered over, asking, "Mu Xi, why do you keep changing your name?" Without looking up, I replied, "Is that strange?" She shook her head repeatedly, saying, "Isn't that strange? Why do you keep coming up with so many names for no reason?" I held her hand down and, feeling a bit dizzy, hurriedly said, "Sister, could you please stop shaking? I'm about to topple over!"

After much effort, I finally managed to get Zhu Zhu to go out, but then Le Le ran in and said mysteriously, "Mu Xi, your friend is still waiting for you with unwavering devotion." I was left speechless and weakly replied, "Is he still sitting there like a man?" She pouted and shook her head repeatedly, saying, "This time he isn't waiting inside the shop, but has gone out to sit on a chair. Are you just going to let him wait there without saying anything?" I rolled my eyes and said, "He likes to stay there; what does it have to do with me?" She shook her head and said, "Mu Xi, are you really this heartless? No matter how many things happen, they are all in the past; can you really just let it go?"

As soon as the man sensed that the situation was not right, he hurriedly ran back. To his side was a tall building, and to his right was a busy road with cars coming and going. Unless he wanted to be hit by a car, he had no choice but to retreat. I silently praised him and shouted, "Cao Cao, block him!" Then I quickly rushed forward. Cao Cao finally reacted, panting as he stood in the middle of the road. The man slipped past him like the wind. At least Cao Cao knew to chase after him and grabbed the corner of his clothing. I breathed a sigh of relief, just as I was preparing to run up and catch him together, an unexpected turn of events occurred. The man threw Cao Cao to the ground with a great tumble and then dusted himself off as he walked away. I watched helplessly as he slipped away right under my nose, then fixed my gaze on the fallen and disheveled Cao Cao. Every time I encountered him, it was never a good thing! Why was I so unlucky!

I lowered my eyes in silence, and suddenly jumped up to say: "Lele, what benefits has he given you? Why are you helping him like this? You're turning your elbow outward!" She chuckled and replied: "Aren't I just feeling sorry for him being treated so poorly by you?" I scolded, "Is this what you call poor? You haven't seen me in a pitiful state yet!" She laughed cheerfully and said: "Muxi, a young master-like person is just left there, isn't that a waste? Aren't you ashamed?" I was so angry that I couldn't speak, this woman, prioritizing romance over friendship! I said, "You haven't seen me in a pitiful state yet!" She laughed cheerfully and said: "Muxi, a young master-like person is just left there, isn't that a waste? Aren't you ashamed?" I was so angry that I couldn't speak, this woman, prioritizing romance over friendship! I ignored her nonsensical chatter and pushed her out.

The volcano erupted, and I could no longer contain myself, shouting in anger: "Are you missing hands and feet or what? You can't even catch a thief who was delivered to you! How can you be so useless! Are you even a man? What a disgrace!" He moved his lips, weakly defending himself: "How could I catch the thief? He was like a tiger..." I didn't wait for him to finish and scolded him fiercely: "How could I have stopped him? Are you living off someone else's money? A complete pretty boy, and you still got thrown around! I've never seen such a useless man like you!" At this point, he seemed to regain his senses, perhaps hurt in his pride, and said with righteous indignation: "What you did just now was like a scene from a police and gangster movie; I didn't even react, how could I catch a thief?" I was so furious that smoke seemed to be coming out of my seven orifices, trembling and speechless, then pointed to the side and said darkly: "You go get the money for me right now!"

Standing above, I stretched lazily, and as I turned my eyes, I saw Cao Cao walking over from a distance through the glass door, holding what seemed to be a newspaper or a magazine. I was furious! Why was this lingering shadow back again? Wasn't the previous scolding enough? It was as if he had come to my door to be humiliated! I took two steps down, feeling agitated, and simply jumped down from above, making a loud "thud". Everyone turned to look at me, their faces showing shock. The store manager was the first to speak: "Mu Xi, why are you in such a hurry! Can't you come down the ladder properly? Don't you want to break your neck?" I realized my recklessness and quickly replied, "I accidentally missed a step and almost fell!" She didn't say anything further. Lele, standing beside me, said, "Mu Xi, be careful. We had a colleague who fell last time and spent two whole months in the hospital." I nodded repeatedly, acknowledging the advice, and said, "I will definitely be careful next time, I will pay attention!"

I put the money away, then hummed a little tune as I went out to hang the clothes. I imagine everyone must think I am quite strange; just a moment ago, I was glaring like a fierce warrior, and now I am all smiles like the Buddha. The hook above my head was askew, so I moved the ladder and quickly climbed up to straighten it. When Zhu Zhu saw this, she stood below and laughed, saying, "Mu Xi, you really are like a monkey! From now on, you can take care of all this climbing up and down!" I waved my hand and proudly made an OK gesture.

Song Lingwei stopped me and asked, "Do you know Cao Cao?" I replied expressionlessly, "Who knows him? I'm not that unfortunate." Cao Cao hid in the car, afraid to speak. He glanced at us a couple of times, shrugged, and said, "Let's go together." I waved my hand, turned my head, and warned him, "Cao Cao, I don't want to bring up the past, nor do I want another person to know about it. Do you think it's something to be proud of?" Cao Cao fell silent. I thought my meaning was very clear. I warned him again, "Cao Cao, I don't want to bring up the past, nor do I want another person to know about it. Do you think it's something to be proud of?" Cao Cao fell silent. I thought my meaning was very clear.

I pushed him away forcefully and entered the storeroom without looking back, regardless of how he fussed; I simply did not have the energy for it! No matter how much stock there was, there was always a time for packing. I took the folding ladder out to check the numbers. I glanced around casually; Cao was not there, probably having left in a disheveled state. The store manager had returned, and the sales floor was once again orderly. A few others occasionally stole glances at me, but I pretended not to notice, jotting down the missing numbers with my pen before heading to the storeroom to dispatch goods. The store manager followed me in and said, 'Mu Xi, I have taken out the commission you requested.' He then handed me an envelope. I took it out and counted; it was four thousand nine, neither more nor less. If I hadn't been in a hurry, it would have been five thousand six. Nevertheless, I cheerfully said, 'Thank you, store manager!' The feeling of holding a thick stack of money in my hand was delightful! I was beaming, and the unpleasantness from earlier vanished completely. Nevertheless, I cheerfully said, 'Thank you, store manager!' The feeling of holding a thick stack of money in my hand was delightful! I was beaming, and the unpleasantness from earlier vanished completely.

He enjoys seeking out suffering and then blames it on me; this world truly lacks justice, unlike the books. I continue to leisurely iron clothes, and if he were to die in front of me at this moment, I assure you I wouldn't even blink. What does it have to do with me? It's utterly absurd! As the end of the workday approaches, I tidy up briefly, feeling my mood lift as I touch the thick envelope in my bag. I greet someone and then turn to leave. I keep my gaze straight ahead, ignoring the person across from me. As the end of the workday approaches, I tidy up briefly, feeling my mood lift as I touch the thick envelope in my bag. I greet someone and then turn to leave. I keep my gaze straight ahead, ignoring the person across from me. He likes to pose like a statue, enjoying his cool demeanor; let him be. I walk my own narrow path, and it has nothing to do with anyone else.

I walked briskly for nearly 200 meters without even catching my breath, and I didn't hear any movement behind me. I let out a big sigh and glanced back. He was slowly getting up while leaning against the wall. It seemed he had fallen hard, but the fact that he could stand up indicated that he was not seriously injured; he wouldn't die from it! However, I suddenly thought of a very serious problem: I was completely broke at that moment, and even my bus card was left in my wallet. How was I supposed to get back? Walk back? I spat out in frustration. But then I suddenly remembered a very serious problem: I was completely broke at that moment, and even my bus card was left in my wallet. How was I supposed to get back? Walk back? I spat out in frustration.

I was truly overwhelmed, my head pounding, and coldly said: "Are you here to cause trouble?" He shook his head repeatedly: "No—I'm just—" I interrupted him without hesitation: "If you are not here to cause trouble, then let us conduct business properly!" He turned around and looked, probably realizing there were no customers, and then apologetically said: "I'm sorry—I didn't mean to cause you any trouble—" In fact, this specialty store usually has very few customers. I was fed up and shouted: "Can you stop saying those three words? They make me sick!" He awkwardly fell silent. He probably noticed there were no customers, and then apologetically said: "I'm sorry—I didn't mean to cause you any trouble—" In fact, this specialty store usually has very few customers. I was fed up and shouted: "Can you stop saying those three words? They make me sick!" He awkwardly fell silent. I ignored him and hurried back to the storage room.

He sat here like a gatekeeper, and I wondered if no one in the store was curious. The store manager probably knew what had just happened, but said nothing, only asking me to put the new shirt under the V-neck sweater and display it on the showcase. As soon as Cao Yiyi saw me, he immediately stood up, threw the magazine aside, and said, "Xu Ai, let me hold it for you." I hit his hand with the hanger, coldly saying, "Are you annoying! Hurry up and leave!" Seeing him gasp in pain, repeatedly touching his right hand, I thought resentfully, he deserves to be hit! It feels so good! As soon as Cao Yiyi saw me, he immediately stood up, threw the magazine aside, and said, "Xu Ai, let me hold it for you." I hit his hand with the hanger, coldly saying, "Are you annoying! Hurry up and leave!" Seeing him gasp in pain, repeatedly touching his right hand, I thought resentfully, he deserves to be hit! It feels so good!

After a while, he remained undeterred, shamelessly following behind me. When I hung up clothes, he would help by passing me the hangers; when I folded shirts, he would run back and forth to get the folding paper and board. Zhu Zhu and Le Le even reminded him that the clothes hook was on the left wall, and even the store manager did not speak up. I was truly going crazy and shouted, "What do you want, Cao?" He stammered, "I don't want anything, I just want to talk to you." I sneered, "Haven't we talked enough now? Hurry up and leave! You dog, can't you understand human language?"

He was sweating on his forehead, leaning on the handrail of the door and said: "Xu Ai, my foot really hurts badly, do you think you can wait a moment..." Looking at his condition, I estimated that it was quite a sprain, but since it wasn't broken, I wasn't worried. I glared at him for a long time, then took the card he handed over and asked: "What's the password?" He told me, and I ran to the ATM on another street to withdraw money. There were two ATMs, one of which was out of order. I cursed under my breath, truly, when a person is down on their luck, even drinking cold water gets stuck in their teeth. I glared at him for a long time, then took the card he handed over and asked: "What's the password?" He told me, and I ran to the ATM on another street to withdraw money. There were two ATMs, one of which was out of order. I cursed under my breath, truly, when a person is down on their luck, even drinking cold water gets stuck in their teeth.

I do not know how long I had been staring at him; he was so intimidated by my gaze that he did not dare to move. What more is there to say! I left without looking back! If he had not blocked my way, I would not have relaxed my vigilance, and that thief would definitely not have escaped. With my reckless way of running, very few thieves can escape from my grasp, unless there truly exists such a thing as a master thief in this world. Encountering him is truly a misfortune! With my reckless way of running, very few thieves can escape from my grasp, unless there truly exists such a thing as a master thief in this world. Encountering him is truly a misfortune!

He probably has never encountered someone as rude as I am, and for a moment, he stood there speechless. I swung my arm and walked to the front desk, accurately tossing the trash in my hand from a distance, just like making a basketball shot. He followed me, mumbling, "Xu Ai, you have changed a bit—about the past—I'm really sorry—" I detest it when others say those three words, especially him! I remember someone arrogantly saying that if apologies were effective, what would we need the police for? He followed me again, mumbling, "Xu Ai, you have changed a bit—about the past—I'm really sorry—" I detest it when others say those three words, especially him! I remember someone arrogantly saying that if apologies were effective, what would we need the police for? I feel the same way at this moment!

Song Lingwei furrowed his brows and said, "Lin Ai, or is it Xu Ai, or perhaps Mu Xi? I now realize that you are full of secrets from head to toe." I self-deprecatingly replied, "What secrets could I possibly have that I cannot share? I act justly and sit upright." I lacked the energy to indulge the two of them, a bunch of scoundrels! Why should I take their car? Can't I just hail a taxi myself? That would be so much freer, and I could chat casually with the driver. The taxi drivers in Beijing might talk about everything, from national affairs to trivial matters, ensuring that you have no worries at all. A bunch of scoundrels! Why should I take their car? Can't I just hail a taxi myself? That would be so much freer, and I could chat casually with the driver. The taxi drivers in Beijing might talk about everything, from national affairs to trivial matters, ensuring that you have no worries at all.

I placed the ladder in the corner and hid in the storeroom to sort the goods. I perked up my ears to listen for any commotion outside, but I did not hear any shouting. I thought to myself, perhaps the person went to another counter, and wasn't there a woman following him? Maybe he went to the women's clothing section to buy clothes for his girlfriend. After thinking this, I stepped out confidently, holding a large pile of clothes. The clothes in my hands blocked my view, and as I got closer, I noticed Cao was sitting on the soft cushion provided for customers, flipping through a magazine. I inadvertently caught a glimpse of a dense mass of English text, filled with structural formulas and molecular formulas, along with a long list of substance names. I pretended not to see and tossed the clothes onto the cushion, then grabbed a hanger to start hanging the clothes. If he wanted to sit, he could sit; guests are guests, and I had no control over that. I pretended not to see and tossed the clothes onto the cushion, then grabbed a hanger to start hanging the clothes. If he wanted to sit, he could sit; guests are guests, and I had no control over that.

As expected, he followed me like a pesky ghost, constantly smiling and calling out, "Xu Ai, Xu Ai—" Hearing him call that name made me furious, my anger flaring up, and I coldly replied, "Why are you so ridiculous? If you’re not annoyed, I am!" He leaned in closer and said, "Xu Ai, I didn’t see you come out for dinner. Would you like to go for a late-night snack together? I know a very good restaurant nearby—" I thought I was somewhat afraid of him now, and I quickened my pace, leaving him there to chatter on his own. Late-night snack? With him? I would rather eat arsenic.

Finally, I managed to retrieve the money from another source, holding a full five thousand in cash in my hands. Why not take it? It was originally meant to be his compensation! I haven't even accounted for the mental distress yet. As I stepped outside, the night breeze blew, and my anger finally subsided a little. With a wicked thought, I considered leaving him there to fend for himself, letting him wait until dawn. After hesitating for a moment, I turned back and walked towards the original place. After all, I had taken his money to help alleviate someone else's misfortune. He twisted his ankle for no reason, which also served to vent my frustration. With a wicked thought, I considered leaving him there to fend for himself, letting him wait until dawn. After hesitating for a moment, I turned back and walked towards the original place. After all, I had taken his money to help alleviate someone else's misfortune. He twisted his ankle for no reason, which also served to vent my frustration.

Suddenly, a familiar voice came from the front: "Lin Ai?" I looked up and saw Song Lingwei had already pushed open the car door and stepped out. Wearing a white shirt and a dark tie, with bloodshot eyes, I exclaimed, "Why is it you again?" It seems like everything is happening together. Cao Cao explained beside me, "I injured my foot and can't drive. Just so happens Lingwei is nearby. This workaholic probably hasn't finished work yet, so I asked him to come pick me up." It turns out these two are old acquaintances; truly, birds of a feather flock together. I casually nodded, greeted them, and turned to leave.

Of course, I couldn't shake him off. He chased after me and said, "Xu Ai, my car is parked downstairs, do you want to go back together?" Ah! I almost wanted to let out a long howl to the sky, rolling up my sleeves and threatening, "You bastard, if you dare to call Xu Ai one more time, I guarantee you'll have a black eye in the next moment!" He immediately fell silent. It was probably not because of my threat, but because of my anger. I walked to the exit of the mall, gritting my teeth as I pushed open the glass door of the 24-hour self-service bank, inserted a card, and pressed the deposit button. I counted out two thousand yuan, thought for a moment, and then took out another thousand. Lin Bin had been raided, and he was probably feeling worse than death right now. The card I gave him didn't have much money on it either.

He must have been frightened by my expression, leaning against the wall and limping like a turtle to the entrance of the mall, yet he stopped there without going in. I impatiently asked, "What’s wrong with you now?" He turned his head back and whispered something, but I couldn't hear clearly, so I frowned and asked, "What did you say?" He probably didn't dare to provoke me again, so he pointed with his hand. Through the glass, I saw a thick iron lock inside; the mall was already closed. I was thoroughly defeated and really wanted to vent my anger on him, frowning and saying, "You go get it nearby! I’m broke right now, and if you think you can just walk away after this, be careful I might kill you."

Without saying a word, I chased after him like an arrow. He heard the sound of the wind, glanced back, and ran even faster. I was furious; how dare he steal from me? You can wait to die. I chased him with all my might! What infuriated me even more was Cao Cao, who, looking bewildered, followed behind, panting and asking, "Xu Ai, can you please stop running? I won't eat you!" I ignored him completely, vaulted over the railing with one hand, found my balance, and leaped out to take a shortcut to intercept the thief. I estimated that the thief had never encountered a victim like me before. He took a step back, made a fierce face, and kicked at me with all his might. I quickly dodged, touched the backpack on my shoulder, and my gaze turned increasingly fierce.

After thinking for a moment, I walked back, extended my hand, and coldly said: "Money!" He furrowed his brows and stared at me blankly, probably still unable to react from the pain. I grew impatient and simply searched his body. I slipped my hand into the pocket of his casual suit jacket and opened his wallet to take a look! Damn it, it was all cards! I threw it on the ground and said irritably: "Go withdraw some cash!" He remained silent, bent down to pick it up, glanced at my expression, and hesitantly said: "Xu Ai! I twisted my ankle..." I jumped up and cursed: "Damn Cao, how can you be as ridiculous as your name! It's been a farce from start to finish!" He seemed to be stunned by my scolding, and in shame, he lowered his head.