Chapter 12: The Bully

The bustling market was alive with the coming and going of crowds.

In a quiet corner, a little girl named Xiao Xiao tended to her camellia stall. Her camellias were vibrant and fresh—some fiery red, others pure white—each carefully arranged. In her eyes shone a flicker of hope; she wished to sell many flowers today to help support her family.

Suddenly, a bully swaggered over, flanked by his cronies. His name was Wang Hu, a broad-shouldered man with a brutish face marked by scars. He ruled the market with an iron fist, feared by all who dared not speak against him.

Wang Hu stopped before Xiao Xiao’s stall and deliberately kicked at the camellias with disdain. “Hey, little girl, how much for these flowers?”

Timidly, Xiao Xiao replied, “Big brother, each camellia is three coins.”

Wang Hu sneered, “Three coins? You’re kidding, right? For these shabby flowers? Do you think I’m an easy mark?”

Frantically, Xiao Xiao explained, “Big brother, these camellias are carefully nurtured. The price is already very fair.”

But Wang Hu paid no mind. He plucked a flower, toyed with it in his hand, and then crushed it with a sudden squeeze, petals scattering across the ground. Tears welled in Xiao Xiao’s eyes as she mourned her ruined flowers.

“Compensate me for my camellias!” Xiao Xiao bravely demanded.

Wang Hu’s eyes widened in mock astonishment. “Compensate? Little girl, do you even know who I am? It’s your luck that I’m even looking at your flowers.”

Just then, Xu Xuan happened to pass by. Seeing this scene, a surge of anger rose within him. He stepped forward and said to Wang Hu, “Bullying a little girl like this is completely unacceptable.”

Wang Hu cast a contemptuous glance at Xu Xuan. “And who might you be, popping out of nowhere and meddling in my business?”

Xu Xuan stood firm, unafraid. “When injustice is seen, one must stand up. You destroyed her camellias; you owe her compensation.”

Wang Hu laughed loudly. “Compensate? Today, I’ll teach you the price of sticking your nose where it doesn’t belong.” With a wave, his men closed in on Xu Xuan.

Though nervous, Xu Xuan held his ground, trembling but resolute. He gritted his teeth and faced Wang Hu defiantly. Seeing this, Wang Hu moved to strike.

Fortunately, Xu Xuan’s reflexes saved him from the blow, which only enraged Wang Hu further.

Swallowing his fear, Xu Xuan kept Xiao Xiao behind him protectively.

“Hmph, playing the hero to save a damsel, huh?” Wang Hu sneered, signaling his men forward.

Just as they were about to attack, two figures—a white-clad one and a blue-clad one—flashed onto the scene.

Xiao Bai and Xiao Qing had arrived. Standing beside Xu Xuan, Xiao Bai said sternly, “Your bullying ways—do you think there are no laws to answer to?”

Xiao Qing placed her hands on her hips, scolding, “Picking on a little girl like this is utterly shameful.”

Wang Hu was taken aback by the sudden arrival of two beautiful women, then leered, “Well, well, what do we have here? Two pretty ladies, huh?”

Xiao Bai frowned, a flicker of disgust in her eyes. Xiao Qing spat, “You lecherous brute, get lost!”

Humiliated and furious, Wang Hu growled, “I’ll deal with both of you today!” and lunged at Xiao Bai.

She swiftly dodged, leaving him grasping at empty air. Seizing the moment, Xiao Qing kicked out, tripping Wang Hu, who tumbled to the ground in disgrace. As his men rushed to assist, Xiao Bai and Xiao Qing unleashed spells that flashed brightly, freezing the henchmen in place.

Wang Hu lay on the ground, staring at them in terror. “Who… who are you?”

Xiao Bai’s voice was cold. “We’re people you dare not provoke. Now, you will apologize to this little girl and compensate her for what you’ve destroyed.”

Realizing he had met his match, Wang Hu slowly got to his feet. Facing Xiao Xiao, he bowed his head and said, “Little girl, I’m sorry. Here’s the compensation.” He placed some silver coins on her stall.

Xiao Xiao hesitated, afraid to take the money. Xu Xuan stepped forward and said gently, “Xiao Xiao, take it. It’s rightfully yours.”

Only then did she carefully pick up the silver.

Wang Hu and his men slunk away, tails between their legs. Gratefully, Xiao Xiao turned to Xu Xuan, Xiao Bai, and Xiao Qing. “Thank you all. You are truly kind.”

Xu Xuan smiled warmly. “No need to thank me. If anyone troubles you again, just let us know.”

Xiao Bai and Xiao Qing nodded in agreement.

After expressing her thanks once more, Xiao Xiao pointed northeast. “Big brother, big sisters, my home is in Peach Blossom Village by the East Sea Bay. If you ever have the chance, please visit. I’ll be happy to host you.”

With that, Xiao Xiao bid farewell to Xu Xuan and his companions, and they all returned to Peach Blossom Village, their hearts full.

The market soon resumed its lively hum, but in that small corner lingered a warmth and spirit of justice that could not be dimmed.