The person who arrived was Su Zhen. She had her arms crossed over her chest, and her face showed strong disdain and impatience.

With a furrowed brow, he looked down at Chunsheng lying on the ground as if he were looking at a disgusting insect.

Su Zhen snorted coldly, casually tossed a bundle in front of Chun Sheng, and said coldly:

"Stop lying on the ground pretending to be dead. Go and quickly exchange these things for silver. You've been following your grandmother for so long, you should know what to do. Also, the buying and selling of goods must be done discreetly, don't tell anyone."

"I think... you probably don't want to be bullied by those little beggars anymore, right?"

As she spoke, Su Zhen stepped forward and nudged Chun Sheng with her toe, her eyes full of threat.

Chunsheng bit her lip, her eyes glistening with tears of fear and resentment.

He slowly reached out his hands, which were covered in chilblains, and tremblingly picked up the bundle on the ground, his heart filled with mixed emotions.

He knew he had fallen from one fire pit into another, and this Miss Su in front of him was even more terrifying than those little beggars.

But what other way could he resist besides obeying?

The market was bustling with activity, filled with shouts of vendors and the sounds of bargaining.

Chunsheng stood timidly on the street, clutching his bundle. His tattered clothes stood out in the crowd, his hair was disheveled, and there were still traces of tears on his face.

Several thugs had been watching him for a while. After waiting for a while, seeing that no one seemed to care, they all came forward and surrounded him.

One of the burly men grabbed Chunsheng's bundle and said menacingly, "Hey, you little beggar, where did you get all this stuff? You must have stolen it!"

Chunsheng stared wide-eyed in terror, clutching the bundle tightly with both hands, shaking his head desperately: "I didn't steal it, I didn't steal anything, this is mine!"

His voice trembled with fear.

"Hmph, you? How could a ragged little beggar like you possibly have all these nice things? Tell me, where did you steal them from?"

"If you don't behave, we'll take you to the authorities. A few lashes and you'll be half dead! Think it over: do you want to go see the authorities, or are you smart enough to put your things down?"

As he spoke, he waved his fist, making a gesture as if he was about to hit someone.

Chunsheng gritted his teeth, his heart filled with fear and despair.

He knew that if these things were stolen and he couldn't get money from them, Su Zhen would definitely not let him off the hook.

But if he refuses to let go, these people could kill him right now.

Just as he was at a loss, a loud shout came from outside the crowd: "You're bullying a little kid here, don't you know shame? If you know what's good for you, get the hell out of here!"

Everyone turned around and saw a tall, burly man with a furious expression, rubbing his fists and charging towards them.

The man was tall and imposing, standing there like a small mountain, exuding a chilling aura.

Behind him followed a girl of about sixteen or seventeen, her eyes fixed on Chunsheng in the crowd.

"Hey, isn't this Brother Zhao from the dock?" A thug recognized Zhao Ji, a hint of fear on his face, and tried to ingratiate himself with him.

"Brother Zhao, what brings you here today? We weren't doing anything, just joking around with this kid..."

"Stop talking nonsense, get out of here if you don't want to get beaten up! Otherwise, whoever wants to eat my fists, which are as big as sandbags, can come and eat them!" Zhao Ji rolled up his sleeves, revealing his solid muscles, and shouted loudly.

Although these thugs usually act arrogantly, they know that the people working at the docks are all strong and not to be trifled with, and they have formed their own gang.

After exchanging glances, the group muttered "You win" and slunk away.

Su Li quickly stepped forward, gently helped Chunsheng up, and asked with concern, "Child, are you alright?"

But when their eyes met, they were both stunned.

"Are you Granny Cai's grandson?" Su Li asked softly, her face full of doubt.

Chunsheng clearly recognized Su Li as well. Remembering Su Zhen's warning, his face turned deathly pale. Clutching his things, he turned and ran away without saying a word.

Zhao Ji watched Chunsheng's departing figure, frowned, scratched his head, and said, "What's wrong with the child? Was he frightened?"

Su Li gazed in the direction where Chun Sheng had disappeared, her heart filled with mixed emotions.

Logically speaking, since Granny Cai set fire to her shop, it was only natural for her to send Granny Cai to the authorities.

But now, seeing Cai Pozi's grandson Chunsheng in such a miserable state, she felt a pang of self-reproach.

Recalling Chunsheng's thin, shivering figure in the cold wind, Su Li frowned, her lips trembled slightly, and she murmured softly:

"If I had been more lenient and let Granny Cai go back then, wouldn't this child have been spared all this suffering..."

My heart feels like it's being gripped by an invisible hand, and it hurts terribly.

But soon, Su Li shook her head, her eyes instantly becoming firm and sharp.

Ultimately, the instigators were Su Zhen's family.

If they hadn't instigated her, how could Granny Cai have done such a foolish thing?

To completely resolve this matter and help Chunsheng get out of his predicament, we must start by dealing with Su Zhen's family!

Just then, an elderly woman passed by and, seeing Su Li staring intently in the direction Chun Sheng had disappeared, kindly approached her to strike up a conversation:

“Young lady, are you looking at that child? This child is Granny Cai’s grandson. Granny Cai committed a crime and was arrested by the authorities. Her departure has really ruined this grandson.”

As the old woman spoke, she sighed softly, her face full of sympathy.

"I just saw this child. He seemed to be selling things for someone else. He had only been here a short while when he was bullied by those thugs. They robbed him of his things and even cursed at him. It's so pitiful!"

The old woman shook her head and sighed.

As Su Li listened, her expression grew increasingly serious. She turned to Brother Zhao and said urgently:

“Brother Zhao, this child and I have some connection. We must keep a close eye on his movements these days. I want to help him get out of his current predicament.”

Zhao Ji was a kind-hearted person, and upon hearing Su Li's words, he immediately nodded in agreement, patting his chest and saying:

"Don't worry, sister. We live nearby anyway, and I'll keep an eye out for you every day! That kid is so pitiful, I'll help him if I can."

Su Li glanced gratefully at Brother Zhao, nodded, and the two continued walking deeper into the market.

On the other side, Chunqi, having shaken off the thugs, ran back to the dilapidated temple, panting heavily. He was so exhausted that he bent over, his hands supporting his knees, gasping for breath.

His worn-out clothes trembled slightly with his rapid breathing.

Su Zhen was standing in the middle of the dilapidated temple when she saw Chun Sheng return. Her eyes immediately fell on the pitifully small amount of silver in his hand.

Her face instantly darkened, a fierce glint flashing in her eyes. Without a word, she stepped forward, grabbed Chunsheng by the collar, and roared viciously:

"That's all? Did you pocket it? Tell me, where's the money?"

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