Chapter 91: Small People, Short Legs

"Don't try any tricks with me, or else, if I get angry, you won't be the ones having a good time!" The childish, soft voice uttering threats was enough to make anyone grit their teeth.

The chef and the waitress looked grim, whispering to each other before reluctantly beckoning Bai Xi to follow them to fetch the eggs.

Bai Xi could easily see through their intentions. If she entered the kitchen, one would grab her while the other ran outside to shout, making it look as though she were stealing eggs!

"The kitchen is too dirty. What if I soil my clothes? It's just a few eggs—bring them out and put them on the round table," she instructed.

Neither the chef nor the waitress had expected their scheme to be exposed. Resentment brewed within them; where had this clever little girl come from?

Bai Xi rolled her eyes with a huff. They were joking if they thought they could fool her—she was much more cunning.

When the chef fetched the eggs, he intended to take advantage of Bai Xi's youth and presumed ignorance, only bringing twelve instead of fifteen.

Bai Xi glanced at the eggs, then fixed her gaze on the chef. "If you go to buy eggs, pay for fifteen, and they only give you twelve, would you accept that?"

She'd already shown mercy, but they still tried to cheat her. Some people never learn!

The waitress noticed the chef had taken fewer eggs but said nothing—after all, fewer eggs did her no harm.

Neither expected Bai Xi, without even approaching the table, would instantly notice the discrepancy. This child could count!

The chef, embarrassed by Bai Xi's remark, turned pale and green, his expression ugly.

"Why are you so impatient? I haven't finished putting them out yet!" he retorted unwillingly, placing the hidden eggs onto the table. Seeing all fifteen eggs, he glared fiercely at Bai Xi before retreating with the waitress to the kitchen door.

Bai Xi paid no mind to his glare, scooping up the eggs and stuffing them into her arms. Others thought she was simply carrying them, unaware that she was placing each egg into her magical pouch. At present, the pouch only served as a storage bag for her.

Quickly, Bai Xi finished packing, patted her belly, pretending the eggs were settled, and looked up at the two still eyeing her warily, curving her lips in a smile that was as infuriating as her words.

"Serves you right!" Bai Xi muttered irritably at them. "That'll teach you to be dishonest—let's see if you'll look down on others again!"

The waitress was stunned by her words, while the chef shot a reproachful look at her.

"This time, let it be a lesson for you!" Bai Xi declared, then turned and strode out of the state-run restaurant.

Chen Daliu hurried over, just in time to meet Bai Xi as she exited. The waitress, seeing Chen Daliu arrive, immediately raised her voice to complain, "What's wrong with you—your bratty little—"

But before she could finish, she met Bai Xi's lowered gaze. For some reason, her heart tightened and fear crept in, forcing her words to silence.

"Miss, are you alright?" Chen Daliu asked, puzzled by the waitress. What was she talking about?

Bai Xi turned back, "I'm fine. Let's go."

"Miss, your hair ribbon..." Chen Daliu glanced at Bai Xi's head. Her two little buns were still neatly tied; there was no missing ribbon.

Sensing Chen Daliu's gaze, Bai Xi felt no guilt at all. She reached up to touch her buns and explained, "I just remembered I didn't untie my ribbon when I slept in the car earlier. I was about to look for you."

Chen Daliu paused, then nodded. The young miss was just a child—it was normal for her to forget such things.

"Miss, wait a moment, I'll go talk to them again..." After all, the young miss hadn't eaten yet.

"No need. I don't want to eat anymore. There's not a single customer here—I'm sure there's nothing worth eating," Bai Xi said, stepping down the stairs first.

Chen Daliu wanted to say more, but Bai Xi was already ahead. He noticed the waitress and the chef glaring at him and returned their glare with equal displeasure.

Humph, just you wait! If I hadn't brought the young miss to town today, I'd have shown you what for!

Little did Chen Daliu know, all because Bai Xi had swindled them for fifteen eggs, the two had to make up the difference themselves, hence their angry looks.

Though Bai Xi hadn't eaten, she relished having taught them a lesson, her spirits high as she and Chen Daliu headed toward the department store.

Baizhou County wasn't large; the department store was merely a modest three-story building.

Along the way, Chen Daliu bent slightly, introducing Bai Xi to what he knew of the area.

Bai Xi, small and short-legged, couldn't walk quickly, but she refused to be carried. The pair, one big and one small, made for an odd sight. The little one craned her neck here and there, curiosity shining in her gaze; the elder spoke softly beside her, describing the scene. Bai Xi tried to look grown-up, while Chen Daliu smiled, his expression a blend of affection and respect. The scene was strange, yet endearing.

"Miss, they sell food at the department store. I'll buy you some pastries to tide you over," Chen Daliu said joyfully upon spotting the store's sign.

Bai Xi nodded.

If she'd had more time, Bai Xi would have made those two boil all fifteen eggs for her, but she thought better of it. She'd take them back and have Chen Zhaodi make fried eggs instead.

Unlike the state-run restaurant, the department store was bustling with people.

Bai Xi wasn't used to being led by the hand, so Chen Daliu didn't insist. He followed her closely, shielding her from the crowd as she wandered from place to place.

Baizhou, being a county town, couldn't compare to the city—the department store was smaller and its offerings fewer, but it was enough for the locals.

At the pastry and biscuit counter, the saleslady watched Bai Xi approach, then shifted her gaze to Chen Daliu behind her.

Examining the two, the saleslady was surprised—it was her first time seeing a child dressed better than the father. Judging by appearances, he seemed to dote on the girl.

But this little one seemed too well-fed: fair-skinned, round-faced, with bright, lively eyes that almost spoke. She hardly looked like a country child.

"Miss, what would you like to eat?" Chen Daliu asked, his voice louder than usual, proud to have Bai Xi with him.

Bai Xi felt the curious stares around her and wanted to ask Chen Daliu to lower his voice, but seeing his joy, she held her tongue.

She could not have guessed that Chen Daliu was so pleased he wished he could hang a sign around his neck—taking the young miss to town was the envy of the entire village.