novelhk Chapter 242: Asking for Help
Chapter 242: Asking for Help
On the bustling streets of Kyoto, Fang Xiaoxiao's Lingxi Pavilion is facing a severe crisis.
Fang Xiaoxiao stood in the shop, her delicate brows furrowed. After a moment of contemplation, she spoke firmly.
"We cannot sit idly by and wait for our demise; we must find a way to salvage our reputation."
Immediately, she decided to hold a grand exhibition to showcase the superior quality and unique charm of Lingxi Pavilion's products to the public.
To this end, she also carefully invited many prominent figures in Kyoto to witness the event.
However, they did not expect that while they were busy preparing for the event, a crisis was already creeping up on them like a venomous snake.
Liu San, a narrow-minded and malicious man, had his jealousy and resentment reignited after learning of Fang Xiaoxiao's plan.
He was unwilling to accept his defeat and vowed to completely crush Fang Xiaoxiao.
Liu San spared no expense in bribing a group of thugs and hooligans.
On the eve of the event, this group of thugs caused trouble near Lingxi Pavilion.
They shouted at the top of their lungs and shoved passersby aggressively.
They even deliberately rammed into Lingxi Pavilion's shops, making a mess of the carefully arranged items at the entrance.
Fang Xiaoxiao and her colleagues had no choice but to stop their busy preparations and rush out to deal with the situation.
They tried to reason with them, but the thugs became increasingly arrogant, not only ignoring their advice but also verbally abusing Fang Xiaoxiao and the others, and even physically shoving them.
This ordeal severely hampered the already intense preparations, resulting in many carefully prepared exhibits being either damaged or lost.
At the same time, Liu San also secretly sent people to spread rumors everywhere.
He fabricated a lie, saying that the exhibition was nothing but a scam set up by Fang Xiaoxiao, and that the so-called high-quality products were actually counterfeit and shoddy goods. Fang Xiaoxiao's purpose was simply to swindle money from everyone.
This malicious rumor spread as quickly as a plague.
Some people who were originally looking forward to participating in the event began to have doubts and reservations.
Some people came directly to Lingxi Pavilion to tell Fang Xiaoxiao that she would no longer participate in the activities, and many others pointed fingers behind her back, accusing Fang Xiaoxiao of being a fraud.
Fang Xiao was extremely anxious, large beads of sweat rolled down her forehead, and her eyes were full of anxiety and unease.
She paced back and forth in the shop, her thoughts a jumbled mess.
"What should we do? Time is of the essence, we absolutely cannot let Liu San's plot succeed!"
Li Renyi's face turned red with anger, his clenched fists cracking as he burned with rage, wishing he could rush over and settle scores with Liu San immediately.
Fang Xiaoxiao bit her lip, her eyes filled with unwavering determination.
"The more critical the moment, the more we must remain calm. We must not act impulsively, or we will fall right into Liu San's trap."
She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down.
"We will first sort out and repair the damaged items, and then arrange for people to clarify the rumors and tell the truth to everyone."
Just as they were doing their best to deal with these crises, another piece of bad news came like a bolt from the blue.
Several highly respected individuals who had initially agreed to attend the event suddenly made various excuses to say they could not come.
Some claimed to have an emergency at home, some said they were feeling unwell, and others said they were temporarily tied up with other important matters.
This undoubtedly casts a heavy shadow over the already difficult event, as the absence of these prominent figures may cause other hesitant individuals to have greater doubts about the event's credibility and authority.
Looking at the chaotic scene before her, Fang Xiaoxiao felt a surge of despair.
Fang Xiaoxiao took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down, her mind racing.
"Li Renyi, take a few people and repair the damaged items as much as possible. I will personally visit those respected people, explain the situation to them, and try to persuade them to change their minds."
Fang Xiaoxiao made the arrangements decisively.
Li Renyi nodded and immediately got his men busy.
Fang Xiaoxiao then went to visit those people without stopping.
At the first house, she was turned away; the owner refused to see her.
Fang Xiaoxiao was not discouraged. She waited patiently at the door. When the host came out, she sincerely explained her purpose, but the other party just shook his head indifferently and turned to leave.
But Fang Xiaoxiao did not give up and continued to the next place.
The head of the household did see her, but after listening to her, he only spoke in a lukewarm manner.
"Young lady, this is too risky. I dare not get involved."
Fang Xiaoxiao's eyes were filled with tears, and her voice trembled slightly.
"My lord, Lingxi Pavilion has always operated with integrity. This time, we have truly been framed. Can't you trust me this time?"
The man hesitated for a moment, then waved for her to leave.
One after another, Fang Xiaoxiao faced rejection and cold treatment, but her belief grew stronger and stronger.
Back at Lingxi Pavilion, seeing the dejected looks on Li Renyi and the others, she knew that the item restoration was not progressing well either.
"My wife, what should we do? So many items are too badly damaged to be repaired."
Li Renyi said in a hoarse voice.
Fang Xiaoxiao gritted her teeth.
"It's okay, we'll repair as much as we can. We'll focus on the items that still showcase their unique features."
Just when everyone was feeling hopeless, an unexpected person appeared.
It turned out to be the old man who had bought their treasures at the antique market before.
"Young lady, I heard you were having some trouble, so I came to see you." The old man said with a kind expression.
Fang Xiaoxiao seemed to see a glimmer of hope and quickly explained the situation to the old man.
The old man pondered for a moment.
“I have some prestige in Kyoto, and I can help you persuade those people of high standing.”
Fang Xiaoxiao was moved to tears, as if she had seen the dawn in the darkness.
With the old man's help, several prominent figures finally agreed to attend the event.
On the day of the event, Fang Xiaoxiao and her team made preparations early, but they were still very nervous, wondering if they would be able to succeed.
As the start time of the event drew ever closer, Fang Xiaoxiao stood nervously at the entrance of Lingxi Pavilion, her hands clasped tightly together, her knuckles turning slightly white from the force.
At this moment, a slight commotion suddenly arose in the crowd. Several respected figures, accompanied by the kind old man, walked slowly with steady steps.
Fang Xiao's eyes lit up, and she quickly rushed over, her face full of gratitude, repeatedly thanking him.
"Thank you all for gracing us with your presence. Your arrival truly brings honor to Lingxi Pavilion."
With the appearance of these important figures, those who had been hesitant and undecided seemed to have been reassured and rushed into Lingxi Pavilion, crowding around each other.