"Making things difficult?"

Hearing this, Xu Nian frowned and asked uncertainly, "Your situation is already so bad, what else does he want to make things difficult for you?"

Chen Mo sighed again. "As you know, I am the son of the former city lord. The current city lord and his subordinates are very wary of my existence, and I am targeted almost wherever I am."

"But my father entrusted these people to me before he died, and I am determined not to let him down!"

Chen Mo spoke with righteous indignation, his handsome face filled with determination.

Even if he is targeted and despised by the city lord, he will do his best to provide the people with the best life he can.

"Was the water you mentioned earlier also because of their obstruction?"

After understanding the situation, Xu Nian had a plan in mind and asked.

Upon hearing this, Chen Mo nodded. "That's right. The water source is managed by Brother Li. He recently promoted a guy with a pointed face and monkey cheeks named Li Yuan'an. Every time I go there, he tries to make things difficult for me."

Upon hearing Brother Li's name, Xu Nian couldn't help but snort, her face growing colder.

"In that case, I'll go and meet this Li Yuan'an."

Gu Zhan had been listening intently from beginning to end. When he saw Xu Nian about to leave, he immediately got up and naturally followed her.

Seeing this, Xu Nian tapped Gu Zhan's arm, "You're quite self-aware~"

This scene happened to be witnessed by Chen Mo, who had been watching Xu Nian the whole time.

His eyes dimmed, and he looked dejected.

I should have known; a woman as outstanding as her would never lack admirers…

Xu Nian didn't notice Chen Mo's unusual expression. She pulled Da Bao and Er Bao aside and told them, "You two must behave well when your older sister goes out on business."

"If you encounter any hungry children, remember to share your food with them. Your older sister will give you even more when she returns, understand?"

Upon hearing this, Da Bao and Er Bao nodded their heads vigorously.

"Don't worry, sister, we'll definitely be very obedient!"

After giving her instructions, Xu Nian said to Chen Mo with relief, "Shall we go?"

"Huh? Oh, let's go."

Chen Mo was silent for a moment, then resumed his usual expression and led the way.

Gu Zhan stared suspiciously at his somewhat thin back, pursed his lips, and remained silent.

The two followed Chen Mo's steps and walked together to the still bustling street.

The place was bustling with people. Although the people were still suffering, it was much better than the slums.

"That is the water source, and the amount each person can take each day is limited."

Chen Mo pointed to the distance and said through gritted teeth.

He had suffered a lot of mistreatment from Li Yuan'an in the past, and now he felt quite resentful when he thought about it.

"I see."

Xu Nian nodded, strode to the back of the queue, and slowly began to line up.

The sun was scorching, and by the time it was Xu Nian's turn, Li Yuan'an was already getting impatient. "How many people are there? Name your number!"

Xu Nian glanced at the still full water vat and uttered a casual remark, "Two hundred people."

Li Yuan'an, already irritated by the sun, sneered upon hearing this, "Two hundred people? Why don't you say two thousand?"

"I think it's because you've all been spoiled; now anyone dares to joke around with me?"

Li Yuan'an's voice was deafening, instantly attracting the attention of many people.

They stood at a distance, pointing and whispering, but no one dared to say anything.

After all, Li Yuan'an controls the water resources, and offending him will definitely not end well!

Seeing his angry roar, Xu Nian remained calm and composed. "Who said I was joking with you?"

Li Yuan'an thought that after he lost his temper, this naive girl would obediently leave, but she actually talked back to him again!

"You little bitch!"

Thinking of this, Li Yuan'an became angry and raised his hand to slap him.

However, his arm was stopped halfway through its swing in the air by an extremely strong force, which forcefully bent it downwards.

"Ouch, it hurts so much!" he screamed.

Gu Zhan's expression was icy, and his large hand gradually tightened its grip, pinching his thin arm until it turned purple and red.

Seeing Li Yuan'an in excruciating pain, Xu Nian remained unhurried, saying, "Do you understand what I'm saying now? I need enough for two hundred people."

She spoke gently, with a faint smile on her face, yet she exuded an imposing aura of authority.

Realizing he had messed with a tough opponent, Li Yuan'an threatened in a hoarse voice, "I advise you to release me now, or Brother Li will make you regret it!"

"oh?"

Upon hearing this, Xu Nian raised an eyebrow and retorted, "What do you think he can do to us?"

These arrogant and provocative words made Li Yuan'an lose his temper, and he immediately used all his strength to finally break free from Gu Zhan's grip.

"You just wait, I'll call Brother Li right now to punish you!"

Knowing the principle that one should not fight head-on if one cannot win, Li Yuan'an fled and ran towards where Brother Li lived.

But Xu Nian remained calm and instead called over Chen Mo, "Take a look, how much water do you need to scoop out for us to drink?"

At this moment, Chen Mo also realized what was happening and said anxiously, "That Brother Li is a ruthless guy, he kills without blinking an eye. You guys should leave quickly, don't make such a big sacrifice for us!"

Some kind-hearted people around chimed in, "Yes, young lady, we know you mean well, but your own life is the most important thing!"

Feeling everyone's concern, Xu Nian immediately felt a warmth in her heart and said with a smile, "Don't worry, everyone, it's nothing."

Seeing that they couldn't persuade Xu Nian, the group of people sighed, all feeling sorry for the girl.

Xu Nian didn't rush to explain, and patiently waited for Li Yuan'an to return.

After a long while, a commotion came from outside.

Who is causing trouble in public?

A group of soldiers walked over arrogantly, led by an enraged Brother Li.

He was already dissatisfied with being looked down upon by Xu Nian, and now that he had a chance to vent, he immediately led a team over.

With Brother Li standing behind him, Li Yuan'an straightened his back.

He pointed at Xu Nian smugly, "Brother, this is the woman who dared to talk back to me to my face. She deserves to die!"

After saying that, Li Yuan'an thought to himself smugly: This woman who doesn't know her own death, let me show you how powerful I am!

However, the expected outburst of anger from Brother Li, ordering someone to take Xu Nian away, did not occur.

Li Yuan'an opened his eyes with slight surprise, only to find that Brother Li was gritting his teeth and looking at Xu Nian, with what seemed to be... a look of fear on his face.

"Hey, you've finally arrived."

Xu Nian, who was also getting impatient, sneered when she saw Brother Li approaching, "Is this your last resort?"

Li Yuan'an still forced a smile and said, "Of course, Brother Li is second only to the leader in our city. Dealing with a little girl like you is more than enough for him!"

Xu Nian simply smiled at this.

"I'll give you ten breaths to transfer Li Yuan'an away, or else—"

"You will bear the consequences!"