In addition, there were grain and oil shops, general stores, cosmetics shops, bookstores, and even "Qiquzhai" (奇趣斋) that sold novel trinkets.
It covers all walks of life, including clothing, food, housing, and transportation, presenting a thriving scene.
People on the street were all smiling, many carrying newly purchased items or browsing goods in shops.
Or perhaps they were sitting at a tea stall on the street chatting. He vaguely heard someone muttering, "Thanks to Miss Shen Qingtang, who opened so many shops, we have work to do, and our lives are getting better and better!"
"That's right! I was unemployed at home before, but now I work at a bubble tea shop. I can earn quite a bit of money a month, enough to support my family!"
"Miss Shen Qingtang not only brought us novel things, but also gave us something to look forward to. She is truly our benefactor!"
The people's gratitude was heartfelt, and their words were full of respect and love for Shen Qingtang.
Yun Qingxuan was even more surprised. He never expected that Shen Qingtang was not only ambitious, but also had such ability to improve the lives of people in the region on her own.
This has made this street so bustling.
He followed the aroma of grilled meat into the "Grilled Little Abode." The shop was packed.
The waiters moved about among the guests, quickly and efficiently attending to them.
Their attitude was warm and attentive, without the slightest neglect.
He found a corner seat and sat down. The waiter immediately came forward and asked with a smile, "Sir, what would you like to order? Our roasted lamb and roasted chicken wings are our signature dishes, as are our secret-recipe roasted vegetables, which are absolutely delicious!"
Yun Qingxuan casually ordered a few dishes, but his eyes began to scan the shop.
On the table were disposable bamboo chopsticks and a clean porcelain plate.
There was also an aromatherapy diffuser in the corner to repel mosquitoes; these details showed thoughtfulness.
Soon, the grilled meat was served. The golden skewers were sprinkled with fine spices, sizzling and steaming, and the rich aroma was irresistible.
Yun Qingxuan picked up a skewer of roasted mutton. The moment it entered his mouth, the tenderness of the meat and the richness of the secret seasoning blended on his tongue, spicy yet fragrant, and not greasy.
The taste far surpassed any barbecue he had ever eaten before. A hint of amazement flashed in his eyes, and his fingers holding the meat skewer paused slightly. The seasoning had a unique and complex flavor, far beyond what was expected of this era.
He continued tasting, his gaze inadvertently sweeping over the counter, where he saw the waiter storing drinks in a transparent glass bottle.
A few crystal-clear ice cubes were added when pouring it into the glass, and those ice cubes were particularly eye-catching in the hot weather.
On the adjacent shelves were exquisitely packaged cookies and candies, printed with peculiar patterns and words, clearly also from foreign lands.
Yun Qingxuan was shocked. These things were beyond human capabilities and did not seem to be products of the Central Plains or the Western Regions.
Where did Shen Qingtang get her from? It seems she has more secrets than he imagined.
Just then, a pretty figure walked in with a fragrant breeze; it was Liang Wanwan.
She was dressed exceptionally beautifully today, wearing a pink silk dress, adorned with pearl hairpins, and her eyes and brows exuded a deliberate allure.
As soon as she entered the store, her gaze was drawn to Yun Qingxuan in the corner. The man was dressed in white, his appearance was elegant and otherworldly, and his temperament was ethereal and otherworldly, like an immortal descending to earth, instantly captivating her.
Liang Wanwan's heart stirred, and she immediately straightened her skirt and gracefully walked towards Yun Qingxuan.
A charming smile spread across her face: "Young master, I am very polite. Would you mind if I took a seat here?"
Her voice was soft and sweet, and her eyes were full of affection as she tried to attract Yun Qingxuan's attention.
However, Yun Qingxuan merely raised his eyes slightly, his gaze sweeping across her face before returning to the roasted meat in front of him, his tone flat and indifferent: "I mind."
Those two short words instantly froze the smile on Liang Wanwan's face.
She had never been rejected so bluntly before, especially when she had tried so hard to please him.
But she didn't give up, and still said persistently, "Young master, I only wish to get to know you, I have no other intentions. You are so handsome and have such an extraordinary temperament, you must be no ordinary person, right?"
As she spoke, she tried to get closer, her fragrance growing stronger.
Yun Qingxuan frowned slightly, his body motionless, yet he inexplicably exuded a sense of aloofness, as if an invisible barrier surrounded him. He didn't even raise his head.
He simply said coldly, "Please have some self-respect, young lady, and don't disturb others' dining."
Seeing his stubbornness, Liang Wanwan felt both angry and anxious, yet she couldn't bear to give up on such a handsome man.
She bit her lip, wanting to say something more, but a cold glare from Yun Qingxuan startled her. His gaze was icy and undisguised, filled with undisguised disgust, instantly robbing her of the courage to continue the argument.
In the end, Liang Wanwan could only glare at Yun Qingxuan resentfully before turning away dejectedly.
Before leaving, I couldn't help but look back a few times.
She was filled with resentment and confusion as to why such a handsome man was so cold to her.
After Liang Wanwan left, Yun Qingxuan slowly raised his head and looked out the window at the shops opened by Shen Qingtang. His amber eyes flashed with a complex light, showing surprise and inquiry.
There was also a hint of interest that he himself was unaware of.
Shen Qingtang is such an interesting woman.
As soon as Yun Qingxuan stepped out of the barbecue restaurant, he noticed a slight commotion coming from the street corner.
He looked in the direction of the sound and saw Pei Nian'an carrying a small black backpack and holding a uniquely shaped, coldly gleaming pistol with an exquisitely crafted barrel.
It also features a clearly visible fingerprint unlocking device, making it obviously not from this era; it is a weapon with live ammunition.
Several agile men in black, wielding short knives, were closing in on Pei Nian'an, their eyes fierce, clearly indicating their ill intentions.
Pei Nian'an's eyes were cold, her small face was tightly closed, showing no fear whatsoever, but rather revealing a ruthlessness that was inconsistent with her age.
As the assassin approached, he slightly raised his wrist, aiming his pistol steadily at the man in black at the front. His movements were swift and decisive, without the slightest hesitation. "Bang!" A crisp gunshot rang out, the bullet striking the man in black precisely in the chest.
The man in black groaned and fell straight down, lifeless on the spot.
The other assassins' expressions changed drastically upon seeing this, clearly not expecting the "little gadget" in the child's hand to have such deadly power.
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