"Let me help you." Lucien rolled up his sleeves and joined Xiaoxing in packing the endless crates of goods.
An hour later, boxes were neatly stacked to the ceiling. Xiaoxing leaned against the counter, panting with exhaustion, while Lucien remained calm as though he had barely moved.
"Okay! This order is all ready to go!" she smiled.
But the so-called customer smirked nastily. "Oh? Sorry, I forgot my wallet. Maybe next time." With that, the young man turned to leave.
Lucien's expression hardened. He stepped forward, one hand clamping firmly on the man's shoulder. "Are you kidding us?"
The man sneered. "A ninja, huh? Do you plan to hit me? This is Konoha! Strike me, and you'll be the one punished." He raised his voice theatrically. "Guards! They're forcing sales here!"
As if on cue, several burly men strode in through the door.
The store manager rushed out at the noise and instantly paled. "M-Master Nakajima! What's going on here? Why are you so upset?" The bearded man's fawning tone said everything—he was terrified of offending this spoiled heir.
Nakajima pointed accusingly at Lucien. "Your clerk forced me to buy goods, and then colluded with an outsider to attack me. Look—he's still got his hand on my shoulder, that's proof enough!"
"He's not an outsider, he's my brother!" Xiaoxing stepped forward, eyes blazing. "You liar! I've never wronged you. Why are you doing this?"
Nakajima's lips curled in mockery. "Because Narcissus isn't here today, that's why."
The manager hesitated, then said, "Miss Amemiya Narcissus… she's off today."
"I don't care. I came to see her, and if I can't, I demand this brat be fired. Do it, and I'll personally cover Narcissus' salary. I'll even keep patronizing your store. Otherwise? Forget about keeping your business open." He turned his cold glare on Lucien. "And you—take your filthy hand off me."
The store manager gave Xiaoxing a desperate look. "Xiaoxing, tell him to let go…"
Nakajima sneered. "Fire her!"
The air turned heavy. Finally, the manager swallowed hard and said, "Xiaoxing, I'm sorry… you're dismissed. Leave with your brother."
"Manager—!" Xiaoxing's voice shook with anger and betrayal. But before she could explode, Lucien gently raised a hand, cutting her off.
"Xiaoxing, enough."
His eyes narrowed at Nakajima. "I can see it clearly. You're just frustrated that this 'Narcissus' has no interest in you, so you vent your anger on others. Without your father's money, you're nothing. Honestly, you're not even worth talking to."
"You bastard!" Nakajima's face flushed red. He flicked his hand. "Get him!"
Two guards surged forward.
Lucien smiled grimly. Just what I wanted.
The first guard lunged—Lucien's fist drove deep into his stomach. He collapsed instantly, spewing bile onto the floor. The second swung wildly, but Lucien sidestepped, hooked a foot behind his ankle, and sent him sprawling unconscious in a single, fluid motion.
"Guh—impossible! Just who… who are you!?"
Nakajima's eyes fell to the gleam of the forehead protector on Lucien's brow. His bravado shattered instantly. A ninja… I've picked the worst possible fight.
Lucien's voice was sharp as steel. "Get lost. If you ever lay eyes on us again, you won't walk away next time."
Nakajima's knees buckled. Limping, white-faced, he scrambled out with his failing bodyguards.
"Brother Lucien, that was amazing!" Xiaoxing gasped, awe shining in her eyes.
Lucien shook his head. "It's nothing. If anything, I cost you your job."
"It doesn't matter. The manager was only trying to protect himself…" Xiaoxing muttered, quietly gathering her things. The manager stood frozen, shame coloring his face, unable to speak.
Then, a melodious voice spoke from deeper inside the store. "Xiaoxing, you don't have to leave. In fact, I should be the one thanking you."
From behind the curtain, a young girl emerged. Graceful and refined, she carried an otherworldly air as though she weren't quite of this world. Her delicate beauty had a faint, commanding pride about it.
She nodded politely to Lucien. "You must be her brother. Thank you—just now, because of you, that wretch won't dare bother me again."
Turning to the trembling manager, her tone sharpened. "If Xiaoxing leaves, then I'll quit too."
The manager practically tripped over himself in panic. "O-of course not! Miss Xiaoxing, please don't leave! I was only stalling for time just now. How could I really fire you? Especially not when your brother proved himself a powerful ninja. He easily crushed those thugs!"
Flustered, he added quickly, "Stay, Xiaoxing. I'll even double your salary!"
He then turned reverently to the young lady. "Miss, is this acceptable?"
"Hmph." The girl crossed her arms and tilted her chin proudly, as though granting her approval.
Lucien was puzzled. "Miss…?"
Xiaoxing hurriedly explained with bright eyes. "Brother, this is Sister Narcissus—Amemiya Narcissus. She's the daughter of the family that owns this store. That Nakajima jerk keeps pestering her, trying to push her into marriage so he can claim their property!"
Lucien finally understood. Narcissus herself looked straight at him, her lips curving in a soft smile. Extending her hand gracefully, she said with quiet dignity, "I forgot to properly introduce myself. Amemiya Narcissus. You may simply call me Narcissus. I owe you a debt today—for Xiaoxing is my sister as well now. Rest assured, as long as I'm here, no one will bully her again."
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