Chapter 2304

Zhu Yanyi listened to this, nodded seriously, and then said, "I see. Mama, you really thought of everything."

Xie Xinlian looked proud. "Of course. I’ve eaten more salt than you’ve had rice. Kids don’t need expensive things; they just want to join the fun. When we were poor, we couldn’t afford it. But now we have money, and we’ve lived in the capital for so long. It’s only right to bring small gifts when we go back."

In fact, this was true. Xie Xinlian took social etiquette very seriously and wouldn’t let anyone find fault with her.

"But Mama, fifty is a lot," Zhu Yanli smiled lightly.

"Not many. I was actually worried it wasn’t enough. We should buy more candy and chocolate on the way back. They’ll love it." Since money wasn’t an issue, Xie Xinlian decided to be generous.

Seeing Xie Xinlian happy, Zhu Shunyao was happy too. "Fine, buy what you like."

Just then, someone shouted, "Catch the thief!"

A shady-looking man ran forward, chased by an older woman. Bystanders joined in the chase.

The thief saw Zhu Yanyi’s group—old and young—and rushed toward them, thinking she could escape by knocking them down.

Before she reached them, Zhu Yanyi flicked her hand. A disposable needle flew out. The thief face-planted onto the ground. The hard thud made nearby people wince in sympathy.

Zhu Yanyi walked over, kicked her twice, and flipped her over. The thief gasped, pointing at her. "You ambushed me."

"I just didn’t want you to hurt my family," Zhu Yanyi said calmly. "Besides, if I really wanted to ambush you, would you still be alive?" Her voice was low, but the thief heard it clearly. She shivered. This woman was terrifying.

"You’re scary. You’re a bad person." The comment sounded childish.

Zhu Yanyi looked her up and down. "I’m bad? You’re the good one for stealing?"

The older woman arrived and punched the thief in the face. "Good person my foot! Dare to steal from me? I’ll beat you to death. You’ll just have to accept your fate."

Indeed, fierce women were everywhere.

Bystanders disliked thieves too, so they stepped in to stop the woman. She was a head shorter than the thief, so her punches mostly looked bad rather than hurt much.

After all, beating a thief was justified.

Zhu Yanyi said, "Auntie, check your stolen items first. See if anything is missing."

The woman punched twice more, grabbed her bag, and checked. After a moment, she said, "Nothing’s missing. My things are here." Then she told the thief, "You blind thief. My bag only had toilet paper and a few snow cakes today. You stole that? You have no sense."

Everyone, including Zhu Yanyi, was speechless. If her bag only had toilet paper and snow cakes, why chase her?

"If your bag only had toilet paper and snow cakes, why would I run?" the thief blurted out.

"So it’s my fault now, you bastard? I’ll beat you to death." The woman kicked the thief again.

Suddenly, the thief foamed at the mouth, his limbs trembling as if having a seizure.

The woman froze, scared. "I only kicked him a few times. Why is he like this? Are my kicks that strong?"

Zhu Yanyi frowned slightly, stepped forward, pressed a few points with her fingers, and took out a pack of disposable acupuncture needles. She inserted a few needles. The thief’s meridians relaxed, and she calmed down.

"It’s okay. It’s hereditary epilepsy. She was exhausted from running, and the kicks triggered a relapse. She’s fine now," Zhu Yanyi explained. "Has anyone called the police? Let them take her away."

The police had arrived but waited while Zhu Yanyi treated her. Now that she said she was fine, they approached. "Thank you, Doctor. She won’t have another episode, right?"

"No. But you should have a doctor check her, just in case she’s faking," Zhu Yanyi said calmly.

Epilepsy was simple for Zhu Yanyi, but she couldn’t rule out faking.

The police understood and nodded, then went about their duty.

"Truthfully, he only stole toilet paper and snow cakes. He’ll probably just be detained for a few days," Zhu Shunyao said after the police left.

Taishu Yuanxiang added, "Right. But that auntie was funny. Such a big bag, only holding toilet paper and snow cakes. What’s going on?"

"The bag is hers. If she likes putting toilet paper in it, or even wood ash, it’s her business. We can’t control it," Zhu Yanli said with a smile.

Zhu Yanyi nodded in agreement. "Exactly. Like my bag. I don’t like carrying money, but my bag is expensive. Even if I only put a handkerchief in it, the bag costs thousands. Plus, my handkerchief is handmade and priceless. If anyone stole my bag, their future would be bleak."

Not just stealing. Even slighting Zhu Yanyi would make Yan Aohan make their life miserable.

"Enough about them. It’s getting late. Let’s go to the Capital Club," Taishu Yuanxiang suggested.

These women never got tired of shopping. Taishu Yuanxiang hoped they’d tire out today.

Everyone agreed it was late and went to the Capital Club.

On the seventh floor, they let the kids play on the floor while the adults rolled up their sleeves.

It was a bit early for dinner, and they needed to prepare, but resting was fine.

Zhu Shunyao turned on the TV to watch the news.

Yan Aohan peeled an orange for Zhu Yanyi, who ate it slowly.

Taishu Yuanxiang peeled an apple for Zhu Yanli. Xie Xin莲 cracked sunflower seeds and watched the kids. Everyone was relaxed.

"Truthfully, the Capital Club needs renovating again," Taishu Yuanxiang said. "New clubs are rising in the capital, but people still like ours because it’s an old brand."

Taishu Yuanxiang renovated periodically to keep up with the times.

"Yes. I plan to renovate in March next year. Any suggestions, Yanyi?" Taishu Yuanxiang asked.

Zhu Yanyi shrugged. "I’m a doctor, not an interior designer. But since it’s an old brand, keep the traditional style. Renovate some private rooms with detailed traditional themes: Imperial, Noble, Wealthy, Scholar, Martial, and Elite. This gives special guests special areas."

"Next, modernity. KTVs are popular. If you don’t mind spending, create an independent singing floor. Divide the first or second floor into rooms, each with a private OK hall. Soundproofing must be excellent to avoid disturbing others. Privacy is key. Install independent electronic song libraries. Familiar guests can sing here comfortably. That’s modernity."

"If there’s space, add a card room for post-dinner fun. But keep it moderate. Don’t turn it into a gambling den."

Zhu Yanyi added, "These are just ideas. A youth fitness area would be better, like a billiard room or pool. I’m just chatting. How to renovate is your decision."

Taishu Yuanxiang pondered. Zhu Yanyi’s suggestions seemed scattered, but she saw potential.

"I’m just talking. Ignore me," Zhu Yanyi waved her hand. These were modern club management ideas.

"No, you make sense. I need to think carefully. Ideas need planning," Taishu Yuanxiang said seriously.

"Good if it helps. Take your time," Zhu Yanyi said, forgetting about it. She wasn’t an expert.

Yan Aohan didn’t explain, just served his wife.

"By the way, how are we going back? Plane or express train?" Zhu Shunyao asked.

"Express train. We’re many people. Planes are troublesome. I’ll charter a carriage. No problems then," Yan Aohan answered.

"Chartering a carriage is better. No one will disturb us," Taishu Yuanxiang agreed. He usually traveled this way too.