124. Misfortune Is Mine

Qu Buping laughed and said, "That’s right, Little Niu, you should mind your manners. Don't treat a young lady like a common prostitute who lets anyone touch her. She is a lady of good standing, after all!"

Xiao Yu retorted, "You’re wrong. I don't think she's necessarily a lady of good standing. When have you ever seen a lady from a noble family gripping a man’s hand tightly in the middle of the street? Men and women should keep their distance. I think it’s clear she saw that I, your young master, am handsome and wanted to take advantage of me!"

As soon as these words were out, the onlookers on the street burst into laughter. The woman, both embarrassed and furious, unleashed a kick that sent Xiao Yu flying several paces away.

Qu Buping hurriedly went to help him up, saying, "Good brother, you’ve suffered, but you really are something else. You didn’t even know her, yet you touched her as if she were your own wife. I suppose enduring this little bit of suffering is worth it."

Hearing this, the woman cursed angrily, "You bunch of scoundrels and bastards! It seems I really must teach you a lesson today."

Xiao Yun’er quickly stepped in to mediate, "Young lady, I think let it go! What my big brother just said and did was indeed wrong, but he has already suffered for it. I hope you won't be angry anymore."

Xiao Yu grabbed Xiao Yun’er and snapped, "Coward, why are you begging her? She’s not the only woman who’s tried to teach us a lesson. Didn’t we just slip away from that other hag who wanted to punish us a while ago? What is there to be afraid of? I’m not like you, a guy who’s been scared witless by women."

Qu Buping quickly restrained Xiao Yu and whispered, "Good brother, if you want to be a hero, now is not the time. Can you really stand a chance against this devil of a woman today? As the saying goes, a gentleman takes his revenge in ten years; just endure it for now. Besides, neither of us can really be called gentlemen, so we should speak more politely."

Turning back to the woman, Qu Buping smiled and said, "My lady, this was all a misunderstanding. I apologize to you on behalf of Little Niu."

The woman cursed, "This world is truly strange. Even scoundrels know how to apologize, but what do you have to offer as an apology?"

Qu Buping laughed, "It’s true that we have nothing right now. If you insist on an apology, we can only offer our own services, though it’s hard to say what the future holds. Who knows? One day we might even be able to command the winds and rain in the martial arts world."

The woman glanced at them and said, "Seeing as you are young, I won't hold this against you. If you have something to say, just say it straight!"

Qu Buping smiled, "Little Niu has an eighty-year-old mother at home who needs medicine, and an eight-year-old younger brother who needs to eat. He was forced to offend you just now!" He pulled Xiao Yun’er over and added, "This is his eight-year-old brother."

The woman looked at Xiao Yun’er and remarked, "He’s only eight? Why does he look so tall?" Qu Buping hurriedly punched Xiao Yun’er in the stomach. Xiao Yun’er doubled over in pain, appearing much shorter, and pretended to be a child just turned eight.

Watching their performance, the woman couldn't help but giggle, "Are you truly filial sons? I don't think so. But then again, you said he has an eighty-year-old mother who needs medicine—I don't think that's necessary. Once a person reaches eighty, it’s time to go. There’s no point in living longer. If someone is eighty and refuses to die, aren't they just becoming an old monster? Spending silver on medicine for them is truly a waste."

Qu Buping quickly countered, "You can't say that. We are all kind-hearted people with filial piety. We can't just stand by and watch someone die, can we? That is why we must find some silver to buy medicine."

The woman muttered to herself, "I originally thought you were quite pitiful and wanted to give you some silver for food, but since you are so filial, I suppose I shouldn't object. Very well, let’s go to the pharmacy and buy medicine for his eighty-year-old mother right now."

Qu Buping hurriedly said, "My lady, thank you so much for your kindness, but I don't think we should trouble you. Just give us the silver—gold leaves would be fine, too—and we will buy the medicine ourselves."

The woman laughed, "How could that be? Your kindness and filial piety have deeply moved me, so I must buy the medicine for you personally."

Helpless, the three of them followed the woman toward the pharmacy. As they passed by, they watched people in the restaurants eating and drinking heartily, and the protest from their own stomachs grew increasingly loud.

Qu Buping couldn't hold back any longer, "My lady, you are so kind and benevolent. Could you perhaps lend us some money first so we can fill our stomachs?"

The woman laughed, "I was thinking the same, but since you insisted on saving his eighty-year-old mother, I have no choice but to follow your wishes and spend the money on medicine."

Xiao Yun’er couldn't help but interject, "Then how about you give us some money to buy food first, and then some for the medicine?"

The woman smiled, "That is a good idea, but my money wasn't stolen or robbed, and I can't conjure gold or silver out of thin air. My money has its uses, so I can only give you money for medicine. There is nothing left for food. I am truly sorry."

The three realized the woman was deliberately toying with them. But since the money was in her hands, and they had already failed to steal it, and they were certainly no match for this devilish woman in a fight, they were left with no choice but to cajole and beg.

Qu Buping said, "How about this? Give us ten taels of silver for food first. As for the medicine money for Little Niu’s mother, we’ll figure it out after we’ve eaten. Once I’ve filled my stomach, I’ll have enough confidence to earn the money for the medicine."

Seeing the woman remain silent, he tried to flatter her, "It seems you were right, elder sister. An eighty-year-old person can indeed die. Even if we don't buy the medicine, I don't think Heaven will blame us, because the three of us are about to starve to death. The three of us combined don't even add up to eighty years! I think you should save us first!"

The woman giggled, "You three slippery rascals—I can tell at a glance that you’re up to no good. If I gave you a few dozen taels of silver, never mind buying medicine for your mother, you’d probably see the price was high and sell the old lady herself as a medicinal ingredient!"

Qu Buping blurted out, "That’s a false accusation! I’d sooner sell a wife—who would want an eighty-year-old mother?