Chapter 409: Chapter 301: Cowboy (2)
"You’ve finally said something useful!"
Feng Mountain threw the cigarette in his hand to the ground, crushed it out with his foot, and stood up. He strode toward the other side of the street, fairly satisfied with Director Roland’s words. ’This bum is finally reliable for once,’ he thought.
But Director Roland, who was behind him, looked completely bewildered when he heard this, his brow furrowed.
’Were the things I said before useless?’
’How is this the only useful thing I’ve said?’
Across the street, two men were squatting in front of a closed shop. Judging by their attire, they looked like gang members.
In fact, Feng Mountain had noticed these two the moment he walked out of the store. They kept looking up in his direction, and they had a large "Z" tattooed on their arms. They were clearly with Bao Wen’s group, the ones he’d run into in front of Yves’s house—the Zorro Gang that Cook had mentioned.
As Feng Mountain approached, he nonchalantly placed a hand on his hip, his eyes fixed on the two men with a questioning look.
"Fellas, did Bao Wen send you to watch me?"
"What are you talking about? I don’t understand." One of them, a white man with an earring, was startled for a moment before quickly shaking his head. His gaze fell on Feng Mountain’s hand, which was resting on his hip, and a guilty look flashed in his eyes. He tried to act calm as he replied, "We’re just passing through, looking for a place to take a piss. Do we need to report that to you, too?"
Heh!
’Take a piss?’
’What a pathetic excuse.’
’If you’re going to lie, at least make it believable.’
’Nash could act circles around you guys.’
A corner of Feng Mountain’s mouth twitched into a sneer. "Take your time pissing. Make sure you protect that prostate of yours. You might not need it for much longer."
With that, he ignored the two men and turned back toward the western wear store.
Director Roland also sensed that something was wrong. His expression grew tense, and he hurried over to Feng Mountain, whispering.
"Feng, those are gang members. We should get security!"
’A bunch of little punks is nothing to be afraid of.’
Feng Mountain curled his lip in disdain, his voice brimming with confidence. "No need. What are you afraid of when I’m here?"
’Fuck!’
’I’m afraid *because* you’re here! You’re always so quick to draw your gun.’
Director Roland complained silently in his head, but he didn’t dare let it show on his face.
But he knew that this wasn’t his home turf where he was in control. The rednecks in Texas weren’t exactly a gentle, easygoing bunch.
Just then, Fiona, wearing a pair of small leather boots, came hopping over like a cheerful little rabbit. She pushed the door open, her clear voice ringing out.
"Uncle, Auntie Xiaoli has already picked out your clothes. You need to try them on."
"Okay, thank you, little Angel." A kind smile immediately appeared on Feng Mountain’s face. He reached out and gently patted Fiona on the head, doting on her as if she were his own child.
Then, he looked back at Director Roland and instructed him in a low voice.
"Don’t tell Yves that someone’s watching us. We’ll stick to the plan for now. Don’t let this affect the custody hearing."
"Don’t worry, I won’t say a word." Director Roland’s eyes darted around as he readily agreed. But a sense of unease lingered in his heart; he felt that those gang members wouldn’t give up so easily.
Back inside the store, Yves had clearly tried his best to compose himself. Although a faint, almost imperceptible trace of sadness remained in his eyes, he did his best to appear calm.
Xia Li still had the faint traces of tears in the corners of her eyes that she hadn’t had time to wipe away. Forcing a smile, she picked up a cowboy outfit from the counter and handed it to Feng Mountain.
"Mr. Feng, this cowboy outfit I picked out for you is a traditional Western style. The worn marks on the clothes are intentionally distressed, so please don’t mind them. I just sized you up by eye, and it should fit. You can try it on in the fitting room."
"Okay." Feng Mountain took the clothes. Just as he turned to walk to the fitting room, Xia Li’s voice called out from behind him, "Mr. Feng, wait a moment! Don’t forget the cowboy boots!"
As she spoke, Xia Li grabbed a matching pair of cowboy boots from the side and handed them to Feng Mountain.
Once Feng Mountain had taken the clothes and boots into the fitting room, the others in the store found chairs to sit on. Yves started talking about Crown Territory, and they chatted back and forth, the atmosphere becoming light and pleasant.
Only Director Roland wore a pained expression, his brow deeply furrowed.
He kept turning his head to look outside through the display window, his eyes filled with worry.
He couldn’t stop thinking about the two gang members, feeling they were like a couple of time bombs that could go off at any moment.
Finally, unable to bear it any longer, he went to Yves’s side and whispered something in his ear. Judging by his expression, it seemed he was telling Yves about being watched.
After he finished, Yves’s expression immediately darkened.
A cold, sharp glint flashed in his eyes as he, too, glanced toward the display window.
Then, he discreetly pulled out his phone and quickly sent a text message. The action was so subtle that no one could guess who he was contacting.
Xia Li followed their gazes and naturally recognized the two Zorro Gang members standing across the street. She frowned and looked at Yves, asking softly, "Yves, should I call the Sheriff?"
"No need. I’ve already made arrangements. It’ll be fine."
Yves gave Xia Li a reassuring smile. Then, as if trying to defuse the tense atmosphere, he went on to tell a story about catching Poachers in Crown Territory, attempting to pull everyone’s attention back to a lighter topic.
However, the atmosphere in the store never quite returned to how relaxed it had been. A faint worry hung over them like a thin mist that wouldn’t dissipate.
Fiona, though young, also seemed to sense that something was wrong.
She reached out with her small hands and hugged Yves’s arm tightly, refusing to let go. She leaned her little head against his chest, her dependent and fearful expression making Yves’s heart ache. He reached out and gently patted his daughter’s back.
"Don’t be scared. Daddy’s here."
"Fellas, this leather coat is as stiff as a suit of armor! How am I supposed to wear this?" Feng Mountain’s complaint came from the fitting room, his voice clearly audible through the door.
Hearing this, Xia Li couldn’t help but chuckle. She walked quickly to the fitting room door and explained patiently.
"Mr. Feng, a waxed leather jacket is a traditional piece of western cowboy clothing. It’s made from oil-tanned leather that’s coated with a thin layer of wax. This type of leather has a unique Western texture and look, and it’s especially good at showing off that rugged, untamed cowboy style.
"The longer you wear it and the more you use it, the leather will gradually discolor and show signs of wear, slowly developing a unique patina that will give the jacket even more of a cowboy feel."
"Alright then, thanks!" Inside the fitting room, Feng Mountain listened to Xia Li’s explanation as he continued to get the cowboy outfit on properly. Finally, he put on the cowboy hat, pulled the door open, and walked out.
The moment he stepped out, everyone in the store stared with wide eyes. All gazes were fixed on Feng Mountain, their expressions filled with astonishment.
Feng Mountain already had the natural air of a tough guy. Having lived for a long time on the desolate Far North Tundra, he had developed the unique disposition of a Wilderness Hunter, exuding a stern and rugged aura.
Now, dressed in this traditional Western cowboy outfit with a red scarf tied around his neck, he looked like he had just stepped out of a cowboy story. He exuded a strong cowboy vibe from head to toe, and his entire presence was instantly commanding, a truly striking sight.
Director Roland’s eyes lit up with excitement. He rushed forward, circled Feng Mountain, and looked him up and down while exclaiming in admiration.
"Buddy, you look incredible! That outfit is perfect for you. If I were shooting a Western, I’d definitely cast you as the lead."
"That’s right, this outfit really suits Mr. Feng. It feels like Mr. Feng was born to be a cowboy." Xia Li hadn’t expected the transformation to be so effective.
Yves also gave a thumbs-up and said with a smile, "Boss, very cool!"
"Uncle, you look just like Lucky Luke!"
Fiona’s eyes were wide, her little cheeks flushed with excitement.
She tried her best to reconcile the cartoon character in her mind with the real-life Feng Mountain before her.
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