Force Me Out? I’ll Take Every Merchant With Me

Two years ago, Ji Na, owner of a stir-fried chicken restaurant, became the first merchant to sign with the rundown, desolate Liusha Scenic Area. Single-handedly, she turned Na’s Famous Stir-Fried Chicken into a nationwide viral hit, reviving the entire scenic spot and boosting De City’s broader tourism industry. Chu Tian, the site’s coordinator, earned a promotion to manager for landing such a high-value tenant. Once visitor numbers stabilized, however, Chu Tian turned on her. To profit by re-renting her prime storefront to a higher bidder, he harassed Ji Na repeatedly, extorting money under false “violation fee” charges. When refused, he cut off her shop’s water and electricity, threatened to kick her out, and arrogantly claimed that “even a paramecium could make money running a shop here.” Ji Na feigned compliance, but secretly recorded his corrupt confession on her watch. When that failed, Chu Tian incited other merchants to gang up on Ji Na, claiming she was hogging all foot traffic, and organized crowds to chant for her expulsion. Seeing no point in staying, Ji Na publicly agreed to leave. A smug Chu Tian handed over termination papers and announced a 10% management fee hike for all shops. After signing, Ji Na told her assistant they would relocate to Nanshan Scenic Area 10 kilometers away: “I built this place up. I can just as easily take it all away.