Chapter 611: Waiting for One Thing
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Upon hearing the news, Mother Lin was visibly upset. She let out a sigh, slapping her thigh in frustration. “Haven’t we explained time and time again that we haven’t done anything wrong? How can people still believe these rumors?” she lamented, her voice laced with helplessness.
Li Hua’s spirits were also dampened. “Mother, I now understand why rumors are so terrifying. It’s because they continue to spread unless you completely eradicate them,” she said, her voice heavy with realization.
“And they only get more exaggerated as they spread. But how can we possibly stop them when there are so many people in the town, all spreading these lies?” she continued, her voice trailing off in despair.
If the current situation persisted, their beloved restaurant, Sister Hua’s Gourmet Shop, would soon have to close its doors. The thought of such a dire consequence sent their spirits plummeting. They were at a loss, their eyes instinctively turning to Gu Zi, who had just emerged from the back room. She must have heard their conversation, given the close proximity. Yet, her expression remained calm and unperturbed.
Gu Zi joined them at the table, her voice steady as she spoke. “What’s meant to come will come. The problem has surfaced on the first day of business, which is a good thing.”
The popularity of Sister Hua’s Gourmet Shop had grown, attracting more envious eyes. The rumors had been circulating since before the New Year, and there had been no shortage of customers looking for faults, fueled by these rumors. Although no major issues had arisen, Gu Zi had anticipated that a major incident was inevitable. Judging by the day’s customer flow, it seemed the time had come.
The other three looked at Gu Zi in confusion. Li Hua asked, “How can this be a good thing? We had no customers on our opening day. Do you have a solution?”
Li Hua did have a solution in mind – inviting everyone to tour the kitchen and observe the preparation process of their breakfast and braised meat dishes. This would allow them to witness the entire process firsthand, effectively debunking the rumors.
However, she quickly dismissed her own idea. With so many people in the town, and so many who had heard the rumors, it would be impossible to invite each one to observe the process. Besides, not everyone would be willing to come. It was best to see if Gu Zi had a better plan.
Gu Zi shook her head, a look of profound wisdom crossing her beautiful, youthful face. The others listened attentively as she spoke. “No, we must wait for something to happen. I believe it will happen soon. After all, these rumors have been circulating for too long. I don’t believe there isn’t someone deliberately fueling them. We just have to wait for their next move.”
If this were the age of the internet, Gu Zi would have a simple solution – live streaming the preparation process of their breakfast and braised meat dishes. Not only would this dispel the rumors about adding poppy flowers to their food, but it might also attract a large number of customers from outside the town, further boosting the reputation of Sister Hua’s Gourmet Shop.
Moreover, daily live streams could generate a considerable income for the shop. Once they had accumulated a large fan base, they could even earn money from advertising. It was a tantalizing prospect, a potential windfall.
However, this was only wishful thinking. They were living in the 1980s, a time when even televisions and telephones were not yet widespread, let alone the internet. This solution was simply not feasible. All they could do was fantasize about it.
Gu Zi’s only option now was to wait for the person behind the rumors to reveal themselves. Whoever was spreading these rumors must have a motive, and they would inevitably make a move.
Upon hearing this, Li Hua felt the gravity of the situation for the first time. If even Gu Zi, her younger sister-in-law, couldn’t immediately solve the problem, it must be quite troublesome. Li Hua felt an unprecedented pressure, spending the entire morning in a daze, unable to focus on her work. Mother Lin and Aunt Yang were in a similar state.
In the afternoon, the braised meat was ready on schedule. It was displayed on the counter, its glossy color and enticing aroma failing to attract more than a handful of customers. Those who did buy it repeatedly confirmed with Li Hua that no poppy flowers had been added, making the atmosphere in the shop even more awkward and tense.
Gu Zi was relieved that she had left her daughter, Su Le, at home with her two brothers on this first day of business. Given the day’s events, no one would have been in the mood to entertain the little girl.
Just then, another customer walked in. The sound of her voice was familiar to Gu Zi. “Boss, happy new year! Your business doesn’t seem to match the rumors. But I won’t be influenced by them. Please serve me your braised meat. I’ve been craving it!” she said, her voice ringing out in the quiet shop.