Chapter 833: Opening Day
Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
When Gu Zi and her party arrived, the once fervent protest had dwindled.
The protestors stood listlessly in front of the store, waiting for an explanation from the instigator of the event. Many passersby were drawn to the spectacle, their curiosity piqued by the unusual scene.
A black Santana car pulled up at the corner, stopping in front of the new store. The dispersed crowd regrouped, their eyes fixated on the vehicle.
A woman, poised and mature, stepped out of the car. She wore a professional smile, warm yet authoritative. “I am the secretary of the Bureau of Industry and Commerce,” she announced, “Here is my work badge.”
As she spoke, she held up her badge, a testament to her authenticity.
Once the crowd was convinced of her identity, she continued in an official tone, “We received a report from the public about a disturbance caused by individual business owners in this area. We are here to investigate. However, from what we see, the situation seems to have been exaggerated. We understand your concerns and on behalf of the Bureau of Industry and Commerce, I would like to assure you…”
“We will strictly crack down on any monopolistic behavior in various industries. You need not worry that Sister Hua’s Gourmet Shop will monopolize the industry like some capitalists once it opens in the city. Miss Gu Zi, the major shareholder of Sister Hua’s Gourmet Shop, is a kind and visionary woman. Her business philosophy is that no single store should dominate an industry…”
Upon hearing these words, the shopkeepers made their judgments. The secretary’s words, while seemingly meant to pacify the crowd, were in fact a show of support for Sister Hua’s Gourmet Shop.
The seasoned shopkeepers understood this and made their final decision – they could not oppose this store. It was not to be trifled with. To do so would mean going against the authorities, a thought that sent a cold sweat down many a brow.
Seizing the right moment, Gu Zi, accompanied by Li Hua, stepped into the spotlight. She announced loudly, “Fellow business owners, my sister-in-law and I are the shareholders and owners of Sister Hua’s Gourmet Shop. We are new to the city and rely on your kindness. Of course, we also thank you for warming up our branch opening.
“I hereby announce that the grand opening of Sister Hua’s Gourmet Shop will be tomorrow. We have prepared dragon and lion dance performances and welcome everyone to join us. In addition, we have invited reporters from Guangcheng Daily for an exclusive interview. Other media friends, please abide by industry rules and act professionally. Now, let our store owner announce the opening benefits for everyone.”
The scene was bustling with activity as Gu Zi spoke, attracting a crowd of onlookers. The news that the renowned Sister Hua’s Gourmet Shop, which had been featured in newspapers, was opening in their city brought joy to their faces.
“I made a special trip with my family to eat there once,” one person said. “The taste was unforgettable. I just haven’t had the time to go a second time. Now that they’re opening a branch in our city, it’ll be much easier to get their braised pork!”
“Is it really that good?” another asked. “I’ve never tried it. Tomorrow is Sunday, and my whole family is off. I’ll bring everyone to try it out.”
And so, the word spread among the pedestrians, providing the most timely publicity for Sister Hua’s Gourmet Shop’s grand opening.
On the day of the opening, the sun was shining, the breeze was gentle, and the crowd had filled the entrance of the shop early. The street was packed with customers who had rushed over upon hearing the news.
As the sound of firecrackers echoed, the dignified ribbon-cutting ceremony began. The crowd buzzed with excitement as they flooded into the shop, creating a lively scene.
Every customer in the shop wore a satisfied smile, except for one middle-aged woman. She had come with her colleagues, only to discover that the new shop they had mysteriously brought her to was owned by her adopted daughter.
Seeing the bustling scene, Zhang Mei couldn’t help but think of her own daughter, Miaomiao, who was suffering in prison. How lonely she must be every day.
Gu Zi, on the other hand, seemed to be doing well. She had caused Miaomiao to end up in jail and her marriage to be unstable, yet she herself was managing both her career and family without a hitch. She had even opened a branch of the shop she had started in the town. Zhang Mei and Gu Shan had initially thought that the old pig farmer had some savings and that Gu Zi was just playing around by opening a shop in town. Now, it seemed that Gu Zi was serious about her business, even expanding it to the city.
This adopted daughter resented them for forcing her to marry in the countryside, and for allowing Lin Miao to marry into the Gong family in her stead. Now, step by step, she seemed to be planning to return from the countryside and ruthlessly trample Lin Miao underfoot, proving that the Gu family’s decision to abandon her and favor their biological daughter was a mistake.
Zhang Mei wasn’t worried about changing her own mind, but she was worried about Gu Shan, who cared about his reputation. Seeing Gu Zi doing better and better, he would surely despise Lin Miao more and more. This would make Lin Miao’s life even harder…