Chapter 835: Illogical
Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Gu Zi’s heart pounded wildly for a few moments before she took a deep breath to steady herself. Despite the danger, she knew from the original story that Su Shen should be fine in the end. Thus, she didn’t need to worry excessively.
Once the grand opening was over, she planned to seek out Boss Huo. With his extensive connections and access to information, he would surely know something.
Within a few seconds, Gu Zi had made up her mind. She listened as Gong Xin spoke of her brother, “Of course it’s my brother. He also went to participate in the grand drill. He used to write letters, but recently there’s been no news. When he comes back, I’ll have to give him a good beating.”
Gu Zi laughed, reassuring her, “He’ll be fine. Don’t worry too much. Today is the grand opening, and I’m in a good mood. Everything you eat is on the house. Consider it my respect for Aunt Chen.”
Upon seeing Gu Zi, Mrs. Chen initially felt a bit embarrassed. However, seeing that Gu Zi held no grudges about the past and was even generously offering a free meal, Mrs. Chen’s expression relaxed. She pulled out a prepared gift from her handbag and handed it to Gu Zi, “I accept your kindness. This is a small token of my appreciation. Don’t refuse it. I wish you a prosperous business!”
Gu Zi saw that it was a red envelope and accepted it with a smile. She then instructed Zhang Yao, “Bring two more servings of sweet peanut curd to table eight. It’s my treat for Aunt Chen. Also, prepare a pen and paper to write a notice. Announce that our shop will have a limited supply of braised pork every day. Those who wish to purchase our braised pork should come early rather than late.”
Zhang Yao was quick and efficient, capable of doing the work of two people. She had just served the peanut curd when Gu Zi’s notice was already posted at the most conspicuous spot outside the shop. The news that Sister Hua’s Gourmet Shop would have a limited supply of braised pork each day spread quickly. Even their competitors heard about it and abandoned any hostility towards Sister Hua’s Gourmet Shop.
That afternoon, some competitors even brought flower baskets to congratulate them.
Li Hua was not stingy either. As agreed with Gu Zi, she invited the competitors into the shop to taste the braised pork and share their culinary experiences. The group chatted happily, creating a very pleasant atmosphere.
In truth, this was a strategy that Gu Zi and Li Hua had agreed upon long ago. The city branch of their business was primarily focused on a hunger marketing strategy, offering limited supplies.
This approach not only maintained the customers’ desire to purchase but also enhanced the brand value of Sister Hua’s braised meat. Moreover, it left room for other businesses, ensuring they were not driven to a dead end. It was a belief of theirs that only by not pushing others to the brink could they themselves find a way to survive.
Gu Zi, seeing that Li Hua could handle the situation, felt reassured. In the mid-afternoon, she returned home with her three siblings. She had work to complete and studies to pursue.
As for Su Bing, he needed to prepare for the final round of the math competition on Monday.
The task of looking after Lele was left to Su Li and Gao Ming.
Su Li, cradling the little girl, patted his chest and assured, “Don’t worry, mom and brother, I will definitely take good care of Lele!”
However, the little girl loved to tease her second brother. A minute later, her loud crying echoed throughout the entire villa. No matter how Su Li tried to soothe her, it was to no avail.
As soon as Su Bing came over and picked her up, she quieted down after a few comforting words. Su Li, frustrated, said to Gao Ming, “She’s doing this on purpose, I’m sure of it.”
Gao Ming patted his brother’s shoulder, not saying much. However, he couldn’t help but roll his eyes at the sight of the lollipop in his brother’s mouth. Who else would end up eating the candy meant to pacify a child?
On Monday morning, the students participating in the math competition boarded the bus and arrived at the competition venue, the Children’s Palace. The area outside the Children’s Palace was already filled with parents and enthusiastic spectators.
The second round and the finals were both to be held that day, promising an exciting spectacle. More importantly, they were eager to see how the genius student who had been featured in the newspaper would perform.
A group of people, holding the newspaper that reported Su Bing as a prodigy, were discussing as they read, “Is he really that amazing? Do you think the exam questions were leaked that day? Could the kid have cheated? Honestly, only by cheating could he have finished so early and still ensured accuracy.”
“I also find it suspicious,” one person chimed in, “I heard this kid transferred from Chenglong Elementary School. Think about it, what kind of school is that? Frankly, it’s not even considered decent in the city. A student from there suddenly transfers to the best school in the city, even entering the top class. It’s illogical. I bet his family struck it rich.”
“Going by what you’re saying, isn’t that unfair to the other competitors?” another person argued, “I think we should report this to the chief examiner and have him verify the student’s scores.”
Everyone had their say, each feeling like a detective who had stumbled upon a significant clue. Even though they all knew very well that a competition of this level would not easily leak its questions.