The night was as dark as ink, enveloping the Hongqi Production Brigade in tranquility. The kerosene lamp in Lin Wanqiu's house, however, remained lit, its dim yellow light filtering through the window paper and casting two overlapping shadows on the ground, conveying a sense of solemnity and determination.
Shen Tingzhou held an unlit cigarette between his fingers, his brows furrowed like a deep ravine. His usually composed and steady figure now revealed a hint of imperceptible weariness. The phone call he received during the day weighed heavily on his heart, making him restless and uneasy. "Natural Delight" food shop was not only Lin Wanqiu's life's work, but also a testament to the couple's years of hard work together. Now, it had been maliciously reported, its accounts frozen, and the store closed. One wrong move, and everything would be lost.
"Don't worry yourself sick." Lin Wanqiu brought over a cup of warm honey water and gently placed it beside him, her fingertips inadvertently touching his slightly cool palm. "The matter has already happened. What we need to do now is to deal with it calmly, find out who is behind it, and clear the food shop's name."
Shen Tingzhou looked up, gazing at the certainty and composure in his wife's eyes, and the anxiety in his heart gradually subsided. He took the water glass, the warm liquid sliding down his throat, the warmth spreading throughout his body. "I've already asked the guys in the city to keep an eye on things. The people from the Industry and Commerce Bureau are checking the raw materials and accounts one by one, but the other side is clearly well-prepared. Their complaint letter is very well-written, and they've even provided so-called 'evidence'."
"What evidence?" Lin Wanqiu keenly caught the key information, her eyes narrowing slightly.
"They claim that prohibited additives were detected in the waste from our food processing workshop, and they even attached a so-called 'purchase record' stating that we purchased industrial raw materials from an unlicensed workshop." Shen Tingzhou's tone was laced with sarcasm, but even more so with anger. "These are all nonsense! The raw materials in our food processing workshop are either grown by ourselves or purchased from regular farmers. Every transaction is clearly recorded. How could such a thing happen!"
Lin Wanqiu pondered for a moment, her fingertips lightly tapping on the table as she fell into deep thought. Since the other party dared to frame her so blatantly, they must have done their homework thoroughly, perhaps even planting spies within the food processing plant; otherwise, they wouldn't be so familiar with waste disposal and procurement procedures. "Do you think it could be one of our competitors who lost out to us before?"
A hint of agreement flashed in Shen Tingzhou's eyes: "That's possible. The owner of that newly opened 'Delicious Food House' in the city, Sun Defa, has always held a grudge against us. Last time, our fruit and vegetable mini steamed buns took away most of their market share, and he threatened to teach us a lesson. But without evidence, it's hard to draw a conclusion easily."
“If there’s no evidence, we’ll find it.” Lin Wanqiu’s eyes were sharp as an eagle’s. “Tomorrow, when you return to the city, focus on three aspects: First, investigate the waste disposal process to see if anyone has tampered with the waste; second, verify the so-called ‘purchase record’ and find any signs of forgery; third, secretly investigate ‘Meiweizhai’s’ recent activities to see if they have any unusual financial transactions or personnel changes.”
She paused, then continued, "I will also take simultaneous action, contacting the leaders of the commune and the county to explain the situation to them. Over the years, our food workshop has generated considerable revenue for the commune and helped surrounding farmers become wealthy. The leaders know what they're talking about. In addition, I will have Old Chen and the other cooperative farmers jointly write a certificate proving that the raw materials we purchase are all green and healthy, and there are no problems whatsoever."
Looking at his wife's well-organized arrangements, Shen Tingzhou felt even more confident. He knew that Lin Wanqiu not only possessed a keen business sense but also the courage to remain calm in the face of danger. With her by his side, they could weather any storm. "Alright, we'll do as you say. I'll set off first thing tomorrow morning and find out the truth as soon as possible."
The next morning, just as dawn was breaking and the first hint of light appeared in the east, a chilly morning mist enveloped the village. Shen Tingzhou bid farewell to his wife and children and embarked on his journey to the county town. Lin Wanqiu stood at the village entrance, watching his receding figure, silently praying that everything would go well for him.
After seeing Shen Tingzhou off, Lin Wanqiu immediately took action. She first went to the village secretary's house and told him everything about the food workshop being maliciously reported. Upon hearing this, the village secretary was furious: "Outrageous! Wanqiu, don't worry, the whole village trusts you! I'll immediately convene a meeting of the village cadres and get the villagers to write a joint statement to help you get through this difficult time!"
With the village secretary's support, things progressed very smoothly. The villagers were outraged to learn that Lin Wanqiu's food workshop had been framed. Those farmers who regularly supplied the workshop with raw materials even came forward, offering to testify on Lin Wanqiu's behalf.
"Lanqiu, we planted all our vegetables according to the methods you taught us. We absolutely did not use any prohibited pesticides. We can sign and seal this agreement!" Old Chen said excitedly, his face full of determination. His strawberries had always been a hot commodity at the food market. Over the years, his family's life had become increasingly prosperous thanks to selling strawberries, and he was truly grateful to Lin Wanqiu.
“Yes, Wanqiu, we all believe you! That ‘Delicious Food Shop’ must be jealous of your good business, that’s why they came up with this dirty trick!” Liu Ersao said indignantly, still holding the freshly made sesame candy in her hand. “We’ll go and write up the statement right now, we’ll make those bad guys pay the price!”
Looking at the villagers' sincere faces, Lin Wanqiu felt a surge of warmth in her heart. During her most difficult time, these simple and honest villagers had given her their greatest support and trust; she would forever remember this kindness. "Thank you everyone, thank you for believing in me. With your support, I will definitely overcome this difficulty."
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