As time went by, most of the participants had arrived. Looking around, there were more than twenty people, and with the villagers watching, the spacious venue seemed a bit crowded.
Those participating in the competition were busy preparing their things, while the people around them were eating sunflower seeds and watching the excitement, wondering who from the village had come to participate. If they saw someone they knew, they would occasionally exchange a few words.
When everyone saw Gan Tao, they were all surprised and couldn't help but whisper among themselves.
"Hey? Isn't that Gan Tao? What's she doing here?"
"Who knows? I guess they're really starving at home, otherwise they wouldn't have the nerve to participate in the competition."
"That's right. Back then, her mother went around the whole village saying that Gan Quan was a toad, but now she's shamelessly fawning over him."
"It's not Tao'er's fault... She's a good girl, how come she ended up with such a mother?"
They became more and more excited as they spoke, attracting the attention of many people, including the village chief who glared at them with a stern face.
That one glance made the group look embarrassed, and they muttered something in an attempt to cover it up:
"Shh, keep your voice down. If someone hears us, they'll say we're gossiping again."
Although everyone said this, their expressions carried a hint of disdain.
Gan Tao pursed her lips, focusing intently on her work, completely ignoring the gossip.
Seeing this, everyone lost interest and looked elsewhere. When they saw someone, they were even more surprised—this person was Gan Yingzi.
As everyone knows, when Gan Li had just returned to the village after her divorce, Gan Yingzi had fought with Gan Tian over fish, which caused quite a commotion and soon the whole village knew about it.
I didn't expect her to participate in the competition too?
How could Ganli be willing to do that?
"This Ganli has really changed her ways, she's actually being so generous? If it were me, if someone bullied my girl, I wouldn't hold a grudge, but trying to take advantage of me? No way!"
Gan Yingzi felt a little guilty listening to the whispers of her fellow villagers.
On the surface, she calmly packed the things she would need, but in reality, she couldn't help but steal glances at Gan Li, her eyes filled with a hint of fear.
It was impossible for Gan Li not to see that gaze.
However, she did not react.
Unlike Gan Tao, Gan Yingzi had registered with the village chief well in advance. The village chief had already shown the list to Gan Li, so she naturally knew that Gan Yingzi had also participated.
Although she had some bad impressions of Gan Yingzi, she had set the rules for hiring at the restaurant herself. If she didn't let Gan Yingzi participate because of a minor squabble between the children, she would be labeled as petty and it wouldn't be worth it, so she didn't interfere.
Anyway, the rules have already been set. If Gan Yingzi can really pass the test, then she is truly capable, so there's no harm in taking her in.
If she's up to no good, just fire her. In short, there's no need to risk a bad reputation for her.
So, despite the stares of the crowd, Gan Li remained unfazed, as if she hadn't noticed anything.
Upon seeing this, everyone praised her for her magnanimity.
Gan Yingzi breathed a sigh of relief, the fear on her face faded slightly, and she felt a sense of gratitude towards Gan Li.
After all, although she was young, she wasn't unaware that her actions today might be considered shameless, but she dared not not come, otherwise...
Just then, the sound of a gong suddenly rang out, interrupting Gan Yingzi's thoughts. She and the others looked up at the source of the sound.
The village chief, holding a gong, struck it three times. Seeing that he had drawn everyone's attention, he put it down with satisfaction and then loudly proclaimed:
"Dear neighbors, you probably all know why we've gathered here today. Our village's daughter, Ganli, has opened a large restaurant in town through her hard work and diligence!"
But they got to where they are today not because of any of us, yet they are willing to come back to our village to recruit people. This shows that they are kind and righteous!
I hope everyone cherishes this opportunity, works hard, and doesn't let Ali's good intentions go to waste!
He said, giving up his seat: "Alright, I won't say any more. Now, let's hear what Pear Girl has to say."
Ganli was very satisfied with the village chief's speech, which praised her for her good character.
Since that's the case, she shouldn't say too much, lest people think she's being arrogant, so she just smiled and said:
"I don't have much to say either. I wish you all the best!" After saying that, he turned to look at the village chief.
The village chief understood, stepped forward, picked up the hammer again, and struck the gong heavily.
"The competition shall now begin!"
At the village chief's command, the once quiet place suddenly became lively.
The participants got to work, some washing rice and vegetables, others starting fires and heating pots. For a time, all sorts of sounds mingled together, creating a lively atmosphere.
Gan Li stood to the side, watching everyone busy at work, a faint smile on her face.
The participants in the competition were initially a little nervous and reserved, surrounded by onlookers, but they gradually relaxed and became more at ease as they moved their hands.
Some people were seen chopping vegetables with fluid, graceful movements. The cleavers in their hands seemed to be nimble dance partners, flying up and down, and the ingredients were neatly prepared, drawing cheers from the onlookers.
One of the women, dressed in indigo, was particularly impressive. Her movements were clean and efficient. With her left hand holding a live fish, she used her right hand to wield a knife and cleaned the fish in the blink of an eye. Her skillful movements drew gasps of amazement from those around her.
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