The story of Chen Yaozu's failed attempt to cause trouble at the dock and his subsequent humiliation spread throughout the town in less than half a day. Along with this, the affair between Chen Danian and the widow also began to circulate.
Although Gan Li did not name names, the town was only so big, and once those key pieces of information came out, everyone guessed the widow's identity.
So, during their leisure time, everyone not only cursed Chen Danian as a heartless man, but also cursed Master Zhao, saying that he pretended to be a virtuous person, but in reality, he had poor family discipline and actually allowed his daughter to seduce a married man.
A few days later, these rumors reached Master Zhao's ears, making him so angry that he slammed his hand on the table, causing the teacups to jump.
"This is outrageous! What's wrong with Chen Danian? Go and fetch him right now!"
Speaking of this Master Zhao, he was actually quite a ruthless character. In his youth, he traveled all over the country and made a fortune. He returned to his hometown in glory with his accumulated wealth and opened the largest restaurant in town. He was very successful and envied by many.
Master Zhao was quite pleased with himself, but the only drawback was that he had no son, only an only daughter.
He was a strong-willed man. He had no son and did not want his hard-earned family business to fall into the hands of outsiders after his death, so he left his only daughter at home to find a husband.
Who knew that fate would play such a cruel trick on her? Her daughter only gave birth to one daughter, and after that, there was no news of her for many years. Not only that, her son-in-law also died of illness a few years ago!
To prevent his family property from being seized, he intended to find another son-in-law to live with him. Just then, his daughter fell in love with Chen Danian. After looking him over, he felt that Chen Danian was at least a scholar, much better than the previous one, and also good-looking, so he was satisfied.
He wasn't unaware that Chen Danian was married, but he could also see Chen Danian's desire to marry into a higher social class. As long as he made it clear that he couldn't let his daughter be a concubine, Chen Danian would take care of the rest.
Sure enough, not long after, news spread that Chen Danian had divorced his first wife. Outsiders were all speaking up for Chen Danian and criticizing his wife, who was considered unattractive. Master Zhao was completely satisfied.
He was ruthless and decisive; only such a person was suitable to be his son-in-law! So he finally agreed to let his daughter get engaged to him.
The engagement was all planned out, and then this happened at this crucial moment?!
Master Zhao was so angry that his nose was crooked, and he ordered someone to quickly call Chen Danian over.
The subordinate readily agreed and was about to leave when he heard Master Zhao say, "Wait, what was Chen Yaozu's mother selling at her stall?"
"Yes, sir, we sell sweet soup and popsicles."
"What? It's that Gan Kee dessert stall at the dock?" Master Zhao asked in surprise.
Seeing that his master was interested, the servant quickly explained in more detail: "Isn't that right? Their business is booming. Even in this sweltering heat, people line up every day, waiting for a long time, just to have a taste of their sweet soup."
But then again, it's no wonder they sell so well. Ice in summer is more expensive than gold; only the wealthy can afford it, yet they're selling it for a mere few coins! Hmm—that's strange indeed.
Master Zhao was a worldly man, so he naturally knew how rare ice was at this time of year. To put it bluntly, even he rarely had such a treat in the summer.
But why is Ganli selling ice so cheaply? There must be something strange about it! Perhaps she has some secret ice-making recipe?
Master Zhao keenly sensed the business opportunity and immediately became excited.
Last time, he obtained Baifulai's closely guarded recipe for lion's head meatballs, which propelled Wanshunlou's business to new heights, and it looked like he could squeeze Baifulai out of business.
If he could get his hands on the ice-making recipe, he could not only make a fortune, but also completely crush Baifulai!
He pondered for a while and gradually came up with an idea. He still sent someone to call Chen Danian.
When Chen Danian heard the rumors circulating in town, he knew something was wrong. He had been wondering why, ever since he managed to divorce that haggard woman, the Zhao family had been actively pushing for his marriage to Zhao Juan, but now there had been no news for days. He figured it was because of these rumors.
He was thinking about whether he should go to the Zhao residence to coax Zhao Juan and, at the same time, sound out Master Zhao's opinion.
Before he even arrived, Master Zhao sent someone to summon him. Chen Danian followed the messenger to the Zhao residence with trepidation. As soon as he entered, a teacup was smashed over his head!
He was startled, but dared not dodge. Fortunately, the teacup fell to the ground and shattered into several pieces when it was still two or three steps away from him.
As his heart pounded with fear, Master Zhao's furious curses rang in his ears:
"Chen Danian, how dare you come to see me? Tell me, how did those outrageous rumors spread? My daughter may be a widow, but she is innocent. You divorced your ex-wife, yet you're blaming Juan'er. What kind of logic is that?"
As soon as Chen Danian entered, he was met with a barrage of insults, which left him speechless and unable to retaliate. He could only meekly explain:
"Uncle Zhao, you've misunderstood! Those are all rumors. That vicious woman is holding a grudge against me for wanting a divorce, and she deliberately spread them to ruin my and Juan'er's reputations and destroy our marriage!"
"Hmph, your reputation?" Master Zhao sneered. "What's your reputation worth? If it weren't for Juan'er being involved, I wouldn't even bother with you! Now that things have come to this, I think it's better to call off your marriage with Juan'er!"
Chen Danian broke out in a cold sweat and said anxiously, "That won't do! Uncle Zhao, if you cancel my engagement with Juan'er because of this, wouldn't that just play into that bitch's hands? People outside will probably say that we're guilty and that's why we called off the engagement!"
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