Xu Milu's words proved prophetic.
The next day, Weibo's trending topics were all red, with "Master of Skills #GiantMushroom", "Master of Skills #Dead" and "Honghe #SuperGiantMushroom" all neatly hanging on the list, and the flames of popularity never went down.
Although it was a live stream, the enormous size of the ingredients led many to suspect it was just a publicity stunt, with some fans sharing screenshots and the official account of Honghe Research Institute.
Some even questioned why Li Ning was able to receive the Super Mushrooms ahead of time, suspecting that the purchase limit was fake, and called on Honghe Research Institute to come out and explain on Weibo.
"Junior Aunt, I'm so sorry, I really didn't think that much about it. Have I caused you any trouble?"
Li Ning looked annoyed. Not only did his phone freeze yesterday, but his Weibo account's private messages also exploded. This morning, when he opened Weibo, red notifications kept refreshing, and he was bombarded with phone calls one after another.
"Anyway, the fact that Honghe Research Institute is our supplier will be found out sooner or later, so what's there to be afraid of? You should think about cooking later."
Xu Milu was chopping ribs with a knife. Cui Shengguo was going to teach her a private recipe today – pan-fried pork ribs. The best cuts were fresh pork with bones, especially those with a layer of cartilage on top.
This dish is one of the dishes on the "Cui Family Roasted Pork Feast" menu. Just the fact that it was once on the menu of a state banquet is enough to show how delicious it is.
"That's right, look at your junior aunt's demeanor, she has the air of a great general. You're such a big guy, but you panic at the slightest thing."
Cui Shengguo glared at Li Ning, seemingly forgetting that he had almost reached for his blood pressure medication in his pocket after seeing the giant matsutake mushroom in the kitchen cold storage that morning.
"Grandmaster, that's too shocking! Such a huge matsutake mushroom, it's unbelievable! Do you think the people at Honghe Research Institute have some kind of magical spring like those in novels that can grow matsutake mushrooms this big?"
Unable to contain his excitement, Li Ning couldn't help but start daydreaming.
Xu Milu: "..."
In a sense, she didn't have a spiritual spring, only a transdimensional system, and it was a defective one at that.
"So what are you going to do now? Should I post a statement on our Rice Food Shop's Weibo account later, clarifying that Honghe Research Institute is our supplier, and then this matter will be over?"
As Xu Milu carefully peeled away the tendons and membranes from the meat with the blade, she asked...
Li Ning was somewhat surprised: "Our rice food shop has a Weibo account? How come I didn't know?"
Xu Milu rolled her eyes:
"I've had it for a while. The shop was closed during the Chinese New Year, so I registered an account, and many customers followed. I'll post it when I'm done with my work."
"Then I'll take a look. Is it called 'Rice Food Shop'? No offense, Junior Sister, but isn't the name of your shop a bit—"
As soon as Li Ning opened Weibo, the notification sounds kept ringing. He scrolled through them for a bit and then suddenly exclaimed in surprise:
"Huh? Why are state media getting involved? And so quickly?"
"Official media?"
Xu Milu was somewhat puzzled.
"Yes, look, China Agricultural University, China Agricultural Bureau, China Forestry Bureau, the local Communist Youth League of Ningcheng, and the Beijing Daily—these are all official media outlets! They're actually endorsing the Honghe Research Institute? Just who is Ren Honghe?!"
Li Ning gasped.
Xu Milu leaned over to take a look and saw that the official account of Honghe Research Institute had posted a concise clarification on Weibo, followed by a string of official accounts, all of which were mentioning Honghe Research Institute.
[Honghe Research Institute: There was no fraud or false sales. @DamiFoodShop is our only designated partner restaurant. All ingredients shown in the video are supplied by our company and belong to the "Super Fruits and Vegetables" series, including "Giants of Matsutake Mushrooms," "Giants of King Oyster Mushrooms," and "Giants of Shiitake Mushrooms." We will also be launching a new product, "Desert Chili." Thank you for your supervision and feedback.]
[Mengcheng Local Youth League: @Honghe Research Institute @Ningcheng Forestry Bureau @Ningcheng Agriculture Bureau Looking forward to the next collaboration! #DesertChili #DesertChili]
[China Agricultural Bureau: @Honghe Research Institute looks forward to cooperation!]
[China Forestry Bureau: @HongheResearchInstitute received a report from a netizen. After investigation, it was found that there was no fraudulent sales or purchase restriction activity. @DamiFoodShop is conducting normal business activities.]
[Huaxia Agricultural University: @Honghe Research Institute @Dami Food Shop, looking forward to the next collaboration #PingPongGrapes#]
Official accounts are posting messages one after another, each with a prominent gold "V" sign, making them seem almost like fake accounts.
So fast?
Has Zhang Cang already reached an agreement with the authorities to contract the desert?
Mengcheng? It's not far from Ningcheng. The desert covers a large area and is dry with little rain all year round, which is indeed suitable for the growth conditions of the Flame Mandolin pepper.
Xu Milu seemed to be deep in thought.
The rice food stall is always busy, so she didn't notice any changes, except that there were an unusually large number of customers taking photos and checking in today.
Unexpectedly, it was because state media personally intervened.
It seems that the authorities have a very strong desire to continue their cooperation with the Honghe Research Institute.
Xiao Tao came running in, panting, and said:
"Boss, there are a lot of reporters at the door, they want to interview us, what should we do?"
Cui Shengguo remained calm and composed, not even lifting his eyelids, and said in a strong voice:
“You have to queue for interviews too. There’s a long line outside, isn’t there? Besides, the police are watching over us, so they won’t dare to barge in. Come on, Da Mi, keep practicing, and let Li Ning cook for you.”
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