The entire lobby fell into a deathly silence.
The bald man felt a chill run from the soles of his feet straight to the top of his head, his calves were trembling, and he almost collapsed on the spot.
If that knife had been just an inch off, he would have been forever barred from marriage and children!
"Whether it was during the time of our ancestors in the Liu family or now that I'm in charge, we at Bazhenlou only select the freshest ingredients and keep our kitchens spotless and bright! All the purchase receipts for the ingredients and the sample lists of fresh goods purchased that day are posted on the notice board at the entrance, clearly written in black and white! All neighbors can check them at any time!"
Zi Xi's voice was as cold as an icy spring, echoing clearly in the quiet hall where you could hear a pin drop.
"We at Bazhenlou have nothing to fear! It's you lot who are truly upright..."
"Tell me! Which scoundrel from the gutter did you take so much dirty money from to do this despicable thing that will bring ruin upon your family and tarnish people's reputations?!"
Zi Xi's gaze was like a knife, slowly sweeping over the bald man and his pale-faced henchmen. Her voice suddenly turned sharp, and she took a step forward with a sense of oppression, approaching the group of trembling thugs. Her gaze fell on the bald man's face, which was covered in cold sweat, and she questioned him word by word.
"If you dare to cause trouble at Bazhenlou again, believe me, before I report you to the authorities and throw you in jail... I'll let you experience firsthand what it feels like to be childless and have your bones torn apart!!"
Zi Xi's eyes suddenly turned cold, and the burly cook behind her suddenly swung the heavy jujube wood rolling pin in his hand twice in the air!
The sticks flashed and whirled, creating a powerful gust of wind that even brushed against the cheeks of the diners in the front row!
Zi Xi gave him an approving look.
With that kind of strength, if she ever opens a hot pot restaurant, the first person she'll hire is Uncle Fatty to make noodles for the customers!
The bald man and his henchmen turned completely green, all traces of color draining from their faces.
They stared at each other in horror, seeing only fear and dread in each other's eyes.
Playing with fire?
No!
They're really just here to make a living!
This money is burning my hands, and this woman is deadly!
"You're ruthless...you win!"
"Mountains... mountains may not move, but water will! You!! You just wait and see!"
The bald man's throat was dry, and his voice was hoarse like a broken gong as he managed to squeeze out a few harsh words.
Even he himself felt unconvinced by his bluffing; it seemed more like he was trying to save face.
As soon as he finished speaking, he dared not look at the chilling boning knife on the ground or Zi Xi's icy gaze. He no longer cared about saving face and, like a frightened bird, shoved his henchman beside him: "Go! Go now!"
The group scrambled and stumbled through the crowd of onlookers, disappearing without a trace of embarrassment.
The lobby fell silent for a moment, as if a pause button had been pressed.
Immediately afterwards, a burst of laughter and cheers erupted like a tidal wave.
"Master Liu! Well done! That was so satisfying!"
"That's great! That's exactly how you deal with this kind of scoundrel! Boss, you're awesome!"
"Honey-glazed crispy duck! Dude! Quick! I was drooling watching that show, get me some to calm my nerves!"
"Yes! One free, no, one free, and one paid! I'll have two today! I'm happy today!"
Zi Xi put on the polite smile of the owner of Bazhenlou. She calmly stepped forward, grasped the still trembling knife handle with one hand, and with a gentle force, pulled the boning knife, which was deeply embedded in the stone slab, out with a pop. Her movements were clean and neat.
"I'm so sorry to have disturbed your enjoyment! The crispy duck I promised today will be served right away! Please eat and drink well, this is my way of apologizing for any fright you may have experienced!"
She smiled and clasped her hands in greeting at the enthusiastic diners.
Amidst even louder cheers, Zi Xi turned around and walked steadily back to the curtain leading to the kitchen.
The gentle smile on her face vanished without a trace the moment the curtain fell.
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