He asked Wang Xiulan, who was keeping accounts, in a low voice.
"Less than a third left."
Wang Xiulan fiddled with the abacus without looking up.
"At this rate, they'll be sold out before 10 o'clock."
Su Jianguo nodded in satisfaction.
Since her daughter, Su Yufen, started making tofu, the shop's business has taken another step forward.
Her braised tofu has a rich bean aroma and a delicate texture, earning it an excellent reputation among the locals. It sells out every day before noon.
"Boss Su!"
A familiar voice came from the doorway. Manager Zhao from Quanjude strode in with two waiters.
"As agreed, I've come to collect the fifty pounds of cucumbers myself."
Su Jianguo hurriedly went to greet him.
"Manager Zhao, it's such an honor for you to come in person! Jianjun, quickly serve Manager Zhao the food!"
Su Jianjun brought out a bamboo basket that had been prepared in advance from the back room. Inside were fifty bright green cucumbers, each one carefully selected.
Manager Zhao patted Su Jianguo on the shoulder with satisfaction.
"Mr. Su is very particular about his work. By the way, our head chef would like to discuss a long-term supply of chives with you; the price is negotiable."
Just as the two were exchanging pleasantries, the shop door was pushed open again, and three people in dark blue uniforms walked in.
The leader was a middle-aged man with a square face, wearing a work badge on his chest, and with a serious expression.
Who is in charge here?
The square-faced man surveyed the shop, his voice cold and hard.
The noise inside the store immediately subsided, and customers turned to look.
Su Jianguo's heart tightened, but he didn't show it on his face and quickly stepped forward.
"Hello comrade, I am Su Jianguo, the shop owner."
The square-faced man pulled out an ID card and waved it.
"We are from the Market Comprehensive Management Office, conducting a routine inspection. Please show us your individual business hygiene license."
Su Jianguo was stunned for a moment.
"Health permit? I have a sole proprietorship license and tax registration certificate..."
That's not enough.
The square-faced man interrupted him.
"According to the latest regulations, food business operators must obtain a special health permit. What about yours?"
Su Jianguo frowned slightly.
He had never heard of this certificate since he opened his shop.
None of the other vegetable vendors in the market had done it either.
"Comrade, when was this regulation issued? It seems like the whole market hasn't heard of it..."
"Stop talking nonsense!"
The square-faced man shouted sternly.
"Not having it means you're operating illegally, a fine of twenty yuan! Xiao Zhang, issue the ticket!"
A young man behind him immediately pulled out a receipt book and started writing quickly.
The customers in the store all stopped what they were doing and watched this scene with unease.
Su Jianguo suppressed his anger and tried to keep his voice as calm as possible.
"Comrade, could you make an exception? I'll go and get it replaced right away..."
"No way! Rules are rules!"
The square-faced man spoke with absolute certainty.
"Either pay the fine now, or close down for rectification!"
Seeing this, Manager Zhao quietly tugged at Su Jianguo's sleeve and whispered.
"Mr. Su, let's just pay up to avoid further trouble."
Su Jianguo took a deep breath and turned to Wang Xiulan.
"Xiulan, give me twenty yuan."
After paying the fine, the three men pretended to walk around the store again, pointing out a few trivial issues before leaving.
Su Jianguo stood at the door, watching their departing figures, his face gloomy.
"Jianguo, what's going on?"
Wang Xiulan asked worriedly.
Su Jianguo shook his head.
"Something's not right, Lao Wang!"
He waved to the market administrator.
Do you know those people from just now?
Old Wang jogged over and wiped the sweat from his forehead.
"Mr. Su, that's a newly established joint inspection team; they have a lot of power. However..."
He lowered his voice.
"They usually only inspect large restaurants; they rarely come to the market."
Su Jianguo narrowed his eyes.
"Only my company was investigated in the entire market?"
Old Wang nodded awkwardly.
"Currently... yes."
Just as Su Jianguo was about to ask another question, the shop door was pushed open again.
This time, it was three people wearing green uniforms with "Environmental Inspection" badges pinned to their chests.
"We are from the district environmental protection bureau. We received a report that your wastewater discharge does not meet standards. Please cooperate with our inspection!"
Su Jianguo's heart sank; he knew this matter was far from over.
Over the next few hours, fire, price, and business...
Various departments took turns to issue fines, and each could find a reason to impose them.
"Disorderly items piled up in fire exits will result in a 15 yuan fine!"
"Goods not clearly priced will be fined 30 yuan!"
"Using substandard measuring instruments will result in a fine of 25 yuan!"
By the time the store closed at 3 p.m., Su Jianguo had received a total of twelve tickets, amounting to 215 yuan.
After the last inspection team left, Su Jianguo sat behind the counter, tapping his fingers on the table.
Wang Xiulan hung the "Temporarily Closed" sign outside the door, and her eyes were already red when she turned around.
"Honey, this is clearly someone deliberately setting us up!"
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