Chapter 125 Forum
When He Zhi heard that Song Ji was being maliciously smeared on the local forum, his first thought was that Gu Hong was behind it.
Gu Hong's reputation has plummeted with He Zhi. Since he dared to threaten Chengrun Foods to suddenly refuse to supply them with ingredients, it's not unreasonable for him to hire someone to smear Songji on the forum.
He Zhi was in a state of turmoil, feeling extremely annoyed and guilty for dragging Song Ji down, while also finding Gu Hong to be a very strange person.
When he used to work at Rongxia Xiaochu, Gu Hong didn't pay much attention to him whenever he came to inspect the restaurant. But as soon as he changed jobs, Gu Hong started asking him to come back, as if he were some important technical backbone.
He Zhi couldn't stand it anymore, so he went to see Gu Hong during his day off on Monday.
When Gu Hong wanted to recruit He Zhi back to Rongxia Xiaochu, he gave him his contact information. Gu Hong was very happy when he received He Zhi's call, believing that he had finally turned over a new leaf and that the declining trend of Rongxia Xiaochu's business should be able to slow down.
Upon seeing He Zhi, Gu Hong gave what he considered a very amiable smile: "Chef He, when are you planning to come back to work? The doors of Rongxia Kitchen are always open for you."
He Zhi said, "Give up, I will never come back in this lifetime!"
Gu Hong was stunned; his kind smile slowly disappeared, and his expression turned gloomy.
Is He Zhi out of his mind? If he wasn't going to come, he wasn't going to come. Why call him to arrange a meeting, and then put on this show? Is he trying to provoke him by showing his loyalty to Song Ji?
Gu Hong's opinion of He Zhi had changed from an honest man at the beginning to a good chef later on, and now he had even become a lunatic. Gu Hong wouldn't feel at ease leaving this kind of person at Rongxia Kitchen; he felt that He Zhi's mind was not quite right.
“President Gu, I always thought you were an upright person, but you first threatened Chengrun Foods to terminate the cooperation with Songji, and now you’ve even had people smear Songji online. Running a business is all about service and taste, and your methods are too despicable!” He Zhi had to muster up his courage to say these words. Gu Hong used to be his big boss, and seeing Gu Hong still made He Zhi a little intimidated, but he was too angry. He was still planning to work for Songji for the rest of his life, and what Gu Hong had done made him feel ashamed.
Gu Hong frowned, but his tone remained calm: "First of all, I did not threaten Chengrun Foods to terminate its cooperation with Songji. It is written in the contract that a supplier cannot supply ingredients to two competing restaurants at the same time. I simply let Chengrun Foods choose which party to continue cooperating with, and Chengrun chose us. This is not a threat."
“Secondly,” Gu Hong looked at him with puzzlement, “I didn’t have anyone smear Songji online. I’ve been in the catering business for decades and have various businesses of different sizes. I wouldn’t take Songji seriously, let alone do something so despicable!”
Gu Hong spoke with utmost sincerity, and He Zhi glanced at him, his own thoughts beginning to waver.
“He Zhi,” Gu Hong stood up and said, “I hope you will come back to Rongxia Kitchen. You were one of the people I recruited from the beginning. I sincerely want to make Rongxia Kitchen a success and hope that the original staff will remain intact. Although I opened Rongxia Kitchen to make money, I also hope to give the employees a good job so that you can live a stable life.”
Gu Hong started playing the emotional card, and He Zhi's expression changed slightly. He was falling for this trick: "President Gu, perhaps that's what you think, but Rongxia Kitchen's development is completely different from when it first opened. The deputy store manager is nepotistic, and the seniority system in the store is serious. Otherwise, I wouldn't have left."
"But I never thought about changing jobs after I got to Song's. Mr. Gu, let's part ways amicably."
Gu Hong was shocked and furious after hearing He Zhi's words, and he couldn't believe it: "Rongxia Kitchen has actually developed into this?"
“I’m usually too busy with work to be at the store all the time. When I do go there, everyone seems fine. I never imagined my employees had suffered so much injustice! He Zhi, don’t worry, I will definitely investigate this matter thoroughly and give you an explanation and everyone a proper resolution!”
Gu Hongyi's indignant tone gradually softened as he looked at He Zhi: "I have to thank you for letting me see the truth of the matter. He Zhi, you are a rare talent. Rongxia Xiaochu will always keep your job. You can come back whenever you want."
He Zhi shook his head: "Thank you, President Gu, but I am doing very well at Song Ji now. As long as President Gu wants to investigate, he will definitely be able to find out the truth. I also hope that Rongxia Kitchen can return to the way it was when it first opened."
After saying that, He Zhi left decisively.
As he left the office, he thought that perhaps General Manager Gu was actually quite honest, and had just been deceived by the deputy store manager.
However, no matter what, he is the kind of person who will not change his mind once he has made up his mind to do something.
As soon as He Zhi left the office, Gu Hong's expression darkened. He immediately called the deputy store manager and asked directly, "Did you have someone smear Songji online?"
The assistant manager was stunned for a moment, then immediately cried out, "Mr. Gu, it wasn't me! How could I do such a thing? I've been working hard to increase customer traffic at Rongxia Kitchen and always keep Mr. Gu's words in mind. It really wasn't me!"
Gu Hong looked disgusted: "Alright, as soon as I heard about this today, I knew it was related to you. Tell me in detail how you did it."
The assistant store manager let go of his hand, which he had been pretending to wipe away tears, and looked Gu Hong up and down. Seeing that Gu Hong didn't seem like he was going to settle scores later, he carefully told Gu Hong what he had done.
They simply asked a few people on a local forum to say that Song Ji's food was not good. The deputy manager emphasized, "President Gu, I didn't mean to smear them. Everyone has different tastes, and it's impossible for everyone to like Song Ji's food. I just asked some customers who don't like Song Ji's food to express their opinions on the forum."
Gu Hong thought about it for a moment and felt a little disgusted; this was a rather clumsy way of doing things.
He had eaten at Song Ji's restaurant before, and even as a rival owner, he couldn't offer any criticism on the taste. That's why he wanted to poach He Zhi. But now that today's events were over, he knew that poaching wouldn't work.
"Which forum did you post the message on, and how is it progressing now?"
Upon hearing this, the deputy store manager beamed with joy: "President Gu, things are progressing very well. Many people have told me that they don't like Songji. They've only just started, and quite a few people are already echoing them. President Gu, let me show you the forum."
Gu Hong nodded.
The assistant store manager turned on the computer, searched for the site, and clicked on the relevant section.
Gu Hong also turned his head to look, and upon seeing this, his gaze froze, and his expression slowly darkened...
There were no posts on the forum saying that Song Ji's food was bad; instead, there were countless posts criticizing and attacking Rongxia Xiaochu.
Peeling the Banyan Tree's Kitchen: Expensive Prices, Mediocre Taste!
"A Single Braised Pork Dish Reveals the Difference Between Song Ji and Rongxia Xiaochu: A Deep Dive with Pictures and Text"
On-site review: For the same price of 100 yuan, which is better, Rongxia Xiaochu or Songji?
...
These posts are simply comparing Songji and Rongxia Xiaochu. Just from the titles and the popularity of the posts, you can tell how intensely Rongxia Xiaochu is being compared and denigrated.
Gu Hong's face darkened like Bao Zheng's: "Is this what you mean by 'progressing well'?"
The assistant store manager panicked completely and hurriedly said, "President Gu, no, the people I hired really told me that things are progressing very well, and that people who have read the post definitely won't want to eat at Song Ji anymore!"
Gu Hong frowned, a chill emanating from him: "So you just heard it from others, and never went to see for yourself?"
Assistant Store Manager: "I...I checked, and it wasn't like that when I looked at it. Mr. Gu, you have to believe me!"
Gu Hong randomly opened a post that analyzed the differences between two restaurants based on their braised pork dishes:
The main post contains high-resolution comparison photos taken by the poster at the two restaurants. Song Ji's meat is bright red and intact, while Rongxia Xiaochu's meat is dull in color and looks somewhat sloppy.
The two images are strikingly contrasting, almost as if they were on completely different layers.
The original poster also offered sharp comments on aspects such as meat selection, caramel coloring, and stewing time.
The replies took the comparison to the extreme: "First! My mouth is watering just looking at the picture. Song Ji's braised pork is so good, I have to go eat it tomorrow, I'm so hungry!"
Second floor: OP, you're a smart person. I've also eaten at Rongxia Xiaochu, and to be honest, it's not worth the price. However, it's not called "Braised Pork"; it's called "Ancient Secret Recipe Amber Pork."
Third floor: The contrast is too stark, this post must be bumped up. Rongxia Xiaochu is a place for people who have money to burn, while Songji is expensive, but it's worth it, the taste is really good.
...
Gu Hong slammed the mouse on the table in anger: "Look at what these are for yourself!"
The assistant store manager's legs went weak on the spot. He thought there was no need to look anymore, he had already seen it. He was also confused. This was not what he had imagined. "President Gu, I will contact someone to handle it immediately and make sure to minimize the impact on Rongxia Kitchen."
This time, they were the ones who got pecked in the eye by the goose they were trying to smear; their attempt to discredit the goose backfired and they were instead met with fierce criticism.
"President Gu, this is definitely a conspiracy by Song Ji. They must have hired people to ruin Rongxia Kitchen's reputation!"
Gu Hong glanced at him with a gloomy expression: "No need, I'll have someone handle it."
The assistant store manager's heart skipped a beat. Before he could say anything, Gu Hong said, "You can quit working at Rongxia Kitchen. I entrusted Rongxia Kitchen to you with high hopes, but you've been acting recklessly and favoring your relatives, making a mess of the store's atmosphere. The employees have a lot of complaints."
The assistant manager dared not say anything more, knowing that Gu Hong had made up his mind, using only high-sounding reasons. Gu Hong wasn't unaware of these things before, but he turned a blind eye because Rongxia Kitchen was profitable. Now that the profits were declining...
The assistant store manager had long anticipated this day, which is why he secretly resorted to underhanded tactics against Song's shop.
"I understand, Mr. Gu."
Gu Hong hummed in agreement, his tone softening: "You've worked hard these past few days. The new deputy store manager will be here soon. Hand over your work well, and I won't treat you unfairly."
The assistant store manager replied obediently, "I understand, Mr. Gu."
*
The store employees all knew what Su Hang had done, all thanks to Pang Ru's good promotion. As a young person, she also reads forums.
However, when she looked, all the posts smearing Songji on the forum had disappeared. Instead, Su Hang posted a comparison between Songji and Rongxia Xiaochu for 100 yuan.
As soon as his post came out, many passersby echoed his sentiments, and the situation quickly reversed. It was difficult for people like Rongxia Xiaochu to continue trying to invite others to go against the opinions of the masses.
Su Hang received a warm welcome from the employees of Songji Restaurant. On one occasion when he dined at Songji, the employees asked him to stay and express their gratitude. This act was hailed as a "righteous deed."
Pang Ru asked, "How do you know it was Rongxia Xiaochu that hired someone to post those smear posts?"
Su Hang said, "This is too easy. I just privately messaged them, offered them money, and they told me everything."
Zou Xiaoguang's eyes were shining: "You actually spent money to help our Songji!"
My God, he truly deserves to be called his idol! How upright, how righteous, how chivalrous, and how courageous he is! Zou Xiaoguang now thinks Su Hang is just like the chivalrous hero in martial arts dramas who would draw his sword to help those in need.
He Zhi poured Su Hang a cup of tea: "Host Su, I'd like to offer you a toast with this tea instead of wine!"
Su Hang was a little embarrassed: "It was nothing, everyone don't need to worry about it, I didn't do anything."
After saying that, he picked up the teacup and downed it in one gulp.
"Don't call me Host Su anymore, just call me by my name."
He Zhishun readily agreed and boldly declared, "Su Hang, just order whatever you want to eat!"
Su Hang was also curious: "Are all the items not on the menu allowed?"
"Can!"
Su Hang thought for a moment: "How about minced garlic pork belly?"
He Zhi fell silent and quietly turned his gaze to Song Xinran.
Song Xinran, who was sitting next to them listening to their enthusiastic conversation, looked at He Zhi as if she had something in mind.
He Zhi was extremely embarrassed: "I can also make garlic pork belly, but after eating the manager's version, I didn't dare to cook it again. Mr. Su, you've helped Songji a lot, so I don't want to fool you. Please order from the dishes I can make."
Su Hang glanced at Song Xinran, then quickly looked away. After thinking for a moment, he said, "How about steaming the fish? I think it's too difficult to find fish that doesn't have a fishy smell but still retains its flavor."
He Zhi: "Hey, to be honest, making steamed food well is not an easy task. I used to think I could do it, but I'm still learning."
Su Hang knew that this wouldn't work either, but he was curious about how amazing Manager Song was. How could he be proficient in all kinds of cuisines and make his dishes look inferior to his competitors?
"Is chicken tofu okay?"
He Zhi sighed deeply, realizing his shortcomings; he shouldn't have boasted earlier.
Song Xinran was also helpless: "Su Hang, pick something you want to eat, I'll make it."
The employees let out a hushed gasp; they were in for a treat today, all thanks to Su Hang.
Su Hang said, "No need, you should rest well. Song Ji's business is so good today, you must be very tired. I'll just have a simple meal with everyone."
He Zhi:...?
No, were you just teasing him by ordering those dishes?
Song Xinran said, "I'm not tired. He Zhi cooked most of the dishes tonight. Besides, you've done such a big favor for our shop, so we should thank you properly."
Su Hang quickly said, "No need, no need, it's nothing."
Watching the two of them politely decline each other's offers, He Zhi felt that Su Hang was being overly polite and considerate to the store manager.
They are considerate of the store manager being tired, but they don't appreciate how hard he works.
Furthermore, as a TV host, Su Hang should be very busy, so why does he frequently eat at Song Ji's? The TV station isn't even located here...
He Zhi's gaze sharpened, as if he had discovered some truth.
That's the charm of Song Ji! It even attracts a host from afar to come and eat here often!
Seeing Su Hang's strong refusal, Pang Ru couldn't help but say, "Su Hang, just agree! We all really want to eat the manager's cooking."
After He Zhi arrived, he took over the responsibility of preparing the staff meals. To help He Zhi develop his skills, the store manager only provided guidance from the sidelines until He Zhi passed the staff's test before cooking for customers. He Zhi was very passionate about this; he was eager to improve himself.
Upon hearing this, Su Hang turned his head slightly and met the expectant gazes of his employees.
He could only nod and say, "Okay."
He looked at Song Xinran: "Then can I make pork belly with minced garlic?"
"Can."
Song Xinran was in the kitchen, with He Zhi helping out. The others felt awkward just sitting outside chatting, but Song Xinran instructed them to treat Su Hang well.
However, Su Hang couldn't bear to watch any longer and wanted to go to the kitchen to help. Just as he stood up, he heard a child's voice:
Wow! It's a big star!
Su Hang turned around and saw two children standing at the door, a boy and a girl.
The little girl covered her mouth in surprise, her eyes sparkling: "It's the food detective's host brother!"
The little boy stood at the door wearing a light blue shirt with a knitted vest over it, carrying a large schoolbag. His hair was soft and shiny black, his face had the roundness typical of a child, and his pupils were large and dark.
Her expression clearly showed surprise, but she didn't express her emotions as openly as a little girl. She gave him a small smile and looked very well-behaved.
Su Hang neither liked nor disliked children, but these two kids in front of him were quite endearing. He said, "Kids, the shop is closed now."
Shen Hui said, "This isn't a little customer; it's the store manager's child."
She waved to Song Yu: "Xiao Yu, Fu Fu, why are you so late coming to the store today?"
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
