After Tie Tou left, the women who had arrived early diligently began cleaning on their own.
Lan Yamei was naturally very satisfied and was about to go upstairs to see what urgent matter the Qiu family had when she saw Manager Wang rushing over, saying with a flattering look, "Manager Lan, then I'll start learning, hehe, where do you think I should start?"
"Are you going to abandon your shop?" Lan Yamei didn't expect him to be in such a hurry, especially given the complicated situation at the shop.
"I've already posted a notice that the restaurant is for sale."
"This..." Lan Yamei was speechless, unsure whether being clung to by him was a good thing or a bad thing. A plan formed in her mind, "What about the customers who bought the Eight Treasure Duck after you put up the notice? This person is very important to me!"
"I almost forgot to mention, a man just came by and ordered three Eight Treasure Ducks. He'll pick them up after dark," Shopkeeper Wang said with a grin.
"You almost ruined my plans! Why didn't you say so sooner? Did you even keep up?"
“I know that man. He lives outside the city and delivered wine to Hua Manlou a while ago,” Manager Wang explained immediately.
Lan Yamei remembered—could it be the older brother who had helped her before? "Liu Jianping?"
"Yes, yes, that's him. He's never been here before, this is his first time, and he ordered three eight-treasure ducks as soon as he arrived."
Lan Yamei seemed to remember something, whispered a few words to him, and then stuffed a dark, round ball into his hand. Manager Wang then hurriedly went back.
Upon reaching the upstairs room, they found the atmosphere tense and lifeless among the group. "What's wrong? What did the letter from home say?"
"My father said that three consecutive shipments of goods have been intercepted! The guards were seriously injured, and he fears that someone is deliberately making things difficult for Qiu Ming Manor. He told me and Kongkong to be extra careful while we're out there," Qiu Zeyu said.
"No one has ever dared to act rashly against the镖 (escorts/cargo) of our Qiu Ming Manor! The镖 (escorts/cargo) wasn't lost, only people were injured—this is a warning!" Qiu Kongkong was somewhat worried about his family. Now his brother also needed protection, and with an emergency at home, he was temporarily overwhelmed.
“I think we should let Kongkong go back. The two elders are getting on in years, and they need help at home right now. It’s better for your brother to stay out of the picture for now, so they don’t have to worry,” Lan Yamei suggested.
"I'm not leaving! Someone's watching this place now, and my brother needs protection. I can't leave." Qiu Kongkong had many concerns.
“If you leave, the enemy will realize that our forces are weak and might give us away, which will make it easier to quickly pinpoint our target. Besides, if something happens at home, wouldn’t it be disheartening for a son not to go back to help?” Lan Yamei said.
Qiu Zeyu also felt that he should go back and check on things. "Kongkong, pack your things immediately, take Xiaobailong home, and don't show up until I write to you."
Having received his brother's order, Qiu Kongkong had no choice but to quickly pack his things and leave with the white-clad youth.
After everyone left, Lan Yamei said to the two men, "The other side has probably already figured out the Wang family's secret, but they haven't had the chance to make a move. Now that Kongkong has been forced to leave, it's a diversionary tactic. They're weakening our forces so they can make their move." Lan Yamei wasn't afraid for Wang Fengyang to know and spoke the truth.
"Arrest me?" Wang Fengyang asked.
"It's very likely they're trying to catch you! Don't be afraid, from now on, you'll stay by my side every step of the way!" Lan Yamei patted Yangyang's shoulder.
"Why? For the treasure chest?" Yangyang asked.
“It should be!” Lan Ya Mei said.
Qiu Zeyu boldly speculated, "This person is very likely Wu Tongling! He has a reclusive personality and is quite knowledgeable about the kung fu of various schools. This treasure box may very well be his ultimate goal! I think the person who can motivate him to work for me is probably not an ordinary person either."
Lan Yamei had already guessed what Qiu Zeyu was about to say. The two exchanged a glance, instantly understanding who he was referring to, and said nothing more!
"When soldiers come, we'll block them; when water comes, we'll dam it! We'll prepare for defense!"
Soon all the female employees arrived, but there weren't enough dormitories! Lan Yamei wanted to book the entire third floor of Tongfu Inn, which was a few shops away on the street. Everyone could just bring their bags and move in. There were a total of 8 rooms, with 3 people in each room. The conditions were tough for the time being, so everyone had to squeeze in.
Tie Tou suggested renting the courtyard behind the barbecue restaurant, which was cheaper than staying at a guesthouse. However, the place was a bit run-down, and the landlord was a nag. In the end, they decided to book Tongfu Guesthouse instead!
With some people booking long-term and settling accounts monthly in advance, the innkeeper was naturally overjoyed and busied himself with errands.
The women were all incredibly excited! This was their first time working away from home! Their first time staying in such a nice inn as their dormitory! At that moment, everyone had only one thought: do a good job! They absolutely wouldn't lose this job!
Everyone formed their own groups, and those who got along well stayed together. The dormitories were quickly assigned, and after a quick rest, the group headed to the barbecue restaurant.
They attracted a lot of attention along the way! Once the uniform aprons were distributed to everyone, they immediately started working enthusiastically under Tie Tou's command.
Soon, diners in Longyang Town learned that the barbecue restaurant would reopen tomorrow! They all said they would come early to reserve a spot.
Lan Yamei had already told Tie Tou about the complimentary fried fish pieces, and Tie Tou was in charge of directing the work.
There were people sweeping, wiping tables, washing dishes and chopsticks; killing and frying fish, tending the fire; washing, chopping, and skewering vegetables; cutting, braising, and plating meat—everyone was working enthusiastically.
Several shopkeepers who were peering out from a distance were all anxious; this woman was really daring!
Upstairs, Lan Yamei secretly took some bird's nest for Qiu Zeyu as an extra meal, and also cooked a bowl of instant noodles with sausage and egg for Wang Fengyang.
It's not that I'm stingy, I just don't dare to be too abrupt. If so many unfamiliar things suddenly appeared, it might arouse suspicion and be difficult to explain.
Zhao Zhicheng was busy at the clinic all day! He didn't even show up at noon. The Liu family father and son only came in a hurry to get some food and then didn't show up again.
When Lan Yamei remembered, it was almost dinnertime. When she arrived at the clinic, she saw six or seven doctors with gray beards surrounding her.
Squeezing in, I saw that Zhao Zhicheng was actually demonstrating his stitching skills in public.
Although the clinic was closed today, a young boy was rushed in around lunchtime with an injury. The incident stemmed from the family dog's inexplicable attack, which bit the child in five or six places. Several clinics refused to treat him, and through a referral, they finally came to the clinic in Longyang Town seeking the help of the renowned doctor, Dr. Mei!
In desperation, Zhao Zhicheng impersonated the disciple of the divine physician Mei, falsely claiming that the physician was in seclusion and that he would take over the job.
Halfway through the surgery, he found himself surrounded by fellow surgeons. As the last stitch was completed, everyone spontaneously applauded! They held a deep and heartfelt admiration for this young man!
One of the senior doctors asked, "May I ask your honorable name, sir? I've only ever seen your medical techniques described in Hua Tuo's medical books; I've never actually witnessed them. They've truly broadened my horizons! I'm incredibly impressed!"
Zhao Zhicheng wiped his sweat and said modestly, "My name is Zhao Zhicheng, and I am the first disciple of Doctor Mei! I'm so sorry for making a fool of myself!"
Upon hearing this, the old men's eyes immediately lit up. "Dr. Mei is indeed worthy of her reputation! I wonder if she is still willing to take on apprentices? We are willing to become her disciples and learn from her."
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