Chapter 593 Don't Make Me a Laughingstock
Xinglong Restaurant.
The rumors caused some disruption to the restaurant's business, but they also attracted more people who had never tried "peach blossom pastry" before, eager to find out more.
The people who came still didn't know what was plagiarism and what was copying. In their eyes, all the pastries were similar, only some were more palatable and some were hard to swallow.
The same dessert will taste different depending on the chef.
Aside from these people, many more want to watch the show and see which of the two has the stronger backing.
Because there were many people coming and going from Xinglong Restaurant, many of whom knew Wan Qiqi came to inquire about her well-being, but Wan Qiqi saw them all off.
Back at the restaurant, the atmosphere inside was filled with discussion, with everyone holding their own opinions on the peach blossom pastry.
"Is Niuyi really going to do something like that? That would ruin Xinglong Restaurant and all of us."
"I don't know, that's what everyone's saying. What if Zuijianglou really comes looking for trouble?"
"What can we do? Even if Manager Wan has powerful connections and manages to save the restaurant, no one will dare to come here anymore. What's the difference between that and closing it down?"
"Don't think the worst. Maybe Zuijianglou is just trying to rob us of our business and is slandering us?"
"That's right! Everyone has witnessed Niu Yi's skill in making pastries, how could he possibly make something like this?"
Erpang came down from the second floor and saw a group of people gathered around discussing something. His face turned cold. "Are you all gathered here? Are you planning to have the two managers work and pay them wages?"
In a single sentence, the people who had gathered together quickly dispersed.
Erpang glanced at them and noted who they were. If they made the same mistake a few more times, he would register them, deduct their wages if necessary, and fire them if necessary. Xinglong Restaurant does not keep idle people.
Erpang himself never imagined that in just five months, he would no longer be the hoodlum from the mountain village, but a manager who could oversee the shop assistants.
Wan Qiqi saw all of this.
Unlike Tie Niu, Er Pang is not aggressive. He is steady, meticulous, and even-tempered, making him perfect for dealing with guests on the second and third floors.
During his month in Yunhe County, Erpang grew at a remarkable pace.
"Keep an eye on the main hall, I'm going to check the backyard," Wan Qiqi instructed, then turned and headed towards the backyard.
Erpang quickly caught up and asked, "Sister Qi, what's your opinion on the rumors?"
Wan Qiqi stopped and turned to look at Erpang. "What, do you have a suggestion?"
"I can't say for sure!" Erpang scratched the back of his head, looking a little shy, but still offered his opinion, "I think Niu Yi should investigate him thoroughly. His behavior seems very much like that of a gambler..."
When the word "gambler" came up, Erpang lowered his voice, as if he didn't want others to hear.
A smile suddenly appeared on Wan Qiqi's lips, and she looked at Erpang with more appreciation in her eyes. "I had already made plans. You just need to do your job well and wait to see the show. I will call you when I need you."
Upon hearing this, Erpang's fighting spirit soared, and he replied, "Alright!"
Wan Qiqi didn't linger and continued towards the kitchen.
At this moment, there was a lot of discussion in the kitchen, all about the peach blossom pastry.
Niu Yi felt his head throbbing when questioned; he wanted to escape, but couldn't.
If he escapes, wouldn't that prove it's true?
Just when everyone was in a panic, Wan Qiqi appeared, like a light in the darkness, giving Niu Yi direction.
The next moment, Niu Yi panicked even more.
He knew Wan Qiqi's methods for dealing with the shady characters in the restaurant and was afraid that his actions would be exposed and he would be thrown into the county jail.
Wan Qiqi's gaze was like a knife pressed against Niu Yi's neck, threatening to slice through his neck and kill him with every deep breath.
Wan Qiqi was aware of this and did it intentionally.
She wanted to know Niu Yi's mindset and whether he could hold out until the real show began.
As it turns out, although Niuyi was weak, its mentality seemed to be okay, and it wasn't so fragile that it would break at the slightest touch.
Wan Qiqi shifted her gaze to Lei Zi and said, "There have been many rumors circulating lately that are detrimental to the restaurant. You are in charge of everything in the kitchen, so stay vigilant and rational at all times. Don't act impulsively, understand?"
Lei Zi paused for a moment, then nodded.
"And Niu Yi, you're in charge of the dim sum business, so you need to be extra careful. The rumors are targeting the dim sum, so you absolutely mustn't panic at this time and ruin the restaurant and yourself."
Wan Qiqi's words were gentle, but to Niu Yi, they felt like a knife hanging over his head, ready to pierce his skull at any moment.
"good!"
Niu Yi was also quite surprised that Wan Qiqi did not question him about the rumors, and even seemed to be speaking up for him.
Seeing this, the other people in the kitchen understood that the owner was on their side and trusted that Niu Yi would not do such a thing.
Since the owner trusts them, they naturally stand on the restaurant's side and don't want to lose their jobs.
"Alright, everyone get back to work. We can't let rumors ruin the restaurant's business." Wan Qiqi glanced around, her gaze still fixed on Niu Yi.
Niu Yi had just breathed a sigh of relief when Wan Qiqi stared at him, and his heart jumped into his throat!
“Niu Yi, come out with me for a moment, I have something to say to you.”
Wan Qiqi's actions reignited the discussion in the kitchen, which had quieted down.
"What's all the noise about? Not going to work? If you don't want to work, get out now and stop causing trouble!"
Lei's reprimand immediately silenced the kitchen. Soon after, the sounds of chopping and stir-frying resumed, and the kitchen returned to normal operation.
Whether it was the hot weather or his own nervousness, Niu Yi was drenched in sweat after walking only a dozen steps.
A moment later, a handkerchief appeared in front of him.
He looked up in confusion at the person in front of him.
My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com