Chapter 581: Envy Strikes
ease reading on XOVEL.M
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Gong Xin observed her brothers demeanor and turned to their mother, Mrs. Chen, Mother, my brothers pride is all he has left. Its pitiful, really. His once-fiance is now another mans wife. Hes still holding onto the braised pork she used to sell, unable to express his true feelings. I wonder who he gets his stubbornness from.
Mrs. Chen shot her daughter a warning glance, signaling her to stop using this matter to torment her brother. This wasnt just about hurting one person. Mrs. Chen herself was filled with regret, a feeling that resurfaced every time she thought about it. But whats done is done, and regret was futile. It was best to leave the matter untouched.
Turning to her son, Mrs. Chen advised, Your relationship with Gu Zi is in the past. Its not a big deal. But I must caution you, dont always view people through a colored lens. It will prevent you from seeing their true colors, and in the end, youll be the one at a loss.
Gong Xin, chastised, pouted unhappily but heeded her mothers words. She continued to eat her braised pork in silence. Unfortunately, the tasting portion didnt contain much pork, and after a few bites, it was gone. She picked up the bag and checked again, confirming it was indeed empty.
A plan formed in Gong Xins mind. Once the radio station went on break, she would go find Gu Zi. After all, they were good friends. Surely, there would be plenty of braised pork then.
As evening fell, the towns foot traffic gradually increased. Many passersby couldnt resist stopping by Sister Huas Gourmet Shop to inquire, Do you still have braised pork? If so, Ill take two liang to go with my wine.
The reason they asked was that ever since the shop was featured in the newspaper, people from different places came daily to buy braised pork. The towns regular customers would arrive early to purchase, often resulting in the pork selling out early. Those who passed by the shop later often missed out.
Although the shop remained open, it didnt necessarily mean there was still pork for sale, hence the habitual inquiry.
At this moment, Gu Zi had just finished her work and was sitting at the shops entrance with Lele, responding to the inquiries, Were out for today. If you want braised pork, youll have to come early tomorrow!
The customers swallowed their saliva, their faces filled with disappointment, I havent had your braised pork for three days. Ive been craving it. I really have to come early tomorrow. Ill even take a detour in the morning to buy some. Can you make me some braised noodle soup for now?
Unable to get the braised pork, they settled for the soup, hoping it would stave off their cravings.
Gu Zi laughed, Of course, please come in! Sister-in-law, one bowl of braised noodle soup for this gentleman! Gu Zis voice wasnt loud, but it was clear. Sitting at the shops entrance, she could easily call out to Li Hua inside.
Li Hua immediately started boiling the noodles. The braised noodle soup was simple, just boiled noodles with braised soup and vegetables, hence its affordable price of three cents a bowl.
Meanwhile, Aunt Yang brought out some tea, warmly inviting the customers to sit. Their excellent service was a crucial factor in the shops success and couldnt be overlooked.
One customer ordered the braised noodle soup, and several others followed suit. Although the profit wasnt substantial, the shops service was impeccable, prompting the customers to murmur in admiration, No wonder their shop is so popular. The owner is genuinely kind-hearted. Seeing that we do manual labor and have big appetites, she even offers a free refill of noodles.
Such a kind person couldnt possibly do anything wrong. It must be someone envious spreading rumors, trying to affect the shops business. I, for one, dont believe it.
I dont believe it either. I used to help out at a braised pork shop in the city. One taste of their braised sauce, and you can tell its authentic, not some secret recipe.
Gu Zi was initially going to inquire about the pig farms delivery truck parked on the main road, but the customers discussion caught her attention.
She walked over to one of the customers eating noodles and asked, Excuse me, sir, could you tell me more about these rumors you mentioned?
The customer didnt seem to have any intention of hiding it from the shops staff and replied to Gu Zi, You might not know this, but recently, there have been rumors saying that your braised pork tastes good because you add a certain flower to it. This flower is supposedly a raw material for drugs, and eating it can cause addiction. Thats why everyone thinks your braised pork is delicious. Of course, I dont believe it. Its too absurd!
Gu Zi was taken aback. She hadnt expected such outrageous rumors to circulate. Indeed, success often breeds envy. She asked, Are they referring to the poppy flower?