Chapter 612: Finally Here

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation  Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

Gu Zi looked up to see a familiar, playful face appearing in her line of sight. She was taken aback for a moment before rising to greet the newcomer. “Gong Xin, happy new year. Are you here for the braised pork?”

They settled at a table, and Gong Xin, without any hesitation, poured herself a cup of tea. The tea was surprisingly sweet, just as the newspaper had claimed. This shop’s tea had a unique flavor that couldn’t be found elsewhere. Now, she was even more eager to taste the braised pork.

She responded to Gu Zi, “Yes, I’m here for the braised pork and to wish you a happy new year. You have no idea how much I’ve been craving this since I tasted the one my brother brought home from your place. Can you cut me a piece? I haven’t had lunch yet. I have a few days off and I’ve already told my mom that I’m coming to see you today. I’ll be heading back in a couple of days. Can I stay at your place?”

Gu Zi feigned annoyance, “You’ve already asked your mom for permission, it wouldn’t be right if I didn’t let you stay.”

Gong Xin was not one to ask for favors, but for the sake of satisfying her craving for braised pork, she was willing to make an exception. Besides, she was asking Gu Zi, there was no shame in that. She grabbed Gu Zi’s hand, her tone pleading, “Please, Gu Zi, you’re the best. Let me stay!”

Gu Zi looked at her with a hint of disdain but gently removed her hand. She stood up and said, “Alright, I’ll go cut you a plate of assorted braised pork. I’ll serve it with a bowl of rice and drizzle some sauce over it. It’s delicious when mixed with the rice.”

Gong Xin couldn’t help but gulp at the thought. How delicious it must be! She was about to taste the delectable braised pork and rice.

However, the unexpected happened. As they were talking, a police car pulled up outside the shop. Two officers got out and headed towards the shop. Gu Zi looked up just in time to see this.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

She stopped in her tracks, a sense of foreboding washing over her. Yet, there was also a sense of relief, as if a weight had been lifted off her chest. It had finally happened. She said, “I’m afraid you won’t be able to have the braised pork today.”

Gong Xin stood up, about to ask why, when the police entered the shop. The leading officer even greeted Gu Zi, “Sister-in-law, happy new year. I’m sorry we have to meet under these circumstances.”

Gu Zi recognized him as Captain He. Given the timing of his visit and his position, he seemed somewhat apologetic. “Just tell me what’s going on. I’m prepared.”

By now, Li Hua and the others had come out. Passersby were gathering to watch the commotion. Gong Xin realized she had come at a bad time. But what exactly had happened?

She was also somewhat nervous. After all, Gu Zi was her good friend, and she didn’t want anything bad to happen to her.

Captain He spoke in a grave tone, “We received a report that someone had breakfast at your shop this morning and was hospitalized for food poisoning. The victim’s family is causing a commotion at the police station. We need someone from your shop to come with us for questioning.”

Upon hearing this, Li Hua’s heart sank. She hurriedly explained, “Officer, all the food at our shop meets health standards. How could it possibly cause food poisoning? There must be some misunderstanding. You can’t just arrest people without proof.”

Mother Lin and Aunt Yang also chimed in, “Yes, someone must be trying to frame us. We’re in business to make money, not to harm our customers!”

Seeing their agitation, Captain He quickly raised his hand to calm them, “Don’t panic. We’re not here to arrest anyone. We received a report and it’s our duty to investigate. If there’s another reason, we’ll find out and clear your name. But right now, the victim’s family is very upset and we need someone from your shop to come with us.”

Gu Zi pulled Li Hua and the others aside, then stepped forward, “I’ll go. If there’s been an incident and our shop is under suspicion, we should clear our name. I’m willing to cooperate with the investigation. But Captain He, can I ask what the customer ate at our shop?”

Captain He thought for a moment before answering succinctly, “A bowl of hot and spicy soup, two fried dough sticks, a boiled egg, and a serving of assorted braised pork.”

Understanding dawned on Gu Zi. She turned and whispered to Li Hua, “Sister-in-law, don’t worry or think about anything else. Fear won’t help. Take samples of the food from this morning and find Su Shen. Have him take you to the Chemistry Institute in the city. He’ll know what to do.”