Transmigration: The Little Chef Calls The Shots-Chapter 1414 - 233, Lin Yuan Takes Action (30)

"Who can guarantee that their meals are always completely clean? It’s just that some things go unnoticed, and even at home, you occasionally find a weevil in the rice! Close enough is good enough; the shopkeeper has offered compensation, let’s show some leniency!"

"Yes, yes, with such a big restaurant like Dong Tian and so many customers, a slight oversight can happen. As long as the owner is willing to compensate and has a good attitude, that’s fine. You young folks should calm down a bit, let’s not make a big deal out of a small issue," "Shopkeeper, serve these guests a few more of Dong Tian’s signature dishes, and make sure they’re well-prepared to help cool their tempers." It must be said that these diners were all very reasonable, with every word aimed at mediation, and Shopkeeper Liu was grateful in his heart. However, those several men were not satisfied.

"Oh! Are you all speaking up for this old man now? You wouldn’t be so forgiving if it was you who found the fly in your food, would you?" "I’ve always been one to sweat the small stuff since I was young; I can’t do those magnanimous things you’re talking about!" "Since you’re all speaking on his behalf, how about this: if someone is willing to finish what’s left on this plate, then we won’t make a fuss about it today, how about that?" This demand wasn’t just impolite—it was downright unreasonable!

"Hey! Where do you get off speaking like that? Everyone’s just trying to help you out, and if you don’t appreciate it that’s one thing, but why respond with hostility?" The burly man with the chubby face sneered coldly, slammed his hand on the table, and glared furiously: "If you’re not eating, then shut your damn mouth! Don’t stand there preaching without feeling the pain, it’s none of your damn business!" The facade was now torn, and the diners in the hall all frowned, knowing that this man couldn’t be reasoned with, and they all shut their mouths. But after this man’s outburst, it became clear to everyone that he was obviously here to stir up trouble; even if there hadn’t been a fly today, there would have been mosquitoes, cockroaches, or something else.

"Please, keep your temper!" As Shopkeeper Liu saw the anger of these men about to be vented on the innocent diners, he hurriedly spoke up to stop them.

"Shut up and eat this crap, and I’ll keep my temper!" Suddenly slapping the table, the chubby-faced man even propped his feet up on the stool, glaring at Shopkeeper Liu with a ferocious look. Shopkeeper Liu, despite having weathered many storms, was somewhat taken aback at this point. As the shopkeeper, it was naturally his duty to keep the restaurant safe and peaceful. Moreover, even if Lin Yuan was the boss and had some intelligence, she was still only a teenage girl. Furthermore, since Xia Zheng had left not long ago and she had no one reliable by her side, Shopkeeper Liu naturally did not feel comfortable letting Lin Yuan face these ferocious scoundrels. Besides, Lin Yuan was currently widely known as Magistrate Pingxi, yet these men did not take this into account, which meant they were either truly fearless or had an even stronger backing behind them. In this situation, Shopkeeper Liu was even less willing to let Lin Yuan step in.

Shopkeeper Liu glanced at the braised pork that had a fly in it and silently chanted to himself, it was just a fly after all. What hadn’t they eaten when they were poor? "Alright, I..."

"We at Dong Tian will provide a satisfactory explanation to the customer." Before Shopkeeper Liu could finish, a clear and beautiful voice interrupted him. Everyone turned to look in the direction of the voice and saw a smiling woman descending the stairs. Those who frequented Dong Tian knew that this woman was the recently titled County Master Lin Yuan.

Shopkeeper Liu looked up as Lin Yuan walked down the stairs, step by step, his eyes momentarily dazzled. There was a time when she was just a frail girl of twelve, but now, look at her—Lin Yuan’s bright eyes and gentle laughter made her every bit the graceful and elegant lady of a noble family. Perhaps it was time that he should start seeing her differently. She was no longer a child, but an adult capable of standing on her own.

"County Master." Ever since Lin Yuan had been titled County Master Pingxi, she had preferred not to be called by that title and asked everyone to still call her boss. And for Shopkeeper Liu, who shared a bond with her from their time in Zhuma Town, he had watched her grow from a village girl into the renowned County Master Pingxi who now owned several shops. Therefore, she appreciated it when Shopkeeper Liu addressed her as Miss Lin or boss. But today, in front of all these people, Shopkeeper Liu deliberately called her "County Master," intent on raising her status. Sure enough, upon hearing this, many of the dining customers stood up to show their respect voluntarily. It stemmed not from her position, but from sincere admiration for her. The innovation of movable type had allowed more scholars from humble backgrounds to afford education, possibly even leading them to official careers. The introduction of naan bread had been instrumental in preserving the lives of soldiers, how could they not admire such a woman? How could they not sincerely offer her their respect?

"Please, there’s no need for such courtesies. Today you are all guests of Dong Tian, and I am merely the owner of Dong Tian. When you dine at Dong Tian in the future, please don’t bother with such formalities," Lin Yuan did not allow them to pay such homage. Many people present were around the same age as Lin Jiaxin, and she couldn’t bear such treatment. Besides, she genuinely felt such kneeling and formalities were too cumbersome—a hassle to bow down to someone of higher status at every encounter. This sentiment was shared with Xia Zheng, which is why he did not allow others to call him Commandery Prince. However, not everyone bowed down, but that did not mean Lin Yuan would be magnanimous towards everyone.

She approached the men causing the disturbance and clearly noted a smug look in their eyes, as if their scheming had paid off. She scoffed silently to herself, looked down at the fly in the plate, and understood the situation.

"Are you the owner of this Dong Tian?" The chubby-faced man, looking at the young woman, obviously felt she posed no threat, became even more brazen: "So you’ve been here all along, huh? Since that’s the case, let’s see how you give us a proper explanation!" Shopkeeper Liu said, with some concern, "Boss, these guys are clearly..." Clearly here just to cause trouble, and the boss mustn’t fall for it!

Lin Yuan nodded and looked at the man, "Since the customer insists that I give you an explanation, very well, I would like to ask you a few questions first."

The chubby-faced man rolled his eyes, indicating she was free to ask. Lin Yuan smiled and pointed at the fly in the dish, "May I ask, did the customer notice this fly while you were eating?"

"Nonsense, that’s for sure—would we eat this much if we had found it?" Lin Yuan nodded, "So you discovered it halfway through eating?"