My Villainess Is Definitely Not a Black Lotus - Chapter 30
The men who entered didn’t immediately order. Instead, they stood by the door, surveying the restaurant, their eyes sweeping across the diners. The tall, lean leader suddenly grinned, revealing a mouthful of yellowed teeth. Well, business seems to be booming!
Ji Xiaoyu’s heart tightened, and she instinctively stood up from behind the counter. These men were clearly the same group—the tall, lean leader and the short, stout one—who had caused trouble a few days earlier, though today they had brought several new faces.
Hearing the commotion, Fu Zhixiao set down the Mala Tang she was carrying and her expression darkened immediately upon seeing the newcomers. She quickly moved to Ji Xiaoyu’s side, subtly positioning herself to shield her. What would you gentlemen like to order?
The tall, lean leader chuckled mockingly. We heard your Mala Tang is particularly flavorful. We brothers came all the way here to try it.
The once lively atmosphere in the restaurant froze. A plump woman by the window paused mid-bite of her favorite Mala Tang, while a young wife at the next table clutched her child tightly and stood up, ready to leave.
Fu Jianxu, who had emerged from the kitchen unnoticed, paled slightly upon seeing the tall, lean man and the short, stout one. She hurried to Ji Xiaoyu’s side, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze—as much to bolster her own courage as to comfort Xiaoyu.
Her eyes scanned the scene ahead as she whispered, Don’t be afraid.
Please, take a seat, Fu Zhixiao said, frowning slightly as she gestured to an empty table in the corner. It’s cold today. Why not warm up with a bowl of hot soup first?
The tall, skinny man grinned, exchanged a glance with his companions, and swaggered toward the corner table. They deliberately dragged their chairs with a loud screech, drawing the attention of all the diners in the shop.
Five bowls of your most expensive Mala Tang! the short, stout man shouted, slamming his fist on the table. Load it up with ingredients—no skimping!
Fu Zhixiao secretly breathed a sigh of relief and turned to Fu Jianxu, signaling her to prepare the order in the kitchen. But Ji Xiaoyu sensed something was off. These men clearly had ill intentions—why would they suddenly settle down to eat peacefully? She quietly followed Fu Jianxu into the kitchen and whispered, Sister Jianxu, I have a bad feeling about them…
Fu Jianxu shared her unease, but her hands continued working steadily, preparing the dishes. Don’t worry, she replied calmly. We’ll face whatever comes our way.
A thought struck her, and she paused, looking up to warn Xiaoyu, Xiaoyu, if they start trouble, remember to hide and don’t get hurt.
Fu Jianxu arranged the freshly scalded ingredients into bowls. Let’s see what tricks they’re planning first. Go tell Sister Daya and Brother Xiao to keep a close eye on those tables.
She didn’t forget to reassure Chen Zhen, who was anxiously watching from the kitchen. Sister Zhenzhen, please stay in the back courtyard with Siwen. Don’t come out no matter what.
Soon, five steaming bowls of Mala Tang were placed on the table. The tall, thin man and his companions devoured the food, loudly praising, Not bad! This really hits the spot!
Just when everyone thought the trouble had passed, disaster struck.
Ouch, my stomach! The short, stout man suddenly clutched his belly, his face turning deathly pale. He lurched to his feet, sending his stool crashing to the floor.
Immediately afterward, the tall, thin man began groaning, Ouch, ouch! Beads of sweat popped out on his forehead. T-this food is poisoned!
The restaurant erupted into chaos. Other diners stared in horror at their own bowls, some already dropping their chopsticks and fleeing.
Fu Zhixiao rushed to the table, her voice sharp. Nonsense! Our ingredients are fresh from this morning. How could there be anything wrong?
What? Still trying to deny it? The tall, thin man doubled over in pain but still managed to shout toward the door, Everyone, come see! This black-hearted shop is selling poisonous food! Someone’s going to die!
A crowd quickly gathered outside, drawn by the commotion. The short, stout man seized the opportunity to roll on the ground, groaning incessantly, It hurts so much… Help me…!
Ji Xiaoyu clearly hadn’t anticipated things escalating this way. She clutched at her skirt in panic, her mind racing for a solution.
Report it to the authorities, a calm but firm voice called from behind.
Ji Xiaoyu turned to see Fu Jianxu stepping forward, holding a sample of ingredients. Her voice trembled slightly, but she raised it with determination. We keep daily samples of all our ingredients. Customers are welcome to inspect them at any time.
Report this to the authorities! We must report this to the authorities! The gaunt man clearly hadn’t anticipated Fu Jianxu’s reaction. Seeing the crowd grow, he raised his voice even louder. Let the magistrate judge this matter!
Fu Zhixiao sneered. Fine! Let the magistrate see for himself whether you’re truly poisoned or just putting on a show!
She turned to Zhou Daya and Hao Hong. Sister Daya, please fetch a doctor. Sister Hao Hong, go report this to the authorities.
The gaunt man’s eyes flickered at the mention of a doctor, but he quickly straightened his back. Go ahead and fetch one! I want to see what you’ll say when the doctor arrives!
As he spoke, he shot a meaningful glance at the burly man beside him.
A cruel glint flashed in the burly man’s eyes. With a sudden sweep of his arm, he knocked the spare bowl from Fu Jianxu’s hand. The porcelain shattered with a crisp crack, scattering fresh ingredients across the ground.
Spare bowl, my foot! The burly man sneered, closing in on Fu Jianxu. Who knows if you didn’t swap it out beforehand!
The other men immediately sprang into action, roughly overturning nearby tables and chairs. Wooden tables crashed to the ground, bowls and plates shattered with a deafening clatter, and soup splattered everywhere.
Stop! Fu Zhixiao shouted angrily, rushing forward only to be violently shoved aside by a burly man with a face full of coarse flesh. She crashed heavily to the ground, scraping her elbow.
Seeing this, Ji Xiaoyu hurried to help her up, but another hulking man grabbed her arm.
What’s the rush, little lady? the man sneered, his voice dripping with sarcasm. All this talk about evidence is just a smokescreen!
He leaned closer to Ji Xiaoyu, his voice dropping to a menacing whisper. My brothers and I are here for answers. What kind of shady ingredients are you hiding in this recipe? Hand it over now so we can take it back and have it tested!
When Ji Xiaoyu bit her lip and refused to answer, the man tightened his grip. If you don’t cooperate… He surveyed the ransacked shop with a cold laugh. We’ll make sure this dump never opens again!
Seeing Ji Xiaoyu held captive, Fu Jianxu’s anger surged. She grabbed the man’s hand with surprising force. Let her go!
The man, caught off guard by her strength, yelped in pain and released Ji Xiaoyu’s arm.
The sudden violence startled the surrounding diners, who recoiled in fear. Several timid patrons bolted for the door. The atmosphere in the restaurant instantly became tense, as if a single spark could ignite an explosion.
Just then, a booming female voice rang out from near the window Bullshit! I eat here every day and have never gotten sick!
Everyone turned to see a familiar, stout woman standing up with her hands on her hips. She strode purposefully toward the man, pointed a finger at his nose, and roared, Wang Mazi, you think I don’t recognize you? Last month you were caught stealing fish at the docks! Now you’re trying to extort money here?
The man’s face darkened. Y-you’re lying! My two brothers really did get sick from the food!
A murmur rippled through the crowd as people began whispering and arguing among themselves.
Exactly! A middle-aged woman carrying a vegetable basket spoke up first. I eat Mala Tang here every day. If it were poisonous, I’d be dead by now!
Several young women chimed in to support her. The sisters from our embroidery workshop come here together every day. We’ve never seen anyone get sick!
Who could argue with that! the woman with the bamboo basket raised her voice. If it were poisonous, we gluttons would have been dead eight hundred times over by now!
A hesitant voice emerged from the crowd. But… I did have diarrhea a few times after eating it…
Everyone turned to see a young woman with an unfamiliar face, timidly twisting the corner of her dress.
Oh, you silly girl! the plump woman slapped her thigh. You just can’t handle the spice! You added too much out of greed, didn’t you? I saw you last time—no wonder your stomach rebelled!
The crowd erupted in laughter, and the young woman’s face flushed crimson. O-oh, so that’s why…
Exactly! the tofu vendor chimed in. My wife overdid it the first time too. She was hopping around from the heat, then blamed the shop!
The plump woman planted her hands on her hips, standing before the burly men, spittle flying onto their faces as she spoke. Hear that? The whole neighborhood’s keeping score! Today, we’ll make sure the magistrate teaches you a proper lesson!
Fu Jianxu and Ji Xiaoyu stood to the side, their eyes welling up as they watched their familiar neighbors rally to their defense.
The tall, thin man hunched his shoulders, his face growing increasingly grim as he listened to the cacophony of voices. He stiffened his neck, feigning pain, and continued to wail, Aiyo, you must be a shill hired by this shop! It’s killing me! It’s killing me!
Is that so? The stout woman sneered, suddenly grabbing the tall man by the collar. Then perfect! My son-in-law is the town’s physician, and he’ll be here any minute. If you’re truly poisoned, I’ll personally escort you to the clinic…
But if you’re faking… She clenched her other fist. This old woman will deliver divine justice today!
Cold sweat beaded on the tall man’s forehead as his eyes darted nervously. Just as the standoff reached its peak, a commotion erupted outside, and the crowd parted to make way.
Zhou Daya hurried in, leading the town’s elderly physician.
The moment Doctor Zhang entered, the stout woman released the tall man, and Fu Zhixiao rushed forward to greet him. Doctor, please examine these men. They claim to have been poisoned by our food.
Doctor Zhang nodded and crouched beside the short, plump man who was still groaning theatrically. He reached out to take his pulse, but the man recoiled as if burned. N-no need… I suddenly feel much better…
Nonsense! Doctor Zhang’s white eyebrows shot up. If it’s poisoning, this is no time for games! Extend your hand!
The short, stout man glanced pleadingly at the tall, thin man, whose expression flickered between dark and uncertain. Just as Doctor Zhang firmly grasped the short man’s wrist, the tall man suddenly shouted, Run!
Before the words had even left his lips, all five men leaped up and charged toward the exit. Fu Zhixiao, who had anticipated this, waved her hand, and Zhou Daya and the others immediately blocked the doorway.
Trying to escape? Fu Zhixiao sneered. Too late!
Doctor Zhang frowned, rose to his feet, brushed off his sleeves, and shook his head at the restrained men. Their pulses are steady, and their complexions are normal—there’s no sign of poisoning. The symptoms, however, bear a striking resemblance to those caused by laxatives.
Laxatives?