Gourmet: The Master Chef Just Wants to Leisurely Set Up a Stall - Chapter 16

“Ma’am, what did your grandson eat yesterday? Let’s figure this out together. I’ve eaten here for three days, and the ingredients are fresh. Maybe it was something else?”

As a seasoned foodie, Li Donglai knew the freshness of these skewers. Seeing public opinion turning against the stall, he hurried over to inquire.

“It was this skewer stall! My grandson only ate from here yesterday. The meat they use stinks—it’s been sitting for days! That’s why he got sick!” The old lady insisted on blaming the skewer stall.

“Ma’am, since you’re so sure, you must have evidence. Let me help you report this to the police!” Zhao Xiaojing didn’t waste words, pulling out her phone.

“You don’t suspect the police of foul play, do you? With all these parents watching, how could I possibly collude with them?”

Seeing the old lady about to speak, Zhao Xiaojing quickly added, keeping her hands busy dialing 110 and putting the call on speaker.

“Hello, Yangcheng Police Department.”

“Hello, I’d like to report an incident. I’m…”

“My grandson needs his medicine! I don’t have time for this!”

Hearing Zhao Xiaojing actually call the police, the old lady straightened up and tried to leave.

“Ma’am, you must be tired. Come rest at my place! You’ve been out so long; surely someone is taking care of your grandson in the hospital. You can’t leave now—you need to fight for justice for him! We’ll stay here until this black-hearted business is dealt with!”

Li Zhi shouted, grabbing the old lady as she tried to sneak away, ostensibly helping her sit but actually holding her firmly.

“Parents, don’t you agree? We need to demand answers from this heartless stall!”

Li Zhi called out loudly.

“Yes! We won’t let anyone endanger our children’s health! Ma’am, you have evidence, so just hand it over to the police when they arrive. We’ll all be here to watch!”

Li Donglai caught on and joined Li Zhi beside the old lady, signaling other regular skewer customers with his eyes.

“Right! Everyone stay put! Let’s protect the ma’am and ensure the boss can’t get near her!”

Savvy parents quickly understood, rallying other regulars around the old lady to “protect” her.

“Oh dear, my grandson really needs his medicine! No one’s at the hospital; I must return to care for him!”

The old lady’s face turned green and white. Every time she tried to rise, parents kindly “helped” her back down.

“Ma’am, I’ve already called the police. They’re nearby and will be here shortly.

Let’s clear this up in front of them. If I’m at fault, I’ll compensate you; if not, don’t expect a single cent from me!”

“You little…”

“Everyone! I understand your concern for your children’s health. I won’t say much—this is the oil I use, changed daily. Today’s batch is empty; you can see it’s clear and hasn’t been reused!

These are my meat containers, cleaned every night till spotless.

Here’s some unused meat. Anyone who shops for groceries can easily tell if it’s fresh or not, or if it’s been sitting for days!”

Zhao Xiaojing displayed her ingredients to the gathered parents.

“I know rumors spread easily, but facts are harder to prove. My words alone aren’t enough to dispel doubts. Please wait patiently for the police to handle this. I run this stall with a clear conscience!”

Fueled by anger, Zhao Xiaojing addressed the crowd assertively before sitting aside to watch the troublemaking old lady.

“The boss seems confident—not like she’s hiding anything.”

“She’s got backbone; I respect that!”

“Don’t speak too soon. The child is still in the hospital—it can’t be baseless slander.”

“Skewer Sis is so cool!”

“Her voice can get that loud?”

“Did she really call the police? Did anyone hear?”

“She did! I heard the police on the other end!”

Parents murmured among themselves while children grew excited.

“Oh dear, my stomach aches. Miss, you don’t need to hold me! I need a bathroom break!”

Seeing she couldn’t control the scene, the old lady rolled her eyes, seeking another excuse.

“Ma’am, you’re not trying to flee, are you?”

A straightforward parent asked bluntly.

“Of course not! She’s just nervous seeing so many people! Once the police arrive, she’ll feel better!” Another parent calmly reassured, making Zhao Xiaojing stifle laughter.

Ten minutes later, the police arrived.

“Who’s the caller?”

“Hello, that’s me!” Zhao Xiaojing stepped forward to explain the situation.

The police recorded names and ID numbers using a body camera.

“Your name?”

After documenting Zhao Xiaojing, they approached the old lady.

“I…I…”

“Name.”

“Niu Zhaodi.”

“ID number.”

“Officer! I-I didn’t call the police! This-this-this has nothing to do with me!”

The old lady stammered nervously.

“ID number.” The officer repeated, but she hesitated, claiming she couldn’t remember.

“Which hospital is your grandson in? Which ward?”

“In…in…my son took him; I don’t know, I don’t remember!”

“You claim your grandson bought skewers here. What exactly did he buy?”

“He bought…he bought duck legs.” She glanced at Zhao Xiaojing’s glass cabinet.

“Ma’am, are you sure it was duck legs?” Zhao Xiaojing asked with a smirk.

“Su-sure.”

“Officer, duck legs are a new item today. All these parents can testify.”

“What exactly did he buy? Did he buy anything?” The officer feigned sternness.

“He bought…bought…Officer, I was wrong! He didn’t buy anything; it’s my no-good son!” The old lady collapsed, sobbing.

“Damn, it was slander? I witnessed it live?”

“Oh man, I was sympathizing with her hardcore!”

“Me too!”

Realizing it was false accusation left the crowd stunned.

“You’re suspected of spreading rumors. You know that’s a crime, right? Come with us to the station!” The officer gestured for her to follow, accustomed to such incidents.

“It wasn’t me, it wasn’t me! My son sent me! Son! Son!” The old lady reached into the crowd, desperately crying out.