Chapter 35: A Surprise?

In a place out of Han Yu’s sight, a cold smile flickered at the corner of Shen Xuan’s lips.

“Here is the porridge you requested, sir.”

Approaching a haggard man, Shen Xuan placed the bowl of porridge gently on the table, speaking in a friendly tone.

“Oh, it’s Boss Shen!”

The man looked up, surprised to see Shen Xuan before him.

“You’re our one hundred and first customer today. This porridge is our new special, brought especially for you to try. There might be a surprise later,” Shen Xuan said, nodding with satisfaction as he observed the man’s condition.

“A surprise?”

The man paused momentarily but quickly caught on, a rare smile spreading across his face. Well, this feeling was quite pleasant.

“Enjoy your meal, sir. I’ll get back to work now.”

Shen Xuan smiled, chatted briefly with the man, then turned and left.

The man stared at the steaming porridge before him, picked up the wooden spoon beside him, and stirred gently.

Seeing each grain of rice distinct, his appetite surged. Without hesitation, he scooped a spoonful and brought it to his mouth.

Chewing a few times, the man found the rice soft and tender, filled with a rich aroma and a subtle sweetness that flooded his palate.

His eyes lit up, and he began eating heartily, devouring the porridge as if he hadn’t eaten for days.

From a shadowed corner, a pair of eyes took in the entire scene. Qin Yong sat quietly, a smirk creeping across his lips as he murmured softly, “If Shen Xuan has anyone to blame, it’s himself for being born into the Qin family.”

“That Han Yu moves quite swiftly. Not a bad dog at all.”

As he pondered, Qin Yong reached for a skewer nearby and took a bite, nodding appreciatively at the taste.

“Master Shen!”

Standing by the counter, Shen Xuan was waiting for the evening’s bustle when a clear voice came from the entrance.

“Miss An! It’s been a few days since we last saw you.”

Turning, Shen Xuan smiled at the young woman before him, her delicate features catching the light.

Today, An Miaoyu wore a simple white scholar’s robe, her hair bound by a silver crown, and she held her folding fan as she approached with a smile.

“I’ve been held up with some matters these past few days, which is why I couldn’t come earlier,” An Miaoyu said, a hint of awkwardness in her voice.

In truth, she had been under house arrest by her grandfather. It was only thanks to Xiao Ying’s cover that she managed to sneak out today, which also explained why Xiao Ying couldn’t accompany her.

“Anything you’d like to eat? We’ve got a skilled chef here now. Would you like to give it a try?”

Shen Xuan’s enthusiasm was genuine; this young lady was an important client, capable of spending several taels of silver on a single meal. She had to be well taken care of.

“Sounds great! I’m going to eat my fill today,” An Miaoyu said happily.

“Ah! Someone’s fainted here!”

Just as they chatted, a sudden shout pierced the air.

Shen Xuan and An Miaoyu turned to see the man from before now collapsed on the ground, eyes shut tight. Beside him lay a broken porcelain bowl. Whether he was alive or dead was unknown.

“Someone’s dead! Someone’s dead!”

Another voice cried out suddenly.

Shen Xuan turned again, watching a middle-aged man shouting frantically.

“Quick, report this to the authorities! Someone’s died here at Jun You Lai — hurry!”

Qin Yong stood, trembling, pointing at the man on the ground with a terrified expression.

His shout sent the previously curious crowd into a panic, cries and shouts rising as chaos erupted.

“Dead? Really dead?”

One customer jumped to his feet, knocking over his food in fright, glancing wildly around before staring at the man on the floor, utterly distraught.

“Where? Where is it?”

More people, driven by curiosity, pressed closer to see what had happened inside.

“Everyone, calm down!”

Seeing the situation spiraling out of control, Shen Xuan quickly stepped forward, raising his voice.

“Manager Shen! What’s going on here? How did this man die at your Jun You Lai?”

A regular customer pointed at the man on the ground, demanding an explanation from Shen Xuan.

Before Shen Xuan could respond, Qin Yong pushed through the crowd, face flushed with anger.

“Isn’t it obvious? The man died from eating here; what else is there to say? He’s still lying right there!”

“Yes! I was sitting right beside him. He was fine at first, but after eating that bowl of porridge, his complexion turned strange. Before I could even ask, he suddenly collapsed,” a nearby diner recounted the events to the growing crowd.

“Is this for real? If that’s the case, no matter what, this incident can’t be separated from Jun You Lai!” another patron exclaimed, disbelief etched across his face.

“See? We have eyewitnesses and evidence! Shen, what do you have to say now?” Qin Yong sneered inwardly as he listened to the murmurs, then squared his shoulders and pointed accusingly at Shen Xuan.

Calm and unshaken, Shen Xuan paid no mind to the crowd’s accusations. His gaze fixed firmly on Qin Yong, silently marking him as a target.

“Master Shen, what’s going on?”

An Miaoyu looked on with concern, questioning Shen Xuan with her eyes.

She trusted Jun You Lai wouldn’t have such a terrible accident, yet the fainting man’s condition seemed grave indeed.

Shen Xuan first gave An Miaoyu a reassuring look, then addressed the crowd with a respectful bow.

“Everyone, I assure you that the food at Jun You Lai is absolutely safe. As for why this guest fainted, I ask for your patience. The truth will soon be revealed.”

“If you say it’s safe, then it’s safe? And you want us to wait? Who do you think you are?” Qin Yong’s eyes flashed with mockery as he shouted at Shen Xuan.

“I see what you’re up to, Shen—you plan to use this time to destroy evidence. Not a chance!” Qin Yong scoffed, feigning sudden realization.

“Exactly! Why should we wait? If something else happens to this man during that time, who’s responsible?”

Hearing Qin Yong’s words, a scholar nearby suddenly grasped the gravity of the situation, his expression darkening.

“I think we should report this to the authorities. The man’s condition is critical; we can’t risk a fatality.”

“Right, right—let’s report it. This is a matter of life and death. We ordinary folk can’t bear the responsibility.”

Several people began moving toward the exit, undoubtedly to summon the officials.