Chapter Thirteen: Unjust Incidents at the Family Restaurant

After arriving at her family’s restaurant, Mo Lan cast a calm glance around. Since this was the scene of the incident, business had been suspended, and police from other departments stood guard nearby. It wasn’t her first time visiting her family’s establishment, but it was the first time she found it so deserted. The renowned chef her father had hired had laid a solid foundation here; in three years, no one had dared to trespass. Indeed, her father had left the restaurant a legacy of prosperity.

The poisoned victim had already been sent to the physician. Those left at the scene were only the staff and manager, who had all been detained and couldn’t leave. Though they stood quietly, some trembled visibly, their hands and feet betraying their fear. Even if they were innocent, the gravity of the situation frightened them. After three years working here, none had ever witnessed such an event; their unease was understandable.

Mo Lan continued to observe the restaurant. Except for one chaotic table, everything was spotless and orderly. The staff seemed diligent and disciplined; the cleaning was impeccable, which explained the flourishing business over the past three years.

The décor and style were elegant, making it a beautiful place. Yet, after this incident, she wondered whether it would ever regain its former popularity.

“Miss Mo!” The manager, upon seeing her, hurried over in surprise to greet her.

He was an affable man, and when he smiled, dimples appeared on his cheeks, lending him a charming air. Many patrons likely came for his sake.

“What dishes did the victim eat? Which chef was on duty that day? Gather everyone, and bring the dishes over,” Mo Lan said, keeping a professional distance. Everything was under the inspector’s watchful eye; she knew better than to let herself stumble into trouble by being too familiar.

“Yes, Miss!” Relieved to see his young mistress investigating, the manager promptly went to carry out her orders.

Soon, the same dishes were brought to the scene, their aroma tempting even amid the seriousness. Mo Lan couldn’t help but feel a pang of hunger, though she forced herself not to show it. She’d wait until after the investigation to eat.

Meanwhile, the physician had already delivered his report and was personally conducting an inspection to check for possible food incompatibilities. This Dr. Liu was a highly skilled physician, though he rarely conversed with outsiders. He was a workaholic, obsessed with cases involving the dead.

To most people, he seemed eccentric, but to the police, he was almost godlike. His dedication earned widespread respect.

“Dr. Liu, I didn’t expect you to arrive so quickly.” Mo Lan, knowing his temperament, nevertheless approached him out of courtesy.

“Mm.” With a curt reply, Dr. Liu began his work. He didn’t taste the supposedly toxic dishes but compared them to others, confirming there were no differences. Then he produced his previous examination reports.

Mo Lan couldn’t understand the technical details, but she stayed by his side, ensuring no one interfered. Outside, An Feng watched through the window, quietly observing but not getting involved.

After Dr. Liu’s inspection, it was revealed that the deceased had consumed a beverage that shouldn’t be taken with those dishes. The drink contained a potent acid; combined with the meal, it triggered immediate fatal poisoning. The toxin was powerful and untreatable—if not treated within ten minutes, death was inevitable.

Dr. Liu was somewhat embarrassed by this outcome; food incompatibility was a grave taboo. Clearly, many people lacked knowledge about such dangers. Should the blame for such deaths always fall on others?

Mo Lan was speechless at the result. Such a trivial matter had caused trouble for her family and nearly affected the entire group. Clearly, some people were dissatisfied with the Mo family.

It was understandable, though. The Mo family’s prominence had infringed on many people’s interests; resentment was inevitable. If she wasn’t careful, she could easily step into a den of wolves. She’d have to warn them to tread carefully in the future.

“I hope Dr. Liu can review the restaurant’s menu and help me identify drinks that shouldn’t be served with certain dishes. I’d be most grateful.” Mo Lan knew it wasn’t really her responsibility, but she wanted to help however she could.

The manager watched anxiously from afar, but upon hearing that his establishment wasn’t at fault, his face relaxed into a faint smile once more. With the young mistress present, it seemed the matter would be resolved.

Dr. Liu didn’t refuse; he merely nodded, taking samples back with him. He seemed intrigued by the challenge. Ultimately, the law would declare the restaurant innocent and issue a list of incompatible foods and beverages. This list would be circulated nationwide, so people would finally know what to eat and what to avoid.

Nevertheless, the Mo family bore unavoidable responsibility for the man’s death. Thus, Mo Lan decided to personally arrange a grand funeral for him in the Mo family’s name.

The matter should have ended there, but it was said the deceased had a young daughter. Now orphaned, she was to be sent to an orphanage.

Mo Lan called the chief to request half a day’s leave. The Mo family wouldn’t handle these affairs; only she, as the so-called daughter, could take them on. She took a deep breath and set aside other concerns.

Mo Lan immediately began preparations for the funeral. Though unfamiliar with funerals, she searched online, found the right people, bought a burial plot, and handled everything.

With help from other officers, she found the little girl. The child, perhaps having overheard gossip, looked at Mo Lan with murderous intent.

Even from several meters away, her gaze was enough to chill the blood, as if she were a demon from the underworld. No one dared approach her; the officers could only shrug helplessly.

The girl had cried for a long time, her eyes swollen, but her murderous aura remained undiminished.

“Do you hate me?” Mo Lan was astonished to see such hatred emanating from a seven-year-old. What had happened to make her so resentful toward Mo Lan?