Chapter 14: The Troublemaker

“Sister Chen, business is about honesty. Even though Wuhu Restaurant is big, you can’t take advantage of customers, right? I’m just selling strawberries, and this Manager Gao wants a cut for thirty-one jin—what kind of nonsense is that?”

Chen Dabao was furious. He had initially liked Chen Ya quite a bit.

But he never expected her to be like this.

Manager Gao’s expression shifted. He hadn’t anticipated running into Chen Ya coming downstairs, and that Dabao, this naive fool, would openly accuse him of wanting a kickback.

Chen Ya’s delicate face darkened immediately as she soothed, “Brother Dabao, don’t worry. Wuhu Restaurant absolutely does not tolerate kickbacks. I will definitely investigate this matter thoroughly!”

After saying that, her gaze turned toward Manager Gao.

“Sis, don’t listen to this rustic fool spouting nonsense. You know my character. I just thought fifty-one jin of strawberries was too expensive and questioned it a bit. Now this kid is insulting me, and he even dares to smear my name. Let’s see how I deal with him!”

Manager Gao rolled up his sleeves, ready to strike.

“You little worm, you think you can?”

Chen Dabao’s eyes turned cold; he sneered at Manager Gao with contempt.

If this old guy dared make a move, Dabao was determined to show him exactly why the flowers bloomed so brightly today.

“Enough, stop!” Sister Chen stepped between them and looked at Dabao. “Brother Dabao, do you have any proof that Manager Gao wants a kickback?”

“No proof!” Dabao admitted honestly; he indeed had none.

“Sister Chen, you see, this rustic wants to slander me!” Manager Gao boasted proudly, mocking Dabao.

A country bumpkin trying to compete with him? Dream on.

Chen Ya knit her brows slightly. Although she liked Dabao, she couldn’t just act on unsubstantiated claims against someone in her restaurant.

“Sister, I can prove that at Wuhu Restaurant, for every staple like rice, oil, salt, meat, vegetables, or seasoning that comes into the kitchen, they all have to give Manager Gao a cut!”

Unexpectedly, Li Zhuang clenched his fist and spoke up.

“You little bastard, how dare you falsely accuse me?” Manager Gao’s eye twitched and suddenly exploded with rage, slapping Li Zhuang across the face. He hadn’t expected a kitchen helper to dare challenge him.

“You’re asking for death!”

Chen Dabao, enraged, kicked Manager Gao squarely in the stomach. Gao screamed in pain, rolling on the ground and struggling to get up for a long time.

Many Wuhu Restaurant staff heard the commotion and gathered around.

“Zhuangzi, are you okay?”

“I’m fine!”

Li Zhuang shook his head and pulled off his hat. Gao Qiang was a despicable person. He had long wanted to quit working under him.

“You bastard, how dare you hit me?” Manager Gao’s eyes bulged as he scrambled up and rushed into the kitchen, grabbing a kitchen knife, threatening to slash at Chen Dabao.

“Gao Qiang, put down the knife!” Chen Ya’s face turned cold, unleashing a powerful aura that froze Manager Gao in place. Her expression darkened as she looked at Li Zhuang. “I'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that request.