Chapter 96: Crisis

Note: If you want the continuity of this story consider to join Pãtreon/Flokixy to access advance Chapters and To Support The Daily Update Pay one time and unlock the full story and Future Chapters from the Shop Early in the morning, the steward came to report that the shop on East Street had been nearly completed according to the blueprints. Upon hearing this, Su Li immediately set out with Siqin. The shop was located on East Street, right in the prime position of the main thoroughfare. It was a spacious three-story building. As soon as they entered, they were greeted by neatly arranged custom-made hot pot tables and chairs. The interior was bright and clean, exactly as Su Li had envisioned in her blueprints. At this moment, an unassuming man approached them—none other than Xu Mubai, who had concealed his true appearance. Xu Mubai clasped his hands and greeted her respectfully. "Miss." Su Li smiled and nodded. "Young Master Xu is here so early?" Xu Mubai replied, "I’ve been coming every day these past few days, Miss. As per your instructions, the first floor has been divided into several areas: the main dining hall, the counter, the kitchen, the ingredient area, and even a designated waiting area near the entrance." Su Li nodded approvingly. This surpassed even her expectations from her previous life—it was better than any hot pot restaurant she had seen before. "Miss, shall we head to the second floor?" Su Li nodded, and under Xu Mubai’s guidance, they ascended to the second floor. "The second floor was also constructed according to your blueprints," Xu Mubai explained. "You can see here—the center is open, allowing a view of the first-floor dining hall. There are staircases at all four corners leading directly to the second floor for efficient service. Surrounding this floor are thirty-two private rooms, each named uniquely. The decor inside each room corresponds to its name." Su Li noticed that each private room had a plaque above its door. They stepped into one room labeled Qingfeng Pavilion. Xu Mubai elaborated, "This name comes from Su Dongpo’s famous line, ‘A gentle breeze comes.’ The ambiance of this room is serene, making it ideal for merchants conducting business or scholars hosting gatherings." Su Li nodded in approval. Xu Mubai truly had a talent for business. They then entered another nearby room, its plaque reading Deep Amongst a Hundred Flowers. "This name is derived from the poetic line, ‘Ten miles of pavilions lean against lush greenery; amidst a hundred flowers, the cuckoo sings,’" Xu Mubai explained. Inside, the walls were adorned with a painting of blooming flowers, creating the illusion of being surrounded by a vibrant garden. The theme perfectly matched the name Deep Amongst a Hundred Flowers. They continued touring several more rooms, each offering a unique and refreshing experience. Every detail—from the mirrors, paintings, lighting, decorations, furnishings, and arrangements—was meticulously crafted, reflecting unparalleled artistry and design. The restaurant wasn’t an isolated structure but rather part of a complex of interconnected pavilions and terraces, their eaves gracefully curved and painted in intricate designs. Backed by a tranquil lake, the second floor offered stunning views of misty waters, making it an idyllic spot for visitors to gather and enjoy themselves. Its location was simply unbeatable. The third floor, specially requested by Su Li, was even more luxurious and spacious. Opening the windows revealed breathtaking panoramic views. After finishing her inspection, Su Li felt a surge of excitement. She could already envision how popular this establishment would be once it opened. "Miss, the restaurant still lacks a name. We await your decision," Xu Mubai said, looking at Su Li expectantly. Standing by the window, gazing at the distant lake, Su Li mused for a moment. "Let’s call it Jinzao Drunk," she said finally. "Coincidentally, I also have a recipe for a special wine. Once I test it, if successful, we’ll launch it alongside the hot pot." Xu Mubai nodded approvingly. "‘Drunk today with today’s wine’—hot pot paired with fine wine sounds perfect!" Su Li smiled. "How are things progressing with the staff you’re recruiting?" Xu Mubai replied, "The most crucial aspect of the hot pot operation is the preparation of the broth. Beyond that, proper etiquette is key, so it shouldn’t pose much difficulty. We’ve begun training everyone in unified etiquette as per your instructions, along with having uniforms tailored for them." Su Li nodded. "Don’t forget to embroider the words Jinzao Drunk onto the uniforms." Xu Mubai paused, then his eyes lit up with admiration. "Brilliant idea! Truly worthy of you, Miss." Su Li chuckled softly. This was merely borrowed wisdom, nothing original. After exchanging a few more words, Su Li departed with Siqin. Back in the carriage, Siqin was still brimming with excitement. "Miss, Young Master Xu truly has remarkable talent. Mo Hua didn’t misjudge him." Who would have thought that the person who once appeared dirtier than a beggar harbored such extraordinary abilities? Su Li laughed. "Mo Hua isn’t very good at keeping secrets. You all figured it out." Siqin giggled, covering her lips. "How could we not notice? She talks about ‘Young Master Xu’ nonstop every day. It’s impossible not to know." Su Li smiled but said nothing. Siqin hesitated before asking, "Miss, may I ask how you knew Young Master Xu possessed such talent?" Su Li grinned playfully. "Your mistress has the ability to foresee the future." Siqin pouted in mock indignation. "Miss, stop teasing me." As they chatted, time passed unnoticed. Just as Siqin was about to speak again, Su Li suddenly tensed. "Don’t say a word!" Siqin immediately fell silent, her eyes wide with confusion. After a brief pause, Su Li whispered softly, "Haven’t you noticed how eerily quiet it is outside?" Siqin’s face paled. She hadn’t paid attention until now, but upon closer inspection, aside from the sound of the carriage wheels, there was no trace of human activity. This wasn’t the bustling street they had started on! Su Li cautiously lifted a corner of the carriage curtain and saw only wild grasses and trees. They were on a desolate road leading out of the city—and not even the main road! "Miss..." Siqin’s voice trembled. Su Li lowered her voice. "Listen carefully, Siqin. Their target is me. When the chaos begins, you must jump out of the carriage and run back to find Prince Jing." Her mother was pregnant and couldn’t handle any stress. Jun Mo was the only person she could think of. "Miss, Siqin won’t leave you alone! Let me hold them off while you escape!" Siqin clutched Su Li’s hand tightly, her eyes filled with determination. "It’s an order!" Su Li said firmly. "Miss, let’s switch clothes! Let me take your place!" Su Li grabbed her hand, her voice cold. "I am your mistress, and you will obey me!" In her previous life, Siqin had died protecting her. In this life, no matter what, Su Li was determined to keep her safe. "Miss..." "Do as I say!" Su Li’s expression was resolute. There were undoubtedly others hiding in the shadows, not just the driver. What had happened to Mo Yun? Who were these people? For now, she could only take things one step at a time. Su Li clenched her fists tightly. To say she wasn’t afraid would be a lie. She hadn’t yet avenged herself, and in this life, she valued her existence greatly. Exchanging a glance with Siqin, Su Li abruptly pulled back the carriage curtain and threw a handful of white powder outward. "Siqin, jump!" Biting her lip, Siqin leaped out of the carriage alongside Su Li. "Siqin, run north!" Su Li sprinted in the opposite direction, drawing the pursuers away from Siqin. The driver, having inhaled a large amount of the powder, screamed and tumbled off the carriage. As Su Li ran, a group of black-clad figures suddenly emerged from the shadows, chasing after her. Siqin ran with tears streaming down her face. "Miss, please stay safe! Prince Jing! Yes, find Prince Jing!" Su Li gripped a small porcelain bottle tightly, her cold gaze fixed on the encircling figures. "Who sent you?" Their leader stepped forward. "Miss Su, we mean you no harm, so don’t resist unnecessarily. We wouldn’t want to accidentally injure you." A flicker of doubt crossed Su Li’s eyes. Their tone conveyed respect—they genuinely didn’t seem intent on killing her. When she remained silent, the leader commanded, "Take Miss Su away!" Su Li remained vigilant, watching them closely. Seizing the opportunity, she swung her hand. "Watch out!" The black-clad figures shouted in alarm, covering their noses and mouths as they retreated. One figure who failed to retreat in time screamed and collapsed, lifeless. The remaining figures glared at Su Li, their expressions turning frosty. "You leave us no choice but to use force!" Holding their breaths, they swiftly closed in on Su Li. Before she could react, Su Li felt a sharp pain at her neck and promptly succumbed to darkness.