Rebirth: She is Ready for a Counterattack!-Chapter 230 - 229: Laying the Cards on the Table (Fifth Update)
Li Xuemei and Gu Ruhai sat on either side of the table, watching Gu Xiaoqing, who was slowly eating her meal, with eyes full of affection that seemed unable to get enough.
Gu Xiaoqing wiped her mouth and said, "Dad, let’s talk about this matter."
Gu Ruhai laughed heartily and said, "No rush, you take a rest first, and once you’re well-rested, we’ll talk about this issue."
Li Xuemei also said, "Yes, go upstairs and sleep well, we’ll discuss it afterward."
Gu Xiaoqing shook her head, "I’m not tired, I slept all night."
The three of them moved to the living room sofa.
Gu Xiaoqing listened to Gu Ruhai’s description and understood that the Gu Family Spicy Hot Pot in the four cities faced the same situation.
"Dad, the other party doing this, Gu Rushan certainly doesn’t have the capability to achieve it alone. They probably value his surname ’Gu’; it seems they’re coming after our Gu Family. I suspect, regardless of the reason, someone with a grudge against our family is behind this. But who it is, we’re still uncertain and can only watch every step to see who the real mastermind is."
Gu Xiaoqing shared her thoughts.
Gu Ruhai extinguished his cigarette butt and nodded; they had thought about this too, but despite racking their brains, they couldn’t figure out which family was opposing them.
Throughout their lives, Li Xuemei and Gu Ruhai together had few enemies, and none that would escalate to such extremes, pouring so much money to deal with them.
This is what puzzled them most.
"But why is this person targeting us? Business competition? The market is so vast, and it’s impossible for the Gu Family to cover all the business in the provincial capital. Even if it’s commercial competition, it wouldn’t be so blatantly obvious; even a fool can see it’s a rivalry between the two families."
Li Xuemei cut an orange in halves and handed it to Gu Xiaoqing, something their daughter liked to eat.
Gu Xiaoqing accepted and ate it quietly, then wiped her hands clean, saying, "Regardless of the reason, they’ve already openly declared war, meaning we must fight back. Our hot pot business is certainly affected, as I’ve noticed the customers aren’t as bustling as before."
Gu Ruhai admitted this undeniable fact, "I’ve been with a few friends to eat; the hot pot base flavors were genuinely good, comparable to our own hot pot base. I’m even wondering if our secret recipe was leaked."
This had been bothering Gu Ruhai lately.
Gu Xiaoqing seemed unconcerned, "So, Dad, have you thoroughly checked the staff managing the kitchen base?"
Such betrayal from within must be eradicated.
At least until implementing a new plan, clearing out such traitors nearby is essential; otherwise, they could hinder every step of future planning.
Betrayal brings more betrayal; no one is immune to the lure of money.
Wherever there’s money to be fought over, there will be those who sell themselves for money.
"We know, and have been investigating thoroughly. We’ve already targeted someone, but the base recipe has undoubtedly leaked. However, we can’t prove it was them who leaked it; we lack evidence."
Li Xuemei and the others were also troubled.
Gu Xiaoqing laughed; what’s so difficult about that?
"Easy to handle. Since there’s no evidence, we’ll produce some concrete evidence ourselves."
Gu Ruhai and Li Xuemei were taken aback—how could evidence be manufactured?
Does it mean faking evidence?
Wouldn’t that change reason to unreason?
Both stared at Gu Xiaoqing, confused.
"Don’t worry, I’ll come up with a new base recipe within two days. Isn’t it just the base? I should have a new recipe ready by today or tomorrow. We’ll launch it in the kitchen, and that’s the best chance to catch the traitor.
I’m positive they’re also waiting for us to take action."
Only then did Gu Ruhai and Li Xuemei realize.
"Also, Dad and Mom, our Gu Family Spicy Hot Pot needs new vitality. I believe it’s time to introduce something new, initially planned for later, but since someone sees us as a threat and wants us bankrupt, I’ll advance the plan.
I plan to open a new restaurant, finding a new location soon, and all renovations will be in line with my plans. I’m sure it won’t be long before we cause another culinary storm."
Gu Ruhai and Li Xuemei were astonished by Gu Xiaoqing’s boldness; if their daughter said it, she must be confident. They knew Gu Xiaoqing never offered empty words; if she dared to speak, she would achieve the best.
This they both understood.
This family business, frankly speaking, was all earned by Gu Xiaoqing.
They believed.
"Alright, daughter, since my girl said so, Mom and Dad support you. This time, we’ll create greatness again; the Gu Family fears no storms. If worse comes to worst, we’ll just return to the countryside to farm; your mom and I aren’t scared, especially with you three siblings so capable, we must go all out."
Gu Ruhai expressed his fatherly bravado.
Li Xuemei playfully smacked Gu Ruhai’s hand, "What are you talking about? Don’t demoralize us. We’ll definitely root here in the provincial capital, definitely succeed and safeguard our three kids."
Li Xuemei had her plans.
Over the years, Li Xuemei wasn’t the ignorant rural woman she once was; she made additional preparations, like saving money annually for each child, a staunch tradition for emergencies.
Even if calamity strikes the family, the children will face no trouble in the future.
Li Xuemei prepared the basic guarantee.
Of course, Gu Ruhai wasn’t aware, nor was Gu Xiaoqing.
She thought it was her mother’s confidence in her abilities.
But Gu Xiaoqing was ready for this plan.
Although winter break’s time was limited, Gu Xiaoqing could only do some preparation initially, planning and execution, likely needing family support and effort.
Harvesting the final fruits of victory?
Surely, she can request leave to return and participate.
Gu Xiaoqing was already eager to see what the rival family’s expression would be after this confrontation. (To be continued. If you like this work, welcome to Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendation and monthly tickets; your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile readers please visit m.qidian.com to read.)
