It was Hello Hotpot’s first branch opening today, so there were many customers around.
The commotion had long attracted the attention of many people—most of whom were fanning the flames and watching the scene unfold. Some were even jeering rowdily.
Jasper’s expression turned to ice after hearing Magnus’ words.
At this moment, Darrel and Jonas had anxiously rushed over as well. Coincidentally, they overheard what Magnus had said.
Darrel was, after all, a young man. He admired his cousin Jasper tremendously and treated him as his idol. When he heard those words, he felt his blood boil and rushed up to punch Magnus to the ground.
When Darrel, the boss of the restaurant, hurled a few punches himself, the whole place slid into chaos.
Jonas’ expression fell as he grabbed the startled and astonished manager, ordering, “Quick, arrange for all staff members to pacify the customers and try your best not to let news of this get out. Otherwise, our restaurant will close down in just a day.”
Having said that, Jonas rushed toward the chaotic scene.
At this time, Darrel and Magnus had become entangled with each other. Magnus had brought a friend with him, and just as Darrel was about to lose the fight, Julian arrived.
Julian’s moves were straightforward and clean-cut.
When Jonas squeezed his way in, Julian already had the entire situation under control.
“Are you okay?” Jasper asked Darrel.
Darrel huffed and puffed, saying, “I’m okay. Men like him are simply despicable. They deserve to be beaten up!”
“You’re not wrong, but this is your restaurant and your first day of business. Aren’t you worried about bad publicity?” Jasper asked.
“What bad publicity? If Hello Hotpot is good enough, then even if this affects our customer base now, we can still make up for the loss sooner or later. If Hello Hotpot is terrible, then things will remain the same regardless of what happens today.”
Jasper thought highly of Darrel after hearing what he said.
Even though Darrel was still young and inexperienced, he had the potential to become a successful businessman.
“That’s a good point,” Jasper praised him and walked up to Magnus.
At this moment, Julian had clasped onto Magnus and his friend as though he was carrying a chick in each hand.
“F*ck. Ask your dog to let go of me, do you hear me?!”
When he saw Jasper walking over, Magnus clamored frantically and viciously.
“How dare you hit me? Do you know who I am? My father is the chairman of the self-regulatory council of the food and beverage industry!
“He can shut down this stupid hotpot restaurant of yours anytime! Listen up, this isn’t over! If this stupid hotpot restaurant doesn’t close down, I won’t call myself Magnus!”
“The self-regulatory council of the food and beverage industry? It sounds really dope,” Jasper replied blandly.
Many industries in the country advocated market dominance and the government’s complete withdrawal from administrating industries.
Therefore, apart from some necessary administrative approvals and tax audits, service industries like the food and beverage industry were mostly managed by self-regulatory councils set up by the industry itself.
Although self-regulatory councils did not belong to any government organization, they had a considerable amount of authority. They could conduct checks on stores under their jurisdiction at any time. If they discovered any problems, they could give orders for owners to rectify the problems.
If the stores ignored it or if problems were serious enough, then self-regulatory councils would report this to the government, leaving it to the officials to solve the problem.
Therefore, under normal circumstances, the title of chairman of a self-regulatory council was indeed intimidating.
After all, the officials sitting in the county seat could not order people around like the council. What was more, this was a superior who happened to be in charge of their business!
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Life at The Top