The NO.1 Food Stall in the Wasteland novel Chapter 80

Chapter 80: Chapter 80: "So, What Is Mr. Xue’s Offer?

"Oh, oh, okay!" Wang Daguo readily agreed, awkwardly clearing the bowls and wiping down the table.

Wang Daguo had no problem with the tasks Shen Lu assigned him. If he didn’t understand something, he just asked Cai Su.

Cai Su was a good-natured person with no interest in ostracizing him. She would give Wang Daguo pointers from time to time, which significantly improved the stall’s efficiency.

Many customers questioned the new face at the stall.

"Boss Shen, why did you hire him? He’s bad luck. You should fire him, quickly!"

"Exactly. Boss Shen, don’t let him fool you."

"If he’s the one serving my food, I’m not eating."

"That’s right, he used to carry corpses. He’s tainted with bad luck!"

...

These customers made no attempt to be discreet, discussing the matter loudly right in front of Wang Daguo.

The big man’s expression soured, and he glanced at Shen Lu, a look of helpless innocence on his face.

He never imagined that his first day on the job would provoke such strong opposition from so many people. Nor did he ever expect his past work experience to have this kind of impact.

Shen Lu continued to methodically stir-fry her rice, finding the customers’ comments both ridiculous and amusing.

’She had no idea what they were being so fussy about. Most of the people who ate at her stall were only there because her food was cheap—real food they could afford if they stretched their budget a little.’

’If she didn’t run this stall, they’d either be at the still-in-business Cao’s Noodle House, eating affordable Insect Cakes, or drinking a nearly expired nutrient liquid. Back then, why weren’t they complaining that the food at Cao’s Noodle House was terrible, that Insect Cakes were poison, or that expiring nutrient liquids were unhealthy?’

Shen Lu hadn’t wanted to pay any mind to these nosy customers, figuring they would shut up on their own once they’d had their say. But to her surprise, they showed no signs of stopping. In fact, they grew more and more agitated. One person was even pointing and gesturing at Wang Daguo. Anyone who didn’t know better might have thought he was a shareholder in Little Deer Cuisine, with the authority to fire employees on Shen Lu’s behalf.

"Everyone, please, quiet down!" Shen Lu had no choice but to tap her spatula against the griddle, forcing everyone’s attention back to her. The young woman was usually all smiles at her stall, looking completely harmless. But now, with a stern expression on her face, she projected an aura that no one dared to underestimate.

"Here at Little Deer Cuisine, we have strict hygiene standards. Everyone who handles food thoroughly washes their hands and changes into clean clothes to ensure that every single meal served to our customers is perfectly safe."

"Who I hire is my decision and my right. Likewise, where you choose to eat is your decision and your right. If you want to eat at Little Deer Cuisine, my employees and I will welcome you warmly. If you feel our food doesn’t meet your standards, we won’t force you to stay."

Shen Lu’s voice was even and her tone was calm, not particularly aggressive. But her words carried weight, conveying a sense of conviction that was impossible to ignore.

Her words offended some of the more entitled customers, who immediately flew into a rage.

"What’s that supposed to mean? You think we’re being nosy, is that it?"

"Don’t forget, when those people were giving you trouble before, we were the ones who stood up for you!"

"I’m gracing a roadside stall like yours with my presence every day. You should be grateful! You’re just an ignorant young lady. Without us patronizing your business, do you think this stall of yours could even survive?!"

"Let’s go, we’re not eating here! It’s not like there aren’t other places to eat on Gold Street!"

"Exactly! Give her an inch and she’ll take a mile!"

"Let’s go, let’s go! Guangjing Restaurant has started serving lunch recently. Let’s eat there!"

The most disruptive customers chimed in one after another, their words highly inflammatory. Many of the more indecisive people in line were swayed by the commotion and ended up leaving with them for no clear reason.

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