Chapter 140: The Slander Against McChicken

However, the symptoms of these people’s illnesses were all quite different.

"This is too strange. How could so many people have fallen ill?" Liao Shuxia asked, puzzled.

Lin Sangqian’s gaze deepened. She was becoming increasingly suspicious of the Wanhua Restaurant. With the Secret Art of the Divine Physician now at her disposal, investigating would be much easier.

Shortly after the "McChicken" shop opened, a carriage pulled up to the entrance. The person who stepped out and entered the shop was none other than Guan Yanqing.

"Young Master Guan," Lin Sangqian hurriedly went to greet him.

"Have you heard about the many people in town falling ill lately?" Guan Yanqing asked.

"Yes, I’ve heard," Lin Sangqian nodded.

Guan Yanqing glanced behind him, and An Yu immediately walked over holding a box.

"Miss Lin, these are some tonics that our young master specifically brought for you," An Yu said with a smile.

Guan Yanqing shot An Yu a look, seemingly annoyed by his excessive talking.

Lin Sangqian was stunned. So, Guan Yanqing had come specifically to bring her tonics? This "golden thigh" of hers was truly kind! Feeling moved, she said, "Young Master Guan, please sit. I’ll make some fried chicken for you."

"No need, I have other matters to attend to," Guan Yanqing replied indifferently.

"Very well, then." She figured that when the Dragon Boat Festival arrived, Guan Yanqing would be visiting the Lin household, and she could make plenty of delicious food for him then.

Lin Sangqian waited for a long while, but Guan Yanqing did not leave.

"...Young Master Guan?"

"Actually, I can take some to go," Guan Yanqing said, his expression completely blank.

Lin Sangqian was speechless. Did he really have to say that with such a serious face? Ultimately, she prepared some fried chicken, wrapped it in oil paper, and gave it to them to take away.

Around noon, when there were few customers, Di Qing arrived suddenly with several bailiffs. Lin Sangqian had initially thought they were there to buy fried chicken, but judging by Di Qing’s expression, something seemed off.

"Brother Di, what happened?" Lin Sangqian asked.

Di Qing looked at his companions before whispering, "We just received a report. Someone claimed they fell ill after eating fried chicken here. They also alleged that many people in town who have been sick recently ate at your shop."

Lin Sangqian laughed out of sheer indignation. Were they trying to pin the blame on her this quickly?

"That’s impossible!" Lin Beitao exclaimed, agitated. "Our fried chicken has always been kept clean! We even change the oil frequently!"

"I know, don't be anxious," Di Qing said. "We are here to investigate today. As long as the investigation shows there are no issues, we will certainly help clear your name."

"Alright," Lin Sangqian nodded. "Brother Di, feel free to investigate as you please."

Di Qing and the bailiffs searched the entire shop but found absolutely nothing wrong. The premises were spotless, and the ingredients were fresh.

"It seems this matter truly has nothing to do with you. Rest assured, I will help clarify this for you," Di Qing said.

"Brother Di, may I know who filed the report?" Lin Sangqian asked.

Di Qing hesitated for a moment. After thinking it over, he said, "Strictly speaking, I shouldn't tell you. But given our friendship, and the fact that I trust you wouldn't do something so foolish, I’ll tell you."

He revealed that the reporter was a man named Zhu Tong, who sold trinkets and lived near the same street as the McChicken shop.

"I understand. Thank you, Brother Di," Lin Sangqian smiled. "If not for your help, we wouldn't have been treated so politely."

"Don't mention it. However, this business with people falling ill in town is indeed strange."

After Di Qing and the others left, Lin Sangqian turned to see her two brothers looking so gloomy that it seemed as if water could be wrung from their faces. She was amused. "Why are you both making such faces?"

"Little Sister, is the Wanhua Restaurant framing us?" Lin Wenyan hit the nail on the head.

"Yes, if I’m not mistaken, this is the work of Bao Mingzhi," Lin Sangqian said.

Lin Beitao clenched his fists in anger. "That scoundrel Bao Mingzhi! It was bad enough that he squeezed us for all we were worth when we worked for him, but even after we’ve been gone for so long, he still won't let us be!"

"Big Brother, go find Brother Yang and ask him to help find out if there is any connection between Zhu Tong and Wanhua Restaurant."

"Right, I'll go at once." Lin Wenyan left in a hurry, not even bothering to eat.

Although Di Qing promised to clear their name, the rumors spread quickly, and the townspeople remained wary. By the afternoon, the shop was much quieter, which even affected the bubble tea shop next door. Lin Beitao was anxious, but Lin Sangqian remained calm. She had a clear conscience. Sooner or later, the townspeople would realize who the true culprit behind their illnesses was.

Since there were no customers, Lin Sangqian decided to close the shop early. Just then, Lin Wenyan returned, sweating profusely. Lin Sangqian handed him a cold drink from the tea shop. After finishing it, he said, "I found out. Zhu Tong is a relative of a worker at Wanhua Restaurant named A'Qian, who has been in Bao Mingzhi's favor lately and is often seen by his side."

"I knew it," Lin Sangqian sneered. "Bao Mingzhi is definitely behind this."

"We need to find out exactly what Bao Mingzhi put in the food that made everyone sick," Lin Beitao said.

"But didn't you already check before, Little Sister?" Lin Wenyan asked, frowning.

"Things are different now than they were then," Lin Sangqian said with a mysterious smile. After all, she now possessed the Secret Art of the Divine Physician. "Big Brother, Third Brother, have someone go to Wanhua Restaurant and buy a few dishes. I am going to visit Mr. Qin again."

"Alright, stay safe."

"I will!"

The three siblings split up. Lin Sangqian arrived at the Qin residence, only to be shocked to find that Qin Zhengde’s condition was even worse than the day before.

"What is going on?" Lin Sangqian asked. "Didn't Dr. Ge prescribe a tonic yesterday? Did Mr. Qin not take his medicine?"

"He did!" Madam Chen said through gritted teeth. "But this disobedient man secretly had a servant buy dishes from Wanhua in the middle of the night! When I woke up this morning, he was in so much pain he looked like he was dying!"

"Mr. Qin!" Lin Sangqian frowned, deeply displeased. How could he risk his life to eat that food when he was already in such a state?

"I... I couldn't help it," Qin Zhengde said, looking embarrassed. "I was in so much pain last night, and I couldn't stop thinking about Wanhua's food. I just couldn't resist."

Lin Sangqian’s expression darkened. She immediately activated the Secret Art of the Divine Physician, preparing to give Qin Zhengde a thorough examination.