Love Lock

Chapter 47 The Opening of Tongfu Restaurant

After days of raging wind and snow, the storm finally receded, leaving the town looking somewhat desolate in its silver-clad landscape.

As Han Lei and her group stepped out of the post station, a breath of fresh air greeted them, and the long-awaited warm sunshine shone on their faces, warm and bright.

The snow on the street began to melt, and the dripping sound brought a sense of life.

Children cheered and ran out of their homes to build snowmen and have snowball fights, their laughter echoing in the air.

After spending three days in Taoyuan County, Zhao Zun and his party embarked on their journey back to the capital.

Zhao Zun sat in the carriage with a gloomy expression. During her three days in Taoyuan County, Han Lei spent the last two days braving the wind and snow to go out, except for playing mahjong with them on the first day.

As expected, I caught a cold.

Although Han Lei had already taken cold medicine, she kept sniffling the whole way. Wrapped in a cloak, she leaned listlessly on Zhao Zun's shoulder.

Zhao Zun was already looking gloomy, and the muddy, bumpy road made him even more agitated.

Han Lei glanced cautiously at Zhao Zun's dark face and nudged him lightly with her shoulder.

"Okay, don't be angry! I've already taken my medicine, haven't I? I'll be fine soon." Han Lei's voice was as delicate as a kitten's.

"How dare you say that?" Zhao Zun felt sorry for her, but couldn't help scolding her. "I'm a rough man, I don't have those pedantic rules of scholars. I won't stop you from having fun outside, but you should always take care of your health, right?"

"Okay, okay! I'll be more careful next time, okay?" Han Lei snuggled into Zhao Zun's arms in a coquettish manner.

Zhao Zun sighed softly, still defeated by her coquettishness.

He tightened the cloak around Han Lei's neck and asked in a low voice, "Are you feeling better now? If not, let's find a place to rest for now and wait until you recover before we leave."

Seeing that Zhao Zun had stopped nagging her, Han Lei immediately sat up straight, a mischievous smile spreading across her pretty face. "Hehe, I'm fine, really fine. Look how much better I feel."

"Hmph!" Zhao Zun rolled his eyes at her, unable to utter any more words of reproach, looking like he really couldn't do anything with her.

"Hehe, alright! Zhao Zun, Brother Zun. Don't be angry anymore, you don't look good when you're angry." Han Lei knew that her coquettish trick had won again, and she giggled as she took out an outdoor karaoke speaker from her space. "The journey is long, let me play some songs for you! They're really nice, so you won't be bored."

Zhao Zun silently handed her a cup of hot tea, hoping it would alleviate her discomfort slightly. Han Lei took a sip, then reached out and pressed a button on the stereo—

Holding an umbrella to catch falling flowers

Look at the west wind riding a skinny horse

Who can see through the rosy clouds for me in a single glance?

Is that you, young master?

Who lives deep in the mountains ahead?

Playing a pipa tune at dusk

I wish to pick up my brush and paint a picture for you.
Please accept this, my beautiful lady.

……

As the music began, the carriage was filled with cheerful and melodious tunes. Han Lei chose a song she liked and began to hum along softly to the rhythm.

Beautiful music is indeed very therapeutic.

Looking at Han Lei's face, slightly flushed from singing, Zhao Zun felt all his worries temporarily vanish. He couldn't help but tap his thigh gently to the rhythm, completely absorbed in the song.

The guards riding behind the carriage were also drawn by the sudden singing.

They tightened their reins, slowed their pace, and listened intently. Some guards even couldn't help but hum along to the song, and for a moment, the entire procession was immersed in laughter and joy.

The relationship between Han Lei, Zhao Zun, and their guards also deepened along the way... December 26th.

The restaurant in Shimizu Prefecture officially opened after all preparations were completed.

When Han Lei left, she showed Luo Hai videos on her computer of the restaurant's opening ribbon-cutting ceremony, waiter training, and promotional activities.

Thus, the opening ceremony of the restaurant in Qingshui County was an extremely grand affair, thanks to the management of County Magistrate Luo Hai.

The entire street in front of the restaurant was decorated with red lanterns, and the restaurant itself was brightly lit and decorated with colorful lights. They even hired an opera troupe and a lion dance team to perform in front of the restaurant.

Even from afar, you can see the festive atmosphere that fills the air, adding a touch of liveliness and anticipation to this quiet little town.

For Qingshui County, the opening of this restaurant is undoubtedly a major event.

The fact that the county magistrate personally attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony demonstrates his high regard and expectations for this restaurant.

In addition, all the political and business elites and wealthy families in Qingshui County were invited to attend. Dressed in fine clothes, they chatted and laughed as they witnessed this important moment together.

In the open space in front of the restaurant, tables, chairs, and tea were set up on both sides. The distinguished guests surrounded the county magistrate, enjoying tea and watching the performance.

Beneath the restaurant's signboard stood a row of neatly dressed young women. With sashes slung over their shoulders, smiling faces, and graceful figures, they truly formed a beautiful sight.

When the auspicious hour arrived, the streets were already packed with onlookers. Luo Hai got up and went to the plaque. Two waiters stood on either side of him, carrying a silk ribbon tied with a large red flower on a tray.

As soon as the magistrate walked away, the opera troupe and lion dancers stopped their performance, and the scene instantly fell silent. Everyone's eyes were fixed intently on the magistrate.

Luo Hai stood before the red silk, holding scissors, his heart filled with excitement.

He took a deep breath and announced loudly, "Ladies and gentlemen, thank you all for attending the opening ceremony of Tongfu Restaurant. Tongfu Restaurant is grandly opening today, with novel dishes, superb taste, and excellent service. Welcome to come and taste our food; we guarantee you will be thoroughly satisfied and full of praise..."

As Luo Hai's scissors fell, the red silk fluttered down, and after a burst of firecrackers, Tongfulou officially opened its doors to welcome guests.

The name Tongfulou was chosen by Han Lei.

She said she wanted everyone who followed her to share in the good fortune!
Today, the private rooms on the second floor are reserved for our distinguished guests, while customers on the first floor will receive a 50% discount. This is mainly to allow everyone to sample the food first, and then spread the word.

Among the invited distinguished guests, Wei Dabao's plump figure stood out.

Dressed in brocade robes and wearing a jade crown, he took advantage of the break while going up to the private room on the second floor. With a serious expression and a large belly, he moved through the crowd, showing a hint of urgency and unease.

Because this Tongfulou restaurant has countless connections with him.

His two servants had been missing for over ten days. He sent Zhang San and Li Si to follow the farmers in order to obtain some important information. However, they never returned after going out that night.

Wei Dabao sent people to search everywhere, but they could not find their whereabouts.

No one can be seen in life, no corpse in death.

Two perfectly healthy people just vanished into thin air. Wei Dabao found this very strange.

According to the two servants, Tongfu Restaurant used to be the place where the farmers would stay every day after they returned home. So, taking advantage of the magistrate's invitation today, he hoped to find some clues here.

Tongfu Restaurant was bustling with activity, and no one noticed him. Wei Dabao began to secretly look around, trying to find some clues.

He went to the private rooms, the main hall, and even the kitchen. Seeing the chefs busy preparing ingredients, he casually asked them if they had seen his two servants, but the chefs all shook their heads, indicating they knew nothing about them.

He searched every nook and cranny, only to find it was just an ordinary restaurant. There was nothing unusual about it.

Wei Dabao's mind was in complete chaos, and he couldn't find a way to start.

Everyone, keep up! Bombard me with your votes!
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(End of this chapter)