I was a rookie reporter in the 00s

The publication of the feature story was like a boulder dropped into a calm lake, instantly stirring up a thousand waves. Zhang Wanqing stood at the entrance of the bun shop, watching the bustling crowd before her, feeling both excited and nervous. Fu Siyuan's idea had indeed worked; the feature story immediately caused a huge sensation. The headline, "The Legendary Story of a Century-Old Bun Shop," caught countless eyes, and the photo of Zhang Wanqing's mother making buns by hand made readers salivate.

"Sister, look, our bun shop is in the newspaper!" Zhang Chen ran over excitedly, holding a newspaper in his hand, his face filled with pride. He had just returned from school and rushed to the bun shop after seeing the special report.

"Yeah, I see." Zhang Wanqing smiled slightly, but her eyes were a little complicated. She knew that this was just the beginning, and the days to come would probably not be so peaceful.

"Our bun shop is going to be famous all over the city now!" Zhang Chen said excitedly, as if he saw a glorious future.

"I hope so," Zhang Wanqing said softly, feeling a little uneasy. She had a vague feeling that this sudden attention might bring some unexpected trouble.

The special report had an immediate impact. From the next day on, business at the bun shop boomed. Not only did locals flock to check in, but tourists from other places also flocked. Every morning, long lines formed outside the bun shop, with people coming from far and wide hoping to get a taste of the legendary "Internet-famous buns."

"Boss, give me a basket of buns, the most authentic ones!" a tourist said loudly, his tone full of anticipation.

"Okay, wait a moment," Zhang Wanqing's mother replied while busy making dumplings. She was sweating profusely, but a happy smile spread across her face. This small dumpling shop, the product of her life's work, was finally being recognized. How could she not be happy?

However, the good times didn’t last long. On the third day after the special report was released, an unexpected situation broke the peace.

That morning, Zhang Wanqing arrived at the bun shop when she saw a strange man standing at the door. He was wearing a well-tailored suit, his hair was neatly combed, and he wore a pair of gold-rimmed glasses. He looked respectable, but his eyes held a malicious intent, which made Zhang Wanqing wary.

"Hello, how can I help you?" Zhang Wanqing asked with a smile, a hint of politeness in her tone.

"I'm Zhao Ming, a reporter from Metropolis Times." The man smiled faintly, but his eyes were cold. "I heard your bun shop is very popular recently, so I came here to interview you."

"Oh, is that so?" Zhang Wanqing nodded, but she felt a little confused. Metropolis Times was a very influential local newspaper. Logically, they should have known about the situation at the bun shop a long time ago. Why did they come to interview them only now?

"Yeah." Zhao Ming nodded, his eyes scrutinizing him. "I heard your bun shop is very popular recently, so I came here to interview you."

"That's great." Zhang Wanqing smiled slightly. "However, our bun shop has been very busy lately. Can you come back another day?"

"No." Zhao Ming shook his head, his eyes revealing determination. "I must interview your bun shop today."

"This..." Zhang Wanqing was a little embarrassed. Just as she was about to say something else, she heard Fu Siyuan's voice coming from behind her.

"Zhao Ming, what do you mean?" Fu Siyuan walked over with a look of displeasure in his eyes.

"Oh, it's Reporter Fu." Zhao Ming smiled slightly, his eyes revealing a hint of contempt. "I heard that your newspaper also recently reported on this bun shop, so I came here specifically to learn from you."

"Seeking the scriptures?" Fu Siyuan sneered, "Are you mocking us?"

"I wouldn't dare." Zhao Ming smiled slightly, but his eyes were filled with provocation. "I just want to see how you can make an ordinary bun shop so popular."

"What does this have to do with you?" Fu Siyuan frowned, with a hint of displeasure in his tone.

"Of course it does." Zhao Ming smiled slightly, his eyes revealing a sinister look. "If there is a problem with your report, then we at Metropolis Times have the responsibility to expose it."

"Are you threatening us?" Fu Siyuan's face darkened instantly, and there was anger in his eyes.

"No, I'm just fulfilling my duties as a reporter." Zhao Ming smiled slightly, his eyes cold. "I suggest you cooperate, otherwise..."

"What else?" Fu Siyuan said coldly, with an unyielding look in his eyes.

"Otherwise, don't blame me for being rude." Zhao Ming smiled slightly, with a sinister look in his eyes.

"You!" Fu Siyuan was about to say something else when he was stopped by Zhang Wanqing.

"Siyuan, don't be impulsive." Zhang Wanqing whispered, her eyes showing worry. "Let's calm down first."

"Hmph!" Fu Siyuan sneered, his eyes filled with anger.

"Wanqing, your bun shop is indeed very popular recently, but you should also pay attention to the impact." Zhao Ming smiled slightly, with a sinister look in his eyes. "If there is a problem with your buns, it will be bad."

"What do you mean?" Zhang Wanqing frowned and said.

"It's nothing special. I'm just giving you a kind reminder. I'm just reminding you not to neglect the most important things because of temporary glory." Zhao Ming said with a cold look in his eyes.

"You better leave quickly!" Fu Siyuan asked him to go.

Zhao Ming turned and left, leaving Zhang Wanqing and Fu Siyuan looking at each other in bewilderment. Zhang Wanqing knew in her heart that this turmoil was probably just beginning.

The first rays of morning sunlight shone on the bun shop's sign, its golden glow complementing the large inscriptions "Century-Old Brand." Zhang Wanqing rubbed her sleepy eyes, pushed open the door, and was greeted by the aroma of steaming buns. She took a deep breath, a satisfied smile on her face.

"Wanqing, come in and help!" Mom's voice came from the kitchen with a hint of urgency.

Zhang Wanqing hurried into the kitchen and saw her mother busily kneading dough and wrapping stuffing. The chopping board was laden with fresh ingredients: leeks, pork, mushrooms, and the secret sauce, emitting an alluring aroma. Her mother's movements were skillful and swift, like a silent dance.

"Mom, let me help you." Zhang Wanqing rolled up her sleeves, picked up a piece of dough, and began to knead it. Although her technique was not as skillful as her mother's, she was still quite good.

"Hey kid, why are you up so early again?" Mom raised her head and smiled slightly, "Isn't today the weekend?"

"I can't sleep," Zhang Wanqing said softly, her eyes wandering. She knew that the bun shop's business had been booming in the days since the special report was released, but it had also brought some unexpected pressure.

"Can't sleep?" Mom was slightly startled, then sighed, "Are you worried about the bun shop?"

Zhang Wanqing nodded without saying anything. She knew her mother had always been an optimistic person, but even she was a little worried about this incident.

"Don't worry, I believe in our buns." Mom stopped what she was doing and gently patted Zhang Wanqing's shoulder. "For so many years, our buns have always relied on real ingredients. Word of mouth doesn't build a reputation overnight."

"Yeah." Zhang Wanqing nodded, but she felt a little uneasy. She knew that this incident was far from as simple as her mother imagined.