After returning to the capital to farm, the abandoned concubine made a comeback.

"Eating dead people?!" Lin Qin exclaimed in shock. This was utter nonsense!

The ingredients in her house are all the freshest, and she personally supervises the preparation of all the dishes. How could anyone die from eating them?

A chill ran from her feet to the top of her head; she keenly sensed a conspiracy.

The surrounding chatter grew louder and louder, and the once bustling shop suddenly fell silent, with a tense atmosphere filling the air.

Lin Qin looked around. The customers had different expressions: some were panicked, some were skeptical, and some were gloating.

Lin Qin took a deep breath, trying to stay calm.

She knew that she must not lose her composure at this time.

She walked to the center of the shop and said loudly, "Ladies and gentlemen, please listen to me! What happened today is pure rumor! All the ingredients in our shop are strictly selected, and the dishes are carefully prepared. There is absolutely no way there could be any problems! Please do not believe the rumors!"

However, her explanation did not have much effect.

Rumors spread rapidly like a virus, and more and more customers chose to leave.

Looking at the empty shop, Lin Qin felt a sense of powerlessness.

She knew that if she couldn't find out the truth soon, her shop would be finished.

"Boss lady, I found out!" Bai Xiaoer rushed in, panting, his face ashen. "It's...it's Boss Qin! He's spreading rumors outside, saying...saying that people have died from the food at our restaurant!"

"Boss Qin?!" Lin Qin clenched her fists so tightly that her nails almost dug into her flesh.

She had long known that Boss Qin harbored resentment towards her and was always against her, but she never expected him to use such despicable means to frame her!

A surge of anger burned within her, and she abruptly stood up, her eyes filled with fury and determination.

"Bai Xiaoer, lead the way! I need to settle accounts with Boss Qin!"

Zhu Ling grabbed her arm. "Qin'er, calm down! If you go there rashly, you'll only fall into Boss Qin's trap."

Lin Qin shook off his hand, her tone icy, "I can't just stand by and watch my hard work be destroyed! Even if I know it's a trap, I'm going!"

Zhu Ling watched Lin Qin's resolute back and sighed helplessly.

He knew that Lin Qin was just like that; once she made up her mind, she would never easily change it.

Lin Qin, accompanied by Bai Xiaoer, stormed into Boss Qin's shop.

She shoved open the shop door, glaring at Boss Qin, "Boss Qin, do you dare to do it but not admit it?!"

Boss Qin leaned against the counter, his face greasy and contemptuous. "Oh, isn't this Boss Lin? What brings you here? Are you here to learn my business acumen?" He deliberately raised his voice, mocking him in a sarcastic tone.

Lin Qin sneered, "Boss Qin, stop pretending! Do you dare say you didn't spread those rumors?"

Mr. Qin spread his hands, looking completely innocent. "Mr. Lin, you can eat whatever you want, but you can't say whatever you want! When did I spread rumors? What evidence do you have?"

"Evidence? Of course I have it!" Lin Qin pulled out a piece of paper from her sleeve, on which were written testimonies written by several passersby who had heard Boss Qin spreading rumors.

"These people heard you spreading rumors with their own ears, and you still want to deny it?"

Boss Qin's expression changed, but he quickly regained his composure. "Who are these people? I don't know them at all! Maybe you hired them, Boss Lin? You really went to great lengths to frame me!"

The crowd began to discuss the matter, with some believing Lin Qin and others thinking that Boss Qin's words made sense.

Lin Qin was furious when she saw Boss Qin's nonchalant attitude.

"Fine! Since you won't admit it, then let the government decide!" Lin Qin turned to leave.

"Wait!" Boss Qin suddenly called out to her, "Boss Lin, why are you in such a hurry? How about we make a bet?"

Lin Qin stopped and turned around. "What bet?"

A sinister smile crept across Boss Qin's lips. "I'll bet on your innocence! If the authorities find out I spread these rumors, I'll let you do whatever you want with me. But if they find out it wasn't me, then you'll have to..." He paused, his gaze lewdly sweeping over Lin Qin, "...you'll have to spend the night with me!"

The crowd erupted in uproar, accusing Boss Qin of being shameless.

Lin Qin's face also turned ashen; she never expected Boss Qin to be so despicable!

Just then, a deep voice rang out, "I'll gamble for her!"

Everyone looked in the direction of the sound and saw Zhu Ling standing outside the crowd, staring coldly at Boss Qin.

He slowly walked to Lin Qin's side, shielding her behind him, his tone firm, "If it's found that you didn't do it, I'll stay with you for one night in her place!"

Boss Qin was taken aback for a moment, then burst into laughter, "Alright! It's a deal!"

Zhu Ling ignored Boss Qin's mockery and turned to look at Lin Qin, her eyes filled with tenderness and determination. "Qin'er, don't be afraid, I'm here."

Looking into Zhu Ling's resolute eyes, Lin Qin felt a surge of warmth in her heart.

She knew that no matter what happened, he would stand by her side and protect her.

“Boss Qin,” Lin Qin’s voice rang out again, this time her tone no longer angry, but full of confidence and composure, “You’d better pray that the authorities can find out the truth, otherwise…” She paused, a cold smile playing on her lips, “I will make you regret it!”

Zhu Ling gently took Lin Qin's hand, their fingers intertwined.

He looked at Boss Qin, a cold glint flashing in his eyes, "We'll see."

Zhu Ling stayed by Lin Qin's side every step of the way, like a guardian angel.

He helped Lin Qin organize the evidence, comforted the frightened employees, and even cooked for her personally. His earnest and focused demeanor made Lin Qin's heart flutter.

This is no longer the aloof prince; he's clearly a good family man!

Lin Qin felt a warm current flowing through her heart as she experienced Zhu Ling's meticulous care.

She knew that no matter how much wind and rain lay ahead, Zhu Ling would always be there to shelter her from the storm.

This sense of security made her feel incredibly at ease and further confirmed that she had fallen in love with the right person.

The affection between the two deepened during this crisis, like a fine vintage wine that only becomes more fragrant and mellow.

Those around them, seeing their affectionate display, all wore expressions of "I'm totally shipping them!"

Even Bai Xiaoer, who is usually serious, couldn't help but show a maternal smile.

Just then, an unexpected person appeared—Grandma Sun.

Even this notoriously picky gourmand heard the rumors.

She walked shakily into the shop, leaning on her cane, her cloudy eyes gleaming with shrewdness.

Everyone gasped. Granny Sun was notoriously difficult to please. If she came to find fault today, Lin Qin's shop would be in even worse shape.

Grandma Sun looked around and finally fixed her gaze on Lin Qin. "Girl, I heard someone died in your shop?"

Lin Qin took a deep breath and replied calmly, "Grandma Sun, those are all rumors. I can guarantee with my life that the ingredients in my shop are absolutely fresh and the dishes are absolutely clean and hygienic."

Granny Sun snorted coldly, "Words are no proof, seeing is believing. I'll try it today and see if you're lying."

Lin Qin's heart tightened, but she still forced herself to remain calm and ordered Bai Xiaoer to serve the dishes.

Grandma Sun ordered the restaurant's signature dish, "Countryside Hot Pot," a dish with a complicated process and carefully selected ingredients, which is Lin Qin's masterpiece.

Time passed slowly, the air filled with the aroma of food, and everyone held their breath, anxiously awaiting Grandma Sun's evaluation.

Finally, Grandma Sun finished her last bite. She put down her chopsticks, slowly raised her head, and everyone held their breath, afraid of missing any detail.

“This…” A meaningful smile appeared on Granny Sun’s face, “This taste…”

Lin Qin's heart leaped into her throat. Could it be...?

Grandma Sun suddenly slammed her hand on the table, exclaiming, "This tastes amazing!"

Grandma Sun's shout of approval was like a thunderclap, instantly igniting the atmosphere in the entire shop.

She not only became a loyal customer herself, but also praised "Countryside Hot Pot" to everyone she met, saying how delicious and healthy it was, making people's mouths water.

Grandma Sun is a well-known figure in the small town. If she says it's delicious, then it really is delicious!

Now, the customers who had been scared away by the rumors have all come back, clamoring to try the legendary "Countryside Hot Pot".

Lin Qin's shop became lively again, and business was even booming than before!

Looking at the endless stream of customers, Lin Qin smiled with satisfaction.

She knew that she had not only successfully resolved the crisis, but had also turned misfortune into a blessing, gaining the trust of more customers.

Boss Qin, who was hiding in the shadows, was so angry when he saw this scene that his face turned green.

He originally wanted to take this opportunity to completely ruin Lin Qin, but he didn't expect to shoot himself in the foot!

"Damn Lin Qin! And that old woman! I'll make you pay!" Boss Qin roared through gritted teeth, his eyes flashing with malice.

Although Lin Qin won the battle, she did not let her guard down.

She knew that Boss Qin wouldn't give up so easily and would definitely come back for more.

"When soldiers come, we'll block them; when water comes, we'll dam it. I, Lin Qin, am not someone to be trifled with!" Lin Qin clenched her fists, her eyes filled with determination.

However, there has been a wave of unrest.

As evening fell, Bai Xiaoer rushed into the kitchen in a panic, "Boss lady! Something terrible has happened! The price of rice... the price of rice has gone up!"

Lin Qin frowned as she stared at the ever-increasing numbers in the ledger. "How could this happen..."