bestfiction Chapter 173 reveals that the previous butler was wrongly accused.
Chapter 173 reveals that the previous butler was wrongly accused.
Gu Liuli and Xiao Jingchuan sat at a table in a hot pot restaurant, the steaming hot pot unable to dispel their indignation.
The incident of the shopkeeper bullying the employees that Gu Liuli had just experienced made her realize that the management of this store urgently needed to be rectified.
After she calmed the men present and prepared to learn more about the situation, an older man hesitated for a long time before finally stepping forward.
“Madam,” the old shopkeeper said, his eyes filled with a mixture of nervousness and anticipation, “the previous manager didn’t actually steal money from the shop as the current manager claims; he’s just framing me!”
Upon hearing this, Gu Liuli frowned slightly, a hint of surprise and anger flashing in her eyes: "Explain yourself clearly, what exactly happened?"
The old shopkeeper swallowed hard, composed himself, and said, "Madam, the previous manager, Master Chen, was a wonderful person. He treated us all very kindly, and the shop's business was always booming. But then this new manager came, and not long after he arrived, he started to ostracize Master Chen."
One day, some money went missing from the shop, and he immediately accused Mr. Chen of stealing it. Mr. Chen tried to explain himself, but no one believed him, and he was eventually fired.
Gu Liuli and Xiao Jingchuan weaved through the narrow, dimly lit alleyway, filled with a damp and rotten smell, and finally arrived at the dilapidated hut where Master Chen lived. A faint, flickering light shone from inside, struggling to stay lit in the cold wind.
Gu Liuli gently knocked on the rickety wooden door, making a "thump-thump" sound. A moment later, the door creaked open, revealing Master Chen's haggard face. He was thin, his cheeks were sunken, and his once bright eyes were now bloodshot, revealing endless fatigue and vicissitudes.
When Master Chen saw Gu Liuli and Xiao Jingchuan, two people dressed in extraordinary clothes, a hint of surprise and wariness flashed in his eyes. He frowned slightly and asked in a hoarse voice, "Who are you? Why are you looking for me?"
With a gentle smile, Gu Liuli said softly, "Master Chen, please forgive us for disturbing you. I am Gu Liuli, who runs this hot pot restaurant with Jia Xiaoyan. I have come here today to clarify some things, and I hope you can hear me out."
Upon hearing the words "hot pot restaurant" and "Gu Liuli," Chef Chen's body trembled slightly, and a complex mix of emotions flashed in his eyes—surprise, doubt, and a barely perceptible hint of anticipation. He remained silent for a moment before slowly speaking, "Madam, I am no longer the owner of that hot pot restaurant. There's no need to dwell on the past. Please leave." With that, he turned to close the door.
Xiao Jingchuan reacted quickly, blocking the door with his hand, and said sincerely, "Master Chen, we know you have been wronged, and we are here today to seek justice for you. Please give us a chance to finish what we have to say."
Master Chen paused, a hint of hesitation in his eyes. Looking at Gu Liuli and Xiao Jingchuan's resolute gazes, something seemed to stir within him. After a long silence, he sighed softly, opened the door, and stepped aside to let them in.
The room was extremely simple, with only a worn-out wooden bed, a table with a chipped corner, and a few rickety stools. These were all the belongings the owner had. Master Chen pointed to the stools and said, "Please sit down, both of you. My humble abode is simple, I hope you won't find it offensive."
After Gu Liuli and Xiao Jingchuan sat down, Gu Liuli got straight to the point: "Master Chen, we have learned the general outline of what happened from the shop's staff. We know that you were falsely accused of theft by the current manager and was therefore fired. We are here today to invite you back to take over as the manager of the hot pot restaurant."
After hearing this, Master Chen shook his head with a wry smile: "Madam, I appreciate your kindness. But I've already been labeled a thief, and my reputation is ruined. Even if I go back, how can I convince everyone? Besides, in my current state, how can I have the face to return to that place?"
Gu Liuli leaned forward, looking at Chef Chen with unwavering determination, and said earnestly, "Chef Chen, the staff have all seen your character. They all know you are innocent and hope you can come back. As for your reputation, we will explain the truth to everyone and clear your name. When you were at the hot pot restaurant, you managed the business perfectly and cared deeply for the staff. That's what makes you a good manager in everyone's eyes. Now that you're gone, the hot pot restaurant is in chaos. Only your return can get the restaurant back on track."
Xiao Jingchuan chimed in, "Master Chen, we believe in your abilities and character. This was our oversight, causing you so much distress. But please give us a chance to make amends, and also give yourself a chance to prove yourself."
A flicker of emotion crossed Chef Chen's eyes. He lowered his head and pondered for a long time. Memories of his time at the hot pot restaurant flooded his mind—those busy yet heartwarming days with his colleagues, those satisfied smiles on the faces of his customers—it all seemed like yesterday.
Finally, he raised his head, a glimmer of light appearing in his eyes, and said in a slightly trembling voice, "Madam, sir, since you trust me so much, I am willing to try again. If I can clear my name, I will do my best to run the hot pot restaurant even better and live up to your expectations."
Gu Liuli and Xiao Jingchuan exchanged a smile, their eyes filled with satisfaction. Gu Liuli stood up and said, "Master Chen, let's go back now and explain everything to everyone. From now on, let's work together to make the hot pot restaurant better and better."
Master Chen also stood up, nodded slightly, and a glimmer of hope rekindled in his eyes.
When Gu Liuli and Xiao Jingchuan returned to the hot pot restaurant with Chef Chen, it was already late, but the restaurant was still brightly lit. The staff, upon learning of their return, gathered in the lobby.
Gu Liuli, dressed in a simple yet elegant gown, stood gracefully in the center of the hall, her gaze firm and composed. She gently raised her hand, signaling the staff to quiet down, and the entire hall instantly fell silent, all eyes fixed on her.
"Guys, His Majesty and I have brought Master Chen back today to clear his name." Gu Liuli's clear and powerful voice echoed in the hall.
At this moment, the current shopkeeper who had framed Master Chen turned deathly pale, beads of sweat appeared on his forehead, and a hint of panic flashed in his eyes, but he still tried to remain calm and said, "Madam, what do you mean by that? Master Chen stole money from the shop back then, and the evidence is conclusive. How can you say that he was wronged?"
Gu Liuli glanced at him coldly, her gaze as sharp as a cold star: "Is that so? Then what is your so-called evidence? It's nothing but your one-sided statement."
After saying that, Gu Liuli turned to the older waiter and said, "Tell us the truth you know, so that everyone can hear it."