Chapter 263

　After the two of them finished their discussion, Han An naturally wondered if this was a possibility.

　　 Because Lao Qian told Bai Qin with absolute certainty that Han Ji was going to close down, it didn’t sound like a casual remark, but rather something carefully prepared. However, tonight’s actions wouldn’t actually cause Han Ji to go bankrupt; at most, it would only damage its reputation. The result of a damaged reputation would be fewer customers in the coming months, but because Han Ji’s flavor is more unique than most hot pot restaurants, the long-term problem wouldn’t be too serious.

　　 So if Lao Qian is convinced that Han Ji is going to go bankrupt, then there must be other schemes he hasn’t used yet, right?

　　 The first step is to damage Hanji’s reputation, so what is the second step?

　　 Han An naturally hoped that he was overthinking things, but he couldn’t help but consider this possibility.

　　 “Brother-in-law, do we have many competitors?”

　　 Bringing Han An back to reality after Bai Qin’s words, he said, “The hot pot restaurants nearby are all competitors.”

　　 “Is there any one that’s the most suspicious?”

　　 “I’m not sure about that.”

　　 “Anyway, I think Lao Qian has been planning this for a long time, and he has other people backing him up,” Bai Qin said. “But I think we should just follow Lao Qian directly, because he should be going to work at another hot pot restaurant next. Even if he doesn’t go to work there, but just goes to a hot pot restaurant, the person who made Lao Qian do bad things is definitely the owner of that hot pot restaurant!”

　　 “I’m wondering if Lao Qian has any other tricks up his sleeve.”

　　 “They’ve all left, so they probably don’t have any, right?”

　　 “I naturally hope so, but I always feel a little uneasy.”

　　 “Isn’t a sixth sense something only girls can have?”

　　 “It’s just that women have a stronger sixth sense, not that we men don’t have a sixth sense.”

　　 “Okay, shall we start tracking Old Qian tomorrow?”

　　 “Let me make a phone call first.”

　　 Taking his phone out of his pocket, Han An called the police officer in charge of the case.

　　 Han An naturally hoped that Lao Qian would confess, so that a public announcement could be made immediately to mitigate the negative impact of this diarrhea incident. However, after learning that the health bureau had not detected any diarrhea-causing ingredients in the hot pot broth samples, and therefore had to release Lao Qian, Han An was naturally somewhat displeased.

　　 More than 30 people experienced diarrhea, which indicates that the hot pot broth is definitely problematic!

　　 However, since the health bureau did not find any problems, Han An naturally did not argue with the police on this issue.

　　 After all, they trust the cold, hard test reports.

　　 After hanging up, Han An said, “They said there was no evidence to show that Lao Qian was the one who poisoned the food, and the hot pot base was also fine, so they released Lao Qian.”

　　 “Didn’t he threaten me?” Bai Qin said angrily. “That can’t be used as evidence?”

　　 “Of course not.”

　　 “How awful!”

　　 Because of her frustration, Baiqin’s cheeks puffed out.

　　 At this moment, Xu Yina said, “With so many people suffering from diarrhea, the hot pot broth must have some problems.”

　　 “I think so too, so I was wondering if the people at the health bureau made a mistake,” Han An paused, then added, “or maybe the things Lao Qian used won’t be found out, which is why Lao Qian was so arrogant when I called the police.”

　　 “So, are we out of options with Old Qian?”

　　 “I don’t know if your deduction is correct, but I think it’s necessary to confirm it,” Han An said. “I will ask someone to follow Lao Qian to see if he really goes to other hot pot restaurants.”

　　 “So what if he saw it?” Bai Qin said dejectedly. “He’s a chef, it’s normal for him to apply for a job at a nearby hot pot restaurant.”

　　 “But at least I need to know who’s behind this.”

　　 “Then you can take responsibility for this, brother-in-law,” Bai Qin murmured after yawning. “All I want to do now is get a good night’s sleep. I’m really exhausted tonight.”

　　 “You should go back and rest.”

　　 “Actually, I’m not tired,” Xu Yina said with a slight smile. “Why don’t you go back first, Xiaoqin? I’ll stay in the shop for a while longer.”

　　 “We live together, so of course we’ll leave together.”

　　 Upon hearing Bai Qin’s words, Xu Yina said nothing more.

　　 After a half-minute silence, Xu Yina asked, “Boss, didn’t you tell your wife about this?”

　　 “I called her before, but she said she was with an old friend, so I didn’t mention it.”

　　 “I think it’s still necessary to say something.”

　　 “There’s not much to say. Anyway, she hasn’t been involved in the management of Hanji for a long time.”

　　 “Is that because she has to stay home to take care of the children?”

　　 Why are you speaking up for her?

　　 When Han An asked her that question, Xu Yina was so embarrassed that she didn’t know what to say.

　　 “Alright,” Han An said, “you two go back first.”

　　 Bai Qin was already sleepy, so when she heard Han An’s words, she turned off the computer.

　　 Xu Yina didn’t want to leave, but since she couldn’t find a suitable reason to stay and accompany Han An, she had no choice but to leave with Bai Qin.

　　 After the two left, Han An was left alone in the shop.

　　 If we had chased Lao Qian away by noon today, the diarrhea incident wouldn’t have happened.

　　 Han An also knew that under normal circumstances, he would at least let Lao Qian finish his work for the day before leaving, so he didn’t think there was anything wrong with his decision.

　　 Sitting at a hot pot table, Han An lit a cigarette for himself.

　　 Looking at the empty hall, and thinking that there might be many people spreading false rumors that Hanji’s hygiene was poor, Han An’s mood became heavier and heavier.

　　 He always knew that reputation was important, so he really put a lot of effort into hygiene.

　　 He would also frequently go to the back kitchen to check on things to make sure everything was in order.

　　 But to his surprise, he still stumbled!

　　 Old Qian!

　　 You bastard!

　　 If he weren’t afraid of causing trouble, Han An would have liked to go find Lao Qian right away!

　　 After having this idea, Han An wondered whether he should put it into action.

　　 Unable to contain himself, Han An stood up.

　　 After turning off the power, Han An left Han Ji’s.

　　 Han An and Lao Qian didn’t have much interaction, but he knew where Lao Qian lived, so he naturally drove towards the neighborhood where Lao Qian lived.

　　 Even if he couldn’t get Old Qian to talk, he had to confirm one thing!

　　 Was Lao Qian bribed by someone?

　　 Fifteen minutes later, Han An arrived at the rented house where Lao Qian lived.

　　 Seeing light coming from under the door, Han An knew that Lao Qian was there, so he naturally knocked on the door.

　　 A moment later, Old Qian’s voice could be heard from inside.

　　 “Mr. Han, why aren’t you asleep so late?”

　　 “I want to talk to you about something.”

　　 “What’s up?”

　　 “I’m going to issue a clarification announcement and then I’ll put all the blame on you, so that Han Ji’s reputation won’t be ruined.”

　　 “Then I will also issue a clarification announcement,” Old Qian laughed from inside the house. “I will say that the police have found me innocent, so you are just trying to appease the customers by smearing me. In that case, Han’s reputation will become even more tarnished, and I guess no customers will patronize the restaurant.”

　　 “I will give you 100,000 yuan.”

　　 Old Qian was startled when he heard what Han An said.