HLM – Chapter 910 Not Treating the Mayor as an Official

The duck intestines were unexpectedly tender yet crisp, with a good chew.

As he chewed, a burst of flavorful broth first splashed out—it smelled delightful—but the taste of the intestines themselves was even better, becoming more delicious the more he chewed.

Chen Luoxian had eaten a lot of gourmet food in Sunset Town, so she was more surprised than shocked. She ate the duck intestines contentedly, chewing slowly and savoring the flavor.

Zheng Jinyuan, however, was tasting such tender, crisp, and fragrant duck intestines for the first time. His large lips smacked audibly as he opened and closed his mouth, exclaiming, “Damn! These duck intestines are delicious! Really delicious! Truly exquisite!”

Chen Luoxian got a mouthful in her own cheek from his enthusiasm. She could only lower her head silently and focus on eating her own duck intestines.

Noticing her change in expression, Zheng Jinyuan—being a seasoned businessman—was sensitive enough to realize that his crush was annoyed with him. He hurriedly explained, “Sorry, sorry, Xiao Xian. You know me—once I get excited, I tend to curse.”

Chen Luoxian kindly replied, “I understand. It’s okay. Your straightforwardness is part of your charm—true heroes naturally have style.”

Zheng Jinyuan grinned, feeling even more satisfied with Chen Luoxian. She was exactly the kind of woman suitable to be the mother of his children. The women he had been with before only knew how to buy jewelry, handbags, cars, and houses—what did they know about genuine heroic style?

After finishing the duck intestines, he threw the duck feet and goose feet into the pot. Unsurprisingly, they were far more fragrant and tender than what he had eaten elsewhere, making him extremely happy.

Chen Luoxian had a small appetite and put down her chopsticks after a while.

Zheng Jinyuan enthusiastically urged her, “Come on, keep eating! These duck feet are amazing—crunchy! Or do you want to try some chicken hearts?”

Chen Luoxian was slightly overwhelmed by the noise he made while eating, and besides, she was full, so she waved him off politely.

The rest of the food, however, Zheng Jinyuan tackled with the vigor befitting his big belly, cleaning every pricey dish completely.

When he finished, he wiped his mouth and let out a satisfied belch. “Ah! Damn, this hotpot is really delicious! Xiao Xian, you’ve truly done a great thing. This is absolutely the best restaurant in the town!”

When paying the bill, he deliberately left a tip. Chen Luoxian said, “Unlike in Europe or New Zealand, you don’t have to leave a tip here.”

Zheng Jinyuan sheepishly retrieved the money he had taken out.

Back with the tour group, everyone praised the excellence of Spreese’s kitchen. Zheng Jinyuan scoffed, “Western food? What’s so great about it? Let me tell you, the dishes at that Haidilao hotpot are the real delicacies!”

No one responded, so Chen Luoxian quickly smoothed things over: “This hotpot restaurant in town just opened. Some of its specialty dishes are indeed delicious. If anyone likes duck or goose intestines, lamb or beef tripe, you should try them.”

Since the group was made up of wealthy individuals, she didn’t need to emphasize the price.

A golden cup or a silver cup is no match for reputation. Chinese tourists who had tasted Haidilao’s specialty dishes couldn’t stop praising them. But for native New Zealanders, it could be a bit tricky.

Some people came specifically for the unique delicacies from Sunset Ranch. But when they saw it was all innards and feet, they immediately got upset.

The first Friday after New Year, Wang Bo was planning his trip home for the holiday when he received a call from Hou Wenyuan.

Boss Hou’s voice was urgent: “Mayor, come quickly! Something’s wrong—the Food Inspection Bureau is coming to shut down the hotpot restaurant!”

Wang Bo frowned. Who the hell was so bold as to show up unannounced and try to close down a shop on his turf?

He stormed to the hotpot restaurant. Many people had gathered nearby to watch. Back in China, he had read online that gawking crowds were a uniquely Chinese habit.

In reality, that was fake news—at least in New Zealand, people also loved to watch commotions!

Wang Bo pushed through the crowd and entered. “What’s going on?” he asked.

At the entrance, Hou Wenyuan and his wife, He Hou Lijuan, were negotiating with two men in dark blue uniforms. One of the men wanted to enter the restaurant: “All customers, please cooperate with our inspection and leave the premises.”

It was nearly noon. Forcing people out at this time would severely affect business and give the impression that the restaurant was doing something illegal.

The Hous had years of experience running hotpot restaurants abroad, so they naturally knew how serious this was and blocked the two inspectors from entering.

One of the white men grew impatient: “Ma’am, if you continue to obstruct our inspection, we will contact the local police to use force!”

Wang Bo was furious. “Contact the police? The head of the police is standing right in front of you, and you’re ignoring him? Talk about disrespect!”

The Hous noticed him, but they couldn’t step aside—if they did, the inspectors would storm the restaurant.

So Wang Bo stepped in to separate the parties, shouting angrily, “What’s going on? I’m the local sheriff. Talk properly—what’s with the pulling and tugging?!”

The two white men showed him their badges. “Hello, Sheriff. We are from the Auckland Food Hygiene Inspection Bureau. This restaurant is suspected of operating with illegal food…”

Wang Bo waved them off. “Illegal food?”

An older inspector said, “Some foods are not suitable for consumption. We need to inspect…”

Wang Bo interrupted, “Fine, inspect the kitchen. Why do you have to drive away the customers?”

This was indeed a weak point for the inspectors—they had no answer and fell silent.

Wang Bo turned to the Hous. “Why are you blocking the inspection?”

Hou Wenyuan was shocked. Damn, back when you bought all these random things from me at high prices, you weren’t saying this.

Wang Bo continued, “Let them in. Have them ask the customers to leave, record everything, then hire a lawyer and sue them!”

Hou Wenyuan quickly stepped aside and pulled out his phone. Wise advice.

The two inspectors no longer dared resist. They showed the inspection approval documents and said they needed to check the kitchen.

All restaurants must comply. Inside the kitchen were meticulously arranged plates of duck feet, chicken claws, and freshly thawed lamb and beef tripe.

One inspector started taking photos, while the other used an official tone: “These foods are not allowed on dining tables and must be confiscated.”

Wang Bo stopped him. “Why?”

“According to the Food Hygiene Inspection Regulations, these foods conflict with the beliefs of certain citizens. Unless for a specific audience, they are not allowed in the market,” the white inspector explained with justification.

Wang Bo shrugged. “But we are selling this specifically to a targeted audience!”