In addition, since he couldn't just keep cooking and making desserts, Lu Chen also started practicing his family's internal energy cultivation technique, the Heaven-Condensing Technique, which he hadn't practiced in a long time. Previously, he had neglected his cultivation due to a life of pleasure and indulgence, but now, spurred on by the Seven-Life Flower's supernatural power, and with his life changing and the pressures of survival, he knew he had to rely on himself for the future, and a stronger supernatural power was a powerful guarantee. Therefore, Lu Chen became increasingly proactive.
Regarding the management of the dessert shop, Lu Chen and Liu Li devised some cost-effective sales methods, such as group buying, bicycle team promotions, and street sample distribution, which yielded good results.
The Curse God technique was used on customers with significant resources, such as hotel, buffet restaurant, and school administrators. Securing one could increase monthly revenue by tens of thousands, or even hundreds of thousands.
Miao Yuemei was furious because several units that originally received pastries from her Flower Mood had inexplicably had their pastries taken away by Liu Li's Moon Fang.
When asked, the relevant personnel at those companies were equally baffled, agreeing to switch suppliers without understanding the reasons.
In such cases, a contract wasn't necessary; the change was finalized. Miao Yuemei could only grind her teeth and sleep at night.
Three months passed in a flash, and Lu Chen felt he had finally established himself in Yunzhou City. His salary had increased to 5,500 yuan a month, and he had even taken on three apprentices.
Liu Li happily said that it was almost time to reopen the branch store.
During this time, Miao Yuemei tried to seduce him a few times, offering even more lucrative terms, but Lu Chen firmly refused each time.
As things gradually stabilized, Lu Chen felt less busy. He thought of Gong Jiu and his adorable little sister, Gong Xiaoyi. He wondered how they were doing.
One day off, Lu Chen bought some nutritional supplements and packed some homemade pastries, then went to Gong Jiu's house.
He was stunned when he arrived. The old building, which had been only half-built, was gone. The site was now fenced off with asbestos tiles, and dozens, even hundreds, of workers were laying the foundation.
Lu Chen also saw several guards—the same thugs who had bullied Gong Xiaoyi and chased her away.
He thought for a moment, then went to a nearby convenience store and bought a case of frozen beer. He casually carried it to the thugs. The thugs immediately recognized him and jumped up defensively.
"What are you afraid of!" Lu Chen said calmly. He ripped open the beer case, grabbed a bottle, and with a flick of his fingers, popped the cap off. He handed it to one of the thugs.
In a few quick movements, Lu Chen opened several more bottles and handed them out.
Finally, with a snap, he opened one for himself.
"It's so hot, you must be exhausted. Here, bottoms up!"
He tossed his head back, gulped it down, and in about ten seconds, it was gone.
The thugs were completely stunned. The sheer number of beer bottles he opened with those fingers was beyond the capabilities of an ordinary person. And to finish a bottle in ten seconds—it was incredibly bold and exuded an aura of dominance!
Most importantly, this guy actually bought them beer!
Suddenly, the thugs, who had both feared and hated Lu Chen, felt a surge of admiration for him. They exchanged glances and then downed their beers in one gulp.
"Alright, after this, we're friends. Tell me, where's my brother's family? Don't play dumb with me, you know what I mean," Lu Chen said casually, rubbing his nose.
The thugs were shocked, their eyes wide with surprise.
"Don't worry, drinking this wine shows I don't want to fight you. I just want to know where they are. See, in this situation, there's nothing I can do, right?"
Lu Chen pointed to the bustling construction site.
The thugs exchanged glances, and one of them, who seemed to be the leader, spoke up, forcing a smile.
Two months ago, the real estate development company finally settled the last few resisting demolition households, including the Gong Jiu family. As for where they went, the thugs had no idea.
"How did they settle them?" Lu Chen asked casually, as if chatting with a friend.
One thug blurted out, "I heard someone from higher up went to Gong Jiu's sister's school and said something to the school leaders, and then… ouch!"
His arm was pinched by another thug.
However, Lu Chen already understood.
A surge of anger flashed through his mind. These despicable bastards!
However, he remained outwardly calm, put down the pastry box, and said, "These are pastries I bought from Moon Fang. They were originally for my brother. He's not here, so you guys can have them! They're pretty good."
The thugs were overjoyed:
"Moon Fang, I've had your pastries before. They're a bit pricey, but they're incredibly delicious!"