After taking a moment to survey the scene, Chu Liang decided it was best to leave. Jiang Yuebai and the others were still waiting outside, and it was clear that the knife wouldn't be found anytime soon. With dinner at the restaurant no longer an option, he saw no reason to stay and complicate matters further.0

Before Chu Liang could leave, Seal-Holding Official Chen pulled him aside, saying, "Master Chef Xue is feeling a bit anxious and hopes that the news of the missing Famous Yipin Knife won't spread."0

Seal-Holding Official Chen leaned in closer and lowered his voice. "Master Chef Xue is quite anxious about the situation. He fears that if the Famous Yipin Knife isn't recovered soon, it could ruin his restaurant's reputation and drive away customers."0

Even without the Famous Yipin Knife, the restaurant would still be making dishes.0

However, the knife was more than just a tool; it was a signature item of the restaurant. Most customers wouldn't notice a difference in the dishes unless they were informed about the changed knife. Yet, if word spread that the knife was missing, customers might start to think that the food had changed.0

Master Chef Xue hoped the Imperial Supervisory Bureau would exert...0