An hour later, the bamboo weaving experience ended.
Everyone admired their own works. Zhao Sili walked up to them with a smile. "Thank you all for your hard work. Next is our tea break. The hotel has prepared intangible-heritage-themed custom desserts for this event. Please move to the lounge and enjoy."
On the long table in the lounge, delicate pastries were arranged in rows.
There were osmanthus cakes, mung bean cakes, sesame candy, and several exquisitely shaped Chinese puff pastries. Next to each type stood a small sign with its name and main ingredients.
The guests walked over one after another and picked up plates.
Perhaps because of what the young couple said, Ying Jingsheng reached the table ahead of Tao Xinrou, picked up a plate, and handed it to her.
"Take whatever you'd like."
After speaking, he went to get desserts for himself. Tao Xinrou nodded, but her mind was still on the scene she had seen earlier.
When would he investigate her father's case? And how could her father's case be related to Ying Huaishan?
How much did he know? How much had he found out?
As she was thinking, she saw the elderly couple behind her struggling to choose pastries.
The old lady seemed to have poor eyesight; she leaned in close to read the signs for each item.
Finally, the old lady tugged shyly at Tao Xinrou's sleeve. "Young lady, my eyes aren't good. Could you help me see what these are?"
Tao Xinrou nodded and smiled. "Grandma, what would you like? There are osmanthus cakes, mung bean cakes, sesame candy—which one do you fancy?"
The old lady smiled and pointed at the golden puff pastry on the far right. "That one looks fragrant. Please get me two pieces."
Tao Xinrou looked in the direction she pointed—it was peanut crisps.
She picked up a plate, put two pieces on it, and considerately asked, "Grandma, the osmanthus cake is also a hotel specialty. Would you like to try it too?"
"Oh, thank you. You're so thoughtful, young lady." The old lady took the plate.
"You're welcome. Grandma, if you want anything else later, I'll help you get it."
Tao Xinrou smiled. She decided that when the event was rolled out, she would ask the catering department to make the font larger.
Everyone had chosen their snacks. Tao Xinrou sat across from Ying Jingsheng and tasted the desserts in silence. The two did not exchange any words.
She didn't dare look at him; what had just happened had given her too great a shock. Fortunately, Ying Jingsheng was focused on observing the other guests.
As everyone was immersed in the relaxed atmosphere, a sound of something dropping was heard, followed by a loud thud.
"Honey! Honey, what's wrong with you?"
A cry of alarm rang out.
Tao Xinrou whirled around and saw the old lady who had just been there slumped on the sofa, her face ashen, lips slightly purple, breathing rapidly. The old gentleman stood up in panic, trembling as he shook her shoulders.
Tao Xinrou's mind went blank. She rushed over immediately.
At the same time, Ying Jingsheng and Zhao Sili also hurried over.
She squeezed next to the old lady and, applying the first aid knowledge expected of a hotel employee, crouched down to check on her. "Grandma, Grandma, can you hear me?"
The old lady did not respond. Her eyes were half-closed, her breathing growing weaker. There were still food crumbs in her mouth. The symptoms seemed like...
"What's wrong with her? She was fine just now." The old gentleman's face was wrinkled with anxiety.
Tao Xinrou's gaze fell on the plate by the old lady's hand—the peanut crisps, half-eaten.
"It's a peanut allergy!" Tao Xinrou turned to look at Ying Jingsheng.
Gasps were heard all around as people gathered.
"Is Grandma allergic to peanuts?" she asked the old gentleman.
The old gentleman was taken aback. "Allergy? She... she does seem allergic to something, but I can't remember exactly. We don't usually eat out. Could it be a peanut allergy?"
"Never mind that. Sili, call 120!"
"Okay, I've already called." Zhao Sili quickly dialed and gave the hotel's address.
After Zhao Sili hung up, Ying Jingsheng frowned deeply. "Zhao Sili, when the hotel collected information, did you ask about allergens?"
"Of course we did. We prepared everything according to the information the clients filled in."
Zhao Sili looked at the old gentleman, who answered firmly, "It must be a peanut allergy! It's definitely a peanut allergy! How could your hotel prepare this? What about my wife?"
Ying Jingsheng also crouched down to check the old lady's condition, his face darkening. He took out his phone and called the infirmary. "Send a few people with a first aid kit. A guest is having an allergic reaction."
The old gentleman stamped his feet anxiously. "Where are the hotel staff? Why isn't anyone coming out? If anything happens to my wife, you hotel people will be held responsible!"
"Grandpa, please calm down. I am a hotel staff member. I'm Tao Xinrou from housekeeping. This event is organized by us. The ambulance will be here soon. Don't worry. Grandma will be fine." Tao Xinrou tried to comfort him, then prepared to administer first aid.
But the old gentleman was emotionally agitated. He grabbed Tao Xinrou's clothes. "So you're from the hotel! If anything happens to my wife, I'll make you pay with your life!"
"Sir, please calm down. Let's get your wife to the hospital first. Our hotel is definitely responsible, and we will take full responsibility." Ying Jingsheng stepped forward, pulled Tao Xinrou away, and quickly moved her behind him.
"So you're both from the hotel. Good. Everyone, be my witness. My wife collapsed after eating the peanut crisps she gave her. She must have put something in it maliciously to make my wife this way. Whoever you are, you must compensate me!"
The old man was aggressive. Tao Xinrou forced herself to stay calm.
"Grandpa, I will take full responsibility for this. Don't worry. No matter what you say, I will give you and Grandma an explanation." Tao Xinrou showed her employee ID to the old gentleman.
"Don't sweet-talk me now. My wife ended up like this because of you. You must take full responsibility!"