After Bai Shi left, but Mianmian didn't sit. She couldn't.
Something inside her had clicked into place. Not fire, not grief, something colder, more controlled.
Her tears were long gone.
She pulled out a sheet of lined paper and uncapped a pen. Then she began writing.
[Petition for Review of Unjust Inspection and Closure...]
[My name is Gu Mianmian. I am the sole proprietor of a small noodle shop located at No. 42 East Plum Street. On the morning of my second operating day, a team of inspectors from the Food Safety Bureau entered my establishment without prior notice.]
[They cited complaints of unsanitary conditions, but performed no formal tests, nor did they inspect ingredients or food records. They posted a closure notice within minutes. No written warnings were issued, no chance for rectification provided.]
