Chapter 16: The First Day at Victoria Park
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Chen Bingwen stood at the entrance of the makeshift office in the food factory, gazing through the glass window at the bustling production scene. Yet inside, his heart was as taut as a drawn bowstring, not a trace of ease in sight.
A thousand threads above, a single needle below.
The syrup product plan, production process flow, raw material supply, recruitment and training of temporary workers, layout and decoration of the four stalls...
Information and decisions from all directions intertwined like countless threads, ultimately converging precisely onto the single needle that was the product.
Only if product quality remained flawless could “Chen’s Syrups” make a successful debut at the Victoria Park Night Market.
Among all these threads, the most critical and sensitive one was undoubtedly food safety.
After the inspector Lin’s probing challenges, Chen Bingwen deeply understood that in the chaotic and media-focused night market, even the slightest stir about hygiene could shatter everything he had painstakingly built.
“Chen’s Syrups” was just starting out and could not withstand any storm caused by food safety issues.
Therefore, before the Victoria Park Night Market officially began, he decided to take the initiative—to obtain an absolutely credible, indisputable authoritative certificate: a “Product Inspection Pass” issued by the Department of Health.
“Ah Hai!” Chen Bingwen called out.
Gao Zhenhai, who was checking production records, immediately put down his folder and came over.
“This afternoon, accompany me to the Department of Health’s East District Branch.”
Gao Zhenhai was momentarily stunned. “Brother Wen, to the Department of Health? Didn’t they just inspect us not long ago...?”
“They did inspect us,” Chen Bingwen smiled meaningfully, “But that was them inspecting us. This time, we’re inviting them to inspect. I want a black-and-white official product pass report, as our ‘passport’ and ‘amulet’ for the Victoria Park Night Market.”
Gao Zhenhai immediately grasped Chen Bingwen’s intent and admired him. “Got it! With an official report, those who want to cause trouble will have to think twice!”
Department of Health East District Branch.
“Mr. Chen, didn’t your food factory just undergo our routine inspection? Why apply for another inspection only a few days later? And an active commissioned inspection at that?” Inspector Ma emphasized the word “active,” as if confirming he heard correctly.
In this era, whether food processing factories or home workshops, owners generally avoided the Department of Health’s inspections. If unavoidable, they would be nervous and cautious, fearing fines, rectifications, or even license revocation.
For someone like Chen Bingwen to just finish enduring what could be called a tough inspection, then proactively request an even stricter and more comprehensive official inspection at considerable cost—this was unheard of!
It was as if he was paying someone to “find faults” with him.
“Inspector Ma, it’s precisely because of the last inspection that we realized food safety must always be tightly controlled without any slack,” Chen Bingwen said calmly, with solemnity and sincerity. “This proactive application isn’t out of guilt; on the contrary, it’s because we have absolute confidence in our product’s quality!
We believe only products that can withstand the strictest inspection can earn the broadest trust.
At the Victoria Park Night Market, countless citizens bring their families. In such a crowded, media-focused environment, any food safety doubts could be magnified infinitely, causing an irreparable crisis of trust.
I want to prove in the most authoritative, indisputable way to everyone who visits our stall and tastes our syrup: every bowl, every item—from raw materials to finished product—can withstand the most discerning eyes and the strictest scientific tests!
The “Product Inspection Pass” issued by the Department of Health is our best declaration of quality, our strongest passport to the Victoria Park Night Market!
It is also our amulet against all storms, protecting consumers and our own reputation!”
Having spoken, the office fell into a brief silence.
Inspector Ma’s surprise faded into deep contemplation.
Chen Bingwen’s approach and thinking... were too clear, too strategically insightful!
Proactively seeking official authoritative endorsement and turning the inspection report into a dual weapon for marketing and defense went far beyond most owners' thinking. This was the commercial acumen of someone well versed in market rules and brand building!
“Mr. Chen,” Inspector Ma said slowly, a trace of genuine respect and admiration in his tone, “your idea... is very visionary. This courage and confidence are truly unique in the entire food industry on Hong Kong Island.”
He shifted tone with a kindly reminder, “But, Mr. Chen, the results of a commissioned inspection are legally binding official documents. Once...”
He left the sentence hanging, but Chen Bingwen understood instantly.
If the inspection failed, it would be self-inflicted humiliation with all the consequences to bear.
“Inspector Ma!” Chen Bingwen replied without hesitation, resolutely, “Our products will have only one result: full compliance with food safety standards!
I’m not here to gamble on luck; we’re here for the result! This report, Chen’s Syrups is determined to obtain!”
This unwavering confidence struck like a thunderclap in Inspector Ma’s heart.
He had seen countless timid vendors trying to bluff their way through inspections. Someone like Chen Bingwen, proactively “inviting the hammer,” and yet so certain of the outcome—such a person was unprecedented!
This confidence either bordered on arrogance and ignorance or stemmed from absolute control over every link—from raw materials to process to quality control!
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Recalling how Chen’s factory had demonstrated standards far beyond peers during the last inspection, and Chen Bingwen’s clear, core-focused explanation just now, Inspector Ma was fully won over.
More importantly, Chen Bingwen’s move perfectly aligned with the Department of Health’s urgent need to restore credibility and establish positive industry exemplars following the Inspector Lin incident.
A food company actively requesting the strictest inspection with full confidence was the perfect model for the Department’s regulatory work.
This held great significance for improving the Department’s public and media image!
“Good!” Inspector Ma slammed the table, his face showing genuine admiration and even a hint of excitement at finding a kindred spirit. “Mr. Chen, your responsibility, your relentless pursuit of quality, and your high sense of consumer responsibility are truly impressive! Visionary and broad-minded! The Department of Health will fully support such proactive and self-disciplined business behavior!”
...
February 1st, 6 a.m., Victoria Park.
The chilly morning mist hadn’t yet lifted, but in front of the four uniformly designed stalls of Chen’s Syrups, adorned with red backgrounds and golden lettering, the lights shone brightly and voices buzzed.
Chen Bingwen stood before the stalls, drawing a deep breath of the slightly cool, salty air, feeling a slight thrill inside.
After nearly ten days of nonstop work, the moment of inspection results had finally arrived.
Workers wore brand-new aprons bearing the “Chen’s Syrups” logo, skillfully making final preparations.
The rich aroma of dried tangerine peel red bean soup, black sesame paste, almond tea, golden salted dumplings, crispy fried dumplings, steaming sponge cakes, sugar cakes, and curry fish balls filled the air.
The unified visual identity, tidy environment, and enticing fragrance immediately drew the attention of the earliest arriving vendors setting up flower stalls and morning exercisers in Victoria Park.
Today was the first day of the Victoria Park Night Market. To make a strong market debut for Chen’s Syrups, Chen Bingwen personally stationed himself at the site.
“Ah Wen!” Seeing Chen Bingwen come to inspect, Gao Zhenhai nervously rubbed his hands.
He was in charge of stalls No. 2 and No. 3. Managing so many people and such a large scene for the first time, his mind was blank.
“Stay calm, Ah Hai, you’ve got this!” Chen Bingwen patted his shoulder, encouraging him.
“Stick to our plan. Remember: good service, and never shortchange the portions! Chen’s reputation depends on this first battle today! You can do it!”
Feeling the strength in Chen Bingwen’s palm and the trust in his words, Gao Zhenhai took a deep breath and nodded firmly, “Got it! I won’t let you down.”
At exactly 7 a.m., the Victoria Park Night Market officially opened!
Thousands of Hong Kong Island citizens, young and old, poured into Victoria Park from all entrances.
Soon, the crowd began to swell.
The aroma from Chen’s Syrups stalls attracted many visitors in the chilly morning.
“Smells so good! Mommy, I want syrup dessert!” A little girl tugged her mother’s hand, eyes fixed on the bubbling salted dumplings in the oil.
“Oh? Chen’s Syrups? Is that the one from the newspaper?”
“Hey, mate, a bowl of red bean soup, and two salted dumplings!”
“I’ll have the black sesame paste set!”
“...”
Within just ten minutes of opening, queues formed in front of all four stalls.
Workers split into teams, moving swiftly and in perfect coordination.
Chen Bingwen personally manned stall No. 1, ready to dispatch resources based on real-time conditions.
“Stall No. 1, red bean soup is nearly sold out!”
“Stall No. 3, salted dumplings almost gone!”
“Stall No. 4, not enough change! Ah Hai, bring the spare change box over!”
“Stall No. 2 queue too long, guide some customers to No. 3!”
Chen Bingwen darted between the four stalls, immediately guiding and redirecting where lines were too long.
Where raw materials ran low, he contacted the factory for urgent replenishment.
Where workers were overwhelmed, he rolled up his sleeves to help serve syrup or collect payments.
By noon, the four stalls reached their first peak of customer flow.
The workers were so busy they had no time to drink water. Seeing this, Chen Bingwen decisively ordered, “Shift change! Each group gets fifteen minutes to eat, drink, and use the restroom—quick in and out!”
Meanwhile, at No. 38 Cheung Sha Wan Road, Chen’s Food Factory.
Zhong Qiang directed everyone to continuously fill thermal containers with the syrup.
As the technical head appointed by Chen Bingwen, he not only adjusted syrup varieties in real time based on sales at the night market, but also closely monitored the factory’s equipment to ensure smooth operation.
Buckets of steaming syrup and baskets of golden crispy snacks were loaded onto the food transport vehicle, racing between Cheung Sha Wan Road and Causeway Bay to ensure uninterrupted supply to the stalls.
Waves of customers came one after another.
As evening lights lit up Victoria Park, the four Chen’s Syrups stalls welcomed their highest peak of the day.
The stalls were brightly lit and filled with lively chatter.
Including Chen Bingwen, the workers were drenched in sweat.
Time flew in busyness.
When the Victoria Park lights extinguished at midnight and the announcement of the night market’s first day closure came over the broadcast, the day-long hustle finally quieted.
“End of shift! Count the inventory, clean up!” Chen Bingwen’s voice was hoarse but steady and strong.
He personally supervised the final cleanup.
Only after the last stall was cleaned did Chen Bingwen, Gao Zhenhai, and several workers escort the empty containers and four heavy iron cash boxes back to the factory on Cheung Sha Wan Road.
Chen Guofu and Wang Qiaozhen had been anxiously waiting there. The factory was brightly lit, and the day shift workers hadn’t left. Everyone wanted to know the results of this do-or-die first day!
Inside the factory office.
A long table was cleared, and the four heavy iron cash boxes were opened one by one.
Instantly, a mountain of banknotes and coins spilled out.
Hong Kong dollars in denominations of ten, five, two, and one, along with fifty, twenty, ten, five, two, and one cent coins, all mixed together, forming a colorful little mountain in the light.
“Wow...” The warehouse erupted with stifled exclamations.
Chen Guofu’s eyes widened, his lips trembling slightly.
Wang Qiaozhen covered her mouth, her eyes instantly red.
Gao Zhenhai, Zhong Qiang, and others breathed rapidly in astonishment.
None of them had ever seen so much money piled together in their lives!
“Start counting!”
Chen Bingwen took a deep breath, rolled up his sleeves first, and sat down.
The fruits of their recent hard work would soon be revealed.
Minutes and seconds passed as the mountain of money was gradually sorted, categorized, and counted.
It took a full hour before the counting was nearly complete.
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