The steamed bun business went downhill, leaving the clansmen a bit disappointed. Everyone deduced that the frequent visiting of relatives and friends during the New Year allowed some opportunists to steal the fermentation and sour-removing powder, and then those chefs in the restaurants managed to create old dough as a result.
No one could clearly explain where the leak started (perhaps someone knew in their heart, but dared not speak).
Every household had relatives visiting during the New Year, and any family with female members would have the fermentation powder and lye issued by Lin Wanwan, so tracing the source was not easy.
And since the deed was done, even if pursued to the very end, it would only result in the stolen family's breaking ties with relatives. The process would disturb the entire clan's peace, so the Lin Clan Leader weighed it carefully and decided not to investigate thoroughly.
