“What are you talking about? Director Hong asked you to be the front office manager?” Gao Guihua’s voice trembled, her face contorting in disbelief. How could it be Chen Chunfeng? She’d assumed her only competition was Sun Lifang. When had this country girl managed to get in with the higher-ups?
Chen Chunfeng lowered her head, feigning timidity. “I don’t know either. Director Hong just said it himself.”
Gao Guihua felt like collapsing. She’d been at the restaurant for years, her qualifications far superior to Chen Chunfeng’s. She’d waited patiently, endured for years, and finally, the old manager was gone. She’d envisioned herself stepping into that role, only for it to be snatched away by this newcomer.
Gao Xianghong rushed over, angrily addressing his sister-in-law. “Where did you go just now? Director Hong was here, and you were nowhere to be found. He was furious! Maybe he was going to make you manager, but you were absent without a word.”
At this, Gao Guihua whirled around, her eyes sharp as daggers. “Chunfeng, I told you when I left! If anyone asked, you were to say something happened with my family and I had to go home.”
Chen Chunfeng, still playing the picture of innocence, quickly interjected, “I didn’t hear you say that, Sister Gao. I didn’t even know when you left.”
“I clearly told you! Why are you like this?” Gao Guihua cried out, her frustration bubbling into tears.
Chen Chunfeng remained a picture of meekness, tugging at the corner of her clothes, looking utterly wronged.
From the window, Xu Ying watched the unfolding drama, a wave of disgust rising within her for Chen Chunfeng. She had vaguely seen Gao Guihua speak to Chen Chunfeng before leaving and now, piecing together the lip movements and the muffled words, she understood. Gao Guihua had definitely told her something about needing to leave. It just went to show, the quiet ones were often the most dangerous. She had truly underestimated Chen Chunfeng.
Sun Lifang, who had also witnessed the scene, turned to Xu Ying, curious. “Who do you think is telling the truth and who is lying?”
“Be careful of Chen Chunfeng from now on,” Xu Ying advised, unwilling to get involved directly without solid proof. Who would believe her based on a hunch?
Sun Lifang wasn’t foolish. She immediately grasped Xu Ying’s meaning, but without evidence, there was little she could do. Besides, Chen Chunfeng was now the manager, the boss. Offending her would lead to unpleasant consequences. She hadn’t realized a small front office in a state-owned restaurant could harbor such intricate schemes.
Thankfully, her parents had found her another opportunity, and she’d soon be taking an exam to work at the textile factory. Initially, she hadn’t wanted to leave, having finally grown comfortable here. But now, with someone as deceitful as Chen Chunfeng in charge, a new environment seemed far better. With her impatient temper, she’d surely clash with Chen Chunfeng eventually.
“I understand, Yingying,” Sun Lifang said, a hint of dejection in her voice.
Xu Ying sighed. Sun Lifang was a good girl, but she imagined things too perfectly. Encountering the darker side of human nature could leave a lasting impression, a shadow difficult to shake. It reminded Xu Ying of her own past. Being too kind and naive was not inherently bad, but it became a serious issue when loved ones suffered because of it. “Well, don’t feel too bad. Everyone makes their own choices. As for what happens in the future, fate will take its course.”
Sun Lifang nodded, returning to her work. Gao Guihua continued to cry inconsolably.
Xu Ying was still puzzled by the old woman’s words earlier. If she heard correctly, the woman had been talking about Sister Qiuye. But with Gao Guihua crying so miserably, she felt awkward asking.
Finally, her work was done. Xu Ying washed her hands and hurried towards Huo Chen. He felt her approach and tensed instantly. The memory of his recent dream made him hesitant to meet her gaze.
“Huo Chen, if you want something to eat, I’ll make it for you,” Xu Ying said, pulling out a chair and sitting opposite him.
Huo Chen’s cheeks flushed faintly. Under her direct gaze, he felt a little flustered, his fingers curling, unsure where to put them. “I… I’m not hungry yet. I just finished lunch.”
“Okay, tell me when you’re hungry, or come to my house after work and I’ll cook for you.” Xu Ying wasn’t stingy; she was simply thrifty. While she often brought food from the restaurant for her family, she never took advantage of the resturant . Every time she cooked, she’d discreetly add ingredients from her personal space. Eating at home was more cost-effective and avoided unnecessary jealousy.
Huo Chen’s heart quickened at the mention of going to her house. “Okay, let’s go to your house to eat after you get off work.”
“Yeah!” Xu Ying nodded, then resumed her tasks. The kitchen, with one less person, was significantly busier. Thankfully, Chen Chunfeng had lent a hand, otherwise, it would have been even more chaotic. The work of washing and chopping vegetables was crucial; without proper preparation, a chef couldn’t cook quickly.
The afternoon, perhaps because of the busyness, flew by. As soon as work ended, Xu Ying grabbed her small satchel and walked towards Huo Chen. Reaching him, she tapped the table. “I’m off.”
Huo Chen looked up abruptly, a gentle expression softening his face the moment he saw her. “Here, let me hold your bag for you!” he offered, extending his hand.
Xu Ying patted her crossbody bag. “It’s very light. Just take it with you on your bike later.”
Huo Chen nodded. As they exited the restaurant, he glanced at his own car, then quickly looked away, walking directly towards Xu Ying’s bicycle. “Get on.”
Xu Ying hopped onto the back of the bike. As Huo Chen settled onto the seat and began to pedal, Xu Ying subtly poked his well-defined muscles, then quickly withdrew her hand, pretending it was an accidental bump. She had taken advantage, yet Huo Chen found himself frowning, a surprising heat building in his lower abdomen.
“We’re here,” Huo Chen’s voice was hoarse as he stopped the bike and put his feet on the ground.
Xu Ying jumped off, dashed to open the door, and ran inside. “I’ll cook first. You can come in and wait.” Before Huo Chen had even finished parking the bike, she was already in the kitchen, quickly pulling out ingredients. Considering Huo Chen’s appetite and their growing closeness, Xu Ying planned to cook several of her signature dishes. She decided on five stir-fried dishes, using two kilograms of pork, and three dishes from one hen. And that wasn’t all. For the staple, there would be several kinds of steamed buns: ordinary, brown sugar, white sugar, and even purple sweet potato.
It was time-consuming, even with both stoves blazing simultaneously. By half past seven, Xu Ying had finally finished.
Huo Chen’s stomach had been rumbling for a while. He’d been hungry that afternoon but had endured it, wanting to have a meal alone with Xu Ying at her home. As soon as the food was ready, he shed his shyness and began to eat. Xu Ying watched him expectantly, anticipating his favorable reaction this time.