“What can be done?” Father Gu pondered, “We will definitely arrange to send them all back.” He imagined their longing for home, for their families. “These people were abducted by these hateful human traffickers. They must miss their hometowns and their parents.”
Xu Ying found herself grappling with the complexity of the situation. The younger captives, yes, they might embrace freedom. But the older ones, especially those with children, had likely resigned themselves to their grim fate long ago. A child, a living bond, would make it near impossible for them to sever ties and return. But these were not her concerns.
With the trafficker crisis momentarily defused, Xu Ying returned to her own village and focused her all attention to another pressing matter. Before the impending heavy rains, she embarked on a village-to-village tour. Under the guise of recruitment, she gathered all the village captains.
“Every village needs a capable captain, one who genuinely cares for their villagers,” Xu Ying announced, her voice resonating with authority. “I heard a weather forecast from the city people a few days ago: it will rain continuously for a whole month, starting next month. Each village captain should diligently inspect the dams in their own village to prevent any natural disaster from devastating their homes. The day after tomorrow, I will be collecting orders for food and textile factories. If we secure more orders, our workshop will need additional personnel, and the united villages will be given priority.” Her words, full of promise, immediately piqued the interest of the impatient crowd.
Isn’t it just checking the dams? they thought, dismissing the task as trivial. As long as this girl can truly get us into the workshop as a group, anything is fine.
Time flew, and soon, the day of Xu Ying’s business trip arrived. Though anxious for the villagers’ safety, she entrusted her father with a crucial task. “Dad, please remember to go from village to village to check their dams. If they’re not repaired, remember to note it down. When the time comes, their village won’t be eligible for recruitment.” Xu Ying’s expression was serious. They couldn’t let a single flaw jeopardize the entire village’s future.
Xu’s father nodded. Though he didn’t fully grasp his daughter’s fervent focus on the dams, he took her words to heart. His daughter was devoted to Yu County’s development, and she surely believed the dams played a vital role. As her father, he wouldn’t hold her back.
Xu’s mother, however, was on the verge of tears, her heart heavy with sadness. Her daughter had just promised not to go on another business trip. It had been less than a week, and now she was leaving again. Heaven, earth, she thought, I would rather my daughter be as she was before. Why does she need this ability, this constant worry, this endless separation?
“Mom, don’t worry,” Xu Ying said, trying to soothe her. “I’ll be back soon. Besides, my third uncle is with me, so you have nothing to worry about.”
At the mention of his name, Xu Sanshu puffed out his chest. “Sister-in-law, don’t worry! As long as your daughter is here, I definitely won’t—”
Xu Ying’s eyes, sharp as knives, pierced Uncle Xu. Xu’s mother looked on, confused. Uncle Xu “burped,” clearing his throat awkwardly. Hmm, how to rephrase that? “Sister-in-law,” he corrected, “what I mean is, as long as I’m here, nothing will happen to Yingying.”
Xu’s mother watched, her heart aching, as her daughter prepared to leave.
Xu Ying and Third Uncle Xu first arrived at the food factory, where Director Sun had been waiting impatiently. He looked at Xu Ying with encouraging eyes. “Xiao Xu, you’ve worked hard for this period of time . Don’t worry, as long as you perform well, you’ll definitely get bonuses.” He painted a grand picture of future rewards for her , like a lavish banquet of promises.
“Factory director, don’t worry,” Xu Ying replied, with a playful glint in her eyes. “I’ll definitely complete the task. Don’t be stingy now. Prepare everything you promised me quickly. If I leave, there won’t be any promotions for you!”
This tasting event was a massive undertaking, requiring substantial investment before any profits could be seen. The mere thought of the expenses caused Director Sun a pang of agony. But Xiao Xu was right; he couldn’t hold back now. “Don’t worry, I will deliver the things to you on time,” he conceded, then urged them to leave quickly.
Xu Ying, feigning pity for the old man’s distress, boldly declared, “Director, just wait for our good news. If we don’t sign a million-dollar order for the factory this time, I won’t come back!”
Director Sun’s eyes widened at her audacious claim, ready to shower her with praise. But then, Xu Ying continued, “And when the time comes, Director, don’t forget to reimburse me for food, drink, and accommodation while I’m away.”
“Xiao Xu!” Director Sun’s furious voice echoed through the corridor.
“What’s happening now?” someone whispered. “Why is the factory director so angry? I feel sorry for that girl Xiao Xu, working so hard for the factory.”
“Isn’t it true that as the factory manager gets older, he gets a bad temper?” another murmured.
Xu Ying, a triumphant smile playing on her lips, turned and walked away, ignoring the Director’s outburst. She wasted no time. This tasting event was enormous. She enlisted Yang Nan and Zhou Yi from the R&D department and two helpers from the sales department. Once ready, they headed to the textile factory to collect samples and recruit a few more assistants.
As dawn approached, Xu Ying was resolute: she wouldn’t return until she secured a few major deals.
“Wait a minute, I want to go with you too!” Qian Yuanyuan appeared from out of nowhere, with her eyes red, and a pitiful expression on her face, as if she’d been wronged.
Xu Ying frowned. Everyone knew Qian Yuanyuan was the pampered daughter of Deputy Factory Director Qian. Who could be more capable than him? He was in his forties, his son had children, yet the old man grew stronger with age, and he had a daughter, something he’d always wanted, unlike others who only had sons. If Old Qian knew his precious daughter was going to endure hardships, he’d be heartbroken.
Xu Ying, a woman who held grudges, suppressed a smile. “Girl,” she asked, looking at Qian Yuanyuan, “do you know what we’re going to do?”
“I know, we’re going to hold a tasting event!” The factory director had already announced it, emphasizing that their braised duck products had too limited a reach, confined to nearby cities and provinces. Expanding into other urban areas would bring a new wave of success. That’s why Director Xu of the R&D department was embarking on this crucial tasting mission.
“Then you still want to go? You look pampered. We’re going to do hard work. What can you do?” Xu Ying said, then turned to Zhou Yi.
Zhou Yi, as expected, looked at Qian Yuanyuan with disgust. “Qian Yuanyuan, don’t go. We’re doing hard work, and people like you can’t handle it.” His intention was clear: he wanted nothing to do with Qian Yuanyuan, a persistent nuisance. He had already made it clear he didn’t like her and wanted no part in the disputes between Deputy Director Qian and other deputy directors. But the woman was thick-skinned.
To Zhou Yi’s surprise, Qian Yuanyuan spoke with newfound boldness. “Who says I can’t endure hardship? I can! As long as you let me follow you this time, I can do anything!”
Zhou Yi’s eyes widened, and he looked at Xu Ying. “Director , we can’t let her go.”
Qian Yuanyuan was furious. “Why not? Director Xu, I really know how to do well!”
Xu Ying feigned embarrassment, but inwardly, she was delighted. “Little girl, which department are you in? Does your director allow you to go out? If he doesn’t agree and I take you out directly, what if your director troubles me?”
Qian Yuanyuan shook her head, then pulled out her phone and called her director directly. “Director, I request to go with Director Xu to contribute to our factory and participate in the tasting event. You won’t refuse, will you?”