“Go find out where these ‘All-Purpose Fried Delights’ come from,” Manager Zhang instructed his buyer after leaving the director’s office. “Our department store will buy some.”
The buyer, who had already spoken with Third Uncle Xu, grinned. “I heard they’re from the food factory.”
Manager Zhang felt a jolt, as if struck by lightning. The food factory? He’d worked alongside Director Wang for years and knew all too well the bitter feud between Director Wang and Director Sun of the food factory. He had just managed to convince the director to buy these “All-Purpose Fried Delights,” only to discover they were from the very place they despised. This was like poking a dragon in its lair! It’s over, it’s truly over for me, he thought, despair swirling in his gut. The director will never keep me on. Oh, why did I ever open my mouth? I knew Director Wang would never cooperate with the food factory. Manager Zhang paced frantically, his anxiety palpable.
The purchasing agent, having already benefited from Third Uncle Xu’s information, decided to subtly help his newfound ally. He looked tentatively at Manager Zhang. “Manager, are we really going to cooperate with the food factory? Today, I heard people outside saying our department store is cooperating with them. Is it true? I thought our director had a big quarrel with Director Sun of the food factory?”
Manager Zhang rolled his eyes in exasperation. “Cooperate? After the food factory cheated our director so badly, do you think he’d ever agree to work with them?”
The purchasing agent chuckled nervously. “Just a guess. But didn’t you promise everyone that new products would be available in a few days? If we don’t cooperate, what if those people cause trouble at the department store? Won’t the director be angry then?” His face was etched with worry.
Manager Zhang’s anger softened a little at the buyer’s concern. “Even if the director blames me, he blames me. Why are you so anxious?”
The purchasing agent’s face fell. “Manager Zhang, to be honest, you’re always so good to everyone. They’d be heartbroken if something happened to you. And I heard from some people in the office that our department store might be promoting a new manager. There’s no open position right now, so if something happens to you at this crucial moment, won’t that person just take your place?”
Manager Zhang’s eyelids twitched. “Is this true?” He found it hard to believe, but the other buyer was speaking with genuine sincerity.
“It seems like someone dropped in from above,” the buyer whispered. He had overheard it through a superior who knew Sun Caiban, the new purchasing agent, who seemed to be privy to everything. I underestimated Xiao Sun, Manager Zhang thought, he has connections after all.
In truth, Xiao Sun had no hidden connections. It was Xu Ying who had forewarned Third Uncle Xu about this very possibility. In her previous life, a new manager had indeed caused a huge stir at the department store. This new manager, backed by powerful figures, swiftly replaced Manager Zhang. However, that manager was later exposed for corruption, reported, and arrested. It had been quite the scandal. Xu Ying knew such a person couldn’t be allowed to interfere. It was best to resolve this early and avoid future trouble.
Manager Zhang’s mind reeled, overwhelmed. He’d faced too many setbacks today. If he couldn’t handle the “All-Purpose Fried Delights” situation, his title as manager might be stripped away. He paced the purchasing room, hands clasped behind his back, his steps quick and agitated. Purchasing agent Sun, unable to bear it any longer, finally spoke up. “Manager, I see the food factory is incredibly popular right now. Their braised duck products earned state-owned restaurants a fortune. Why don’t we just buy the ‘All-Purpose Fried Delights’?”
Manager Zhang’s eyes widened in fury. Before he could unleash his anger, Xiao Sun quickly added, “Manager Zhang, I think the conflict between Director Wang and Factory Director Sun can be resolved.”
Manager Zhang’s expression shifted instantly from dark to bright, though a hint of suspicion lingered in his eyes. “You have an idea? Can it work ?”
Xiao Sun immediately straightened his back. “Manager Zhang, if you trust me, just follow my lead.”
Manager Zhang rolled his eyes. Daring to order me around? But the thought of his manager title made him concede. “Then tell me what to do.”
Xiao Sun beamed. “Manager, the conflict between our director and Director Sun isn’t really a big deal. Our director was simply cheated once by Director Sun, and he’s still upset. But if Director Sun takes the initiative to come to our director and show goodwill, our director will definitely calm down. Besides, who doesn’t want to make money? If the department store exceeds its performance this time, the higher-ups will surely praise our director. And when our director is praised, won’t it all be because of you, the manager?”
Manager Zhang preened under the flattery, nodding for him to continue. “A friend of mine works in the sales department of the food factory, and he also knows Master Xiao Xu. The food factory director values him immensely. If you trust me, I’ll tell my friend that if their food factory can sell ‘All-Purpose Fried Delights’ and braised duck products to our department store, they’ll make a fortune. I believe Director Sun, having become a director, must be a generous man, don’t you think?”
Whether you have money or not, you’re a fool if you let this opportunity leave , Xiao Sun thought to himself.
Manager Zhang’s eyes lit up. He looked at Xiao Sun, his voice urgent. “Then why are you still standing there? Go quickly!” Cornered, he had no choice but to follow Xiao Sun’s advice; it was his only hope.
Xiao Sun knew his plan was likely a success. He immediately ran out, a triumphant laugh escaping his lips.
Third Uncle Xu had been patiently waiting for him in a secluded corner of the department store. Seeing him emerge, Third Uncle Xu grinned. “Er Ming, how did it go?”
Sun Erming thumped his chest proudly. “Brother Jianshe, you still don’t trust me to get things done? It’s settled! You can tell your niece to come to our manager tomorrow. Come on, let’s go out for a drink!” He figured a little celebration wouldn’t hurt.
The thought of food and drink made Third Uncle Xu’s heart itch. He’d been unusually well-behaved at home lately and hadn’t had a drink in ages. “Alright, but I haven’t been paid yet. You treat me first, and when I get my salary, I’ll treat you to something even better.”
Sun Erming, unconcerned, readily agreed. He was curious about Xu Jianshe’s new sales job at the food factory. “Why did you join the food factory? Didn’t you say you had to join the textile factory?” Xu Jianshe had initially vowed to work at the textile factory, determined to impress his wife’s family. To give up so soon wasn’t like him.
Sun Erming then remembered the past few months. “Why haven’t you been to the county town lately? Where have you been?”
“Where could I go? I’ve been at home, being looked after by my niece!” Xu Jianshe said, a wide smile spreading across his face as he spoke of Xu Ying. He felt no embarrassment at all. If it weren’t for his niece’s influence, would he even be working at a food factory? Xu Jianshe looked at Sun Erming, plotting to impress him with his newfound importance.