Upon hearing the woman’s dismissive words, Uncle Xu quickly produced his work permit. “I’m a salesperson from Yuxian Food Factory,” he stated, his voice firm. “I’m traveling to other provinces to discuss cooperation. My only intention is to share our county’s specialties with more people, nothing malicious.”
At this, the woman’s brows furrowed in suspicion. She shot a defensive look at Zhang Aijun before quickly approaching him, whispering in a low, conspiratorial tone, “I told you this person wasn’t well-intentioned. They must have known we’re from a work unit and are desperate for business.”
Zhang Aijun shook his head. “Suqin, you’re mistaken. As department store staff, shouldn’t we be looking to expand our business? If these braised duck and fried goods are good, wouldn’t they be a huge hit at our department store? And they look so novel. Maybe everyone in our area will love them later. Chinese New Year is coming soon; bringing these back could boost the department store’s business.”
Liu Suqin’s face contorted in disgust. Uncle Xu’s humble attire did not inspire confidence. “Brother Aijun, you’re truly confused. Even if we want new products for the department store, they shouldn’t come from this dilapidated Yu County. Look at the people from their county, they all look so poor. What good could they possibly produce? It’s probably not even hygienic. What if the food goes bad and upsets your stomach?”
Though Liu Suqin’s voice was low, the crowded train meant her words carried. Some passengers from Yu County, overhearing her, grew visibly upset.
“What’s wrong with this woman?” one exclaimed. “What’s wrong with our county’s food? Why is it unsanitary? I’m telling you, Yu County’s food is safe!”
“Exactly! This woman looks decent in her clothes, but her actions are despicable. She just spouts nonsense!” another chimed in.
“Right? Did she even brush her teeth this morning? Her words are so foul, they’re sickening.”
Uncle Xu looked at Liu Suqin with even greater disdain. This woman truly had a black heart. “Since you can’t trust us,” he said, his voice laced with annoyance, “we naturally won’t do business with you. As for your concerns about our food safety, I must inform you that our food safety system is extremely strict. Every production worker must wear our unique mask and hat when entering the workshop. No exposed lips, no hair, and gloves on their hands. It’s very safe.”
With that, Uncle Xu pulled out his hat, gloves, and mask, demonstrating them on the spot. “Have you seen it?” he challenged. “This is how our Yuxian Food Factory operates. You, a woman, just open your mouth to make false accusations and slander. If you can’t keep your mouth shut, get off the car! We’ll go see the police!”
As Uncle Xu finished, several distinct “clicks” echoed through the carriage. Liu Suqin spun around to find a man holding a camera, watching with keen interest.
“Hello,” the man began, stepping forward and extending his hand towards Uncle Xu. “I’m a newspaper reporter from ** City. The masks, hats, and gloves you just mentioned are quite novel to me. May I interview you?”
Uncle Xu had never encountered a reporter before. The word “newspaper” and the request for an interview flustered him. He stammered, “Actually, this thing was designed by my niece. That… that’s my niece.” Spotting Xu Ying, Uncle Xu lit up as if seeing a savior. He rushed over to her, pointing at the reporter and speaking incoherently, “This… this is…”
“Hello, beauty,” the reporter greeted Xu Ying with a friendly smile. “I’m a newspaper reporter from ** City. I’m very curious about the masks, gloves, and hats your uncle just showed. May I interview you?”
Xu Ying smiled and nodded politely. “Of course. Food is paramount to the people, and food safety is the highest priority. It’s an indispensable item, one that people pay close attention to. Only if our food production meets standards and is safe enough can we ensure people’s health after eating. If food doesn’t meet standards, everyone could suffer from diarrhea, or it could even endanger lives.”
“Director Sun of our factory and Director Niu of the textile factory both care deeply about the people, so they collaborated with me to develop this hat. Women generally have long hair, and while men’s hair is short, it can still shed. Those hairs are so fine that if they fall, they’re difficult to detect. Not to mention hair carries bacteria, and if people eat it, it’s incredibly disgusting. So we invented this hat, which completely covers the hair, preventing it from falling.”
“Masks prevent spit particles from being sprayed into food when factory workers talk while discussing work. Gloves also ensure the cleanliness of the food we make. I don’t understand why some people are so arrogant. Why are the people in your provincial city considered human beings, but the people in our small county town are not?”
“We may be a little poorer, but every penny we earn is through our hard work. There is no distinction between high and low in this world. We are not like some people who, deep down, have character issues and just talk nonsense.”
As Xu Ying finished, a wave of applause erupted throughout the carriage, and even the reporter holding the camera was smiling.
Liu Suqin’s face flushed with anger at Xu Ying’s words. She glared at Xu Ying, her face a fiery red. “You girl, you’re so glib! When did I say any of this?”
“You claim you didn’t say these things, but we can all testify that you did!” someone shouted. “But now you don’t want to admit it. Weren’t you so confident when you spoke just now?”
“That’s right, you’re a fool!” Uncle Xu cursed angrily. “No matter how poor we are, we support ourselves with our own hard work, and we’re not inferior to you! We’re not something you can just insult. If you don’t want to do business, then don’t! We didn’t force you, but you still insulted us. It’s truly cruel!”
Liu Suqin, deterred by the camera, dared not vent her anger. She glared fiercely at Uncle Xu, grabbed her bag, and stormed off the train in a huff.
“Hello, my name is Xu Yan,” the reporter said, extending his hand to Xu Ying. “Your invention is very interesting and will be of great help to food safety. I believe that through the publicity of these things in newspapers, food districts everywhere will pay attention to it.”
Xu Yan’s words filled Xu Ying with joy. She hadn’t expected her third uncle’s simple trip to yield such an unexpected bonus. If something from a textile factory was publicized by a newspaper, orders would surely surge.
Xu Ying smiled at Xu Yan. “Hello, my name is Xu Ying. Thank you for helping us just now.”
Xu Yan shook his head. “That woman was so unreasonable. Everyone in our country is equal, and the things you mentioned are truly useful to everyone. If our country had a few more people like you, we would definitely be able to advance step by step in the future.”