As soon as the factory whistle blew to mark the end of the workday, the employees of the Magic City Food Factory (Magic City here refers to Shanghai, which was historically nicknamed “Magic City/魔都” because of its prosperity and allure) hurriedly rushed toward the neighboring Machinery Factory.
The Factory Director of the Magic City Food Factory, just about to leave work, noticed this commotion. Puzzled, he stopped an employee and asked,
“What’s going on here?”
The worker, barely able to contain his excitement, replied,
“Director, there’s a food tasting event outside the Machinery Factory. I heard the food is so delicious that even foreigners love it. And today it’s free, so everyone wants to try and see for themselves!”
Before the Director could say more, the man had already slipped away into the crowd.
The Director, his curiosity now piqued, instinctively followed. When he arrived, the Machinery Factory was packed with people. After inquiring, he discovered that all this stir had been caused by none other than a small county-level food factory.
At once, the Director’s face darkened. Director Li, head of the mighty Magic City Food Factory, was indignant. For his employees to flock to another factory’s event—this was nothing short of a direct provocation.
He pressed through the crowd with an air of authority, determined to see for himself just how good this so-called braised duck and fried snacks were.
But after taking a piece of the braised duck, Director Li’s expression changed dramatically. A small county factory could produce such flavor? His mind immediately calculated the profit margins such a dish could bring. Moreover, he saw how cleverly this little factory had arranged the food tasting, turning it into free publicity. No wonder they wouldn’t have to worry about sales.
Jealousy and regret now gnawed at him. Why hadn’t this recipe come out of his factory?
So Straightening his posture, he walked forward with his usual imposing presence, built over years of holding power.
“Are you from the Yu County Food Factory?”
The crowd instantly sensed the weight of his authority and quieted, many looking tense. But Xu Ying—a young woman who had once survived through an apocalyptic world (in her past life)—was unfazed by such pressure. She walked forward with an easy smile and asked politely,
“And who might you be?”
Director Li raised his chin proudly, looking at her from above his nose.
“I am Li, Director of the Modu [Magic City] Food Factory. You are from Yu County Food Factory, aren’t you?”
From his expression, Xu Ying immediately understood—this man had come to make trouble. It was natural, of course. For another food factory to suddenly stir up interest right on his doorstep, who wouldn’t feel threatened?
She smiled calmly and answered,
“Yes, Director Li. I am Xu Ying, head of the Research and Development Department at Yu County Food Factory.”
Her words startled him. Director Li studied her in disbelief. He had assumed such a refined recipe could only have been crafted by a seasoned chef, perhaps someone with decades of culinary heritage. To learn that this young woman was the creator—he found it almost insulting.
Suppressing his irritation, he gave a theatrical cough.
“Oh? Quite remarkable. So, all this—the braised duck and the fried snacks—was developed by you?”
Xu Ying nodded without hesitation.
Jealousy burned deeper in him. How could such talent emerge from a small county? If only he could bring her to Shanghai.
His tone shifted, suddenly honeyed.
“Little girl, what’s your name again? How much are they paying you there? I’ll double your salary if you come work for me.”
The words shocked Zhou Yi and Yang Nan, Xu Ying’s close colleagues. They rushed forward, standing protectively beside her, their eyes wary.
But Director Li wasn’t finished. Mistaking Xu Ying’s silence for hesitation, he pressed harder:
“Not only that. I can secure you a Shanghai household registration (hukou). I can even arrange for your whole family to move here. How about it?”
At that time, gaining a Shanghai hukou was a dream for countless people. It meant access to better jobs, housing, rations, and education. His offer was nothing short of a golden ticket. Surely no young girl could refuse.
But Xu Ying only smiled. She loved money, yes—but not enough to abandon her roots.
“Thank you for your kindness, Director Li. But I was born in Yu County, and when my life ends, I’ll still return to Yu County. It may not be as prosperous as Shanghai, but it is my home. There are people I love there, people who love me, and friends who have stood with me. I will never leave them.”
Her voice was steady, resolute.
“Shanghai is dazzling, full of talent. With or without me, it will continue to thrive. But my hometown is different—it is still small and growing. It needs me. And I will grow together with it.”
Her words struck deeply. Zhou Yi, Yang Nan, and the others felt tears sting their eyes. Qian Yuanyuan, who had been quietly watching, looked at Xu Ying with deep admiration.
Director Li, however, only sighed with regret. Such brilliance, wasted in a backwater county. Yet if he couldn’t have her, he certainly wouldn’t allow Yu County Food Factory to rise unchecked.
“Wouldn’t you reconsider?”
Xu Ying shook her head firmly.
Unable to press further, Director Li left in frustration, his face stormy.
The tasting went on, drawing even more families. Children, after sampling the braised duck and fried treats, began clamoring.
“Mama, I want duck legs too!”
“Grandma, I want duck wings!”
“I want duck necks!”
“The braised pork feet are yummy too!”
Their cries embarrassed the adults, but eventually gave them courage. Several women came forward, trying to coax Xu Ying.
“Little girl, could you sell us some braised duck? Look, the child won’t stop crying.”
“Yes, dear, your pork feet are delicious too. We’re going to buy them eventually anyway, so why not just sell directly to us?”
Xu Ying quickly shook her head.
“Aunties, no, we can’t sell here. That would be private profiteering [speculation]. If you want to buy, please go through official channels. Today is only a tasting.”
The women exchanged disappointed looks, trying one last time.
“Don’t worry, we won’t report you. Just sell to us quietly.”
At this, Third Uncle Xu stepped forward, his face stern.
“Absolutely not. We don’t have the stock to sell piece by piece. And if we do, the department stores will never take us seriously. Cooperation at scale requires discipline.”
Xu Ying added gently,
“Please, aunties, don’t make things hard for me. We are all workers of the factory. Decisions like this belong to the director, not us.”
At last, the families left regretfully, children still pouting as they were dragged away.
Xu Ying and her team began to pack up their things. But just as they were halfway through, a group of foreigners approached the stall.
“Excuse me, are you holding a food tasting here?”