“Uncle, are you busy?” Xu Ying walked up to the gate of the county’s largest textile factory, flashing a bright smile at the gatekeeper.
She casually pulled out a handful of creamy milk candies from her space and handed them over.
The gatekeeper had no intention of chatting with Xu Ying at first. But the moment he saw those milk candies, his entire demeanor shifted. “Ah—these are expensive, little girl. How could I possibly accept them?”
Even as he spoke, his hands moved faster than his words, eagerly scooping up the candies. A grin spread across his face, warm and wide.
“Uncle, what are you saying? How precious can these be?” Xu Ying said generously. “Take them home for your kids—let them have something sweet.”
Her easy generosity made the gatekeeper immediately assume she must be from a leader’s family. His guard lowered, and he began chatting with her enthusiastically.
Before long, the two of them were talking and laughing like long-lost relatives.
Through their conversation, Xu Ying learned that the textile factory was indeed hiring—but only for basic labor roles. There were no office positions open.
And as for the kitchen? They didn’t need anyone at all.
Xu Ying couldn’t help feeling a bit disappointed. She’d hoped to land a cooking job in the cafeteria. With so many workers to feed, earning their goodwill would’ve been effortless.
Still, she didn’t lose heart. If this factory wasn’t an option, there were always others.
Just as she was about to leave, she hadn’t even stepped out the gate when she noticed a group of men approaching.
Several of them wore tunic suits, while others were dressed in the factory’s uniform. They were all clustered respectfully around the man leading them.
“I’ll be back to inspect your products again,” the man said coolly, a trace of mockery in his voice. “I hope you’ll satisfy me next time.”
With that, he turned and left.
Behind him, the factory leaders sighed in frustration.
“Our fabrics already meet their requirements, but they’re still nitpicking,” one of them grumbled. “He’s just finding excuses to make things difficult.”
“Director Chen,” a subordinate suggested, “should we… find out what he likes and cater to his tastes?”
Director Chen rubbed his balding forehead thoughtfully. “Good idea. Xiao Chen, I’ll leave that to you.”
Xiao Chen nodded, ready to take action, but a younger man beside him spoke up. “Director Chen, I’ve heard Director Sun’s a big foodie. He loves eating well. And I heard Chef Ge from the state-owned restaurant is incredible. If we could get Chef Ge to cook for him, maybe Director Sun would be satisfied.”
Director Chen’s eyes lit up—then dimmed again. “Chef Ge’s skills are unmatched, sure. But that old guy’s got a temper. Outside of his shift at the restaurant, he never cooks for anyone. And a noisy restaurant’s no place to discuss business.” He sighed. “Who among you can get Chef Ge to agree?”
Everyone fell silent, eyes lowered, unwilling to take on the impossible task.
At that moment, Xu Ying stepped forward with a smile. “Director Chen, right? You must be so capable to become a factory director at such a young age!”
Director Chen, who was usually a bit vain, raised an eyebrow at her flattery. “Oh? And how old do you think I am?”
“Hmmm… around thirty?” Xu Ying answered, tilting her head in pretend uncertainty.
The men beside him nearly choked. This girl’s eyesight was seriously questionable!
Director Chen’s grin grew smug. “Thirty? No, no, I’m over forty already! You little thing really can’t tell, can you?”
Xu Ying gasped in genuine-looking surprise. “Over forty? No way! I couldn’t tell at all—must be my poor eyesight.”
Director Chen chuckled happily, stroking his bald head. Ah, still got it. Looked young enough to fool this little girl!
Xu Ying seized the chance. “Director Chen, I heard you’re trying to hire a chef? But Chef Ge’s temper’s famous… getting him to cook won’t be easy, right?”
Director Chen sighed heavily.
“I might be able to help,” Xu Ying said softly. “But… would you trust me?”
Director Chen’s eyes widened slightly, wondering if she had some connection to Chef Ge. He leaned in curiously.
But then Xu Ying added cheerfully, “If you trust me, I could cook for you instead! My skills are definitely no worse than Chef Ge’s.”
Director Chen’s face immediately darkened. This girl’s bragging now.
“Chef Ge’s ancestors cooked for the imperial court. And you—how old are you? You think you can compare?” he said skeptically. “How long have you been cooking? Since you were a baby?”
Xu Ying smiled serenely. “I’m self-taught. I’ve been cooking since I was a child. People always praise my dishes. I’ve got a real gift for it.”
Self-taught? Director Chen’s suspicion deepened. How good could a self-taught young girl possibly be? He waved a hand dismissively.
But Xu Ying pressed on. “Director Chen, if you don’t believe me, let me cook something for you right now. If you think it’s good, there’s no need to trouble Chef Ge.”
Director Chen huffed. “Why are you so eager, little girl? What’s in it for you?”
Xu Ying blinked, eyes shimmering with false tears. “My family’s poor, Director Chen. I just want to earn some money. My two little nephews are so skinny, their clothes full of patches. I thought, now that I’m grown, I should help support them.”
Director Chen’s heart softened a little. He paused… then finally nodded.
If she really can cook well, great. If not, no harm done—just send her away.
“Fine. Come with me to the kitchen.”
Xu Ying’s eyes lit up as she eagerly followed him to the factory’s cafeteria.
The factory’s chef frowned the moment he saw her. His gaze filled with wariness and contempt—clearly seeing her as a threat. But then he took in her petite frame and smiled mockingly. “Director Chen, our cafeteria’s all about large batches. She’s so small—can she even lift a wok?”
Director Chen looked doubtful too.
Xu Ying quickly rolled up her sleeves, stepping confidently into the kitchen.
Inside, there was only cabbage, eggs, and tomatoes—no meat at all.
Undeterred, Xu Ying washed the vegetables swiftly, her movements graceful and practiced. She picked up a knife, and with a flurry of precise cuts, she worked the chopping board like an artist.
Director Chen and the chef watched, stunned.
The chef’s face stiffened. No… no way. Her knife skills… they’re better than mine?
His heart dropped. Am I about to lose my job to this little girl?
Xu Ying’s hands flew like lightning, her cuts perfect and clean.
Director Chen’s brows lifted higher in surprise. Clearly, she had real training.
He rubbed his shiny forehead, waiting in anticipation.
As Xu Ying stood by the stove, her posture calm and assured, she looked every bit the seasoned chef. The oil in the wok began to sizzle. She tossed the ingredients in with a practiced flick of the wrist—
—and within seconds, the kitchen filled with the most mouthwatering aroma.