Sun Lifang had always been someone with both a strong family background and capability, so naturally, she wasn’t the least bit intimidated by the likes of the Gao family. She let out a cold snort and scoffed, “You’re asking how I know? How would I know what the leader is thinking?
I just believe the leader is someone with sharp eyes. He’ll notice those who work fast and diligently. But those who spend their days idling about in the restaurant, pretending to be busy, are in no position to even dream of becoming managers.”
Gao Guihua’s face flushed bright red. Sun Lifang’s words cut deep—they were clearly aimed at her.
She gritted her teeth but forced herself to stay composed. After all, she was just one step away from becoming the manager. At such a critical moment, she couldn’t afford to let her emotions ruin her chances. Let her be smug for now, she thought. Once I become manager, we’ll see who has the last laugh.
So what if both of Sun Lifang’s parents are factory cadres? Gao Guihua sneered inwardly. Can they control the restaurant?
Meanwhile, Chen Chunfeng simply stood by, smiling blankly, avoiding the tension. She had long learned that staying quiet was often the best strategy.
Gao Guihua’s lip curled in disdain as she looked her way. Fool, she thought. That girl will be nothing more than a waiter her whole life. No brains, no ambition. Just a pair of hands that know how to work.
In the back kitchen, Xu Ying lifted the lid off the large bamboo steamer. A puff of fragrant steam burst out, revealing the perfectly white steamed buns inside. Her eyes lit up with satisfaction—today was another day to rack up merit points.
“Lifang, help me lift these buns down.”
Hearing this, Sun Lifang rushed over eagerly. The two of them quickly took down the buns and replaced them with a fresh batch in the steamer.
Outside, the restaurant was beginning to bustle with customers.
Sun Lifang immediately returned to her post, her voice clear and loud as she advertised, “Today’s special—brand new fillings! Mushroom and cabbage, spicy tofu, and mushroom vermicelli. And this time, we’ve added lard to the dough. Fragrant, soft, and mouthwatering—come try it for yourselves!”
She didn’t even need to say much. The aroma of the freshly steamed buns wafted through the air, pulling greedy gulps and hungry stares from all directions.
“Thank goodness for the new chef! Something different every day, and it just keeps getting better!”
“What’s that soup smell? Smells different from before!”
“We’ve got hot and spicy soup for breakfast today! Savory and full of flavor!” came the quick reply.
Xu Ying tilted her head in thought. Strange… why didn’t they used to have spicy soup here? She could’ve sworn spicy soup had existed since ancient times. Perhaps in this era, people were still focused on simply filling their stomachs rather than pursuing taste.
A curious customer heard the name “spicy soup,” found it interesting, and casually waved his hand to order a bowl.
As soon as the bowl was in his hands, the rich, aromatic scent hit him. He took a sniff, swallowed hard, and took a sip.
The next moment, his eyes brightened. “Wow, this is amazing. It’s spicy, yet slightly sour. Absolutely delicious!”
“Who knew breakfast could taste this good?”
With him taking the lead, others followed suit. One after another, they ordered bowls of spicy soup, intrigued by the aroma and the novelty of it.
Xu Ying couldn’t help but sigh with a little regret, “If only there was time today. Spicy soup paired with crispy fried dough sticks… now that would be the perfect combo.”
Sun Lifang, who had sharp ears, caught her words immediately. She turned to Xu Ying with wide, curious eyes. “Fried dough sticks? What’s that?”
Their restaurant didn’t offer them, but she knew other places did. Her interest was instantly piqued.
Once the rush eased a little, Sun Lifang clutched Xu Ying’s arm, her eyes shining. “Come with me! Let’s go buy some from another shop!”
“Are we allowed to go out during work hours?” Xu Ying raised an eyebrow.
Sun Lifang waved her hand dismissively. “What’s the big deal? We get rest periods too. As long as it’s not during the busiest time, it’s fine. We’re not disappearing forever.”
She leaned in and grinned, “It’s just a fried dough stick run. I’ll let Chef Ge know. Just come with me, okay?”
Xu Ying smiled and nodded. “Alright.”
Sun Lifang was over the moon. She skipped off to find Chef Ge, practically humming a tune in excitement.
Moments later, she returned, practically glowing. “Let’s go! Quick!”
Hand in hand, the two of them dashed out of the restaurant like excited schoolgirls. But behind them, a cold gaze watched their backs.
Gao Guihua sneered silently. Running off during work hours? I’ll make sure Director Hong hears about this. Let’s see how you compete for manager after that, Sun Lifang.
Meanwhile, Gao Xianghong stood silently, eyes gleaming with ambition. Once I become manager, I’ll soar like a phoenix. Higher pay, higher status, and I’ll finally be in charge. No more lowly work. I’ll be the one giving orders then.
But while Sun Lifang and Xu Ying made their way back with the buns, they unexpectedly ran into someone on the street.
“Xu Ying!” A hurried voice called out.
It was Chen Yanran. Her expression was tense, her voice trembling with urgency. “Something’s happened to your aunt! Come with me, quick!”
Xu Ying blinked in confusion. “Aunt?” She suddenly remembered—her aunt’s family was in the county.
But in her previous life, they hadn’t been close. Her aunt was always busy with work. She only visited during holidays, and even then, Xu Ying had never liked going to the old house. There wasn’t much warmth there.
Still, Chen Yanran’s expression didn’t seem fake. After a moment’s hesitation, Xu Ying nodded. “Lifang, help me ask Chef Ge for leave. I’ll head out first.”
“Got it!” Sun Lifang agreed quickly. Judging by how anxious Chen Yanran looked, this wasn’t a trivial matter.
Xu Ying followed Chen Yanran at first, but after a while, she noticed something strange.
The road they were taking… wasn’t leading to her aunt’s place at all.
“Chen Yanran,” she narrowed her eyes, “Where exactly are you taking me?”
Chen Yanran’s expression grew stiff. She paused, then gave a wry smile. “Yingying… maybe you misunderstood my relationship with Wenzhong. I’ve been wanting to apologize for a long time, but work kept me busy. I never found the right chance…”
Xu Ying stared at her coldly. “Oh?”
She didn’t interrupt, but her expression was filled with suspicion. She was curious to see where this would go.
“I thought a verbal apology wouldn’t be enough,” Chen Yanran went on with a sheepish laugh. “So I figured I’d take you to my cousin’s place for dinner. A proper thank-you, with some real sincerity.”
Xu Ying frowned. “I’m still working. Maybe another time—”
“No! Wait—” Chen Yanran panicked slightly. “My cousin-in-law already prepared the food. We even bought meat especially for you! It’ll go to waste if you don’t come…”
Xu Ying hesitated a little and finally nodded. “Fine then.”
But her eyes were calm, thoughtful. She never had any cousin in the county, did she? This “cousin” was likely someone Chen Yanran had roped in as a helper. Interesting.
Before she even had to make a move, Chen Yanran had delivered herself to her doorstep.
What a golden opportunity.
After turning through several small alleyways, they arrived at a run-down courtyard house.
Chen Yanran looked a little embarrassed. “Sorry… their living conditions aren’t great. But don’t worry. They’ve prepared a very generous meal for you.”
Xu Ying’s eyes lit up theatrically. She played along, eagerly stepping forward into the yard.
Chen Yanran, following behind, scoffed inwardly. Still the same old fool, Xu Ying. So easy to trick.
Dong Wenzhong had warned her to be cautious, said that Xu Ying had become smarter lately. But from what she was seeing now… Xu Ying was as stupid as ever.
Inside the courtyard, two men were waiting.
When they saw Xu Ying, both pairs of eyes lit up with unmistakable interest.
Originally, it had been agreed that Dong Wenqiang would step in to act. But now that they’d seen her up close, Dong Wenjie wasn’t willing to step aside.
She was pretty, had a stable job at a state-owned restaurant, and brought in a monthly wage. Who wouldn’t want such a wife?