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Master Ma took the slip of paper and, upon reading it, confirmed that Su Yi was telling the truth. She hadn’t picked up any pork over the past two days.
He angrily tossed the slip back at Chef Wang. “Here it is in black and white. Look for yourself!”
“Wang Jianguo, you can’t just keep nitpicking at the new hires. Even if you’re strict, you need to have some limits. As their superior, you should lead by example. If this kind of misunderstanding continues, I’ll have to report it to the higher-ups!”
Chef Wang mumbled defensively, “If they had clarified things earlier, it wouldn’t have turned out like this. It’s all my misunderstanding.”
Su Yi cut him off without hesitation. “Chef Wang immediately labeled us as thieves. Comrade Xiaoqin also tried to explain, but no one listened!”
Chef Wang wanted to argue further but was interrupted by Master Ma. “Enough. You need to apologize to these three right now!”
Chef Wang hesitated. “Right now? In front of so many people? It wouldn’t be appropriate.”
As a senior staff member, apologizing to three new hires in front of everyone would undermine his authority in the kitchen.
Will his Face remain Intact?
Master Ma did not hold back. “Just now, didn’t you also accuse these three of being thieves in front of everyone?”
“A proper apology will show everyone that such internal conflicts shouldn’t happen again!”
Despite his reluctance, Chef Wang had no choice but to admit it in front of everyone.
“I’m sorry! I misunderstood and wrongly accused you today. It won’t happen again!”
He then bowed to the three of them.
“Alright, everyone disperse. Go back to your tasks!”
After finishing her meal, Su Yi saw that there was nothing more to be done for now.
She cleaned her work area and took the lunchbox home.
On the way, Su Yi reflected on the day’s events. Although things had turned out fine, if Master Ma hadn’t been reasonable, she could have been wrongfully accused.
With that in mind, Zhou Jinchuan’s earlier advice seemed quite reasonable.
After all, it’s the 1980s, and even minor issues can be used by those with ulterior motives to make trouble.
It’s better to be cautious in the future—it’s always better to avoid trouble when possible.
Zhou Jinchuan, who usually gets so absorbed in his work that he forgets to drink water, was also deep in thought that afternoon.
By evening, Xie Xiaojun hurried back and went straight to report to Zhou Jinchuan.
After finishing the report, he quietly asked, “Commander Zhou, was it Su Yi who delivered your lunch today?”
Zhou Jinchuan nodded, then frowned slightly in displeasure.
“Xie Xiaojun, don’t take it upon yourself to have her deliver lunch next time!”
Xie Xiaojun, who had just walked in and found himself blamed, was puzzled.
“Commander Zhou, did Su Yi say something?”
Zhou Jinchuan was about to inquire if he had made a mistake somewhere.
Zhou Jinchuan hesitated for a moment before telling Xie Xiaojun about what happened today.
“Was I too harsh?”
After hearing this, Xie Xiaojun wore an expression that suggested he found it hard to articulate his thoughts. “Commander Zhou, Su Yi is a young woman, and she’s quite sensitive. Even if what you said was for her own good, it’s important to consider your approach.”
“Think about it. She spent hours buying and cooking the meat, and she probably even reheated it before bringing it to you. So, that box of braised pork wasn’t just food; it also carried her effort and goodwill.”
“And yet, you didn’t even thank her first. Instead, you directly warned her not to do it again. If I were her, I’d be upset too!”
Zhou Jinchuan’s expression darkened. “I wasn’t warning her; I was speaking in a normal tone.”
“Commander Zhou, you might not realize what your normal tone sounds like. When you’re not smiling, your face always looks cold and serious. We’re used to it, but Su Yi hasn’t been around long enough to get accustomed to that.”
Seeing that Xie Xiaojun’s comments were becoming increasingly unreasonable, Zhou Jinchuan waved his hand dismissively. “Forget it, you can go now.”
Xie Xiaojun responded with an “Oh,” and was about to leave when Zhou Jinchuan called him back.
“Wait a minute, since you know so much, what do you suggest we do now?”
“Heh, Commander, it’s simple. Just buy some snacks and send them over. Clear up the misunderstanding and everything will be fine.”
Zhou Jinchuan pondered for a moment. “Snacks? Are you sure?”
Xie Xiaojun patted his chest and assured, “What girl doesn’t like snacks? Just get some pastries and extra candies. Let her enjoy them slowly.”
Zhou Jinchuan nodded and then stood up. “I’ll go out for a bit.”
“Do you need me to drive you?”
“No need, I can go by myself.”
Zhou Jinchuan usually doesn’t shop alone, but today, seeing him by himself at the supply and marketing cooperative, the salespeople were delighted and gathered around him.
They greeted him warmly and offered to help with suggestions.
When asked what he wanted to buy, Zhou Jinchuan mentioned he was getting snacks and treats for a young lady.
Assuming he was buying for Ye Nuannuan, the salespeople, who knew about him and the two kids, recommended various items.
“This sponge cake is really soft; the young lady will surely love it.”
“And we have a variety of fruit-flavored candies, as well as the ever-popular White Rabbit milk candies. Which ones would you like, Commander Zhou?”
Overwhelmed by the options and feeling a bit uncomfortable under their scrutiny, Zhou Jinchuan quickly decided, “I’ll take a bit of everything.”
The salespeople quickly helped Zhou Jinchuan pack several large bags of candy and snacks. He got into the car and headed straight home.
When he arrived, Ye Xiaowu was busy writing, and Ye Nuannuan was quietly playing with her stuffed doll.
Zhou Jinchuan looked around and asked, “Is Sister Su not here?”
“She went to the cafeteria!”
Zhou Jinchuan realized it was almost mealtime.
He patiently sat down, checking Ye Xiaowu’s homework while waiting for Su Yi to return.
After finishing his homework, Ye Xiaowu glanced at Zhou Jinchuan, seeming hesitant to speak.
Zhou Jinchuan noticed and asked, “What are you staring at? Just say what you want.”
Ye Xiaowu smiled shyly, “Uncle Zhou, was the braised pork from lunch good? Sister Su started cooking it early this morning.”
Zhou Jinchuan replied, “…”
“Yes, it was very good.”
In front of the children, he didn’t want to say much.
Ye Xiaowu said happily, “That’s great! Actually, Sister Su has been wanting to find a chance to thank Uncle Zhou for a while now, but she hasn’t had the opportunity. Have you been very busy lately?”
Zhou Jinchuan immediately understood that Su Yi had sent him the braised pork today because of the interview incident at the cafeteria.
He couldn’t help but feel even more guilty.