Chapter 129: You Can’t Beat Me

“The project department has decided to clear out one floor of the office building to use as a temporary cafeteria. It will start a trial operation tomorrow. If it gains approval from the workers and the project staff, once the construction officially begins, we’ll move to the main cafeteria,”

Shen Suo’s gaze swept over her injured cheek without hurry as he calmly explained, “That’s why I said you shouldn’t come out to sell boxed meals tomorrow. There will be very few workers coming out to buy food tomorrow, maybe none at all.”

If there’s food available inside the construction site, who would want to go out to buy meals?

Xie Yunshu’s fierce expression hadn’t even faded; she was completely stunned. She stood frozen for a moment before finally understanding what Shen Suo had just said.

So, actually, from the very beginning, he had been on her side, deliberately not letting her come sell boxed meals—setting a trap for that “Aunt Li”…

How awkward — she felt like she had gotten angry too early.

But it wasn’t really her fault, right? Initially, Captain Shen said the cafeteria contract wouldn’t start until March, and they still had to build the shelter. It had only been two days since work resumed; how could she have expected a sudden trial opening?

“Then why didn’t you say so earlier?” Xie Yunshu cleared her throat and slowly took a step toward her tricycle, “You can’t blame me for losing my temper. You always speak in half-truths; how was I supposed to know you meant this?”

Shen Suo glanced at her sideways, “The cafeteria contract is an internal matter. Why would I tell that aunt?”

He wouldn’t fight for her just yet, but he could still help her vent.

Xie Yunshu looked down at her toes, “Then next time don’t just say half the story…”

Shen Suo raised an eyebrow, “Didn’t you tell me to only say half when I was talking to that girl?”

Xie Yunshu was utterly speechless. It was true she suggested Shen say half the story, hoping more girls would like him. How did it turn around and work against her?

But when she thought about those two women eagerly coming to sell food tomorrow only to have no customers and slink away, all her anger and grievance disappeared instantly. She wasn’t a great person; in fact, their misfortune made her secretly happy—she finally couldn’t help but feel schadenfreude.

Feeling much better, Xie Yunshu chuckled and quickly jumped on the motorized tricycle, complimenting, “Captain Shen, you really think ahead. Should we go to the project department now to talk about contracting the cafeteria?”

Shen Suo sat in front, slightly turning sideways, half-smiling at her: “Weren’t you going to fight me together with that girl? When are you going to make a move?”

Xie Yunshu’s ears flushed red, but her face thickened, “Actually, I was joking. Do you believe me?”

She had been wrong; from now on, she needed to have patience when talking to Captain Shen and wait until he finished before deciding to get mad.

Shen Suo’s narrow eyes swept over her slender shoulders and then passed judgment: “I believe you. Because you can’t beat me.”

Xie Yunshu felt a complicated mix of emotions but ultimately surrendered to the power of money. She nodded firmly, responding to Shen Suo, “Right, I can’t beat you.”

She wasn’t seriously ill, so why would she fight Captain Shen?

The employee cafeteria on the first floor had already been tidied up. Speaking of work, Shen Suo’s expression turned serious: “Starting tomorrow, bring the meals here. Reserve some lunch boxes for the project staff first. You probably won’t be able to manage alone. If there are no issues, the simple shelter for the cafeteria will be built soon, and the cafeteria will open in at most half a month. At that point, more people will be needed, and there will be three meals a day.”

Three meals?

Xie Yunshu was surprised and quickly asked, “About how many people will eat there?”

Shen Suo thought for a moment and replied confidently, “The southern project department is about to send people, plus the workers. The whole site has at least over 300 people. Based on that, each meal will have at least 200 people. Of course, you will need to manage the portions.”

By this calculation, it wasn’t just about finding one helper; she’d need at least seven or eight people, right?

Honestly, Xie Yunshu really hadn’t expected that contracting the cafeteria would be such a big project. Could she really handle it?

Seeing her hesitation, Shen Suo pulled out a chair and sat down: “There was a meeting this morning. Someone from the project department recommended other catering bosses, but I recommended you. Manager Tian also recommended you, and a few architects thought you could do well. I’ve always said that doing things seriously will bring rewards.”

Her food was tasty, the portions generous and clean. After eating for so long, people naturally didn’t want to change at random. Plus, with his and Tian Hao’s guarantees, the project department didn’t want to offend local staff over something as small as meals and just agreed.

Xie Yunshu felt moved inside: “Then please thank everyone for me.”

Shen Suo nodded and added: “They gave verbal recommendations, I gave a written one. Besides the recommendation letter, I also wrote a guarantee. But don’t thank me personally; I’m just doing my job.”

Xie Yunshu was even more touched. She thought Captain Shen really was the best person ever, helping her selflessly. She spoke seriously, “If it weren’t for you helping me all along, the cafeteria contract wouldn’t have come to me.”

Shen Suo understood: “Going to praise me again and then say thanks or treat me to a meal?”

Xie Yunshu indeed thought that way. Otherwise, what else could she do? She had no money or power and nothing to repay.

“Well, if you need my help in the future, I will do my best,” she took a deep breath and promised solemnly, “Captain Shen, as long as it’s not illegal or criminal, I will definitely help.”

Shen Suo chuckled lightly, “Forget it, I never helped you expecting anything back.”

Xie Yunshu was nearly moved to tears. She still owed him for the motorcycle and now an even bigger favor. She wasn’t just saying it; Xie Yunshu was grateful and loyal, never taking advantage of people, especially someone as upright as Captain Shen.

“Captain Shen, my word is my bond! If I can help you, I definitely will!” She stood straight to express her determination: “I promise!”

Shen Suo leaned lightly back in his chair, a mysterious light flickering in his eyes: “You really want to repay me?”

Xie Yunshu nodded, “I owe you two favors now.”

Shen Suo seemed a little troubled, tapping his long fingers on the table, then sighed resignedly: “Since you said so, if I ever need help, I will definitely come to you. I hope you won’t forget what you said today and find excuses to refuse.”

What kind of trouble would Captain Shen get into that he’d need her help?

Xie Yunshu couldn’t think of anything now, but she nodded firmly again, “Don’t worry, I’m not that kind of person!”

Shen Suo stared at her, a slight curve appearing on the corner of his lips, his eyes showing a faint smile: “Comrade Xie Yunshu, I believe you won’t go back on your word.”

This sentence made Xie Yunshu inexplicably feel like she’d fallen into some kind of trap. But someone like Captain Shen wouldn’t set traps for her, right? She pressed her forehead and refocused on the cafeteria contract: “What else do I need to prepare? How is the contract fee calculated?”

Shen Suo stood up: “First, come with me to the office to treat the wound on your face.”

It was just a small injury; Xie Yunshu didn’t care. She had gotten worse injuries fighting as a child and never cried once.

“No, no, let’s keep talking,” she touched her face and smiled at Shen Suo, “It doesn’t hurt anymore, let’s continue!”

Shen Suo glanced at her, “If you don’t treat it, what if someone sees it later and mistakenly thinks I hit you?”

Who would be blind to think that? With Shen’s build, if he really hit her, could it be such a light injury? Wouldn’t she be bedridden by now?