Chapter 10: Getting Familiar with Work

Su Yue, under the angry gaze of Wu Yuxia, took the slip and went to the logistics department.

When Qin Mingyue saw her coming, she joked, “Su Yue, are you here to hang out with me? It’s work hours now. Shouldn’t you be at your post instead of wandering around?”

Su Yue ignored her and handed the slip to a nearby woman who looked to be in her thirties. “Hello, comrade. I’m from the archives room. I’m here to collect office supplies.”

Before the woman could read the slip, Qin Mingyue snatched it from her hands.

“I’ll get the supplies for her.”

She glanced briefly at the slip and then casually handed over just a pencil, a set of drawing tools, a bottle of glue, and a pair of scissors.

“Alright, Comrade Su’s materials are all set,” she said with a smug look, shooting a provocative glance at Su Yue.

Back in their first year of high school, Qin had tried to set Su Yue up with her brother because Su Yue was beautiful and academically strong. But Su Yue had flatly rejected the idea. Even after her brother had pursued her for a month, she remained unmoved, embarrassing him in the process. Now, despite Qin greeting her warmly earlier, Su Yue had been cold and distant. Qin felt the need to “teach her a lesson.”

Su Yue smiled calmly. “Comrade Qin, I’m a new employee. Please provide the items listed on the requisition form.”

Qin Mingyue rolled her eyes. “Comrade Su, you should know that we’re in a time of scarcity. For the rest of the items, you can just borrow from your coworkers.”

Su Yue pressed further: “Are you sure you’re not going to give me the rest?”

Qin raised her brow. “Not giving them.”

Su Yue let out a small laugh, amused by Qin’s foolishness. She picked up the items without another word and walked out of the office.

She hadn’t even stepped out the door when she heard Qin coldly snort behind her.

Su Yue headed straight to the logistics department director’s office. The sign on the door read: “Logistics Department Director: Wang Xuemei.”

She raised her hand and knocked.

“Come in.”

Su Yue opened the door and entered. Inside was a woman around forty years old, busy with paperwork.

The woman looked up and asked, “Comrade, what can I help you with?”

“Director Wang, I’m the new archives administrator. My supervisor gave me a requisition slip, but when I went to collect the supplies, Comrade Qin from your department only gave me a few items. I confirmed with her multiple times, but she clearly stated she would only give me those. I suspect she’s misappropriating the factory’s materials for personal gain.”

Director Wang’s face immediately darkened. She stood up and said, “Comrade Su, this is indeed a failure on our department’s part. Please return to your post. I’ll have someone send the rest of the supplies to you shortly.”

Su Yue smiled politely. “Thank you, Director Wang.”

With that, she turned and left the office.

Back in the archives room, when Su Yue returned with the items, Li Shufang was surprised. “Why are there only a few things?”

Su Yue didn’t hide anything and told them what had just happened.

Wu Yuxia gloated and said, “Qin Mingyue is the niece of Deputy Factory Director Qin. Comrade Su, some people aren’t to be offended so easily.”

Su Yue nodded. “So, Sister Wu, are you saying that the items Qin Mingyue embezzled are being used as gifts to curry favor with the deputy director?”

“You—you’re twisting my words! That’s not what I meant!” Wu Yuxia quickly waved her hands, denying it.

“Oh?” Su Yue paused and then said, “So what you mean is that the deputy director is using his position to embezzle from the factory and put his niece in the logistics department to do it? Sister Wu, how about we go together to report this to the union? The Little Red Book says, ‘If we hesitate and tolerate the wicked, we will bring disaster to the people and distance ourselves from the masses.’”

She then pulled a red-covered book from her drawer and placed it on her desk.

Su Yue had entered the job through official exams. As a formal state worker, as long as she didn’t do anything wrong, not even the factory director could dismiss her casually.

Just as the two were talking, a female staff member from the logistics department walked in carrying a basket. Su Yue stood up, smiling, and went over to take it from her.

The woman smiled and introduced herself, “Comrade Su, I’m Wang Qiuya from the logistics department. I’ve brought you all the supplies listed on your slip.”

Su Yue smiled politely and said, “Thank you, Comrade Wang.”

Wang Qiuya shook her head. “These are things you’re entitled to, Comrade Su. I really admire your character. Can I just call you Su Yue from now on?”

“Of course. Then I’ll call you Qiuya.”

“Su Yue, I have some things to take care of. Let’s have lunch together at the cafeteria later.”

Su Yue nodded. “Alright.”

Wang Qiuya then turned to Li Shufang and said, “Supervisor Li, Director Wang asked me to let you know that she’ll handle today’s matter seriously.”

Li Shufang nodded, and Wang Qiuya left.

Li Shufang casually remarked, “No wonder Comrade Wang is so efficient—she’s Director Wang’s niece, just like her aunt.”

Su Yue’s eyes lit up. She picked up the thermos and walked over to refill Li Shufang’s cup. “Here, Sister Li, have some water.”

Li Shufang nodded and continued, “The logistics department has been short one staff member. They’re hiring two temps for a trial month. Whoever performs better gets the permanent position.”

Su Yue understood the underlying message. “Thank you for the tip, Sister Li.”

Li Shufang nodded and said, “Alright, let me help you get familiar with your duties.”

Su Yue quickly took out a notebook and pen, ready to take notes.

Li Shufang observed Su Yue’s focused and diligent attitude and was quite satisfied. If Su Yue could learn the ropes quickly, it would make things easier for her too.

Two hours later, after watching Su Yue take thorough notes, Li Shufang nodded and said, “That’s it for today, Xiao Su. Take some time to review your notes. Our archives room isn’t very busy.”

Su Yue nodded. “Thank you, Sister Li.”

Li Shufang took a sip of tea and added, “If anything is unclear, be sure to ask me. Every item in the archives must be carefully recorded, so it’s easy to find when needed.”

Su Yue responded positively and refilled her teacup before returning to her desk.

After sorting her things neatly, Su Yue sat down and reviewed her notes.

At around 11:30, Wu Yuxia stretched and finally woke up from her nap. After checking the time, she grabbed her lunchbox and shoulder bag and headed out.

Li Shufang also took out her lunchbox. She turned to Su Yue and gently reminded her, “Xiao Su, the archives we store are very important, so once everyone leaves, we have to lock the door. I’ll hold on to the key. I’ll be back at about 1:50 to reopen.”

“Got it, Sister Li. I’ll remember.” Su Yue replied as she picked up her bag and lunchbox, following Li Shufang out. Just then, Wang Qiuya approached from the other direction, also carrying her lunch.

After exchanging greetings, the three of them walked toward the cafeteria. Before entering, they noticed a small chalkboard outside listing today’s menu:

Braised pork, potato and eggplant stew, shredded potatoes, cucumber and egg soup, and pickles.

Wang Qiuya’s eyes lit up. “They’ve got braised pork today!”

Li Shufang explained, “Our steel factory has decent benefits. On the 5th, 15th, and 25th of each month, we serve meat dishes. You don’t need ration coupons for meat—just 2.6 yuan per portion.”

Su Yue thought about visiting Li Xiangbei’s house for dinner that night and leaned over to whisper to Li Shufang, “Sister Li, can I buy two portions of the braised pork? I’m going to visit my fiancé’s house for the first time. I can’t show up empty-handed.”

Li Shufang was surprised. “So you’re engaged, Xiao Su?”

Su Yue blushed a little. “Yes, we just got engaged yesterday. Planning to get married after the New Year.”

“We don’t need ration coupons for meat, but each person can only buy one portion,” Li Shufang said after a brief thought. “But the portions here are generous. I think one will be enough for a first visit.”

Su Yue nodded. “Alright, thank you, Sister Li.”

“As long as you don’t mind me being too nosy.”

“Not at all. I really appreciate it, Sister Li. I’ll be counting on your guidance going forward.”