Volume 1, Chapter 20: Su Jianshe Promoted to Director

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“Su Jianshe, you really think highly of yourself, don’t you? You’re just a cook now; what authority do you have to fire someone!”

“I’m telling you, if you want to fire me, at least the cafeteria director has to say so. What right do you have to dismiss me?”

Before Ma Hua could finish speaking, another person entered the cafeteria.

“Director Li!”

“Hello, Director Li……”

Seeing the newcomer, the temporary workers in the kitchen all greeted him promptly.

In their eyes, offending Su Jianshe might only cause some minor grievances.

But offending the current cafeteria director, Li, would mean losing their jobs.

Though well past fifty, this director was still vigorous and sharp.

He looked at Su Jianshe with a complex expression and couldn’t help but speak.

“From now on, don’t call me Director. I still have a lot to learn from Director Su!”

Saying this, the former Director Li was the first to applaud, showing his admiration for Su Jianshe.

Hearing this, everyone else joined in the applause, congratulating Su Jianshe.

“Long live Director Su!”

“Long live Director Su!”

……

Ma Hua, who had thought he was absolutely safe, was stunned.

He never dreamed that Su Jianshe would leap to the position of cafeteria director!

He pointed at Su Jianshe in disbelief, muttering,

“How is this possible!!!”

The others remained silent. Nearby, Liu Lan looked at Su Jianshe with deep envy, thinking to herself,

“Ma Hua, anyone with eyes can see that Su Jianshe’s abilities are enough to easily secure the director’s position.”

Liu Lan felt no sympathy for Ma Hua; instead, she was considering how to curry favor with Su Jianshe. As for the resentment she had felt when Su Jianshe had mocked her earlier? She quickly denied it in her heart, silently repeating: That’s not me; I never thought that!

“Heh heh, thank you all.” Su Jianshe glanced mockingly at Ma Hua’s changing expression. He clearly had no intention of letting this blindly loyal lackey off easily. In this world, everyone pays a price sooner or later. Since Ma Hua had chosen to oppose him at the start, he should have expected today’s consequences.

“Given recent worker feedback on the cafeteria and your own culinary mistakes, you’re relieved from your position at the stove.”

“If you don’t want to leave, that’s fine too. I think the odd jobs suit you; from now on, you’ll be responsible for the cafeteria’s hygiene!”

“Of course, your salary will be adjusted accordingly.”

Having said this, Su Jianshe ignored Ma Hua’s ferocious glare. To him, Ma Hua was just a minor player.

“Alright, let’s get to work!”

At Su Jianshe’s command, the back kitchen bustled with activity. Everyone worked hard, fearing the new director’s wrath.

“Liu Dazhuang, you take the stove. I’ll guide you from behind!”

Liu Dazhuang, eager to prove himself, excitedly stepped up to the large pot. Everyone else, except Ma Hua, looked on with envy, wishing they could take his place.

Only Ma Hua gripped his broom in despair, fully aware that his chance to turn things around was gone. Even if his master returned from the police station, he might not be able to compete with Su Jianshe. One was an ordinary cook, albeit experienced… but having made mistakes, the factory might not even keep him. The other was the cafeteria director—there was simply no comparison.

Su Jianshe paid no mind to the thoughts of those in the kitchen; he was busy instructing Liu Dazhuang on cooking.

His guidance served two purposes: to train a newcomer so he could occasionally substitute, as daily cooking was a burden he could not bear alone; and to boost the morale of the entire kitchen team. After all, which vegetable chopper doesn’t dream of mastering the big pot?

“Practice your flipping technique diligently.”

“Big pot cooking demands careful control of heat and skillful stirring. Yes, just like that……”

Under Su Jianshe’s careful tutelage, Liu Dazhuang improved rapidly. Even simple stir-fried cabbage came out fragrant and delicious.

At lunchtime, famished workers rushed into the cafeteria.

Fortunately, when preparing the big pot dishes today, Director Su Jianshe had anticipated the crowd and instructed Liu Dazhuang to prepare extra ingredients.

“Charge! This time I’m going to get extra servings of Chef Su’s dishes!”

“This’s no bland vegetable dish; it smells better than meat!”

The workers gathered at the serving window, pleading with the kitchen staff,

“Chef, please give us an extra ladle, just a little bit!”

Those at the back protested,

“Why should you get more? What about us?”

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“I want it, so what?”

At that moment, Liu Lan, already wearing her armband, stood loudly in the hall to stop the quarrel:

“Quiet down! Anyone caught causing trouble in the cafeteria won’t eat here for a week!”

The cafeteria instantly fell silent.

As for Su Jianshe, he had already left after finishing cooking.

“Nowadays, marriage procedures are really complicated!”

Walking down the street, Su Jianshe looked at the documents he needed to process and frowned.

Recalling the future world, the couple only needed to bring their household registration books, no such fuss required.

Now, they needed certification from the neighborhood office and a written document from the police station.

Had Su Jianshe not left work early, who knew when he could have gathered all these materials.

Chuyan shyly followed behind Su Jianshe, her cheeks flushed; she didn’t dare look up, clearly still bashful.

After submitting the documents to the neighborhood office, Su Jianshe finally breathed a sigh of relief.

“Xiaoyan, as soon as the neighborhood office passes the materials along, we can get our marriage certificate tomorrow!” Su Jianshe looked at Chuyan with a bright smile and sincere words.

“O-okay... I’ll listen to you, Brother Jianshe.” Chuyan bowed her head, her cheeks as red as ripe apples.

“Let’s go home and cook—I'll make something delicious for you.” Su Jianshe took Chuyan’s shy hand as they walked home.

Just after they left, someone quietly stepped out from behind the neighborhood office door.

“Su Jianshe... is getting married!” Yi Zhonghai’s face showed deep thought, as if pondering something.

Lately, Yi Zhonghai had been busy with matters involving Shazhu, always rushing between the police station and neighborhood office at lunchtime, not even going to the cafeteria. He just hoped Shazhu would come out soon and settle down. But seeing Su Jianshe and Chuyan so affectionate, Yi Zhonghai suddenly had an idea.

……

At the Liu Haizhong household in the courtyard, Liu Haizhong was puzzled to see Yi Zhonghai. Yi’s eyes were red-rimmed, as if he hadn’t rested for a long time, yet Liu had heard there was no urgent work at the factory.

“Old Yi, what’s wrong? Go get some rest!” Liu Haizhong said with concern.

Yi Zhonghai waved him off indifferently. “Did you know Su Jianshe is getting married?”

Liu Haizhong was stunned, then quickly reacted.

“Su Jianshe’s marrying? I didn’t know that. What’s the plan?”

“We elders have to organize something for him. We’re all neighbors. We should bring dishes from home and celebrate together.”

Liu Haizhong’s eyes lit up at these words, as if he had an idea.

“Old Yi, are you saying we’re going to throw a wedding banquet for Su Jianshe? What if he doesn’t appreciate it?” Liu Haizhong asked skeptically.

“No problem. It’s Su Jianshe’s big day; how could we not celebrate? As elders, it’s our duty to help!”

“Besides, he already took thousands from me. I’m just asking for a little blood—”

“That’s my hard-earned money!” Liu Haizhong emphasized.

“The banquet’s cost is only a fraction of that. He has to settle up. Even if it causes a fuss at the neighborhood committee, I’m in the right. I’m his elder; all this is for his own good!” Yi Zhonghai spoke with conviction.

Liu Haizhong, however, had already seen through his real intention.

“What’s he so proud about? Just trying to take advantage of Su Jianshe!” he thought bitterly.

Still, Liu Haizhong had his own plans:

“No, this can’t be left to Old Yi alone. If he succeeds, everyone here will obey him blindly. How will I, Second Uncle, keep my dignity?”

He pressed on, “Old Yi, did you find out when Su Jianshe will get the certificate? We need to prepare early.”

Yi Zhonghai thought for a moment and admitted he didn’t know.

“Su Jianshe just went to the neighborhood office today. The wedding can’t be far off—maybe as soon as tomorrow!”

Liu Haizhong immediately decided:

“Good! Then we’ll hold the wedding banquet tomorrow. Invite everyone in the courtyard and see if Su Jianshe dares not pay up!”

Just thinking about how everyone would treat him with respect because of this made Liu Haizhong secretly pleased.

After all, he was only leading the effort; Su Jianshe would be the one footing the bill. The whole courtyard would enjoy the feast and ultimately thank him!

“Brilliant! Tomorrow, we’ll notify everyone and make this banquet lively. Then the whole courtyard will pressure Su Jianshe. How could he refuse?”

Yi Zhonghai, thinking he could vent his anger while spending some of that five thousand dollars, felt much better.

His steps grew lighter as they parted ways.

After Su Jianshe left, Liu Haizhong muttered to himself,

“The end of the year is coming. Every family must have reserves. Let’s share them so everyone can feast, and then let Su Jianshe pay—he’s rich anyway!

If I can pull this off, my reputation in the courtyard will soar!”

“Maybe the title of Elder will be mine!”

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Thinking this filled Liu Haizhong with excitement.

Years of longing were about to come true.

As for Su Jianshe defaulting on payments?

Liu Haizhong never entertained that possibility.

After all, he was organizing this wedding for Su Jianshe’s own good.

“In the end, Su Jianshe will have to thank me!”

……

“Brother Jianshe, should we hand out candies to the courtyard folks tomorrow?” Chuyan pondered aloud.

“Yes, give one or two to the kids as a small token for good luck. The adults don’t need any.” Su Jianshe flipped through a secret recipe book while talking with his sister.

Tomorrow was his big day.

The courtyard folks wouldn’t be at the banquet because he planned a special meal just for his sister.

“We’ll get the certificate in the morning. I’ll go back to the factory to handle some matters at noon.”

“Half an hour later, we’ll go to Dejuquan, the biggest restaurant in Forty-Nine City, for roast duck, then tour Yongding Gate afterwards.”

“In the evening, we’ll circle the outer city walls before returning home, where I’ll reveal the surprise I’ve prepared for you!” Su Jianshe spoke mysteriously.

Chuyan blinked with curiosity. A surprise?

She nodded in agreement.

“Alright, Brother Jianshe, I’ll listen to you!”

Thinking of the wedding tomorrow, Chuyan grew a little nervous, stealing glances at Su Jianshe, then couldn’t help but say,

“Brother Jianshe, the ladies where I work take good care of me. Could we give them some wedding candies and maybe some dishes?”

Su Jianshe readily agreed.

“Of course. Xiaoyan, you understand the importance of social niceties.”

Hearing Su Jianshe’s doting words, Chuyan’s cheeks flushed again, too shy to meet his eyes.

“You’re so annoying, Brother Jianshe!”

With that, she hurried back inside, leaving Su Jianshe smiling broadly.

“Tonight, should I go to Xiaoyan’s room……”

Meanwhile, Chuyan hid inside, clutching her chest as her heart pounded like a drum, her face radiating sweet happiness.

“I heard we need to take photos when getting the certificate. Should I dress up a bit? No, Brother Jianshe should dress well too. It’s our first wedding; nothing can go wrong.”

Outside, Su Jianshe’s smile faded as he concentrated on the recipe book, planning the final dish for Xiaoyan’s dinner tomorrow.

“Tomorrow, I need to buy some candles and various meats to create a perfect candlelit dinner for Xiaoyan!”

Marriage, whether in this life or the next, was a first for him, so naturally, he aimed for perfection.

Unbeknownst to Su Jianshe, Second Uncle Liu Haizhong was already spreading the news throughout the courtyard, even planning to organize the banquet for him.

“Su Jianshe is getting married. As Second Uncle, I have to help him.”

“Tomorrow, everyone bring some food to share. Keep track of expenses; Su Jianshe will reimburse us!”

“I’m his elder. It’s only right that elders help the younger generation with their weddings. No need to be polite; just keep track and let Su Jianshe pay!”

At dawn, Su Jianshe was too excited to sleep.

Though the room was still chilly, he had a thick quilt and a strong physique, so he didn’t feel cold.

“Get up; I need to freshen up. There’s still meat at home; I’ll make Xiaoyan some century egg and lean pork congee!”

A smile tugged at Su Jianshe’s lips as he envisioned himself as the groom.

Meanwhile, Chuyan tossed and turned in bed, equally restless with excitement.

“Entering marriage so soon, time flies. I wonder if Jianshe feels the same fluttering in his heart……”

As her thoughts wandered, a warm aroma drifted into her nose.

The scent was rich with meat and fresh with congee, seemingly from their own kitchen.

After washing up, she hurried to the kitchen, only to find Su Jianshe busy ladling congee.

“Brother Jianshe, this congee smells so good!”