"Mr. Chu, I've come to trouble you again," Director Wang said with a smile, handing over the approved form. "You're not just capable, you're also well-connected. Our factory's First Cafeteria has had its application for five refrigerators approved. We'll need you to get in touch with your contact again."
Chu Shenyu took the forms and looked them over. In addition to the letter of introduction for purchasing the refrigerators, there was also a slip to withdraw the funds from the finance department. He gave a faint nod. "As long as they're offering the right price, it won't be difficult."
"Of course," Director Wang said happily. "Our factory is on a major upswing right now, all thanks to the hard work of every single worker. The factory has been wanting to reward everyone for a long time."
"But we've been constantly expanding and starting new projects, so there isn't much money we can really use for benefits. It's usually just enough for a round of bonuses during the holidays."
"Still, Xiao Zhu is a sharp one. I don't know how her mind works. With summer just around the corner, she pointed out that if our factory workers had cold drinks as a benefit, it would be a real, tangible way to show the factory's care for its employees."
Chu Shenyu's long, narrow eyes narrowed slightly. "Oh? And what does Chef Zhu have in mind to make?"
Since it was rare for him to ask, Director Wang naturally held nothing back. "Xiao Zhu mentioned a whole variety of things. She confidently guaranteed they'd be even more delicious than what they sell in the department stores."
"Once the refrigerators arrive, I'll have her make some samples and invite you, Mr. Chu, to come have a taste. Oh, right," Director Wang added, taking out another slip and some money. "Xiao Zhu wants to buy one for her home as well, so we'll have to trouble you to put in a little extra effort."
Chu Shenyu didn't say much. He took the slip and the money. As soon as Director Wang left, he picked up the phone, made a call, and quickly settled the matter of the refrigerators.
Just then, Wang Xianbing and Tan Zhiming walked over, smiling. "May Day is almost here, and the factory is giving us a day off. A few of us from the engineering department were thinking of getting together for dinner that night."
"That's right. Your sister-in-law was just saying she's been here for a while and still hasn't had you all over for a meal. The house is settled, and her work and the kids' schooling are on the right track, so she finally has some free time. You can't say no," Tan Zhiming said, clapping Chu Shenyu on the shoulder.
"Your sister-in-law is planning to ask Chef Zhu to cook. Is there anything you want to eat? Tell me ahead of time. When it's just us, we should at least eat to our heart's content, right?"
Chu Shenyu's hands, which were organizing his files, paused. The words, however, came quickly as he reeled off a few dishes. "Braised pork belly, spicy diced chicken, stir-fried large intestines with onion, and potato and pork rib stew!"
"Hey, you're not holding back, are you, kid?" Tan Zhiming said with a laugh, pointing at him.
Ever since his wife arrived, Tan Zhiming had basically been eating all three meals at home. However, he was occasionally swayed by his colleagues to grab a couple of dishes from the First Cafeteria to supplement the meals for the kids at home.
Those dishes were indeed particularly tempting. Just hearing Chu Shenyu list their names made Tan Zhiming's and Wang Xianbing's mouths water, and their stomachs rumbled in protest.
After setting a time, they also decided they would go up the back mountain the day before to hunt some game for an extra dish.
***
Zhu Yun had been in a good mood lately. Her household registration had been transferred over, and because her cooking skills were genuinely excellent, she had been praised by the leadership on multiple occasions.
Director Wang had secretly fast-tracked her probationary period to make her a permanent employee, wanting to tie her down for good.
Her first month's salary was a full third higher than the other head chef's on the same floor, amounting to a whole sixty-five yuan. And that didn't even include the various ration coupons or the extra thirty-odd yuan in bonuses.
Zhu Yun ate all three of her daily meals at the cafeteria, so she hardly had to spend any of her own money or coupons, which saved her a large expense. The factory also provided work clothes: not only two chef's uniforms, but also two sets of workwear and even two olive-drab military-style uniforms, which they said was a benefit for permanent employees.
Every month, they also distributed practical labor protection supplies. Zhu Yun was quite satisfied with her current life. She didn't need to risk going to the black market to trade for things, like her colleagues from the Space-Time Administration Bureau were always talking about. Wasn't having the backing of the machinery plant's First Cafeteria great?
The procurement staff had their own supply channels and could help her bring things back without needing coupons.
Things like honey, eggs, milk, aloe vera, malted milk extract, milk candies, chocolate, and more—as long as she paid, she could get them later.
Because Zhu Yun was willing to spend the money on herself, after a month of careful nourishment, her twenty-four-year-old body was like a withered tree in spring. It greedily absorbed the nutrients, transforming from gaunt and coarse to full and supple.
Her complexion had also lightened considerably, her skin growing more delicate. Though she was still a bit darker than the average person, her delicate features were now noticeable. The stark tan line between her neck and chest had softened into a gradient and was no longer so abrupt.
She got along well with her neighbors and had already adapted to the harmonious custom of exchanging homemade delicacies.
She was especially close with Sister-in-law Tan, so it didn't take much convincing for Zhu Yun to agree to cook for the May Day dinner party.
"Dear," Sister-in-law Tan said, a little embarrassed, "Wang Xianbing and his wife will be there too. If you're not comfortable with that, you can just help me with a few dishes, and I'll handle the rest."
Zhu Yun chuckled. "Sister-in-law, what are you saying? Since I've already agreed, of course I'm going to prepare a proper feast for you and Mr. Tan. I'll make sure you both look good."
"My feud with the Wang Family is ancient history. As long as they don't come looking for trouble, I'll treat them like a fart. Once you let one out, can you just pull it back in?"
Sister-in-law Tan couldn't help but burst out laughing. "This is what I love about you, dear. So straightforward and refreshing."
"You have no idea. It hasn't even been that long, and so many people have already asked me to play matchmaker for you." Sister-in-law Tan lowered her voice. "A few of them are really good prospects. I even secretly asked around about them, especially about their family situations."
"I have a few candidates now. Want to hear about them, dear?"
Zhu Yun smiled and shook her head. "Sister-in-law, I'm so comfortable living on my own right now. I spent seven or eight years waiting on someone else. I've finally gotten a chance to live for myself for a change, so please don't worry about these things."
"If I ever do decide I want a partner, I'll come and trouble you then."
Sister-in-law Tan nodded. "That's true. A married couple's life is full of bumps and stumbles. You can't say marriage is all good, but you can't say it's all bad either. It's a path everyone walks. You're still young, and you don't have any children of your own."
"All I can say is, you should start thinking about it sooner rather than later, before all the good men are snatched up."
Then, the two of them started discussing the menu for that night. "They're going to the back mountain to look for some game. They'll probably find wild rabbits and pheasants for sure. If they're lucky, they might even hunt a roe deer or even a wild boar."
Then Sister-in-law Tan added with a laugh, "Shen Yu has a discerning palate. The moment he heard you were cooking, he started requesting dishes."
Zhu Yun smiled, pressing her lips together. 'What a bumpkin. He finally gets a break from cafeteria food, and he just orders the same old common dishes.'
And yet, she absolutely adored his devotion to good food.
"Sister-in-law, if you trust me, let me set the menu. All you'll have to do then is get ready to eat!"