"Our factory is thriving now, head-on to a bright future. Why wouldn’t he want to stay and work here?
Why would he think about selling our recipe? Such a traitor." Mr. Sun was furious when he mentioned Vice Factory Director Qian.
Xu Ying sneered coldly. For what? Surely for a higher position.
Although Mr. Sun was about to retire, who knew the exact day? Vice Factory Director Qian, growing old, was becoming impatient.
So, he planned to collude with other factories to leak the recipe, and once it was out, Mr. Sun would definitely be the one punished.
Vice Factory Director Qian could then righteously criticize Mr. Sun’s incompetence, and with other profits, helping from his food factory, securing the factory director position would be a breeze.
This scheme was brilliantly cunning. As Xu Ying shared her speculations, Mr. Sun’s face grew thunderous.
He immediately ordered further investigation.
Who would have thought that this investigation would uncover some startling matters?
During his tenure, Vice Factory Director Qian had inserted many of his own relatives into the factory, particularly in leadership positions, most of whom were his kin.
What was worse, there were many illegal transactions involving job slots.
Mr. Sun couldn’t stay calm anymore.
He quickly dispatched more people to search households for evidence and investigate the matter.
"Director, what should we do about the recipe now? Should we confront Vice Factory Director Qian immediately?" Secretary Zhang asked anxiously.
If the recipe were truly leaked, all their factory’s efforts would be in vain.
Mr. Sun shook his head. The recipe couldn’t be leaked that easily.
Probably only Xiao Xu and he knew the recipe in the entire factory.
The recipe that Vice Factory Director Qian had wasn’t real.
It was to prevent the recipe from being lost in a short time, that every workshop in the factory had different tasks.
And everyone had signed a confidentiality contract; they wouldn’t easily reveal the recipe.
The recipe in Vice Factory Director Qian’s hand was intentionally leaked by Xiao Xu.
Who would have thought that Xiao Xu was so clever?
"It’s fine, we don’t need to worry about the recipe. Just secretly gather evidence."
When the recipe issue arises, naturally, there will be urgency to deal with Vice Factory Director Qian.
"Xiao Xu, what brings you to me today?" Mr. Sun asked curiously.
Xu Ying replied with a smile, "Director, I’ve been at home idle and have been exploring gourmet food.
I had a soldier bring a type of instant noodles from my house. The taste was decent but lacked something.
When I cooked it in a hotpot broth, the flavor instantly elevated several levels.
Inspired by this, I plan to make a seasoning packet for these instant noodles."
[Host, I truly underestimated you, you can even create recipes on your own.]
Is this system of any use now?
Xu Ying felt a surge of pride inside. Indeed, she could slowly research without relying on the system.
Mr. Sun looked at Xu Ying with admiration. Look, that’s the integrity of a hobbyist.
Eating hotpot at home, and she thought of a seasoning packet for instant noodles.
It’s true that he had mentioned domestically produced instant noodles before.
But their food factory wouldn’t produce them,
and if it turns out no one wants them, what then?
"Xiao Xu, your idea is good, but are we just selling the seasoning packets?
Without the instant noodles, there’s not much use for the packets," he said.
"Director, that’s exactly why I’m here. I plan to cook up these packets and then make a trip to Shanghai to discuss business with the instant noodle production line of the Magic City Food Factory.
If it works out, we could even collaborate at the international trade fair," Xu Ying said with a spirit overflowing with enthusiasm.
Mr. Sun had a strange look on his face, "Xiao Xu, can you really succeed with this approach?
You just got rid of the head of the food factory and even brought disgrace to their factory.
And now you hope for cooperation? It’s good enough if they don’t throw rotten eggs at you."
Mr. Sun disagreed with her negotiation for cooperation. Wasn’t this pushing herself into a fire pit?
Xiao Xu was still a young girl, what if something happened to her?
Mr. Sun steadfastly refused.
Xu Ying felt warm inside, knowing that Mr. Sun cared about her.
"Mr. Sun, we live in a society governed by law. What can they do to me? Besides, the previous factory director was to blame for his own misdeeds.
I’m now putting aside past grievances to bring them business. There are no permanent enemies, only permanent interests," Xu Ying’s words gave Mr. Sun something to think about.
"Then have your Third Uncle go with you, and I will find two physically strong men and a woman to accompany you as well," Mr. Sun said.
Xu Ying nodded, "Then I’ll get going." Thinking of Huo Chen waiting outside and the engagement the next day, she backed off, "Mr. Sun, can I come back in a few days?
I’m getting engaged tomorrow!" When Xu Ying said this, Mr. Sun was stunned, "You have a partner?"
Mr. Sun suddenly looked disappointed. He had planned to introduce his wife’s nephew to Xu Ying.
The girl was beautiful and smart, and he had wondered who could match up to her.
But he hadn’t expected her to be getting engaged so soon.
"Mr. Sun, Minister Xu’s partner is right outside," Secretary Zhang reminded him.
Hearing this, Mr. Sun’s demeanor immediately turned stern, "Take me out to see."
He wanted to see which young man was fit to marry Xu Ying.
Leading the way, Mr. Sun stepped outside and saw a tall and upright man sitting at the entrance.
Although sitting lazily, his innate presence was not to be underestimated.
Mr. Sun and his group made quite a noise.
Huo Chen stood up upon hearing the commotion.
When Mr. Sun saw the man’s face clearly, his expression showed slight surprise, "You’re not from our Yu County, are you?"
"Mr. Sun, my partner and I are from the same village," Xu Ying said.
Mr. Sun frowned slightly upon hearing this. Maybe he had misjudged.
After all, the world is full of look-alikes.
Looking at Huo Chen, Mr. Sun snorted, "What do you do?"
Xu Ying’s face instantly became stiff, it was difficult to mention her partner’s job.
"My partner’s job is, like mine, quite varied!"
Mr. Sun frowned upon hearing this.
He worked in various factories.
Afraid that he would ask for more details, Xu Ying took Huo Chen’s hand, ready to leave.
Watching their intertwined hands, Mr. Sun’s eyes widened in shock. Indeed, it was a disgrace.
Secretary Zhang too was taken aback by Xu Ying’s action, not expecting that their usually serious Minister Xu was so bold with her partner.
Huo Chen, while holding her hands, smiled and said, "I’m currently responsible for managing procurement quotas for the State-owned Restaurant and various villages.
I also handle some maintenance work at the machinery plant."
This surprised Xu Ying briefly before she hid it, "Yes, his work is quite busy."
Mr. Sun scoffed upon hearing this, this young man looked to be a match for Xiao Xu in appearance, but the jobs, one buying groceries and the other a maintenance worker, were also many.
But that still didn’t compare to their Xiao Xu, who was talented and good-looking.