"Then congratulations, Manager Li." Song Nianchu was naturally delighted to see the restaurant's business thriving.
"Nianchu, your canned goods are selling very well, but the shelf life is a bit short. Many out-of-town customers want to take more jars home, but considering the expiration date, most end up giving up on the idea."
"Even our local customers want to buy them to send to relatives living far away, but they worry the items might spoil during transit."
"Do you have any way to extend the shelf life of the canned goods? If so, our market could expand even further." Manager Li looked at Song Nianchu with eager anticipation.
"There is a way, but it might take some time." Song Nianchu had been pondering this very issue and was surprised Manager Li brought it up first.
"That’s no problem. As long as you have a solution, waiting a little longer won’t hurt us much." Manager Li’s face lit up with joy upon hearing that Song Nianchu actually had a plan.
"Alright, then I’ll head back for today." Song Nianchu replied softly.
"Of course. If there’s anything you need help with, just let me know." Manager Li was exceptionally generous.
Hearing this, Song Nianchu suddenly remembered there was indeed something she needed Manager Li’s assistance with.
"Manager Li, I won’t stand on ceremony—there’s actually something I’d like to ask you about."
"Go ahead." Manager Li gestured for her to continue.
"To ensure better hygiene for our food production, I need to purchase a batch of disposable sanitary supplies—things like masks, gloves, chef hats, and uniforms. Do you have any sourcing channels for these?" Song Nianchu asked.
"Is that all? We have plenty of those at the restaurant. I’ll have someone fetch some for you later." Manager Li chuckled.
"But those are public property, aren’t they? Wouldn’t it be inappropriate for me to take them for free?" Song Nianchu probed cautiously.
"How could it be free? Your village is currently collaborating with our restaurant. To guarantee the safety and hygiene of the ingredients you supply, it’s only natural for us to provide these sanitary items." Manager Li spoke with an air of formality.
A spark of delight flashed in Song Nianchu’s eyes.
She always said doing business with Manager Li was a pleasure.
Just listen to how smoothly he phrased that.
"Then thank you, Manager Li." Song Nianchu naturally wouldn’t refuse such kindness.
After all, she needed to save every penny she could now to prepare for future developments.
"Don’t mention it. I’ll have someone take you to collect them shortly." Manager Li waved his hand dismissively.
"Alright."
"..."
Manager Li arranged for the restaurant’s warehouse keeper to escort her and even instructed him to give Song Nianchu extra supplies.
So thrilled was Song Nianchu that her steps felt lighter—another expense saved.
No sooner had Song Nianchu left with the warehouse keeper than the phone in Manager Li’s office rang.
"Hello, this is the State-Owned Restaurant." Manager Li answered in an official tone.
Whatever the person on the other end said, Manager Li’s face immediately brightened with a radiant smile.
"Director Wang, my apologies, but all our private rooms are fully booked for today. How about this—I’ll reserve the largest room for you tomorrow."
"Yes, yes, rest assured, I’ll save a portion of crispy fish for you."
"You’d like a serving of cumin squid too? No problem at all."
"..."
After leaving the State-Owned Restaurant, Song Nianchu didn’t head straight to the market. Instead, she made a detour to the glass factory.
The glass jars she had picked up last time were nearly all used, so it was time to collect the second batch.
As Song Nianchu approached the factory gate, the guard spotted her and immediately came out to greet her.
"You actually came back?"
"The way you say that makes it sound like you doubted I would." Song Nianchu raised an eyebrow.
The guard chuckled sheepishly.
"It’s not that I didn’t believe you—it’s just that most people in the factory didn’t. Some even made bets in secret, wagering whether you’d return or not." His voice dropped to a whisper toward the end.
"And what did you bet?" Song Nianchu asked with a smile.
"I bet you’d come back. Tonight’s drinks are on me!" The guard exclaimed excitedly.
"Thank you for having such faith in me." Song Nianchu arched a brow.
"Heh, the way you effortlessly carried those two huge bags last time told me you weren’t just anybody."
"Good eye." Song Nianchu flashed him a grin.
"Of course."
"I’ll let you get back to work. I’m here to pick up my order." Seeing that it was getting late, Song Nianchu didn’t linger.
"Sure thing. The factory director should be in his office right now—you can head straight there." The guard offered helpfully.
"Thanks." Song Nianchu expressed her gratitude before stepping into the factory.
True to the guard’s words, the director was indeed in his office.
Song Nianchu knocked on the door.
"Come in." The director, brows furrowed as he scrutinized the quarterly sales report, didn’t even glance up.
"Director, I’m here to collect the second batch of goods." Just then, a familiar, crisp voice sounded above him.
The director looked up to find Song Nianchu standing before him.
"It’s you!" The director was even more astonished than the guard had been.
"It’s me." Song Nianchu nodded with a smile.
"What did you say you’re here for?" The director asked belatedly.
"To pick up the second batch of goods." Song Nianchu repeated.
"You’re serious?" The director shot up from his chair in excitement.
"Would I be standing here if I weren’t?" Song Nianchu found his reaction amusing.
"Comrade Song, you truly are our factory’s savior! Come, come—I’ll take you to get your order right away!" The director was overjoyed.
Moments ago, he had been calculating how the factory’s quarterly earnings were on the verge of dipping into the red.
But if Song Nianchu’s order went through, the factory could stay afloat a little longer.
"Director, are you personally escorting me?" Song Nianchu was taken aback.
"You’re a major client of ours. It’s only right that I attend to you myself." The director was determined to retain Song Nianchu as a customer.
After all, once this batch was delivered, there would be more to come.
If she continued placing orders with their factory, they might just avoid shutting down altogether.
Song Nianchu was slightly surprised by the director’s enthusiasm but didn’t refuse.
With the director present, the workers would treat her with more courtesy.
Sure enough, the moment the director appeared, the staff greeted her with nothing but warmth.
"Comrade Song, this second batch is quite sizable. It might be difficult for you to carry it all alone. Would you like us to arrange delivery for you?" The director was eager to win her favor.
"You deliver orders this small?" Song Nianchu was surprised.
"Normally, we wouldn’t, but business has been slow lately, and our workers don’t have much to do. Delivering your order won’t be an issue." The director admitted somewhat sheepishly.
