When She Stops Being Dramatic

Chapter 34: Chapter 32: The Scorned Wife of the 50s (32)

Director Wang couldn’t help but ask what else she could make.

Zhu Yun counted on her fingers and said, ”Lots of things. I don’t have many other skills, but my nose and tongue are especially sharp. I can figure out the recipe for anything I’ve tasted.”

”I’ve recently learned to read, so I’ve been rummaging through the scrapyard for books on Chinese and foreign cuisine. They have a lot of recipes in them. These desserts are pretty basic, but there are also cookies and cream cakes. Anyway, I can make a lot of variations for each type.”

Director Wang smiled and nodded repeatedly. ”Alright then, Chef Zhu, you can decide what to make. Introduce a new item every few days, see what everyone likes, and then we can settle on about ten or so permanent options.”

”Later, I’ll have someone contact a packaging factory to design packaging for each item. That way, whether the factory is giving them out as employee benefits or employees are buying them as gifts for family, they’ll be classier, tastier, and more affordable than what’s sold outside!”

The others chimed in their agreement, saying they’d be the first to support her and have their families taste the rare delicacy.

As quitting time approached, Director Wang called Zhu Yun into his office. He personally poured her a cup of tea and said with a smile, ”Please, Chef Zhu, have a seat.”

”Over the past two months, your contributions to our Canteen Number One have been plain for all to see. Nearly everyone loves the food you make, which frankly makes it difficult for me to make a decision.”

”On one hand, I hope you can turn the cold drinks and desserts into a signature offering for our factory’s canteen department. On the other hand, I can’t bear to see you give up your incredible culinary skills.”

”I’m afraid that in less than a few days, the leaders from the administration building will be lining up to have a word with me.”

Zhu Yun just smiled. She didn’t say much, only, ”You can’t have your cake and eat it too.”

”Well, look at you, Chef Zhu! You’ve only been in the literacy class for two months, and you’re already speaking differently,” Director Wang said with a laugh. ”You’re absolutely right. A person’s energy is limited. To get something, you have to give something up.”

He looked at her earnestly. ”I don’t want to make things difficult for you, but the cold drinks and desserts project has already been reported to upper management. Not only can we not shelve it, but we have to make a real success of it.”

”It’s just the matter of cooking three meals a day...”

Zhu Yun smiled again, sipping her tea without a word.

”Chef Zhu, how about this? From now on, you won’t have to do the cooking yourself. You can just supervise and guide both sides. I’ll apply to get you two salaries, both with bonuses.”

”One salary will be officially paid through the canteen, and the other will be paid discreetly through the administration building. We’ll even sign an agreement: as long as the canteen continues to cook according to your methods and the desserts continue to sell, you’ll always receive two salaries!”

”Furthermore, when you retire, there will be two replacement positions available for your family. Your daily benefits will also be distributed from both the canteen and the administration building. We will absolutely ensure you receive the highest level of treatment.”

Director Wang spoke with great sincerity and earnestness. In his view, the more capable a person is, the more work they do, and they should naturally receive the compensation they deserve. The benefits Chef Zhu brought to Canteen Number One, and indeed to the entire factory complex, were immeasurable.

You could say she herself was a form of employee welfare!

Zhu Yun pondered for a moment, then stood up, smiled, and extended her hand to him. ”Then I’ll be in your care from now on, Director Wang.”

Director Wang nodded happily. ”Let’s work together and move forward together!”

After speaking, he added tentatively, ”In that case, starting tomorrow, how about I help you recruit a few apprentices for both sides?”

Zhu Yun agreed nonchalantly. ”Sure. But let me be blunt: I won’t just take anyone. Talent is secondary; their character has to be up to par.”

”Of course. You can rest assured when I’m handling things,” the director said, nodding. Internally, he was already sifting through his acquaintances.

He didn’t rest, however. Just as the workday was ending, he managed to catch Director Shen, the head of Human Resources, and reported the whole matter to him.

Bright Machinery Factory was huge. To facilitate management, it was divided into numerous departments and factory zones. Each director had clearly defined responsibilities and powers, and they supervised one another. However, when it came to minor matters within their own jurisdiction, they still had the final say.

Afraid that Director Shen might refuse, Director Wang took great pains to break down the situation and explain it thoroughly.

”Done. Old Wang, I’ve always trusted you to get things done,” Director Shen said with a laugh, clapping Director Wang on the shoulder. ”Chef Zhu is no ordinary person. To be frank, she’s responsible for half of Canteen Number One’s revenue.”

”Her contributions are significant, so we can’t let her feel undervalued. Your arrangement is very reasonable. I say we start paying her two salaries this month. Oh, and apply for a new employee benefits package from the administration building for her as well.”

Director Wang said happily, ”It’s all thanks to your excellent leadership, Director. On behalf of Chef Zhu, thank you.”