Chapter 151: Delivering a Meal to Jiang Lan

Jiang Lan, dressed in a professional suit, sat at the head of the table. After listening to the round of opinions, she helped synthesize the pros and cons for everyone.

"Alright, the next priority is the Second Factory. The design plan has just been finalized. The production line for the QQ gummies isn't complex, so we can add two more lines. In the long run, this is the optimal choice. As for the site selection for the Second Factory, I have decided on Plot Number Nine. With our current capital chain, we can acquire it without any issues, so don't even consider taking out a loan. Regarding the investment in building the factory, we can follow up on that later. Director Qu, Director Zhao, please join me for lunch later; there are some matters I may need your help with..."

The meeting concluded. Jiang Lan rose and was the first to leave the conference room.

As the company's operations reached a higher level, the goals became clearer, and consequently, everyone became busier. It wasn't just her; the staff below were busy too. Jiang Lan considered more than just the company's development—she also focused on personnel management. You cannot expect the company to thrive while the staff's benefits remain stagnant; that would lead to a lack of engagement and team cohesion. Once a phase of goals is achieved, there must be a new set of targets, accompanied by periodic rewards.

The two people Jiang Lan had called over were in charge of the company's finance and human resources, respectively. This was why she had intentionally called them during the meeting; speaking with them privately was almost certainly about discussing benefits. For management and staff alike, this was the most practical concern.

Back in her office, Jiang Lan set down some documents, stretched, pulled another file folder from her drawer, and stepped out. At the door, Director Qu and Director Zhao were already waiting.

Director Qu, a middle-aged woman named Qu Yanxia, had followed Jiang Lan from Chancheng to Yuzhou. In the early days, she did everything, but as the company matured, she took charge of the finance and general affairs departments. It was less taxing but remained a crucial position.

Director Zhao was a manager Jiang Lan had hired later. Named Zhao Nanzhong, he was in his forties and had children already in high school. He had been recruited from a coastal city and came from a management background at a Fortune 500 company. He returned to Yuzhou for the sake of his family; once he reached a certain point in his career, he no longer needed to be scattered across the country. Although he was currently the HR manager, Jiang Lan planned to have him oversee one of the factories later on.

The two were chatting when the office door opened. Jiang Lan appeared, smiling slightly. "Let's go. Ever since the cafeteria was upgraded, I haven't been there to eat. I'll take this opportunity to go today."

Qu Yanxia nodded and replied, "I just told the cafeteria staff to prepare a table in the private room."

Under normal circumstances, Jiang Lan would have refused, preferring to just grab whatever food was ready. But with Zhao Nanzhong present, she nodded. "We don't necessarily have to eat to talk, but you saw their attitude earlier. They said they wanted to discuss development, but ended up complaining. If I don't show some appreciation, they'll probably be coming to my office to vent next."

Zhao Nanzhong smiled. "It's understandable; the workload has been a bit heavy lately, and everyone is putting in overtime. But that's normal for the job. It will ease up starting next week, and you'll see—there won't be as many complaints then."

Jiang Lan nodded, and they headed toward the elevator. Zhao Nanzhong was the oldest and the most steady, which was why Jiang Lan valued him. Such a personality wasn't ideal for pioneering, but it was perfect for management.

"I have a document here. Take a look at it when you have a moment, and if there's anything inappropriate, send me an email. Saying we were meeting to talk about development was just for everyone else's benefit. I've been organizing the benefits package myself, but I need you both to vet it," Jiang Lan said while they were alone in the elevator.

Qu Yanxia and Zhao Nanzhong exchanged glances, their faces showing "I knew it" expressions. Jiang Lan was the final authority in the company, always making the ultimate decision in meetings. Yet, everyone respected her. Just like today—she had shut down the criticism first, then immediately revealed that she was arranging benefits for them. The work was pushed forward, and morale was stabilized. Qu and Zhao had played their roles as facilitators.

Zhao Nanzhong felt he had made the right gamble returning here; the boss was capable, and the company had a bright future.

Qu Yanxia, however, felt a deep sense of heartache. She had been brought to Yuzhou by Jiang Lan and had a close personal friendship with Jiang Lan's mother—they were like sisters. It was no exaggeration to say she had watched Jiang Lan grow up.

As a child, Jiang Lan was adorable and beloved by all. By middle and high school, she had grown into a graceful young woman, and during college, she became even more beautiful. But then, the family tragedy struck. After her father achieved business success, he became involved with a foreign woman. The wife of his youth, a stay-at-home mother, couldn't compete with a highly educated, blue-eyed blonde from abroad. They divorced, though he still had enough conscience to split a portion of the assets with the mother and daughter. Jiang Lan had used that money to start her business in the mainland.

Qu Yanxia knew what Jiang Lan used to be like: beautiful and carefree. But now? After the expansion, Golden Friend Foods had nearly five hundred employees. A business of that size was managed by her with clockwork precision. Qu Yanxia often felt proud of this transformation, yet it also broke her heart. She ached that Jiang Lan no longer had a life of her own—even her meals were just another part of her work.

The cafeteria was on the second floor. When the elevator doors opened, Jiang Lan paused. Seeing her stop, Qu Yanxia and Zhao Nanzhong stopped as well. It wasn't anything serious; her phone had simply vibrated.

Jiang Lan took out her phone. As she looked at the screen, her brow visibly relaxed.

"Have you eaten yet?"

Jiang Lan thought, if she remembered correctly, this was the first time Tang Zhichu had sent her something so trivial. Seeing that Qu and Zhao had stopped, she started walking toward the cafeteria again, but began typing a reply as she walked. How should she respond? How could she keep the conversation going? But then she felt it wasn't necessary; if he was reaching out, it certainly wasn't just to chat about nothing.

"Almost, about to eat."

Just as the message sent, Tang Zhichu replied again. Jiang Lan stopped again, seemingly unsure. She held the phone closer, and with her other hand, she pinched the screen to zoom in on the photo Tang Zhichu had sent.

This... isn't this the front gate of her own factory?

Qu Yanxia and Zhao Nanzhong stopped, looking at each other in confusion. Had something happened?

"Um... let's have this meal another time. I have something to take care of!"

Without waiting for their questions, Jiang Lan turned and walked away. Qu Yanxia opened her mouth to call her back, but Zhao Nanzhong interrupted.

"Didn't you see the look on her face? It’s most likely something good."

Qu Yanxia frowned. What could be so good? Even when the government support was finalized, Jiang Lan hadn't reacted like that. Something personal? Even less likely! She didn't have a personal life!

"Stop trying to figure it out; let's just eat. Setting aside the work aspect, isn't she tired as a young woman? If there's something good, don't worry about it," Zhao Nanzhong said with a smile.

...

At the factory gate, Jiang Lan, wearing a white chiffon shirt and a knee-length pencil skirt, was looking around. She didn't walk toward the black business vehicle on the right until she was sure. Before she even got close, the door opened.

Tang Zhichu poked his head out and grinned. "Sister Lan! Over here!"

Jiang Lan froze. She didn't know why, but her nose felt a bit sore, yet a look of pure, incredulous joy spread across her face. "Why are you here?"

Tang Zhichu waved at her, then retreated into the car, leaned across, and pushed open the passenger door. "Sister Lan, come in, it's hot out there!"

Jiang Lan hurried over and got in. As soon as she closed the door, Tang Zhichu reached back and pulled up a bag. Under her curious gaze, he opened it.

"This is cucumber salad, this is lettuce salad, and this is chicken soup. Try it and see if it suits your taste. You can't make anything too complicated for takeout, and with my skill level, if the taste was ruined by the takeout process, wouldn't you be disappointed? This isn't me cutting corners, and it's a good thing you hadn't eaten yet..."

Tang Zhichu pulled out a foam board he had brought, placed it between them, opened the containers, and set them on the board. Jiang Lan watched his movements and listened to his words, suddenly feeling dazed. The chicken soup was in a thermos; it was still steaming when opened.

"Want to try?" Tang Zhichu asked.

Jiang Lan nodded and took the chopsticks he offered. It was very hot outside, but the first bite of the cold lettuce salad was crisp and cool. One taste told her that Tang Zhichu had made this himself. It leaned slightly sweet, and the heat was just right. Before Tang Zhichu went to Shudu, Jiang Lan had eaten his cooking several times, and whenever he cooked, he always made it a bit sweet if she was there. He also put a lot of effort into controlling the spice level—removing the chili peppers as soon as they changed color, leaving only the flavor.

"How is it? Still got the touch?"

Jiang Lan finally snapped out of her daze. She felt it was all too unreal. Someone who revolved around work 365 days a year was suddenly surrounded by the scent of everyday life; her brain felt like it had short-circuited.

"You... I..." At that moment, Jiang Lan couldn't even find the words.

"As long as I'm in Shudu, I have to be on every episode of the music show. I'm fine with it, but I'm afraid some people might get used to it and think I'm trying too hard to show off. It's not good for my teammates, either. As long as I'm there, they can barely get a chance, and it's a lot of pressure on the others. Leaving Shudu for a while to do my own thing is better for everyone..."

Jiang Lan remained silent, so Tang Zhichu kept talking. He was answering her earlier question.

"I got back last night, but it was too late. I was going to come find you this afternoon, but I really... I really missed you, so I figured I'd come by at lunch to bring you some food and see you. I looked it up online and knew you must be very busy. You can help me in Yuzhou, but I'm too far removed from the industry; at least for now, I can't help you, so I figured I'd bring you a meal. But don't think it's just a meal—I spent over an hour making it and drove so far..."

As she listened, Jiang Lan began to beam. Her mind cleared, and she let out a soft laugh. "Alright, alright, stop talking!"

Though she cut him off, she reached out one hand and took hold of his. With a slight shift in angle, their fingers interlaced tightly.