Chapter 181: Who Cares About Face?

A Crown car pulled up at the entrance of the Linyang Train Station. As soon as the car stopped, the driver quickly jumped out, ran to the back, and opened the door for the people in the rear seat. "Boss Zhou, Manager Su, we've arrived at the train station."

The passengers were Zhou Ming and Su Han. As they got out of the car, the driver opened the trunk and helped Zhou Ming with the luggage. "Boss Zhou, would you like me to buy a platform ticket and help you board the train?"

"I'm not disabled. I don't need help just to carry my luggage," Zhou Ming said with a smile, taking the luggage from the driver's hands and sending him on his way. The driver said, "Boss Zhou, you are the most outstanding leader at our Factory 760 and the greatest person I've ever met. I believe you'll achieve great results in Yanjing!"

Zhou Ming nodded and thanked him before walking into the train station with Su Han.

"I told you, Zhou Ming, you're a great hero. Everyone at the factory now holds you in high respect," Su Han said to Zhou Ming.

Zhou Ming was aware of this. After all, Factory 760 wasn't that big—combined with the employees' families, there were only a few thousand people. The scene where the workers from Xiling Canning Factory had knelt down in the cafeteria had been quite shocking and had quickly spread throughout the factory. A few days later, everyone knew about Zhou Ming causing a commotion at the Yangbei County Government and rescuing hundreds of workers from Xiling Canning Factory.

Not only that, everyone also knew that Zhou Ming had brought in the equipment from the canning factory for a new project to improve the factory's benefits. Therefore, everyone respected him greatly. Every day when Zhou Ming walked down the street, many people greeted him with admiration, and many families were now using him as a role model for their children.

"I only did what I should have done. It was Director Wang and the others who were too emotional," Zhou Ming said. "Don't put me on too high a pedestal, Xiao Han."

Su Han shook her head gently. "No, I just feel that meeting you in this lifetime is my greatest fortune."

"I feel the same, but let's find our waiting room first," Zhou Ming said as he led Su Han to the signboard to find their waiting room. They were taking the train to Yanjing, a plan Zhou Ming had prepared long ago.

Now that the workers and equipment from Xiling Canning Factory had been moved to the factory and the formula for Eight Treasures Porridge had been finalized and production had started, everything was in place. Du Peng was also heading back to Yanjing for the New Year, so Zhou Ming bought the train tickets as soon as he received Du Peng's call.

After sitting down in the waiting hall and placing their luggage on the ground, Zhou Ming looked around and sighed, "Even with the New Year approaching, there are so many people here."

"Maybe they are going home for the New Year? After all, Linyang is a well-developed city, and many people come here to work," Su Han said. Noticing some people eating nearby, she asked Zhou Ming, "By the way, Zhou Ming, haven't you had breakfast? Are you hungry? There's still some time before the train departs. Should I prepare some food for you?"

At this time, domestic economic development was just beginning, and there were few products on the market, especially in inland provinces. While future generations might have instant noodles and various foods ready for travel, at this time, most food for trains was prepared at home, such as Su Han's homemade food packed in a lunchbox, which could be heated with hot water on the train.

Zhou Ming shook his head. "Let's deal with it when we board the train. But Xiao Han, don't you think the advantage of our new Eight Treasures Porridge is already evident? You can just open it and eat. After finishing, there's no need to wash the can. It's very convenient."

Su Han nodded. "That's true. Zhou Ming, your idea is quite good. It's great for people traveling."

"Actually, it's not just for travel. It's also very convenient for people who don't have time to cook when working late or just as a snack. After all, there aren't many snacks on the market now. And Xiao Han, the formula you provided tastes great. Didn't you see how the kids in our factory wanted more after trying it?" Zhou Ming added. "So, I believe our Eight Treasures Porridge will definitely sell well once it hits the market."

Su Han firmly said, "Yes! As long as it's your idea, Zhou Ming, I believe it will be successful!"

While Zhou Ming and Su Han were discussing the prospects of Eight Treasures Porridge, a voice suddenly interrupted them. "Su Han? Is that you?"

Zhou Ming and Su Han turned around to see a man and a woman standing nearby. The woman was dressed stylishly, and the man was carrying a briefcase. The woman was the one speaking.

Seeing Su Han look confused, the woman quickly added, "Xiao Han, it's me, Zhang Li."

Su Han's eyes widened in recognition. She quickly stood up and said, "Oh, it's Xiao Li! You've become more beautiful over the years. I almost didn't recognize you!"

"You're too kind, Xiao Han. I've just been living well and dressing up a bit more. You're still as beautiful as before," Zhang Li said, introducing the man next to her. "Xiao Han, this is my husband, Li Hu. He works for the Yangzhou Company in the city."

"I didn't expect you to be married after so many years! And Yangzhou Company is a very good enterprise. I heard it's one of the most successful enterprises in Linyang. You're really fortunate, Xiao Li," Su Han said.

"Of course! Let me tell you, Xiao Han, Yangzhou Company is not only the best in Linyang but also one of the most successful enterprises in the entire province. My husband is a high-ranking leader there, and he even bought a car this year," Zhang Li said proudly.

Su Han and Li Hu nodded and greeted Zhang Li. Zhang Li then asked, "Xiao Han, where are you going by train? Are you heading home?"

Su Han shook her head. "Xiao Li, you've forgotten that my hometown is in Yangbei County. I don't need to take the train to go home. I'm heading to Yanjing."

Zhang Li was surprised. "It's almost New Year's, and you're still going to Yanjing to work? Why not wait until after the New Year? Also, I remember you're working at Factory 760, right? How's it going there? If it's not doing well, you could come to Yangzhou Company. My husband's words carry weight, and since we went to elementary school together, arranging a position for you is just a matter of speaking."

"Thank you, but that's not necessary," Su Han said. "I'm still working at the factory. This trip to Yanjing is for business. This is Zhou Ming, our boss at Factory 760."

This surprised Zhang Li even more. "What? Xiao Han, you're saying this is your factory's boss? What position does he hold? Is he a department leader? Are you two traveling together?"

Facing Zhang Li's scrutinizing gaze, Zhou Ming said, "Hello, Xiao Li. Xiao Han and I are seeing each other."

Zhang Li's eyes widened in realization. She then said to Zhou Ming, "Hello. But, honestly, since you're dating, you should focus on that. Why are you going to Yanjing together before getting married? And with the New Year approaching, can't you wait until after the holiday?"

"We're not going to Yanjing to work. We're going there for business," Zhou Ming explained.

"Working is working. Xiao Han and I are elementary school classmates, and I'm not mocking you. Besides, Yanjing is the capital. It's normal to go there for work," Zhang Li said, clearly not believing Zhou Ming's explanation.

Zhou Ming helplessly touched his nose. Why does he always look like a laborer going out to work?

However, Zhou Ming didn't say much more. Since he had already explained, there was no point in arguing further. If he explained more, Zhang Li might think he was hiding something. It was better to let her think what she wanted. After all, he didn't know her, and they just happened to meet in the waiting room.

Zhang Li then sat down next to Su Han and chatted with her. "Xiao Han, what a coincidence. We're also going to Yanjing. I didn't expect to run into you on the way. With the New Year approaching, you probably didn't get a seat. My husband had to pull a lot of strings to get one. Let's share the seats and keep each other company on the journey."

Zhang Li spoke with a proud and lively expression. This wasn't surprising. In those days, trains were scarce, especially as the New Year approached. Even if the train was heading to Yanjing, getting a seat was quite difficult, and it was indeed something to be proud of for ordinary people.

"We're fine, really," Su Han said.

Zhang Li waved her hand generously. "What's the big deal? We're classmates, and I'm doing better now

. It's only right to look after you."

Su Han was about to say something more when the station broadcast announced that the train to Yanjing was about to arrive and it was time for boarding.

Hearing the announcement, Zhou Ming and Su Han picked up their luggage and joined the queue for ticket inspection. Upon reaching the platform, as they prepared to head toward the sleeper carriage, Zhang Li immediately called out to them, "Xiao Han, where are you going? Our carriage is this way. Have you never taken a train before? I said we can sit together, and that's what we'll do. It's rare to get a seat!"

"Thank you, but it's really not necessary. We have sleeper tickets. We'll chat when we get to Yanjing," Su Han said as she and Zhou Ming carried their luggage toward the sleeper carriage, leaving Zhang Li and Li Hu standing there. After a while, Zhang Li said, "They actually got sleeper tickets?"

"They're probably just pretending. Look at them; they don't seem like the type who can afford a sleeper," Li Hu said. "I've been to Factory 760 before. It's so poor that they haven't paid salaries for months. Even their factory director might not be able to afford a sleeper, let alone them. They're probably just saving face and will secretly come back to join us."

Zhang Li nodded in agreement. "Exactly. I didn't expect them to be so concerned about their image. It's ridiculous!"