Chapter Ten: Playing the Victim and Appearing Weak

Wei Yao was personally escorted over by the director, who briefly explained the reason and arranged for her to take on a role serving meals and cutting vegetables. Since she had relinquished her original position and in consideration of her good character, the director specially instructed the supervisor to keep a close eye on her.

When the director gave his word, the supervisor readily agreed. After all, they all worked in the same factory and had often seen each other during meal times. Now that they would be colleagues in the same place, it was only natural to make a proper introduction.

Supervisor Feng Hai led Wei Yao into the kitchen and called the workers inside. Everyone stood at attention, listening to the director’s words, their eyes subtly sizing Wei Yao up.

“Comrade Wei Yao previously worked in the workshop. She’s been transferred to our canteen so she can finish work on time to care for her two children. We’re all comrades from the same unit, so moving forward, we must help each other. Don’t cause me any trouble—I, Feng Hai, do not tolerate troublemakers in my domain.”

“Yes, Supervisor Feng, rest assured. We’re all big-hearted people here,” came the responses.

“Since she’s part of our canteen team, we should look out for one another.”

“Hmph! Hmph!”

Despite Supervisor Feng’s words, several workers still cast sharp glances at Wei Yao. She herself felt uneasy; in the past, when lining up for meals, she had often clashed with the servers to get a bit more food. Now that they were working together, her toes nervously fidgeted as if building a fortress.

She had been so focused on transferring jobs that she had forgotten about this friction.

Supervisor Feng’s expression darkened. He had just finished his speech, only to have his subordinates stir up trouble—wasn’t this a slap in his face?

“If anyone has any objections, speak now. Don’t pull any tricks behind my back. There are only a few of us in the canteen. If anyone tries to cause trouble, don’t blame me for being harsh.”

After Feng’s warning, a middle-aged woman who had just been grumbling looked hurt and turned away, while a younger woman bluntly launched into a tirade at Wei Yao.

“Supervisor Feng, we can’t have people like this in our canteen. You usually handle the back kitchen and don’t come out front much, so you don’t know that Wei Yao often quarrels with us over food just to get more servings. She’s greedy, and I worry she might steal things when she’s on duty.”

“Exactly. People like that always have a selfish streak. Their awareness is low—they only think about taking more. If she works here, everyone will have to watch their backs.”

After the young woman finished speaking, the other workers frowned at Wei Yao. Although stealing was common among canteen staff, with Supervisor Feng’s oversight, they felt secure. But if someone with questionable character joined, it would ruin things for everyone.

Wei Yao’s heart sank. She blinked, realizing that though playing the victim was somewhat distasteful, it was her only option now.

Her eyes reddened as she bowed slightly to everyone.

“I’m sorry, comrades, truly sorry. I…I used to quarrel often with the servers over meals to get a little extra food because my children were hungry. I had no other way. My husband is with the transport team and rarely home. My two children were raised by my mother-in-law. We hand over all our wages, and I only get two yuan pocket money each month. My in-laws favor my younger sister-in-law’s family; they’d rather buy clothes and cosmetics for her than provide good food for me and the children. They eat tofu, cabbage cores, scallions, eggs, and braised pork, while my children and I are left with cabbage stalks. Now that we have separated households, my husband and I can support the children with our wages. I no longer have to shamefully take extra food from the factory for them. I promise to work hard and not slack off or steal.”

Tears welled in her eyes as she finished, then awkwardly pulled a pack of candies from her bag, choking up slightly.

“I bought these when I asked the director for the transfer, hoping to bring some good luck to my new colleagues. If I can’t stay in the canteen, I’ll tell the director again. I’m sorry.”

The young woman who had been so harsh looked stunned. She hadn’t expected this. She had even muttered before that such a rude, uncouth person deserved to choke. Now recalling her own harsh attitude, she wished she could slap herself—how cruel she had been!

“Don’t go, don’t go. You said you separated households—your husband’s family isn’t named Song, is it?” asked the middle-aged woman who had been standing with the young woman.

Wei Yao had almost reached the door, anxious that no one would keep her, but upon hearing this reassuring voice, she immediately turned back.

“How did you know?” she asked.

“Oh, heavens! No wonder. It’s normal if you don’t know me—your sister-in-law is Song Liping, right? My daughter is her neighbor. She’s a troublemaker, her husband died less than a year ago, and she’s always dressed up, caring only about her looks. Her three children are always hungry and often scrounge meals from neighbors. My daughter’s household is small but has been hit a few times by her freeloading. I heard her oldest son even hospitalized his aunt recently. I wondered who that unlucky person was, but it turns out it’s you.”

Wei Yao quietly let two tears slip down.

Since she was known to have suffered hardship, others naturally felt more tolerant.

“Don’t cry. Based on what Aunt Guan says, you’ve come through the worst. As long as you work hard here in the canteen, no one will make things difficult for you.”

Supervisor Feng spoke, confirming she could stay. Wei Yao quickly expressed her gratitude. Aunt Guan, fearing she might feel embarrassed, gently pulled her back.

“Didn’t you say you wanted everyone to share your good fortune? Those candies weren’t bought in vain—hurry and share them around.”

“Ah, ah, I specially bought White Rabbit candies. Please, please, even Supervisor Feng, have some.”

The newcomer was eager to show some leniency.

After distributing the candies, Wei Yao rolled up her sleeves and got to work. She had done all sorts of hard labor before to survive, so cutting vegetables was no problem.

The young woman approached her shyly and said, “I’m sorry—I didn’t know about your situation. Otherwise, I would have given you an extra spoonful when serving food.”

“It’s I who should apologize, for all the trouble I caused you before.”

“That’s nothing. I’ve seen all sorts in the canteen. By the way, I’m Yang Yonglian. We’re colleagues now, so if you ever need help, just say the word. I’m very loyal.”

“I could tell right away you’re a good person,” Wei Yao said candidly.

Her straightforwardness made Yang Yonglian a bit bashful.