Chapter 39: Overwhelmed with Excitement

When Lu Qingqiang learned that the staff dormitory was more or less completed and just needed airing out and interior finishing, she immediately called her father’s secretary, Liu An.

On the other end of the line, Liu An was in a great mood.

Just ten minutes earlier, he had received praise from the Chairman.

The Chairman had called to ask about the progress at the orphanage run by the young lady.

Hearing that Liu An had coordinated things well and listening to his brief description of the orphanage’s future plans and his compliments about Miss Lu, the Chairman was clearly pleased.

In his good mood, the Chairman not only praised Liu An for being diligent and perceptive, he also promised him a raise.

For a working man like Liu An, a raise was the highest form of recognition and the happiest moment in his job.

Still riding that wave of happiness, he received a call from Miss Lu.

He didn’t dare delay and picked up immediately.

“Hello, Miss Lu?”

“Secretary Liu, sorry to bother you so late. I’m calling to ask if you could help me find a few more people.”

“Our orphanage’s staff dormitory is nearly finished, but the interior work hasn’t started yet.”

“I’d like the dorms and classrooms to be renovated as soon as possible.”

“The other areas can take a bit longer, that’s fine.”

“Of course, Miss Lu. Don’t worry, I’ll contact a renovation company right away and make sure it’s completed as quickly as possible,” Liu An promised.

“For the renovation materials, choose only the best. Preferably ones without formaldehyde. I have to be responsible for the children and staff living there.”

“Rest assured, Miss Lu. I’ll be very selective.”

“Great. Sorry to trouble you, Secretary Liu.”

“You’re too kind.”

On her way back from the construction site, Lu Qingqiang ran into Master Zhao.

“Director, just the person I was hoping to see. I’ve got something to tell you.”

“Go ahead, Master Zhao.”

“Director, remember you asked me if I knew anyone suitable to recommend for the kitchen? I’ve been thinking about it these past few days, and I actually do have someone in mind.”

“Oh?”

“To be honest, the kid’s name is Liu Xiang. He’s my wife’s nephew, and he trained as a chef.”

“He’s nineteen this year, just graduated from a culinary school, and is currently working in the back kitchen of a hotel.”

“He’s not much of a talker and never cared much for academics, but he’s always loved messing with pots and pans.”

“When he was little, all the boys in the village liked cars and Ultraman, but he only wanted to play house and be the chef.”

“As he got a bit older, he’d stand on a stool to cook for the family.”

“This summer, he came to visit us, and I tested his knife skills. I have to say, the kid’s got some real talent.”

“He can carve flowers out of tofu.”

“And those radish carvings and plating techniques? Top-notch, no question.”

“What do you think, should I have him come in for an interview?” Master Zhao rubbed his hands nervously after speaking.

“Master Zhao, if you think he’s good, just have him come over.”

“After all, he’ll be working under you, so make sure to guide him well.”

“But have you talked to him about this? Is he willing to come?”

“What’s his current salary?” Lu Qingqiang asked.

“Of course he’s willing. I already asked. Right now, he’s a kitchen assistant and only gets 3,500 yuan a month. They told him it’s for learning experience.”

“In that case, I’ll offer him 7,000. Let him come work here for a while.”

“Once he’s fully settled in, we’ll raise it to 10,000.”

“If things get busy later, there’ll be bonuses too,” Lu Qingqiang said.

“Ah, thank you so much, Director!” Master Zhao said quickly.

“Don’t mention it, Master Zhao.”

“Once Liu Xiang arrives, you really need to guide him well. He’s only just become an adult and still needs someone to lead him.”

“Of course, of course. I understand.” Master Zhao nodded repeatedly.

These days, the world is full of temptations.

Liu Xiang is only nineteen and already earning a decent salary. Without proper guidance, who knows what path he might take.

Now that Master Zhao has more free time, he often watches short videos, news, and cooking shows.

The news often talks about young men who, with a bit of money in hand, start spending recklessly or even gambling.

He had to keep a close eye on Liu Xiang.

“Well then, I’ll leave you to it, Master Zhao. I’m heading back.”

“Alright, Director, take care!”

On her way back, Lu Qingqiang called out to the system.

“Tonzi, check my account balance for me.”

“Of course, Host. Please wait a moment.”

“After checking, the Host currently has 9.74 million yuan.”

“!!!” Lu Qingqiang stared at the number.

She counted it three times.

No mistake. It really was over nine million.

She was instantly overwhelmed with excitement.

Wow, she could actually be considered rich now.

The system really was the ultimate cheat code.

Its financial management ability was absolutely unbeatable.

At this rate, if things kept going like this, she might become the richest person in the country someday.

Hahaha, just thinking about that possibility made Lu Qingqiang want to grin from ear to ear.

No, she had to stay composed and maintain her image.

After checking in with the children, chatting with them, and doing her rounds, she returned to her room.

Once the door was locked, Lu Qingqiang couldn’t hold it in anymore and buried herself in the blanket, giggling uncontrollably.

The next morning, she woke up around 7:30.

After washing up and stepping outside, she saw the orphanage children already jogging behind Zhang Qiang for their morning training.

Teacher Yuan Yuan was running at the back of the group.

Master Zhao was busy in the kitchen preparing breakfast, so he couldn’t join them.

Doctor Feng, being older, didn’t participate in the run either. He just stood nearby, occasionally cheering them on.

Once the jogging was done and Zhang Qiang began teaching them martial arts, Doctor Feng would join in and follow along.

“Director, good morning!” Doctor Feng greeted warmly when he saw Lu Qingqiang.

“Good morning, Doctor Feng.”

“I heard your daughter came to visit the orphanage yesterday. Did she say what she thought of the place?” Lu Qingqiang asked.

She hadn’t been around yesterday afternoon. Doctor Feng’s daughter, worried about her father, had come by to take a look around.

According to Master Zhao and Zhang Qiang, she seemed fairly satisfied with the orphanage.

But to know for sure, she needed to hear it from Doctor Feng himself.

“What else could she say? She was very pleased!”

“Director, when you first mentioned the orphanage, I thought the name sounded familiar.”

“And guess what?”

“Hm?” Lu Qingqiang played along.

“Turns out, before we even met at the hospital, I had already received a job posting from your orphanage.”

“But it just sat in my inbox. I glanced at it once and didn’t pay much attention.”

“Then last night, while I was looking for some documents, I saw it again.”

“That’s really fate,” Lu Qingqiang said with a smile.

“Isn’t it?”

“You know how my daughter is. She loves to nag me whenever she gets the chance.”

— Translator’s Notes —

– Ultraman: A long-running Japanese superhero franchise featuring giant heroes who battle monsters, very popular among children in East Asia.