60s: I have a store

Chapter 545 Everyone is Suspicious
The news that the chickens from the Taojia Village chicken farm were successfully purchased back to the factory spread quickly throughout the steel plant as if it had wings.

When this news reached Purchasing Department 4, everyone's reaction was like salt being sprinkled into a hot oil pan, causing the pan to explode instantly.

Everyone sat around the desk, talking and discussing.

"Have you heard? Xiao Zhao actually bought a large batch of chickens for the factory!"

Xiao Li's eyes widened, and he said in disbelief, "A few days ago, I heard him say with a sad face that the mission could not be completed. This change is too big!"

Old Zhang pushed his glasses up, frowned and thought: "Yes, this matter is very strange. With Xiao Zhao's usual ability, he can suddenly accomplish such a big thing. It's really hard to understand."

Other colleagues also nodded in agreement, with confusion written all over their faces.

Just when everyone was puzzled, Xiao Zhao was humming a little tune and walking briskly towards the purchasing room.

He was very happy. The successful completion of the purchasing task not only solved his work crisis, but also made him proud in the factory.

But as soon as he stepped into the purchasing room, he keenly sensed that something was wrong with the atmosphere. His colleagues looked at him with an extremely intense gaze, filled with curiosity, doubt, and a hint of inquiry.

Xiao Zhao's heart skipped a beat, as if its heart was being clenched by an invisible hand, and cold sweat instantly oozed out of his back.

He immediately realized that everyone must have known about his purchase of chickens, and a strong sense of uneasiness spread in his heart.

Xiao Zhao pretended to be calm and slowly walked to his workstation and sat down. Every step he took felt like he was stepping on cotton and his legs felt weak.

His brain was working rapidly, thinking about how to respond to the next question.

Before he could sit down, Xiao Li came over and asked with a big smile on his face: "Xiao Zhao, you are amazing! You actually helped the factory purchase so many chickens. Tell us, how did you do it?"

"That's right. I heard you sighing a few days ago, and now there's such a sudden reversal. It's so unexpected!" Another colleague also followed suit.

Xiao Zhao's throat seemed to be blocked by something and was dry and painful.

He knew very well that once he told others about Zhou Yimin's help, he would not only betray Zhou Yimin's trust, but it would be even more difficult to get help again in the future, and it might even cause a series of unforeseen troubles.

He tried to force out a smile, but it was uglier than crying, and his voice trembled unconsciously: "Hey, I was just lucky. I happened to come across a suitable source of goods, so I was able to make the deal."

After saying this, his palms were already full of sweat, and his nails dug deep into his palms to cover up his inner nervousness.

Everyone was obviously not satisfied with this answer, and the confusion on their faces became even stronger.

Several colleagues who were also worried about the purchasing task revealed an eager desire in their eyes, and their gazes were fixed on Xiao Zhao like searchlights.

Xiao Zhao felt like he was being roasted on fire, and he was uncomfortable all over. He could read their thoughts from their eyes - they were eager to know whether he had received help from Zhou Yimin, and if so, they also planned to go to Zhou Yimin for help immediately.

Seeing this, Xiao Zhao secretly groaned in his heart, and a strong sense of crisis surged in his heart.

He knew that if he stayed any longer, he would definitely be exposed. In panic, he had only one thought in his mind: he had to leave here quickly!

So he stood up quickly, and his movement was so large that he almost knocked over the chair next to him.

He stammered, "I suddenly remembered that I have something urgent to deal with. I'll excuse myself first."

After saying that, he almost trotted out of the office. Behind him he could hear his colleagues talking, and every word was like a thorn piercing his heart.

It was not until he walked out of the office and into the empty corridor that he dared to breathe heavily. His legs went limp and he leaned against the wall, unable to calm down for a long time.

As soon as Xiao Zhao left, the purchasing room exploded like a lit powder keg.

Xiao Li sat down on the chair Xiao Zhao had just sat on, propped up the table with both hands, and glanced at everyone: "Do you believe his nonsense? With his ability, how could he find such a good source of goods? I think it is most likely that Section Chief Zhou helped!"

Lao Zhang took off his glasses, wiped the lenses with the corner of his clothes, and frowned: "If you say there is no trick, I really don't believe it. I was so worried a while ago, and suddenly such a big order popped up. How can it be such a coincidence?"

Old Wu at the side sighed, twirling a pen in his hand, with envy on his face: "If Section Chief Zhou is willing to help, I can save this task that I haven't completed for three consecutive months. What do you think, should we give it a try?"

"Don't be stupid!" Sister Sun, who had been silent all this time, suddenly spoke up. She put down the report in her hand and pushed up her glasses. "If Xiao Zhao really relied on Section Chief Zhou to get it done, he definitely wouldn't want anyone to know. If we rashly go and ask, not only will we offend Xiao Zhao, but if Section Chief Zhou thinks we're trying to take a shortcut, we'll be in trouble in the future."

Xiao Li scratched his head, somewhat unwillingly: "But we can't just sit there and do nothing, right? I've only completed half of my tasks this month. If I can't find a way out, I'll have to go to the workshop to tighten screws next month."

There was a brief silence in the office, with only the ticking of the wall clock.

Old Zhang put on his glasses again and said thoughtfully, "If you ask me, we should observe first. If Xiao Zhao is really capable, maybe we can learn from him in the future; if we rely on Section Chief Zhou, we have to understand the situation before taking action."

Old Wu smiled bitterly and shook his head: "I hope he is really capable, otherwise we will have to watch others eat meat while we can't even drink soup."

Everyone started discussing again. Some complained that it was becoming increasingly difficult to purchase supplies in the market, while others speculated about the relationship between Xiao Zhao and Section Chief Zhou.

The office door creaked in the wind, but no one had the heart to close it, just like their chaotic emotions at the moment, which were difficult to sort out.

While Xiao Zhao was calming down in the corridor, Zhou Yimin was walking through the tree-lined avenue of the factory towards the research laboratory.

The sunlight shone on him through the gaps in the leaves, leaving mottled shadows on the ground.

Since the successful development of the air fryer, everyone in the laboratory has had a huge change in their attitude towards Zhou Yimin.

In addition, Zhou Yimin has now been promoted to deputy section chief, and is only one step away from the position of section chief, while they are just ordinary clerks, and their previous contempt has long disappeared without a trace.

As soon as Zhou Yimin walked into the research room, everyone who was busy at work stopped their work, smiled, and greeted him enthusiastically: "Hello, Chief Zhou!"

"Welcome Section Chief Zhou to give us guidance!"

Zhou Yimin always had a gentle smile on his face and responded enthusiastically to everyone's questions without any airs.

He walked over to several colleagues who had worked happily with him when developing the air fryer, and took the initiative to ask about their work progress. After spending some time together, they also knew Zhou Yimin's character, so they didn't hesitate to tell Zhou Yimin all the problems they encountered.

Zhou Yimin did not expect that he would actually encounter so many problems. He could only do his best to help solve them.

However, Zhou Yimin is not omnipotent and does not know everything. He just has more knowledge than others.

Zhou Yimin pointed out some things that could help, and then explained to everyone: "This step should be"

After hearing Zhou Yimin's explanation, everyone suddenly understood and thanked him.

When the others saw that Zhou Yimin was willing to help, they all gathered around him. Originally everyone's progress was about the same, but now suddenly someone "cheated" appeared.

Everyone suddenly couldn't sit still.

For a moment, Zhou Yimin was surrounded by everyone and was very busy.

Zhou Yimin didn't expect everyone to be so enthusiastic. He had no choice but to continue.

Just when Zhou Yimin was busy and exhausted, the door of the research laboratory was pushed open and Li Chongguang walked out of the office.

He looked around, his eyes fell on Zhou Yimin, and said, "Yimin, come in!"

Zhou Yimin seemed to have seen a savior and was overjoyed. He quickly said "sorry" to everyone and quickly followed Li Chongguang into the office.

Although everyone in the research lab was a little unhappy, since their leader had spoken, they had no choice but to return to their seats.

Those to whom Zhou Yimin has just given the answer should now happily do as Zhou Yimin said, while others can only continue to solve the problem on their own.

As soon as he entered the office, Zhou Yimin sat down on a chair, took a long breath, and said gratefully: "Chief Li, thanks for calling me in time, otherwise I would not be able to get off the stage today. Everyone's questions come one after another, and I almost can't handle it."

Li Chongguang smiled and waved his hands, saying, "It's a small matter. But I still have to congratulate you. At this rate, you'll soon be able to remove the word 'deputy' from your title. Now everyone respects you, and your work ability is indeed strong!"

Zhou Yimin smiled modestly and said, "Thanks to your good words, I will continue to work hard. It's all because everyone trusts me and is willing to ask me for help."

After the two chatted about family matters for a while, Li Chongguang's face suddenly became serious. He hesitated for a moment and asked in a hoarse voice, "Yimin, can you get some milk powder?"

As he spoke, his eyes revealed deep helplessness and anxiety, "My wife's health has not recovered, her milk supply is insufficient, and the child cries all day long because of hunger, and his voice has become hoarse from crying.

As a father, I was heartbroken. During this period, I used many connections and ran all over the city to find stores, but milk powder was so scarce that I couldn't buy it even if I had money. I, a section chief, couldn't even solve the food rations for my own children. Sigh..."

After hearing this, Zhou Yimin showed a very embarrassed expression on his face, frowning, and after a moment of silence, he said: "Chief Li, milk powder is really too hard to find now, it's out of stock everywhere. But if it's two bags, I can still think of a way, but if it's more, I can't do anything."

Li Chongguang's originally dim eyes suddenly brightened up. He excitedly held Zhou Yimin's hand, his voice trembling a little: "Yimin, are you serious? Don't tease me. If you can help me with this, you will be the benefactor of our whole family!"

Zhou Yimin nodded solemnly and said, "Chief Li, how dare I joke about this kind of thing? The child cannot go hungry. I will do my best."

Li Chongguang stood up excitedly, patting Zhou Yimin on the shoulder and saying, "Yimin, you helped me a lot this time! In the future, if you have any problems, whether it's work or life, just ask me, I will never hesitate! You saved my child's life, I will remember this kindness for the rest of my life!"

Zhou Yimin was secretly pleased with himself, thinking that his previous act of pretending to be in trouble had indeed worked.

He knew that things that are easily obtained are often not cherished. Only by making Li Chongguang feel that this milk powder is hard-earned can he make him more grateful to himself.

Zhou Yimin said, "Chief Li, I'll bring it to you when I get off work. Don't worry too much, the child will have milk powder soon."

Li Chongguang nodded repeatedly, his eyes filled with tears of gratitude: "Thank you so much, Yimin, if it weren't for you, I don't know what I would do. I finally feel more at ease now."

After Zhou Yimin left the office, he went straight back to his own office.

He carefully took out two bags of milk powder that he had prepared in advance from the drawer, then found an ordinary cloth bag and carefully put the milk powder into it, making sure that the contents could not be seen from the outside.

He knew very well that in this age of material scarcity, milk powder was an extremely precious commodity. If others knew that he could get milk powder, countless people would surely come to him for help.

Finally, the bell for the end of get off work rang, and the workers in the factory packed up their things and walked out of the workshop.

Li Chongguang did not rush home as usual, but sat in the office, anxiously waiting for Zhou Yimin's arrival.

He looked at his watch every few minutes, and from time to time he stood up and walked to the door to look, his eyes full of anticipation.

Not long after, Zhou Yimin knocked on Li Chongguang's office door carrying a bag of milk powder.

Li Chongguang couldn't wait to shout, "Come in!" Zhou Yimin pushed open the door, and Li Chongguang's eyes were instantly attracted by the bag in his hand. He stared at it closely, as if the bag contained the most precious treasure in the world.

Zhou Yimin walked forward and handed the bag to Li Chongguang.

Li Chongguang took the bag with trembling hands, opened it and saw two bags of milk powder lying quietly inside.

He was so excited that his voice was choked with sobs: "Yimin, I really don't know how to thank you! You are the savior of my family!"

Zhou Yimin smiled and said, "Chief Li, the child is still waiting at home, please go back quickly."

Li Chongguang nodded solemnly and said, "Yimin, I will remember your kindness. If I have any problem in the future, just say a word!"

After saying that, he hugged the bag tightly and quickly left the office.

Zhou Yimin looked at Li Chongguang's departing back, with a slight smile on his face. Helping Li Chongguang this time not only earned him gratitude, but also helped him accumulate more connections in the factory.

He knows that in this complex workplace environment, every favor can potentially help with future development.

Although I have no desire to climb up the social ladder, I want to build good relationships with everyone so that when others want to make a move on me, I have to consider everyone's opinions.

(End of this chapter)