Chapter 16: Stepping Down from the Canteen Supervisor Position

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A little over an hour later, the truck, fully loaded with two hundred jin of fresh eggs, returned smoothly to the Rolling Mill Factory.

He Yuzhu personally escorted the delivery to the Third Canteen’s warehouse. Only after watching the cafeteria foreman and storekeeper Liu Lan carefully count the stock and sign off did he finally breathe a sigh of relief.

The egg crisis had been resolved within just three hours, securing the breakfast and lunch supply for the canteen.

Although a small matter, news of it spread through the cafeteria system and logistics department.

Purchasing Section Chief He Yuzhu had acted swiftly and resourcefully, stepping up at a crucial moment!

The workers enjoyed their warm steamed egg custard, naturally fostering greater goodwill toward the Purchasing Section, especially He Yuzhu’s team.

Just as He Yuzhu returned to the Purchasing Section office, the newly appointed Deputy Section Chief Sun Jianguo approached him with a rare look of approval.

“Xiao He, you handled the egg situation brilliantly! You ensured supply without inflating prices. The emergency response was impressively quick!” Sun Jianguo admired He Yuzhu’s pragmatic and efficient style.

“You flatter me, Deputy Section Chief. It’s all part of my duty,” He Yuzhu replied modestly.

“Hmm,” Sun nodded, then lowered his voice. “But I heard some whispers. The Supply Cooperative’s vehicle... its breakdown seemed suspicious. Someone saw Xu Damou wandering around the cooperative yesterday afternoon.”

Xu Damou? He Yuzhu’s eyes darkened. That venomous snake again! It seemed Li Huaide had already begun to sabotage from the shadows.

“Thanks for the heads-up, Deputy Section Chief. I’ll keep an eye out,” He Yuzhu said grimly.

It appeared that the seemingly low-profit but vital food procurement sector had become a contested battleground for some.

Just then, the gatekeeper called: “Section Chief He, someone named Chen San is at the gate. He says he’s brought some country produce samples for you to see.”

Old man Chen San? How did he find his way back to the factory again?

Alarm bells rang in He Yuzhu’s mind. After the last transaction at Pigeon Market, he had specifically instructed Chen San to relay messages only through Ma Hua, not to come directly to the factory. This time...

“Tell him to wait a moment. I’m coming out,” He Yuzhu said, putting down the phone. He turned to Sun Jianguo: “Deputy Section Chief, I need to handle some personal matters.”

Sun nodded sharply. “Mind your limits.”

He Yuzhu strode to the factory gate. The sunlight was blinding, and the main avenue bustled with people.

Chen San stood in the shade of a tree outside the gate, carrying a basket covered with blue cloth. Upon seeing He Yuzhu, he smiled broadly, though his eyes flickered nervously.

“Section Chief He, sorry to bother you. Some relatives from the countryside brought freshly picked mushrooms. They look good. I thought I’d bring you some to sample,” he said, lifting a corner of the cloth to reveal plump, fresh mushrooms.

He Yuzhu did not take the basket. His gaze was steady as he looked at Chen San. “Old Chen, you’re too kind. But the factory has rules — we can’t accept these. I appreciate the thought. Better take it back.” His tone was calm but firm, leaving no room for argument. Chen San’s behavior was too unusual; this was definitely suspicious.

Chen San’s smile stiffened, and he awkwardly said, “Yes, yes, I... didn’t know the rules. I’ll leave then.” He grabbed the basket and hurried away, his retreat seeming hurried and uneasy.

He Yuzhu watched his figure disappear around the corner, his eyes cold. This wasn’t about mushrooms; it was a probe. Possibly the first step in a setup!

Xu Damou? Or Li Huaide? Were they trying to open a breach through food procurement?

He turned back into the factory, his steps steady but his mind alarmed to the highest alert.

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Under He Yuzhu’s leadership, the team became increasingly efficient. The planned supply channels remained stable, and the unplanned networks balanced secrecy with efficiency.

Several crises were skillfully averted, especially the lightning-fast resolution of the egg shortage, quietly raising He Yuzhu’s standing within the logistics system.

Deputy Section Chief Sun Jianguo often praised He Yuzhu’s team for their “planning and flexibility” in departmental meetings, easing Section Chief Zhao’s workload.

One day, Section Chief Zhao called He Yuzhu into his office.

“Sit down, Yuzhu.” Zhao smiled. “Your leadership has been excellent. The workers’ meals have improved, and the higher-ups have noticed. You’re a worthy team leader!”

“It’s all thanks to everyone’s efforts and your support, Section Chief, and Deputy Section Chief Sun,” He Yuzhu replied sincerely.

“Hmm, humble and steady — good.” Zhao nodded, then shifted tone. “But your burden is heavy. The food procurement group has countless details and risks to manage. Also juggling the canteen foreman role is not sustainable — for you or the cafeteria.”

He Yuzhu understood this day would come. He needed to focus on procurement; the canteen needed a dedicated manager.

“You’re right, Section Chief. I can’t manage both. It’s time to hand over the canteen responsibilities.”

“The factory agrees.” Zhao produced a document. “The logistics department has decided to relieve you of the Third Canteen foreman post. Comrade Li Weidong from logistics will take over.”

“Liu Lan, who you recommended to join your team, has rich warehouse experience and is meticulous. The leadership wants her back as the canteen’s deputy foreman to assist Li Weidong. Your apprentice Ma Hua will officially stay with our Purchasing Section.”

He Yuzhu nodded in approval. Liu Lan was careful and capable for the deputy role.

The handover was swift and smooth. He Yuzhu and Ma Hua transferred the suppliers’ list, financial records, and warehouse management essentials to Li Weidong and Liu Lan without reservation.

On the day he stepped down, He Yuzhu stood before the familiar canteen kitchen door.

The stove glowed red, steam floated through the air, but the chief cook had changed. He no longer felt attached and turned away from the canteen.

Back in the Purchasing Section, He Yuzhu immediately refocused. Ma Hua officially became a core member, and He Yuzhu began consciously training him to operate independently.

“Ma Hua, you’ll handle daily contacts and order tracking with the planned grain stations and side food stores. Report inventory consumption and next week’s forecast every Monday,” He Yuzhu assigned.

“Yes, Master!” Ma Hua was full of energy.

“Also,” He Yuzhu handed him a list, “these are contacts and codes for some relatively reliable long-term food suppliers.”

“Temporary restocking of vegetables and fresh fruit will be your responsibility. Remember, safety first! Price second! Never risk too much!”

Ma Hua took the list solemnly. “Don’t worry, Master! I understand the rules!”

He Yuzhu entrusted Ma Hua with the relatively conventional and safer tasks, while he concentrated on developing more stable bulk food channels and managing potential risks.

A few days later, an opportunity arose.

The factory office announced that to combat the high-temperature production season and protect workers’ health, all canteens must increase green bean soup supply.

This meant a large stockpile of green beans was needed, far beyond the planned quota.

“Ma Hua,” He Yuzhu called his apprentice over. “There’s a big gap in green bean supply. You handle the unplanned procurement. You have three days to survey prices and availability at Pigeon Market and nearby supply cooperatives. Find sources that are reasonably priced and reliable. Start by securing five hundred jin.”

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This was Ma Hua’s first time independently handling significant unplanned procurement. He was both nervous and excited.

“I’ll get the job done!”

Watching Ma Hua hurry away, He Yuzhu’s gaze was calm. Real-world practice was the best test of capability.

He sat back at his desk, studying a joint poultry procurement letter sent by a brother factory.

If they could coordinate several large factories to source directly from major farms, they might break the partial monopoly of the meat union factories and secure a more stable, favorable poultry supply.

Just as he was absorbed, the office door knocked. Deputy Section Chief Sun Jianguo entered, his expression grave.

“Xiao He, there’s a situation.” Sun lowered his voice. “The Security Department forwarded an anonymous tip-off dropped in the factory’s suggestion box. It claims someone from your team was seen secretly reselling large quantities of the factory’s planned grain coupons at Pigeon Market!”

He Yuzhu’s eyes sharpened instantly. Reselling ration coupons? A serious offense! Was the accusation aimed at Ma Hua, who had just left? Or the entire team?

“Where’s the letter?” He Yuzhu’s voice was steady.

“Here.” Sun handed over an unsigned note. “The content is vague, no specific times, places, or names. But at this critical juncture…” He trailed off, implying someone was trying to cause trouble.

He Yuzhu skimmed the letter. It was baseless and malicious speculation. He scoffed inwardly.

Li Huaide, Xu Damou, and the like finally lost patience and struck!

Their first move was to brand them with the heavy charge of “reselling state-planned materials”!

“Deputy Section Chief Sun, the innocent will be vindicated,” He Yuzhu said firmly, setting the letter down. “All planned materials for the food group are recorded with triple signatures on warehouse entries and exits, with clear accounts and tickets, all checkable at any time!”

“The Pigeon Market transactions are cash purchases of unplanned supplements, never handled with a single ration coupon! This is slander meant to muddy the waters!”

Sun looked into He Yuzhu’s honest eyes and nodded. “I believe you. I’ll inform Security Department not to file a case on such baseless rumors. But…” He warned, “this reminds us to pay even closer attention to procedural compliance and evidence chains, especially for unplanned procurement!”

“Accounts, tickets, and acceptance records must be airtight! Leave no loopholes for those seeking to sabotage us!”

“Understood! Your warning is well taken, Deputy Section Chief!” He Yuzhu’s heart tightened.

The opponents’ dirty tactics exposed weaknesses in their defenses. They must strengthen their safeguards.

After Sun left, He Yuzhu leaned back in his chair, eyes icy.

Just as the canteen authority was peacefully transferred, his team’s challenges escalated to personal attacks.

He needed to grow faster, grow stronger, and build an even sturdier shield.

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