C107 – You Are Honored
Following Zhang Xiaoloong’s departure, Chen Zhaomin ceased discussing the jade. As he settled down, a clamor erupted outside. The door to the private room burst open with a resounding bang.
Leading the commotion was Chang Jun, who pointed accusingly at Zhang Xiaoloong, declaring loudly, “Yes, it’s this lad. Do you reckon I wouldn’t track you down if you sought refuge in a room?”
The security captain merely peeked in, swiftly withdrawing without a sound.
Assuming the others awaited his command, Chang Jun briskly gestured, “How dare you stir trouble in the Yunjiang Hotel? Do you take this establishment for your rural stomping grounds? Detain him at once!”
In an inadvertent glance, Chang Jun noticed Chen Yaru’s expression, resembling one who endures a fool. She stared at him, seemingly coercing compliance.
He swiftly recognized her as the beauty from the clothing store the other day. He presumed she had finally acknowledged his imposing presence. Just as he moved forward to engage her, he sensed a sudden hush in the room.
He glanced back, finding Chen Zhaomin vaguely familiar. He pivoted a bit more, finding the figure even more recognizable this time.
After a moment of stunned silence, Chang Jun’s mouth twitched, his legs weakening. “Manager… Manager Li… I wasn’t aware you were dining here…”
“Manager Li?” Lee Donghua rose slowly, slamming his glass onto the table with force, nearly shattering it. “This is no place for a peasant like myself. Do you wish to terminate my employment?”
Hotel employees were well acquainted with Director Li’s mild demeanor, be it managers or staff. Even when someone erred, he typically exercised leniency. Witnessing his eruption of anger this time was akin to witnessing a volcanic outburst.
“No, no, no…” Chang Jun trembled in fear. If Lee Donghua uttered a word, he would promptly vacate the premises. This CEO Li harbored a profound aversion to disparaging remarks about farmers. Inwardly, Chang Jun berated himself for not maintaining silence. He hastened to explain, “Director Li, I wasn’t referring to you; I was addressing this lad…”
Lee Donghua chuckled in fury. It seemed this individual remained oblivious to his wrongdoing. Just as he contemplated dismissing such an employee, two more individuals squeezed into the room.
“That’s him. Indeed, that’s him!” The wedding attendant, still clutching a dish, pointed incredulously at Zhang Xiaoloong.
“What are you lot doing here again?” Lee Donghua seethed.
Many were familiar with his temper. He harbored a vehement disdain for those who disparaged farmers. Yet today, his employees appeared determined to disgrace him by joining in on the commotion.
From Shi Yue to Chang Jun, even kitchen staff had assembled, intent on confronting Zhang Xiaoloong.
Trailing behind Xizi was Chef Wu from the hotel, who had just spotted Lee Donghua. He swiftly presented a plate of vegetables.
“Director Li, it’s like this. Xizi encountered a vegetable vendor at the market recently.” Chef Wu cast a glance at Zhang Xiaoloong before addressing Lee Donghua, “Give them a try. It’s this variety of vegetable.”
Lee Donghua pondered, Why would I indulge in vegetables at this juncture? Despite his confusion, he obliged, taking a bite.
Upon tasting, Lee Donghua was astonished. He took another bite. “Who supplied these vegetables? How did I overlook such a dish in the hotel?”
Chef Wu glanced back and recounted, “The dish wasn’t served because Manager Chang drove away the person responsible. By the time I realized our supplier was missing, I couldn’t locate him. Rumor has it, he’s Manager Chang’s cousin, but it’s all hearsay to me.”
Chang Jun’s complexion drained of color. He was already having a streak of misfortune, and Chef Wu’s actions felt like a slap to the back of his head at this moment, making his situation dire.
“So where did the dishes come from now? Did you manage to find that person?” Lee Donghua cast a fleeting glance at Chang Jun, his attention diverted to the spread before him.
“These dishes were just brought in by Director Li for the kitchen. And I recognize Xizi. It’s this gentleman’s offering,” Chef Wu affirmed, gesturing toward Zhang Xiaoloong.
Lee Donghua also turned his gaze in Zhang Xiaoloong’s direction, seemingly seeking confirmation.
Chen Yaru interjected, “Indeed, Uncle Lee. Xiaoloong initially attempted to sell vegetables himself. On his first visit, a manager rudely rebuffed him. At the market, he encountered someone interested in his produce. Coincidentally, that person turned out to be the same manager. Xiaoloong confided in me about this incident, though I didn’t know it was your Yunjiang Restaurant.”
“Pa!!!”
Lee Donghua slammed his palm against the table once more. He had previously instructed Zhang Xiaoloong to come to him after storing the vegetables, offering to pay any price. Yet, to his dismay, Zhang Xiaoloong had been humiliated within his own company.
Chang Jun’s face had shifted from pale to purple, but leaving now was out of the question. Not only would Lee Donghua dismiss him, but he feared he’d also be unwelcome in many circles henceforth.
Chen Yaru seemed unsatisfied with the situation and pressed on, “And there’s more. When I accompanied Xiaoloong to buy clothes last time, Manager Chang brought in some thugs to teach Xiaoloong a lesson. He even had the audacity to imply that rural folk like Xiaoloong aren’t suitable for me. He suggested I join him in choosing trousers…”
“Despicable!” Chen Zhaomin, who had remained silent until now, couldn’t contain his disgust.
Lee Donghua drew a deep breath, then exhaled slowly before resuming, “You wield considerable authority, Manager Chang. Donghua may not be able to contend with you, but I am genuinely curious as to who granted you such influence.”
“I…” Chang Jun seemed at a loss for words.
At this juncture, the hotel’s general manager arrived, grasping the situation swiftly. He promptly apologized to Lee Donghua, “Apologies, CEO Li, for this oversight…”
“Manager Kang,” Lee Donghua turned his attention to him. “You’ve been with the hotel for quite some time. I trust you. However, labeling this as mere negligence doesn’t suffice. Had this individual not exposed themselves today, I fear this junior lobby manager would have meddled with the hotel’s entire supply chain sooner or later.”
“Understood. I will submit a report detailing my failure. Whatever consequences Director Li deems appropriate, I accept full responsibility,” Manager Kang admitted, beads of sweat forming on his brow.
Seizing the opportunity, Chang Jun spoke up, “Director Li, I’m aware of my numerous transgressions. I… I wish to tender my resignation!”
“Resignation?” Lee Donghua’s lips curled in derision. “Abusing your authority for personal gain, expelling a reputable supplier, and assaulting hotel patrons openly. And you dare claim it hasn’t harmed the company’s interests? Not pursuing legal action against you is a courtesy, which you should be grateful for. You’ll be the first manager I, Lee Donghua, personally terminate.”
Clenching his teeth, Chang Jun stormed out in a fit of anger.
Manager Kang and the others followed suit, leaving only Chef Wu behind.
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