1994: Starting with unpaid leave

Setting up a factory is troublesome in theory and not simple in practice.

Even with the help of my second uncle, not all machines could be found in the city.

Left with no other choice, Dong Jianguo spent another 5000 yuan to bring back a second-hand sterilizing pot specifically for braised eggs from a closed food processing plant in Keshan County.

After two whole weeks of hard work, the factory finally produced its first batch of qualified braised eggs.

This batch of products is different from the ones that Xiuyun and Hongmei make at home.

To extend their shelf life, a small amount of preservatives were added to this batch of braised eggs.

According to Chung Cheng-tao's calculations, combined with vacuum sealing conditions, this batch of braised eggs can remain unspoiled for 8 to 9 months even at room temperature.

Worried that additives would affect the taste, Dong Jianguo dragged Erzhuzi along to taste the whole thing.

Fortunately, the original braised flavor did not disappear, whether after braising or after packaging.

After waiting another day, Dong Jianguo received his health certificates along with those of Xiuyun, Hongmei, and Erzhuzi, and then immediately went to find his old classmate Li Wan.

Hearing that all the materials were ready, Li Wan didn't hesitate and went to accompany them.

Li Wan's power extends far beyond the Bureau of Industry and Commerce.

Health Bureau, Epidemic Prevention Station, Environmental Protection Bureau...

All the way through, I don't know what kind of magic Li Wan has, all the tedious procedures are just passing through her hands.

Even the necessary inspections weren't arranged; the clerk just smiled and said they'd make it up later, and then stamped Dong Jianguo's "Hezhiwei Food Processing Plant" documents.

The result was that the person was found in the morning, and Dong Jianguo received the business license and a series of documents for "Hecheng Flavor Food Processing Factory" in the afternoon.

Holding a stack of documents, Dong Jianguo stood in front of the Industry and Commerce Bureau, enjoying the convenience of having connections in government offices.

However, he was also very curious at this moment, and couldn't help but steal a glance at Li Wan standing next to him.

I'd heard her family was well-off since high school, but I never imagined it would be this good—enough to be able to do whatever she wanted in several departments…

Li Wan noticed Dong Jianguo's gaze and smiled shyly, "What's wrong? Is my makeup ruined?"

"No, it's just that I think you're beautiful inside and out, and you've helped me a lot. I don't even know how to thank you enough."

"Don't mention it, we're classmates. By the way, I'm free tomorrow night...would you like to grab some dinner together?"

As Li Wan spoke, she deliberately turned her head away, leaving only her profile for Dong Jianguo to see.

Perhaps she was tired from running around, because Li Wan's fair cheeks were slightly flushed.

Dong Jianguo sighed and shook his head:

"Tomorrow... I'm afraid tomorrow won't work."

"What's wrong?"

"The factory permits are just finalized, and I need to go to Harbin to help with sales... Here's what we'll do: you pick the place, and when I get back, I'll invite my wife and we'll have a big meal together!"

"Hmm... Wife? You're married?!"

Seeing Li Wan's surprised look, Dong Jianguo nodded frankly: "I'm this age, it would be abnormal if I weren't married, right? In a few months, I'll be a father!"

The afternoon sun outside the Bureau of Industry and Commerce was a bit dazzling. The blush on Li Wan's face had not completely faded, but when she heard Dong Jianguo say, "In a few months, I will be a father," she froze instantly.

"I got married...and became a father..."

Li Wan silently repeated these words in her heart. Her initial excitement at helping with the paperwork was suddenly replaced by a bucket of cold water being poured over her head.

She forced a stiff smile, trying to hide the disappointment in her eyes: "Really? Well... then congratulations."

Dong Jianguo scratched his head, a little embarrassed: "Li Wan, thank you so much today. I'll definitely treat you to a nice meal with my wife another day!"

"No need for formalities between classmates."

Li Wan instinctively refused, her voice several octaves lower than usual.

She hurriedly said, "I have something to do," and then turned and walked quickly toward the Bureau of Industry and Commerce, leaving Dong Jianguo with a slightly flustered back view.

Back in her office on the second floor of the Industry and Commerce Bureau, Li Wan was so dejected that she felt nothing at all. Her mind was filled with the calm and even slightly proud expression on Dong Jianguo's face when he mentioned his wife.

"Damn it, if I'd known this would happen, why did I ever presume to be so sentimental?!"

She was extremely annoyed and wished she could give her stupid brain a good whack.

Seeing that something was wrong with her, Wang Yan, her colleague sitting opposite her, tapped on the table:

"What's wrong? You didn't look well when you came back. Did you mess up something you were doing for someone?"

"Who dares to disrespect Miss Li? Come on, I'll get revenge for you!"

As Wang Yan spoke, she got up and walked to Li Wan's side, pulling her along as she prepared to go out and help her vent her anger.

Li Wan has a distinguished background, but Wang Yan is even more so, which gives her the confidence to say such things.

Li Wan didn't say anything, but simply broke free from her arm.

Wang Yan raised an eyebrow and closed the office door: "Could it be... that Dong Jianguo did something to you?"

Seeing Li Wan's sad expression, Wang Yan immediately became gossipy: "What's bothering you? Tell me, and I'll cheer you up."

Li Wan suddenly opened her eyes, her gaze filled with grievance and frustration: "Lily, don't you think I'm ridiculous? I actually... I actually had some feelings for him."

Wang Li was stunned for a moment, then suddenly realized: "No, didn't you already have feelings for him? You've been grinning like an idiot all the time since we met again last time."

"I must have lost my mind!" Li Wan bit her lip and recounted the conversation she had just had at the entrance of the Industry and Commerce Bureau, emphasizing Dong Jianguo's words "wife" and "became a father."

"He actually got married! And he's having a baby soon!" Li Wan's voice trembled with tears. "I feel like such a fool! I even went out of my way to help him get the marriage certificate! I was even thinking about finding sales channels for his little factory!"

After listening, Wang Yan did not immediately offer comfort, but instead took a sip of tea thoughtfully.

"Wanwan, don't be sad yet."

Wang Li put down her teacup, looked into Li Wan's eyes, and said, "Have you ever thought that this precisely proves that Dong Jianguo is a reliable person?"

"Reliable?" Li Wan looked up at Wang Yan, puzzled.

"He's reliable because he doesn't intend to take advantage of you," Wang Li analyzed.

"Think about it, your family is well-off and you have a wide network of connections. If someone with ulterior motives had gone through those procedures, they would have used you as a stepping stone to climb the social ladder. Forget about marriage, for the sake of profit, he could have easily lied and said he wasn't married or was divorced, just to keep you happy first."

"But he didn't." Wang Li tapped the table.

"He not only confessed that he was married and had children, but also promised to bring his wife to thank you in front of you. What does that mean? It means he has principles and a bottom line. He treats you as a proper classmate and a proper business partner, not as a 'backer' he can use or... you know what I mean?"

Li Wan was stunned. She stared blankly at Wang Li, the resentment on her face slowly fading, replaced by a complex expression.

"You mean... he rejected me because I was too frivolous?" Li Wan's voice lowered.

"That's not what I meant," Wang Li sighed. "What I meant was, this man has things on his mind, including his family. Right now, he's focused entirely on his factory and doesn't want things to get complicated because of a relationship. This kind of man, although he may not be romantic, is... quite rare."

Li Wan fell silent.

She's not stupid; she was just a little carried away. Now, after Wang Yan's reminder, she immediately realized what was happening.

"So... I should give up?" Li Wan murmured to herself.

"It's not that I've given up, it's out of respect." Wang Li patted her shoulder.

"You helped him out of friendship, not because you expect him to repay you with his body. Since he's a decent person, as his friend, you don't need to complain after you've helped him."

"As for the rest... Four-legged toads are hard to find, but there are plenty of two-legged men, aren't there? As long as you, Miss Li, are willing, you can just snap your fingers and there will be plenty of young men lining up in front of your door, right?"

Wang Yan's words brightened Li Wan's mood, and she couldn't help but spit at her.

When Wang Yan returned to her seat with a smile, Li Wan could still feel the disappointment in her heart, but the shame and anger of being rejected had dissipated considerably...

"Sister Yan, do you think I should continue to help him?"