In that instant, it was as if an invisible pressure was released, and the atmosphere in the entire post office became relaxed.

The colleagues all breathed a sigh of relief, their faces showing expressions of relief. Some even gently wiped the sweat from their foreheads, as if they had just gone through a fierce battle.

Sister Zhao breathed a sigh of relief, a smile of satisfaction appearing on her face. She smiled and said to Xia Wan, "I'm sorry to have kept you waiting. Today is truly a special day."

She gently wiped the sweat from her forehead with her hand, a soft and soothing motion as if wiping away the day's fatigue.

His eyes revealed a hint of relief after exhaustion.

The day's busyness left her feeling somewhat exhausted, but seeing the satisfied expressions on her boss's face and the satisfied smiles of her customers made it all worthwhile.

The words of thanks from the departing customers were like a cup of hot tea on a winter's day, warming her heart.

Xia Wan quickly got up, walked briskly to Sister Zhao's side, took Sister Zhao's arm, and said affectionately, "Sister Zhao, you've worked hard! Come on, let me treat you to dinner to reward you."

Her tone was full of sincerity and concern.

Xia Wan was always grateful for Sister Zhao's care for her. In this unfamiliar town, Sister Zhao was like family to her, always lending a helping hand and providing her with assistance and support when she encountered difficulties.

"Oh, I'm so sorry, I brought my own food!" Although Sister Zhao said this, she had already started walking with Xia Wan.

Her face beamed with a happy smile, and her eyes were full of gratitude for Xia Wan. Actually, the food Sister Zhao brought was just some simple coarse grains and pickled vegetables. On this cold winter day, she couldn't be happier to be able to have a hot meal with Xia Wan at the state-run restaurant.

The hot meal not only warmed her stomach, but also her heart.

"What's there to be embarrassed about, sister? Let's go get something hot to eat, and find a place to chat." Xia Wan pretended not to notice Zhao Jie's insincerity and took Zhao Jie's arm as they walked towards the state-run restaurant.

The two chatted and laughed along the way, like sisters. They passed a general store, which was filled with all kinds of daily necessities and snacks. The shelves were overflowing with goods, making it hard to take it all in.

Xia Wan was also excitedly discussing with Sister Zhao whether they should come here to buy some New Year's goods during the Spring Festival. She imagined the scene of the whole family sitting together, eating delicious food, and sharing happiness during the Spring Festival, and her heart was full of anticipation.

The two arrived at the state-run restaurant, which was bustling with activity. The noise of people and the aroma of food mingled together, creating a strong sense of everyday life.

The restaurant was packed with people, including workers who had just finished their shifts. They wore simple work clothes and had tired but satisfied smiles on their faces, relaxing in the lively atmosphere.

Women who were tired from shopping ate delicious food while sharing their daily lives, and their laughter echoed throughout the restaurant.

Several mischievous children were playing and running between the tables, their clear and loud laughter adding to the lively scene.

Xia Wan ordered a braised pork belly and a sweet and sour pork ribs, both signature dishes of the state-run restaurant, and the portions were very generous.

The braised pork belly is a bright red color, fatty but not greasy, and each piece exudes an enticing aroma; the sweet and sour pork ribs are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a delicious sweet and sour taste, and just the aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water.

Xia Wan knew the value of food and adhered to the principle of not wasting food, so she didn't order any more.

Before Xia Wan could even speak after they sat down, Sister Zhao frowned and angrily began to talk about Zhao Jiaojiao stealing the package.

"By the way, girl, let me tell you! That Zhao Jiaojiao is just outrageous!" Sister Zhao's voice was filled with anger, an anger that seemed capable of burning the entire world.

"After I discovered the package was missing, I went to find her immediately. At first, she denied it and made all sorts of excuses, saying that she hadn't taken it at all, and even tried to shift the blame, saying that I was accusing her. She was very arrogant, as if she were the victim. Later, when the evidence was presented to her, she had no choice but to admit it."

As she spoke, Sister Zhao unconsciously clenched her fists, her knuckles turning white from the force, and her anger became even more pronounced.

Recalling the scene of her confrontation with Zhao Jiaojiao, Sister Zhao was furious, and her anger burned fiercely once again.

Xia Wan looked nervous and hurriedly asked, "Was the package recovered?"

Her eyes were filled with worry, and her hands unconsciously gripped the hem of her clothes, her fingertips turning slightly white from the force.

Those packages contained not only items, but also her godmother's love and care. Each item carried her godmother's concern and blessings, so how could she not be anxious?

"We got it back," Sister Zhao sighed, her face showing helplessness, exhaustion, and disappointment.

"However, she damaged quite a few things inside, and Zhao Jiaojiao still refused to admit it. She even said that those things were broken to begin with, and she was so righteous in her words. It really made me furious. I had no choice but to give her the remaining items in cash and make her write an IOU. She promised to pay me back when the work points are settled at the end of the year."

When Sister Zhao talked about these things, her face was full of helplessness and exhaustion, as if the running around and arguing of the past few days had aged her several years in an instant.

Xia Wan deliberately put on a disappointed look, a hint of sadness flashing in her eyes: "Those were all things my godmother saved up for me by scrimping and saving. It's such a pity to lose some of them. But Sister Zhao, thank you so much. I don't know what I would have done without you."

As she spoke, Xia Wan gratefully grasped Sister Zhao's hand. Those hands were warm and strong, conveying her deepest gratitude.

She knew in her heart that Sister Zhao had gone to great lengths to help her retrieve the package, traveling to many places and dealing with Zhao Jiaojiao for a long time.

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!