Lunch was arranged by Zhang Guoqiang, and two tables were set up in a small private room in the factory canteen.
The head chef showcased his skills, stewing the pork until it glistened with oil, making the steamed egg custard so smooth it seemed to wobble, and stir-frying the vibrant green vegetables—a feast that was both plentiful and affordable.
While they were eating, the door to the private room was gently pushed open a crack, and three little heads peeked in—it was Zhang Guoqiang's three children.
The older one is a boy, around twelve years old. He's grown taller and looks quite energetic.
Two twin sisters followed behind, only eight years old, with identical little braids, looking timid yet curious.
The children had heard that Zhao Damei was also coming, and they pestered their grandmother for a long time before they were finally allowed to come over.
"Aunt Zhao!"
The boy, with his sharp eyes, spotted Zhao Damei immediately. He called out and squeezed through the crack in the door, running up to her.
Her two younger sisters ran over and nestled against her arms, one on each side, their little faces pressed together, showing great affection.
The three children were very close to Zhao Damei; their affection and trust were obvious to anyone with eyes.
Ever since Zhao Damei saved them from an accident, every time she goes to sell flowers, she makes a detour to their house to see them and bring them a piece of candy, walnuts, chestnuts, or something similar.
Over time, their feelings for each other deepened.
When Zhao Damei saw the children, her smile instantly warmed up; the love and tenderness welling up from the bottom of her heart was irresistible.
She quickly put down her bowl and chopsticks, squatted down, and gently stroked the children's heads, her voice so soft it could melt water.
"Have you eaten yet? Are you hungry?"
"Grandma cooked, and we ate really fast!"
"I'll come find you after I finish eating!"
The children chattered away, instantly creating a warm and cozy atmosphere in the private room.
However, the children had to go to school in the afternoon, so after spending some time with Zhao Damei and being given two pieces of fruit candy, they quickly left.
After the meal, people gradually dispersed.
Zhou Qiqi and Sister Li Ping exchanged a glance.
The two pulled Zhao Damei aside, ostensibly for casual conversation, but in reality, they recounted Zhang Guoqiang's experiences over the years.
Li Ping is straightforward; once she finishes speaking, she gets straight to the point.
"Big Mei, tell me the truth, what do you think of Factory Director Zhang?"
Zhou Qiqi also spoke softly, her tone very sincere.
"Yes, Sister Da Mei, Director Zhang is a reliable man. He cares about the children and is responsible for the factory."
She paused, looking at Zhao Damei's lowered profile.
"You're still young, and you have a long road ahead of you. If you think it's worth it, why not give it a try? The kids like you so much too."
Zhao Damei remained silent, her fingers unconsciously rubbing the hem of her clothes.
In fact, her first impression of Zhang Guoqiang was extremely bad.
Last time he got drunk and left his three children alone at home, which almost led to a major incident.
Because of this, every time she went to sell flowers, she would make a special detour to the children's homes to see if they had eaten or done their homework.
After spending a lot of time with the children and listening to their stories, I realized that Zhang Guoqiang was not irresponsible.
On the contrary, he was extremely responsible.
He was responsible for the livelihoods of hundreds of people in the factory. He was busy at the factory during the day and had to think about technological innovations at night, often staying up until the early hours of the morning.
I simply can't take care of the family, which is why the children are often left home alone.
She looked up and glanced quickly at Zhang Guoqiang, who was talking to someone.
The middle-aged man's profile looked serious, with a hint of unease, yet he tried hard to maintain the composure of a factory manager.
She remembered the way he secretly looked at her, his clumsy attempts at showing concern, and his culinary skills...
In my heart, it truly felt like being hit by a pebble, causing a slight ripple.
But that ripple was quickly suppressed by something deeper.
The blush on her face slowly faded, and her eyes became complicated, as if veiled in mist, before finally settling into a calm and resolute expression.
She gently shook her head and said softly.
"Ping-jie, Qi-qi, thank you for your concern. Director Zhang... he's a good person, but... never mind."
She didn't explain why, she just shook her head again, then lowered her head and stopped talking.
Zhou Qiqi and Li Ping exchanged a glance, both seeing helplessness and a hint of confusion in each other's eyes.
But these are things that you can't force.
Zhou Qiqi sighed softly and patted Zhao Damei's arm.
Ultimately, it all comes down to whether Zhang Guoqiang can show sincerity and gradually win her heart.
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