“Director Wang, I believe that the innocent will clear themselves. Our food workshop has always strictly abided by national laws and regulations, and all our business activities are legal and compliant. We welcome you and your colleagues to conduct an investigation.” Lin Wanqiu’s tone was firm and composed. She stepped aside to make way for him. “Please come in. I will have the accountant bring out all the ledgers and receipts for your inspection.”
Shen Tingzhou stood beside Lin Wanqiu, his sharp eyes sweeping over the two young men behind Director Wang. He whispered to Lin Wanqiu, "Don't worry, we haven't done anything wrong. We're not afraid of their investigation. I'll go get the account books." He knew Lin Wanqiu's character and was familiar with the food shop's operations. The so-called "report" was definitely nonsense, likely the work of Zhao Jianjun, whom Lin Wanqiu had previously rejected, or a competitor who was jealous of the food shop's business.
Lin Wanqiu nodded, watching Director Wang and the others walk into the food workshop's office, her mind filled with thoughts. She recalled seeing people loitering near the food workshop in the past few days; she hadn't paid much attention then, but now she realized those people were likely collecting so-called "evidence." However, she wasn't worried, because every account at the food workshop was clear and transparent, every batch of raw materials had quality inspection records, and every pastry recipe had undergone rigorous testing; there were no violations whatsoever.
"Director Lin, what exactly happened? How could someone report us?" Li Xiulian and several female workers gathered around, their faces full of worry. The food workshop was like their home. Here, they not only received a stable salary but also learned a skill. If something happened to the food workshop, their lives would be affected.
Looking at the anxious female workers, Lin Wanqiu felt a surge of responsibility. She smiled and reassured them, "Don't worry, everyone. This is just a misunderstanding. Our food workshop has always operated legally and can withstand any investigation. Keep working, don't let this affect production. I'll give you all an explanation after the investigation is over." She knew that it was especially important to remain calm and stabilize the employees' emotions in times like these to ensure the food workshop could operate normally.
In the office, Director Wang and two young men were carefully examining the food workshop's ledgers and receipts. Lin Wanqiu brought over hot tea and placed it on the table in front of them, calmly saying, "Director Wang, these are all the ledgers of our food workshop since its establishment, including raw material purchase records, production and sales records, and employee payroll records. Every single entry has detailed supporting documentation; you can take your time to examine them. In addition, we have also kept quality inspection reports for each batch of raw materials and inspection records for finished products. If you need them, I can show them to you."
Director Wang nodded and picked up the ledger, carefully reviewing it. He didn't really want to believe Lin Wanqiu would use improper means to operate the business—after all, "Wanqiu Food Workshop" had not only boosted employment in the commune but also repeatedly sponsored impoverished students, making it a model of prosperity for the commune. However, since someone had filed a formal complaint, he had to investigate according to regulations and couldn't bend the law for personal gain.
The two young men flipped through the ledgers, making notes in their notebooks, and occasionally asked questions. Lin Wanqiu patiently answered each one, her tone calm and her logic clear, without the slightest sign of panic. Shen Tingzhou stood aside, silently observing their expressions, and had already formed a preliminary judgment in his mind—it seemed that this accusation lacked solid evidence and was likely just malicious speculation.
Before they knew it, it was already noon. Lin Wanqiu checked the time and remembered that she needed to pick up Nianxi from school, so she said to Director Wang, "Director Wang, I'm sorry, I need to go to the kindergarten to pick up my daughter now. I'll leave things here to my husband, Shen Tingzhou, to assist you. Is that alright?"
Director Wang looked up at Lin Wanqiu and nodded. "Okay, go ahead. We'll ask Comrade Shen Tingzhou if there are any questions." He watched Lin Wanqiu's hurried departure and couldn't help but feel a little emotional—it would be such a waste if such a woman, who had to take care of her family and run the business, were to engage in illegal operations.
Lin Wanqiu strode out of the food shop, opened her oil-paper umbrella, and headed towards the kindergarten. The drizzle had stopped, the sky had cleared, and a faint rainbow hung in the sky, making the golden rapeseed fields look exceptionally beautiful. She remembered Nianxi's well-behaved appearance that morning, and her anxiety dissipated considerably—no matter what difficulties she encountered, as long as her family was by her side, she would have the courage to face them.
As she approached the kindergarten gate, she saw Shen Nianxi holding Teacher Li's hand, playing "Eagle Catches Chicks" with several other children in the yard. Shen Nianxi played the role of a "chicken," hiding behind the "mother hen," her big, round eyes fixed on the child playing the "eagle." Her short legs moved swiftly, and her face beamed with a bright smile, showing no signs of the unfamiliarity of her first day of school.
"Xixi!" Lin Wanqiu called out with a smile. Hearing her mother's voice, Chen Nianxi immediately stopped, turned around, and saw Lin Wanqiu. Excitedly, she ran towards her, her little skirt fluttering like butterfly wings. "Mommy! You're finally here! Xixi played games with her friends today and even got a little red flower!"
Teacher Li also walked over with a smile and said to Lin Wanqiu, "Shen Nianxi has a particularly strong ability to adapt. On her first day, she had a lot of fun playing with the other children and even took the initiative to help the teacher tidy up the toys. She is a very sensible child." She has been teaching for many years and has seen many children who cry and fuss on their first day of school, but it is rare to see someone as adaptable as Shen Nianxi.
Hearing Teacher Li's praise, Lin Wanqiu felt gratified. She knew that this was not only because Nianxi had an outgoing personality, but also because of the scientific adaptation training she had received before—just as the space said, a child's adaptability is not innate; parents need to guide them with the right methods so that the child can integrate into the new environment more quickly.
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