Chapter 22: Claiming the Top Rank

These days, unless you have a particularly close relationship, no one would invite you over for a meal. Food was precious; if you were going to someone’s house to eat, you’d usually bring your own provisions.

Though Zhou Xinyan had said she’d treat her to a meal, Xu Qinghuan never took it seriously.

“I said I’m treating you!” Zhou Xinyan snapped, just as it was their turn to order. She was about to order braised pork when Xu Qinghuan beat her to it, saying, “Two bowls of plain noodles.”

Plain noodles cost eight cents a bowl, two liang, and required ration coupons.

Zhou Xinyan gave her a sharp look, but the waiter was already reaching out to collect the coupons, and since the table number had been assigned, she had no choice but to hand over the coupons.

“Are you afraid I’ll ask you to treat me in return?” Zhou Xinyan genuinely wanted to treat her to something delicious, mostly out of concern.

Xu Qinghuan smiled, “That’s not even on my mind!”

The two carried their bowls to share a table with others. Xu Qinghuan glanced at the people seated there—somewhat familiar: a young man with a crew cut, round face, thick eyebrows, and bright eyes. He looked sharp and gave Xu Qinghuan a meaningful smile when their eyes met.

Xu Qinghuan didn’t understand it and didn’t probe further. She nodded in thanks and sat down with Zhou Xinyan.

“After we finish eating, we still have time. Want to stroll around before going to the factory gate?” Zhou Xinyan asked.

The results would be announced at two o’clock.

“Sure!” Xu Qinghuan agreed without hesitation.

Jiang Chengxu was seated just two tables away. Seeing Xu Qinghuan sitting with Chen Dewen made him tremble with anger. She knew full well that she and Chen Dewen didn’t get along, and that his father and Chen’s father were bitter rivals in the competition for the factory director position. Yet she still sat at the other side’s table.

This was obviously a slap in his face.

Jiang Chengxu abruptly stood and approached them, towering over Xu Qinghuan as he said, “Manman asked you to come over here. We’ve all saved a spot for you. You don’t come, and now you’re causing a fuss—what’s going on?”

Xu Qinghuan tightened her grip on her chopsticks, took a deep breath, looked up, and smiled, “What are you to me? What is Xu Manman to me? Why should I listen to you?”

“I…” Jiang Chengxu’s words caught in his throat as he suddenly recalled the scene outside the hospital. His mood darkened further. “Haven’t you caused enough trouble yet?”

With a loud slap, Chen Dewen slammed his chopsticks on the table and stood up abruptly. Standing about 1.85 meters tall—half a head taller than Jiang Chengxu—he grabbed Jiang’s collar. “Want to fight? Let’s take it outside. Don’t disturb people eating here!”

Xu Manman hurried over, tears streaming down her face. “Sister, please tell your friend to let go of Chengxu. Even if you have issues with me, you shouldn’t take it out on Chengxu.”

Xu Qinghuan finished the last sip of her soup, set down her chopsticks, and wiped her mouth with a handkerchief. “Sorry, I don’t know this gentleman. Besides, disturbing others during a meal is very rude. I hope you’ll be more mindful next time!”

With that, she linked arms with Zhou Xinyan and left.

Chen Dewen, not wanting to fight in such a place where damage would be costly and could lead to detention, quickly released Jiang Chengxu. He growled, “If you bark like that in front of me again, I won’t let you off!”

Jiang Chengxu straightened his clothes and exhaled heavily. “None of your business. I’m not talking to you!”

He really hadn’t expected Xu Qinghuan to mix with someone like Chen Dewen. Although she claimed not to know Chen Dewen, Jiang Chengxu didn’t believe it. They had graduated from the same high school; Chen was the class troublemaker, involved in both fighting and causing trouble. How could she not know him?

There was still half a bowl of braised pork left, which they took back to eat.

Xu Manman cried, “Chengxu, it’s all my fault. Sister must not want to see me, that’s why she won’t sit with us. From now on… I’ll keep my distance from you. I’ll explain things clearly to her when I get back, so she won’t be angry with you.”

Jiang Chengxu’s mood was sour, but seeing Xu Manman cry, he couldn’t take it out on her. He muttered, “It’s none of your concern. Don’t take it to heart.”

Across from Chen Dewen, a companion asked, “Dewen, is that the Jiang guy?”

Chen Dewen responded with a grunt and glanced over. “See that girl? Keep an eye on her for me. If possible, find a way to drag those two idiots down with us!”

Chen Dewen’s father was one of the three deputy directors of the food factory and had grown up in the same family compound as Jiang Chengxu—one a top student, the other a troublemaker. They had been sworn enemies since childhood.

To Chen’s parents, Jiang Chengxu was the ideal child of another family, and Chen Dewen was their punishment.

To Chen Dewen, Jiang Chengxu was a hypocrite and a show-off.

“Who’s that girl?” his companion asked, glancing over.

“She’s Jiang’s future sister-in-law,” Chen Dewen smirked.

“No way, that’s impressive!” his companion looked again. “Alright, I’ll watch her for you. You’re leaving tomorrow?”

“Yeah, it’s in your hands now.” Chen Dewen felt gloomy. Being sent to the countryside wasn’t a good thing, especially when his enemy was still living well in the city.

After leaving, Xu Qinghuan returned the two liang of ration coupons and eight cents to Zhou Xinyan—not because she insisted, but because no one these days would casually eat someone else’s rationed food.

This wasn’t the future where many people wished they could waste half their food; leftover meals from the night before were absolutely taboo.

Farmers barely had enough to eat, while city folks paid high prices for grain. Everyone was starving to the point of skin and bones.

“No, if you dare give me that, that’s it between us. If you pass, I’d rather go to the countryside than buy your job,” Zhou Xinyan said, feigning anger.

“I’m heading to the countryside soon. If you want me to treat you later, there might not be another chance. Think carefully—your treat is a one-way street,” Xu Qinghuan said with a smile.

“You look down on me, huh?” Zhou Xinyan frowned, unhappy. “It’s a shame—we just met and are about to part ways. But no matter where you go, remember you have a friend in me.”

“All right!” Xu Qinghuan replied solemnly.

In the story, the original protagonist never took the lighting factory’s exam, so naturally never met Zhou Xinyan. The novel contained many minor characters; Xu Qinghuan only knew the general plot and paid little attention to the fates of these small roles. She didn’t even know if Zhou Xinyan truly existed.

Moreover, from the moment Xu Qinghuan decided to break off her engagement and go to the countryside, the story’s plot had already begun to unravel.

She didn’t dwell on it—she would let things unfold naturally.

At two o’clock, the two arrived at the lighting factory gate, where a crowd had already gathered. Exam candidates were present, along with some onlookers. Jiang Chengxu and Xu Manman were there too.

The personnel department official holding a red paper full of names approached. The gatekeeper carried a bowl of batter and a brush to paint on the wall. The official pasted the list on the wall. From top to bottom, Xu Qinghuan’s name was first, followed by Qian Xingguo, then Zhou Xinyan.

“Xu Qinghuan? How’s that possible?” Kong Lijuan’s eyes widened in disbelief when she saw her own name near the bottom of the list.