People can be released, but that doesn’t mean the matter is over. The local police station will keep an eye on this person and help him find his hometown and family.

The police had lifted the detention on Huang Pihu. After taking him out of the holding room, he remained calm and composed, neither angry nor speaking unnecessarily.

“Comrade Huang Pihu, if you run into any difficulties in the future, you can come find me,” said Wu Bin.

“Thank you,” Huang Pihu nodded and left.

Back at the Yumei Hotel, Wu Yumei hadn’t bought any groceries. The chef wasn’t around, and she couldn’t handle the business on her own. Sitting in the shop absentmindedly, she perked up as soon as she saw Huang Pihu return. She quickly went over and asked, “So, what happened? Is everything okay? Did you clear things up?”

“There wasn’t really anything to it. Did you buy the ingredients? How are we going to open the shop if you don’t get anything? You should hurry up and head to the market. As the boss, you should know the prices. I’ll make a list for you…” Huang Pihu was quite adept at gauging people’s needs. Since Wu Yumei cared so much about him, he took charge without hesitation, not even suggesting that he buy the groceries himself, instead sending the boss to do it.

Wu Yumei thought Huang Pihu was a solid, straightforward man. She didn’t want to make him buy black-market goods, but she didn’t realize that truly honest people wouldn’t deal in such things even if they did buy groceries. In any case, she drove her little rickety car and went to the market. The prices were a bit higher than the morning market, and the produce wasn’t the freshest, but it was good enough.

After completing her shopping, she returned to see the shop wide open, sunlight pouring in. Huang Pihu was sitting inside, with a cup of tea and a pack of cigarettes by his side, squinting in the sun, looking like a giant middle-aged lazy cat.

“Boss, we can’t do this alone. I suggest you hire another waiter,” Huang Pihu said. “There are always small chores that need to be done.”

Wu Yumei replied, “I can’t find a suitable person right now. The locals have high expectations and won’t work for others.”

Huang Pihu said, “I think it’d be best to bring Xiaohong back. Give her another chance.”

Wu Yumei remarked, “Has Kang Peng given up on her? I knew it, that girl’s really stupid. She got sold out and helped count the money for the people who sold her. Only someone as kind as me wouldn’t mind her being so dumb.”

She cursed her out freely, but she had already guessed that Xiaohong was eavesdropping from the kitchen. Sure enough, after a while, Xiaohong appeared, tugging at her clothes nervously, apologizing. Wu Yumei, seeing this, accepted the apology, since Xiaohong was someone she had brought from her hometown. She didn’t want to make things difficult for her and didn’t want to explain it back home.

With Xiaohong back to help, Huang Pihu no longer had to do any work himself. He didn’t know where he’d gotten two walnuts from, but he was now sitting there idly, playing with them while sipping tea, smoking, and basking in the sun. His feet were propped up on the table, bossing the two women around. He wasn’t just the boss—he was like a king.

And yet, neither Wu Yumei nor Xiaohong had any complaints. Initially, Wu Yumei had thought of Huang Pihu as a simple, honest middle-aged man. But after witnessing his heroic actions when he saved someone the day before, her first impression transformed. He now seemed like a man with a rich, hidden past—someone who was deep and full of stories. Her sympathy turned into admiration. Xiaohong, even more so, had an admiration for him three times that of Wu Yumei’s.

By around 11 in the morning, Yi Leng was still resting when he saw his sister-in-law and her daughter arriving. He quickly got up, assuming they had come to thank him for saving Nuan Nuan.

His guess was correct. Xiang Bing felt that, since the chef had saved Nuan Nuan, they should show their gratitude in some way. The two of them had discussed the matter the previous night. Normally, they would have given gifts, perhaps sending a banner or money! But Xiang Bing still had debts on her Huabai account, and Yi Nuan Nuan didn’t have any savings. Banners seemed too tacky, and as for gifts… buying tea leaves or Eight Treasure Porridge? That wasn’t something worth showing off. In the end, Xiang Bing decided to express her thanks through taking care of business. After all, aside from her main job, she was a food blogger and restaurant reviewer on Weibo.

So, as she walked in, she was filming with her phone. On the screen was a greasy middle-aged man’s face—the chef of the Yumei Hotel, Huang Pihu. His appearance today was a far cry from the heroic one she had witnessed yesterday when he smashed the window to rescue someone. Today, he looked tacky, a little sleazy, holding a cigarette and playing with walnuts, with none of the previous charm or grandeur.

“Here you are,” Huang Pihu greeted them. “Come in. What’s all this stuff?”

Xiang Bing looked at the box in her hand with suspicion, saying, “Oh, this is a table lamp I bought for someone from Jiangbei Ikea. After eating, I’ll have to deliver it.”

Huang Pihu didn’t feel awkward at all. He waved for them to come in and order.

However, the menu wasn’t on the table. The old menu had been set when Kang Peng was the chef. Now that it was Huang Pihu’s turn, everything had to be replaced, and they hadn’t decided on the new one yet. But Xiang Bing, who considered herself a food connoisseur, didn’t need a menu. She waved her hand and said, “Just bring out your best, most expensive dish. Money’s not an issue.”

Huang Pihu chuckled. “Well, if you insist, I’ll show off a little.”

Xiang Bing took her phone into the kitchen to film. Upon entering, she was momentarily startled. She frequently visited restaurant kitchens, and five-star hotels usually had neat and clean kitchens. But small eateries were often a different story—there could be spider webs, dirty water everywhere, and sometimes rats running about. The kitchens used for takeout were particularly bad. However, the kitchen at Yumei Hotel was much cleaner than she expected.

Huang Pihu put on an apron, donned a hat, and began working like a whirlwind, skillfully lifting the frying pan with flames shooting high. The heat in the restaurant’s stove was much stronger than a home gas stove, and the ingredients quickly heated up, with moisture evaporating. That’s why dishes cooked with high heat and oil always taste better—they develop that wok flavor.

Xiang Bing filmed from various angles, satisfied with the material, and eagerly awaited the meal.

A large enamel basin was brought to the table. This was Huang Pihu’s first signature dish, something he had thought of after spending a night in jail. He had finally come up with this “Da Hong Pao” dish.

It was a large dish made with a whole chicken stir-fried in a special sauce. The chicken was marinated with a secret recipe, and the pan was heated with peanut oil, ginger, garlic, and scallions. After that, the chicken was stir-fried over high heat, with star anise, bay leaves, and Sichuan peppercorns added. A shot of white wine was poured in, followed by a generous amount of medium-hot, fragrant lantern peppers. Sugar, salt, and five-spice powder were added before the dish was finished off with sesame seeds. The bright red chili oil made it look mouthwatering.

Jiangwei, a northern coastal city, had many workers from the northeast, Sichuan, and Hunan regions, whose tastes were diverse. They loved spicy food, and the shipyard workers, who did heavy labor, preferred hearty, meaty dishes. This dish was specially created for them.

Xiang Bing and Yi Nuan Nuan stared at the enormous enamel basin, both in shock.

In Jiangbei, you couldn’t get a serving this large. Xiang Bing picked up her chopsticks and tasted the chicken. The spicy and numbing pepper flavor combined with a hint of sweetness, and the layers of flavor were immediately noticeable.

“It’s delicious!” Xiang Bing exclaimed. “It goes perfectly with rice or wine. You wouldn’t even mind a slap in the face when eating this!”

Huang Pihu brought over a plate of cold cucumber salad, placed a bottle of beer on the table, flicked the cap off with his thumb, and Xiaohong brought over a thermos of rice. “Eat as much as you want.”

Next came a non-spicy dish of shiitake mushrooms with oyster sauce and bok choy, followed by a dessert of deep-fried ice cream.

Yi Nuan Nuan, who loved sweets, particularly enjoyed this dish, where ice cream was wrapped in dough and deep-fried. It required precise timing, and Huang Pihu’s skill was just right.

The chef came out, grinning, and asked how the two ladies were enjoying the food.

“Absolutely amazing,” Xiang Bing said, giving a thumbs-up. “You didn’t skimp on the ingredients. I can tell—it’s home-raised, free-range chicken, no older than six months.”

Huang Pihu also gave a thumbs-up. “You know your stuff!”

He looked at his daughter and couldn’t help but feel a pang of sadness. It was Saturday, and Nuan Nuan wasn’t in her school uniform. The clothes she was wearing were ones that Xiang Mo used to wear—too big and hanging loosely on her.

His sister-in-law wasn’t dressed much better. She wore cheap Taobao clothes and didn’t even have a proper bag—just a random canvas tote.

"If she hadn't been imprisoned, if Xiang Mo hadn't had the accident, Nuan Nuan wouldn't be so lonely and helpless, with no one to rely on."

After finishing their meal, Xiang Bing went to pay, but the brother-in-law wouldn't take his money. Xiang Bing said, "If you don't take it, I won't come again."

Wu Yumei spoke up, "Don't argue about it, just give it a 10% discount."

Xiang Bing laughed, "As expected, the boss lady is straightforward." He paid the bill and pulled Yi Nuan Nuan along. "Let's go, boss."

It was as though they had all become a family with Huang Pihu and Wu Yumei. Wu Yumei didn't correct him and cheerfully saw them off, "Come again."

At the shipyard workers' canteen, Qin Dechang appeared in the food line. It was a common practice for the previous party secretary to eat with the workers, but Qin Dechang wasn't as down-to-earth. He wasn't the type to eat with the common folk but also wasn't one of those leaders who were so detached from the people. As a top leader, his time was precious, and in his view, waiting in line to get food was just for show.

However, some shows had to be made. After the fire incident, Qin Dechang keenly sensed the unrest and slackened discipline. He was fortunate that the fire happened outside the factory area, or if it had been in a key workshop, the losses and impact would have been much greater.

No one dared to sit at the same table with Qin Dechang, so he simply carried his tray and sat next to some workers, who were still talking animatedly. They hadn't noticed him sitting beside them.

They were discussing the fire rescue at the internet cafe, with one eyewitness excitedly saying, "If those people hadn’t helped, who knows how many would have died."

"Really? That’s definitely an heroic deed worth recognizing," a strange voice suddenly interjected.

One of the workers wiped the saliva from the corner of his mouth and said, "Of course," before turning around and realizing something was off. The man's work clothes were too neat, and when he looked closer, it was none other than Qin Dechang, the top leader. He was startled and nearly jumped up.

"Sit down," Qin Dechang said, pressing his hand on the worker’s shoulder to keep him seated. He asked in detail about the situation, and the worker explained again. Someone had pried open the anti-theft window, and someone else had pushed a large truck over to act as a cushion. Qin Dechang sighed deeply. The public had a strong sense of self-preservation, and it was a good thing someone had helped; otherwise, the death toll would have been shocking.

Qin Dechang immediately called his assistant, instructing him to arrange for a mission to find the rescuers and award them recognition to promote positive energy.

The assistant passed the task on to the administration department, which sent it to the publicity section. The publicity section didn’t have a head but had a deputy head named Mei Yuliang, who was handling things. Due to yesterday's fire, the entire administrative department was working overtime to manage public opinion.

Handling such delicate matters was something Mei Yuliang was quite familiar with. He called in the new recruit, Jian Xiaotian, and assigned him the task of interviewing the heroes of the fire rescue, writing an article.

Jian Xiaotian had graduated from the Chinese department of Huaimen Normal University. Though his university was not prestigious, he was clever and well-versed in the rules of the shipyard. He was good at flattering people, and his actual skills weren’t bad either. So, despite there being over ten people in the publicity section, all the work was left to him under the guise of "training newcomers."

After accepting the task, Jian Xiaotian went out in the afternoon to interview. He asked around the shops near the fire scene, and everyone knew that it was the new chef from Yumei Restaurant who had pried open the window, and it was a well-known local ruffian, Rou Mingrui, who had pushed the truck over.

Jian Xiaotian walked into Yumei Restaurant and saw a man sitting with his legs crossed, resting his eyes while cracking walnuts. He asked a few questions, but the man neither confirmed nor denied it. He only said that anyone who saw such a situation wouldn't stand by, but he didn't want to say more or accept an interview or have his photo taken.

Indeed, some people didn’t like to show off. Jian Xiaotian had no choice but to return to the office. After racking his brain, he wrote an article titled "The Everyday Heroes Around Us." He thought it was good enough to score 95 points, and happily took it to Mei Yuliang for review.

Mei Yuliang frowned as he looked at the article. It was clear he wasn't satisfied.

Jian Xiaotian asked, "Mr. Mei, do you want me to revise it?"

Mei Yuliang replied, "It's not about revising. It's about the nature of the article. Look, the fire at the internet cafe—it's the chef and the street ruffian who went to save people. Where were our factory workers?"

Jian Xiaotian replied, "They were probably eating and drinking."

Mei Yuliang almost laughed in frustration. "Xiaotian, you first need to understand one thing. Who is publicity for? Is it for our group company or for those outsiders?"

Jian Xiaotian understood instantly. The group’s publicity section was not like the media outside; they were on the factory’s payroll. Everything was for the purpose of promoting the positive energy of the shipyard. Once he grasped that, the task became much easier.

"Alright, I’ll go find a few more typical examples," Jian Xiaotian said.

"Good. Think it through," Mei Yuliang said, handing the article back to him and packing up to leave. He had two dinner appointments that evening and needed to rush to the next one.

The first dinner was at Shunfeng Hotel, one of the most upscale hotels in the shipyard area. A friend had invited the client to dinner, and as per the rules, a few local influential figures had been invited as well, including Mei Yuliang. The dinner hadn't started yet, and everyone was gambling in the private room. Mei Yuliang saw Yin Bingsong, a friend of over twenty years, with whom he had a good relationship. Both of them had daughters in the same class at the local secondary school, so their families were quite close.

The fire incident was widely discussed on TV, and Yin Bingsong’s daughter had been injured in it. Mei Yuliang casually asked about it, and Yin Bingsong replied that he had been at the scene when the fire broke out.

Mei Yuliang had a thought. Since Yin Bingsong worked in the factory and had been present at the scene, why not give him the honor of being recognized as a hero? After all, the reward should stay within the family. When he shared the idea, everyone applauded, and Yin Bingsong grinned with pleasure.

No one questioned whether the story might fall apart. Mei Yuliang had worked in publicity for years, expertly using tricks and tactics, and there was no risk of mistakes. Besides, the only people who might be affected were outsiders, and they were no threat.

"Is there a bonus?" Yin Bingsong joked. "If there’s no bonus, I’m not interested. If there is, we can all drink to it."

At Yumei Restaurant, the two tables of guests had just left, and Xiao Hong was cleaning up. Wu Yumei, seizing a rare break, entered the kitchen and said to Huang Pihu, "Old Huang, come stay at my place tonight."

Huang Pihu hesitated, "Boss, don't you think things are moving a bit too fast?"

Wu Yumei’s expression darkened. "Old Huang, what are you thinking? Are you trying to take advantage of me?"

Huang Pihu quickly explained, "Boss, I mean that you're already arranging a place to stay so soon. It's moving too fast, and the probation period hasn’t even passed yet."

Wu Yumei replied, "Fast or not, I decide that."

"Alright, I’ll follow the boss’s orders," Huang Pihu said.

Wu Yumei snorted and left with a swish of the curtain.

Then Xiao Hong saw the boss, while tapping on the calculator, swaying her hips and singing, "Don’t let me look around anymore, don’t make me guess every day, you’re my groom, and I’m your bride, awoo~~~"

[--------------------------------------------]

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