CHAPTER 39: CHAPTER 39: SHE MUST BE DRIVEN AWAY!

The head chef held her back: "No way, if anything happens to you, how can we explain to the higher-ups? You can’t go."

"But Sun Chan just arrived; how would she know the terrain over there? What if something happens?"

Liu Qingshuang said: "I doubt she even went. No need to look for her. She’s probably hiding somewhere."

Yang Liu looked at Liu Qingshuang: "Don’t go too far. Saying awful things in lighter situations is one thing, but you dare talk like that when lives are at stake? If something happens, can you take responsibility?"

"It’s true! It’s pouring outside, and she goes out to show off right after arriving, clearly wanting to attract attention. How can people not talk?" She didn’t dare argue with Yang Liu, only muttering under her breath.

Just then, a little soldier ran in from outside, drenched in rain. He wiped his face: "We found Sun Chan; she asked me to let you know everything’s fine, no need to worry."

"Where is she?" Everyone asked simultaneously.

The man smiled: "Sun Chan found the old commander and is now at the infirmary. They even caught a thief together! The three of them are covered in mud, looking quite the mess!"

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief and was very pleased. So many people couldn’t find the old man, but only Sun Chan did, earning credit in the process. It’s an honor for our cafeteria!

Only Liu Qingshuang was unhappy, biting her lip. That damned girl, why is she so lucky? Had I known, I would have tagged along. She stole such a big achievement!

The master cook laughed: "Our cafeteria has something to be proud of this time; let’s make something tasty for Sun Chan!"

"Sure thing!" Yang Liu glanced at the sulky Liu Qingshuang and quickly ran over to prepare chicken soup. Being out in such heavy rain for so long is not a joke. She needs a good replenishment.

Sun Chan was running a bit of a fever, but fortunate for her youth, she recovered quickly. The old man was talking loudly in the neighboring room, laughter occasionally drifting over.

Sun Chan’s mouth twitched; this old man really is full of energy.

When Yang Liu arrived, she saw Sun Chan shaking, wrapped in two layers of quilts and clutching a hot water bottle, pale-faced.

Yang Liu took a thermos over, gently smacking her shoulder in concern: "You really scared us! Don’t do that next time!"

Sun Chan smiled and nodded: "Got it!"

Back then, who would have thought this old man had such energy? She thought he had dementia and wandered off, not realizing he had focused on catching that thief. Had she known, she wouldn’t have impulsively followed him.

Yang Liu smirked: "That old man was praising you just now."

Sun Chan was surprised: "He’s praising me?"

Wasn’t he always complaining I walked too slow and was timid, dragging things down? How could he speak so well of me?

"Yes, he said you’re kind-hearted, knowing there was danger ahead, yet still concerned for his safety, following him. Being such a good person."

Sun Chan smiled; this old man is truly a soft heart beneath harsh words.

Yang Liu said: "Now you’re more secured here, don’t pay attention to that nasty woman."

Sun Chan nodded slightly, feeling a bit sad. She always wanted to make friends wherever she went; why do some people just refuse to accept her?

She rested in the ward for several days, during which all the cafeteria workers came to see her, bringing food and words of encouragement, except Liu Qingshuang, who stayed sulking.

Liu Qingshuang was now anxious; she really wanted to get rid of this woman!

Her family was average, her parents not particularly capable, but her brother married well. Her entire family leaned on her sister-in-law for a long time to get Liu Qingshuang a job at this elderly care home.

Her sister-in-law was very displeased: "My father never bowed to anyone in his life, even during my job change, there was no worry. Now we’ve given my sister-in-law this chance, begging grandfather and grandmother, losing face entirely. Remember, just this once; we won’t handle her matters in the future, don’t expect anything."

Nobody uttered complaints despite her sour attitude; everyone remained thankful.

Liu Qingshuang’s future husband’s family in X City was average; his parents both teachers who retired early to pass on the jobs to their two children. However, her future sister-in-law was wild and crude, almost beat a kid to death at work, got fired, now unemployed, sleeps all day, starts arguments everywhere, and can’t find a partner.

The mother-in-law said, "Since you’ve managed to secure a job at such a good unit, can you find a position for her? Then she can live in the dormitory; when you and Gangzi marry, you can have a suite. Otherwise, after marriage, you’ll have to share a room with her, quite inconvenient."

Back then, housing was indeed tight, situations with four or five kids and a couple living in one room were real. It’s not much to have three people in a room, but who doesn’t want their own space, especially with such a troublesome sister-in-law underfoot. Better to have her out.

Most importantly, if she arranged work for her sister-in-law, she’d be of value to her in-laws, a show of contribution ensuring no mistreatment.

Liu Qingshuang promised with a firm chest tap; the cafeteria was short one slot, she guaranteed talking to management would get it. Who’d have thought before she could mention, the position was taken by Sun Chan, could she accept that?

Imagining her mother-in-law and sister-in-law’s sneers and ridicule, Liu Qingshuang fumed. Her chances were already elevated finding a teacher; they showed no warmth pre-marriage, how would her married life be? Besides, she heard, her fiancé was already secretly dating with the condition of securing employment for his sister. If he succeeded, would he even want her anymore?

After work, Liu Qingshuang didn’t go home, sitting by the courtyard’s flowerbed lost in thought, how to chase Sun Chan away?

At that moment, she spotted a woman in a white coat approaching from afar. Her face instantly lit with a flattering smile as she rushed over.

"Doctor Bai, you’ve returned. Here to see the old commander?"

The person wasn’t a stranger but Bai Fanglan.

She frequent visited here to provide free consultations for the elderly leadership, thus everyone knew her. Bai Fanglan was also in a down mood, only nodding slightly: "I heard the old commander got caught in the rain, I came to check."

"Your medical skills are superb, surely a quick recovery!" Liu Qingshuang continued shadowing, showing no discerning sense.

"Haha, you go about your business, don’t mind me." Bai Fanglan said coldly.