Chapter 351

Chapter 351

She looked at Bai Xiuxiu worriedly. "If I help you, will it affect my life now? Xiaobai, I don’t want to get mixed up with them.

I’ve finally found some stability, and you..."

"Sister Zhang, don’t worry. They won’t know your address. I’ll arrange for you to go somewhere else. You just need to tell the truth. Once you’ve told the truth, they’ll get the punishment they deserve.

Even if they eventually find out, I’ll help you handle it.

Bai Xiuxiu continued to plead with her.

Sister Zhang hesitated. "Even if I don’t agree to help you, they’ll probably find me soon anyway. When they do, they’ll ask you to give testimony on their behalf, to prove that the hardships you endured were all voluntary.

But Sister Zhang, were you really okay with that?

That work that wasn’t part of your job, and the complaints you received because of it.

The suffering you endured..."

Every word from Bai Xiuxiu cut deep.

Sister Zhang’s eyes turned red, and her fingers trembled. She wiped her face. "I..."

"Sister Zhang, if you choose to testify for them to protect your peace of mind, then I won’t do anything further. But if you choose to tell the truth, then you’ll be doing what’s right, and I’ll find peace."

Bai Xiuxiu tried to reassure her again.

"I will tell the truth, don't worry. Before, I was forced to help them with their work. Director Gao wanted to help me, but I was too scared. I was worried that it would only make things worse for me at work. They...

I know that speaking out might lead to different consequences, but I don't dare to take the risk.

It was tough for me at the community office.

After I was transferred away, you took over and were forced to deal with the mess I left behind. You’ve got the guts to stand up to them, and I really appreciate that. I should be thanking you."

Sister Zhang sighed. Although she was terrified of the situation, she also knew that if she lied out of fear, it would cause trouble for this young woman.

If those two were to create obstacles for Bai Xiuxiu in the future, wouldn't that just create another person in her situation?

"Thank you, Sister Zhang. I will resolve this matter as soon as possible and try not to affect your life." Bai Xiuxiu was very grateful to her. If the other woman had been brave enough, she would have reported the issue herself long ago.

Her fear had allowed those two to control her, and even after being transferred, she didn’t want to confront them.

Telling the truth and risking conflict was a huge test for Sister Zhang.

"It's okay. Have you eaten yet? If not, you can join Director Gao and me for lunch," Sister Zhang forced a smile.

"No need. I've already brought my own meal," Bai Xiuxiu declined firmly.

Sister Zhang didn’t seem like the type to enjoy a lot of social interaction. Plus, food is hard to come by these days. If we ate here, it would be too much trouble.

Director Gao in the room had the same thought. After being repeatedly invited by them, she quickly came out.

It looked like Bai Xiuxiu and Sister Zhang were done talking.

"Did you finish talking about the issue with Xiao Zhang, Bai Xiuxiu?"

"Yes, it's done. Should we head back now, Director?" Bai Xiuxiu replied with a question of her own.

"Alright, I'll take you back." Director Gao said, glancing at Sister Zhang again.

She sighed softly. "Zhang Jie, if you have any difficulties in the future, let me know. We've been colleagues for quite some time, and your issues..."

"Thank you, Director." Zhang Jie interrupted before Director Gao could continue.

On the way back with Director Gao, she quietly mused, "Bai Xiuxiu, was Xiao Zhang being bullied when she was at the community office?"

Bai Xiuxiu remained silent.

Director Gao's tone didn't seem like she was expecting an answer.

"Honestly, I know what's going on, but I couldn't get her to open up, no matter how much I tried. She doesn't want to talk to me about it. I'm in charge of you all, but I need a reason to help.

If she doesn't speak up, I can't do anything.

Did you come to see Zhang Jie because you're being bullied too?

If that's happening to you, you need to be brave and let me know.

I don't want the staff at the community office to change too frequently. It's not a good thing.

The work at the community office is tedious, and it directly affects our neighbors.

Once there's a change in personnel, we need to find someone new to take over, which slows down efficiency.

It disrupts many people's daily lives.

Like... Grandma Yang, for example."

Director Gao frowned as she gave her advice to Bai Xiuxiu.

She had high hopes for Bai Xiuxiu and didn't want her to be afraid to speak up about such matters.

"Thank you for your concern, Director. I'm not being bullied. I just wanted to talk to Zhang Jie to understand some things." Bai Xiuxiu politely thanked her, starting to understand why Director Gao hadn’t addressed the issues with Lin Yan and Lu Fang.

Because she didn’t want too much turnover in the office.

However, at least one of them should consider moving on.

Otherwise, having both of them around would just create problems for everyone else.

Back at the office, Director Gao suggested they head to the cafeteria together.

Bai Xiuxiu declined, "Director, I've brought lunch from home."

Seeing her refuse, Director Gao didn't insist but still reminded her, "We have fresh bread at the cafeteria. Even if you don’t eat here, you can grab some steamed buns to take home.

Your family can enjoy them too."

"I'll head to the cafeteria first."

With that, Director Gao waved and headed off.

Bai Xiuxiu returned to the office.

As soon as she entered, she saw Lin Yan and Lu Fang were there too.

The moment they saw Bai Xiuxiu, they glared at her like she was their worst enemy.

Bai Xiuxiu wasn’t fazed. She heated her meal and was about to eat.

Seeing that Bai Xiuxiu was ignoring her, Lin Yan took the initiative. "Bai Xiuxiu, can we have a proper talk?"

Bai Xiuxiu looked at her and waited for her to speak.

Lin Yan cursed under her breath but kept her tone polite. "Bai Xiuxiu, I know you're smart. I admit, what we did to Sister Zhang back then wasn't right.

But that’s all in the past now, and Sister Zhang is fine.

Besides, she’s not even related to you. The work we left for her, you didn’t do it either. We did it all.

You haven’t lost anything, so why not just let it go?

Don’t worry, we’ll make it worth your while.

If you agree, Lu Fang and I will each give you one hundred yuan, alright?

A hundred yuan is a lot of money. It would take us a year to save that much."

Lin Yan was about to take out the money.

"Sister Lin, as you said, I'm not a fool. If I take your money now, I’ll lose any leverage I have later on. What if you turn around and bully me again? If I go to Director Gao...

And then you tell Director Gao that I took your money.

In Director Gao’s eyes, I won’t look good either.

I’m here to work seriously, and I don’t want to end up like Sister Zhang.

Honestly, seeing both of you here together makes me feel uneasy."

Bai Xiuxiu declined Lin Yan’s money.

Lin Yan’s face darkened even more.

Bai Xiuxiu wasn’t going to be swayed by threats or bribes.