Chapter 87: The Foreigner Arrives

Chapter 87: The Foreigner Arrives

Tang Yuan and Feng Chen spent their days at Provincial University learning foreign languages and returned to the Cannery dormitory at night to continue their studies. They even memorized vocabulary and practiced simple conversations while eating.

Zheng Yingju was astounded by their dedication. Did they really need to be this intense?

If it were an act, they were too convincing; if genuine, it made him feel utterly useless.

In the days Tang Yuan and Feng Chen attended Provincial University, Zheng Yingju initially tried to keep up with them but couldn't last more than two consecutive days.

He believed he wasn't cut out for learning foreign languages; it was too difficult.

The sounds of English and Japanese were like gibberish, and he had to learn both. What kind of brain could handle that?

He only managed to attend classes for two days a week, fearing Professor Cheng would think he was slacking off. He pretended to be busy but still came to study occasionally, hoping not to be called upon by Professor Cheng. He tried to stay in the corner and minimize his presence, which led to very slow progress.

Professor Cheng didn't bother testing him anymore, instead telling him to ask Tang Yuan and Feng Chen for help since they were doing well enough to assist him.

This made Zheng Yingju resent Tang Yuan and Feng Chen even more. He complained to his wife, who then spread rumors around the factory, saying Tang Yuan and Feng Chen were overstaying their welcome.

They weren't factory workers, so why should they be allowed to eat and stay there? Wasn't this a burden on the Cannery?

Secretary Wen criticized the gossiping workers and reprimanded Zheng Yingju as well.

Zheng Yingju quickly found an excuse to go on a business trip south to meet Director Lu.

Secretary Wen repeatedly praised Tang Yuan and Feng Chen's dedication in meetings, encouraging everyone to follow their example, which sparked a wave of enthusiasm for learning.

Many illiterate workers began enrolling in literacy classes or night schools, or learning from their children, hoping to read newspapers and announcements themselves.

One day, Tang Yuan and Feng Chen rode their bicycles to Provincial University.

The bicycles belonged to workers living far from the factory. They rode to work in the morning and returned home after dinner in the evening, some even working night shifts.

Tang Yuan borrowed a bicycle from a worker on night shift. When she offered money, they refused, so she planned to repay them with local specialties like mushrooms, wood ear fungus, and smoked meat.

"Feng Chen," Tang Yuan whispered as she pedaled.

"Hmm?"

Tang Yuan nodded towards someone. "There's a foreigner over there."

In major cities of China after the year 2000, it was common to see Europeans, but in this era, they were rare.

Shanghai, Guangzhou, and the capital saw more foreigners, but smaller cities rarely did.

Feng Chen looked in the direction she indicated and saw a short man with brown hair taking photos of a well-dressed Chinese person.

This was the first time Feng Chen had seen a fair-haired, pale-skinned person. Even in his previous life, such people were rare at the base.

As they rode, he said, "That guy isn't very tall."

He wasn't even taller than the Chinese person beside him.

Zheng Yingju had boasted that Europeans were typically 1.85 meters tall because they drank milk and ate plenty of meat from childhood.

Tang Yuan whispered, "He looks less than 1.7 meters tall."

The Chinese person next to him was over 1.8 meters tall, making him seem even shorter.

In those days, many men in China were just over 1.6 meters tall. In rural areas, 1.7 meters was considered tall, and 1.8 meters was rare.

Men like Feng Chen, who were tall and strong, were highly valued in the countryside, which is why he was despised for not working in the fields and was often called a lazy good-for-nothing.

As they rode, they suddenly heard someone shouting "Thief!" followed by "Help!" in a mix of Chinese and a foreign language.

Tang Yuan's hearing wasn't as sharp, and she could only vaguely hear the commotion.

Feng Chen said, "The foreigner might be in trouble?"

Hearing this, Tang Yuan immediately braked and jumped off her bicycle. "What happened?"

Feng Chen explained that he heard someone shout "HELP," which no Chinese person would do.

Tang Yuan turned her bike around. "Let's go check it out."

Back then, there was no hesitation to help someone in need on the street.

They rode back and soon heard the foreigner speaking a mix of English and French.

Tang Yuan and Feng Chen locked their bikes and hurried over. "What's going on?"

She asked in English if they needed any help.

The foreigner's eyes lit up, and he quickly blurted out a few English words.

Feng Chen said, "His companion is sick."

It was past working hours, and most adults were at their workplaces, while the elderly were at home looking after children and doing chores. Only a few children who didn't go to school were playing outside.

Ivan von couldn't carry his sick, overweight companion alone, and there were no taxis nearby. With only a few children around, he was desperate.

Seeing Feng Chen, a strong man, approach, he rushed forward as if he'd found a lifeline.

Feng Chen declined the handshake, stepped forward, and squatted down to perform first aid on the sick Chinese man.

The man had suffered a sudden heart attack and might have died if they had arrived any later.

Using his knowledge from his previous life and special techniques, Feng Chen massaged the patient and searched for medication, asking the foreigner where the medicine bottle was.

Ivan Fenglian mixed French with English, indicating that Lin Fulong didn't have his medicine, which was back at the hotel.

He had taken his medicine this morning before leaving!

It was all because of that damn thief who not only robbed him but also tried to kill him, causing Lin Sheng to suddenly fall ill!

Lin Fulong woke up, and his condition wasn't good; he needed to be sent to the hospital immediately.

This area wasn't a station or a hospital, so there weren't any pedicabs around.

Feng Chen briefly questioned Lin Fulong, confirmed that he could hold on, and then took him to the nearest Provincial University Affiliated Hospital.

Tang Yuan initially wanted Ivan to take her, but realized he was shorter and thinner than she was, so she decided to take him to the hospital instead.

On the way, Ivan Fenglian repeatedly thanked her and introduced himself and Lin Fulong by name.

His accent was heavy, and his English was riddled with mispronunciations, making it difficult for Tang Yuan to understand him. She only caught their names and decided to call him Feng Ivan.

It was just easier that way.

At the hospital, Lin Fulong received enthusiastic and thorough treatment, as they were foreign guests from Hong Kong and Europe, and the hospital naturally treated them with utmost importance.

Seeing that they were in good hands, Tang Yuan and Feng Chen wanted to slip away quietly.

"Hey, wait." Feng Ivan came out with his broken English, gesturing to ask for their names and insisting they not leave without giving them.

Under his insistence, Tang Yuan had to tell him her and Feng Chen's names.

Feng Ivan then asked for their contact information, saying he wanted to thank them on behalf of Lin Fulong.

Although his English was poor, it was understandable.

Tang Yuan could communicate in English well enough to understand him.

She expressed the hospitality and respect of the Chinese people, emphasizing that Chinese people are naturally warm-hearted and willing to help others in need, so they shouldn't feel obligated.

Feng Ivan still insisted on having her write down their names and contact information on his business card.

Tang Yuan hesitated, feeling like it was akin to seeking rewards for doing good deeds.

But since he insisted on thanking them, she gave him the information.

She knew that for some people, not expressing gratitude would cause them constant worry, feeling indebted until they repaid the favor.

They would probably invite her and Feng Chen to a fancy restaurant for a meal and give them a generous gift.

Ivan Feng waved goodbye as Tang Yuan and Feng Chen left, then returned to the ward with the business card.

The nurses had already admitted Lin Fulong and started an IV drip.

Lin Fulong looked pale but was no longer in immediate danger.

He exhaled deeply, realizing how close he had come to death. If not for the timely rescue, he might have died here.

He and Ivan had met up in Hong Kong and traveled to the mainland to attend the Guangzhou Trade Fair. He left his secretary to handle business in Guangzhou while he brought Ivan to visit his father's hometown.

Unexpectedly, they encountered a robbery!

It was unbelievable!

The robber tried to rob them in broad daylight, wielding a sharp knife. When Ivan refused to let go of his wallet, the robber threatened to use the knife.

In a critical moment, he hit the robber with his camera, only to receive a hard elbow to his left chest, triggering his heart attack.

Ivan Feng: "Lin Sheng, I demand that you report this to the police and request elite protection from China. I suspect someone is trying to assassinate me!"

Lin Fulong was stunned, gently pressing his left chest, his voice weak: "Really?"

This wasn't Europe or even Hong Kong; it was mainland China. Who would hire an assassin here?

"That... was just a robber. If it were an assassination attempt, it would have been easier in Guangzhou or on the train north."

Ivan Feng was convinced his cousin had hired an assassin, even in distant China. "This means I can't return home casually. I need more bodyguards!"

Soon, the hospital contacted the local police station, and two officers in blue and white uniforms arrived to investigate.

Ivan's frantic report was incomprehensible to the officers.

In the end, Lin Fulong, still hooked up to an IV, reported the incident, emphasizing his suspicion of an assassination attempt and requesting police protection.

Initially, the officers thought the daylight robbery of a foreign guest was a disgrace to the country. Now, hearing the guest's own suspicion of an assassination plot, they found it more plausible than a random robbery.

"Please rest assured; we will report this to our superiors and catch the hired criminal immediately."

Lin Fulong relayed Ivan's request, "We are willing to pay for skilled officers to provide personal protection."

Ivan nodded vigorously, "Yes, if two aren't enough, make it four. It must be personal protection!"

The officers agreed.

While they couldn't provide police officers, they could report to the military sub-district and request soldiers for protection.

After the officers left, Ivan talked to Lin Fulong about Tang Yuan and Feng Chen, emphasizing his surprise.

"Her English is better than mine, which is unbelievable!"

"The handsome guy with the same surname as me must know martial arts. He did something like this..." he gestured with his hands on Lin Fulong's chest, "and you woke up."

Lin Fulong spoke fluent French, "When I'm discharged, we'll host a banquet at the hotel to thank them properly."

Ivan nodded repeatedly. "Yes, we should also send a gift of thanks."

Lin Fulong: "I brought some gifts when I came to my father's hometown. There are two Rolex watches, several necklaces and bracelets from Chow Tai Fook, and a few boxes of chocolates. These should convey our gratitude."

Ivan thought this was appropriate and also asked the public security officers to go to Tang Yuan and Feng Chen's workplaces to express his thanks and praise them.

Tang Yuan and Feng Chen arrived more than an hour later than usual.

Professor Cheng knew their personalities; if they had something the next day, they would inform him in advance. Even if there was an emergency, they would call.

No news meant they must have encountered an unexpected situation on the way. He was a bit worried, fearing that they might have had a sudden illness or something similar.

In the second class, he saw Tang Yuan and Feng Chen sneak in through the back door, and only then did he feel relieved.

After class, Professor Cheng walked towards the back, where Tang Yuan and Feng Chen were waiting to explain the situation.

After listening, Cheng Xianian smiled. "You are both kind-hearted people. This is a good deed."

He then asked if the robber had been caught.

He was quite angry about it. Seeing a foreigner and assuming they were rich, then robbing them—it truly tarnished the country's image.

Tang Yuan: "The robber ran in the opposite direction. There weren't many people around at the time, only a few children, so we couldn't ask them to chase after him."

Saving lives was more important, and she couldn't chase after the male robber herself as a girl.

Cheng Xianian said, "It's fine. Robbing a foreign guest will definitely draw government attention. When all the public security officers mobilize, it won't take long to catch him."

Since Cheng Xianian had no classes afterward, he took the two home with him.

Every time they went home, he first answered their questions, then taught new lessons based on their progress. Afterward, they studied on their own while he worked.

Pei Xiu'e would quietly accompany them.

At first, Tang Yuan felt a bit uncomfortable, but knowing that Pei Xiu'e missed her children and had transferred her affection to her and Feng Chen, she overcame her unease.

Now she enjoyed spending time with Pei Xiu'e, finding her gentle and quiet, just like the ideal mother she imagined.

At noon, she and Pei Xiu'e cooked together.

She brought a few defective canned goods from the factory, sliced them, and stir-fried them with dried tofu and scallions, making a hearty dish.

In late autumn, the vegetable garden had no fresh vegetables left, and the state-run market mostly sold cabbages and radishes. Tang Yuan taught Pei Xiu'e how to make spicy pickled cabbage and sun-dried radish strips.

Pei Xiu'e enjoyed doing things with her but was also concerned about distracting her from studying.

Tang Yuan smiled. "Teacher, learning needs balance. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy."

Pei Xiu'e giggled, her wrinkles filled with warmth.

In the evening, Tang Yuan and Feng Chen bid farewell and rode their bikes back to the factory. However, they ran into someone familiar at the university gate.

As they passed by, Tang Yuan suddenly braked, startling Feng Chen.

He immediately stopped and put his foot down. "What's wrong?"

Tang Yuan: "I just saw someone familiar. Did you see them?"

Feng Chen shook his head.

Tang Yuan turned her bike around and rode back, spotting a somewhat familiar figure.

It was Xia Xiaoguang.

She called out, "Xia Zhiqing!"

Xia Xiaoguang was walking briskly with her backpack, and hearing someone call her "Xia Zhiqing," she instinctively responded, then paused in confusion.

Turning around, she saw Tang Yuan on her bike and exclaimed, "Tang... Teacher Tang?"

Tang Yuan laughed. "No need for 'teacher,' just call me Tang Yuan. What are you doing here?"

Generally, students recommended by the brigade mostly entered agricultural colleges. Those with average grades returned to work, while those with excellent grades were assigned to units like the County Agriculture Group, seed research institutes, or fertilizer factories.

Xia Xiaoguang and Tang Zhongping were both at the Provincial Agricultural College.

Xia Xiaoguang explained with a smile, "Our college barely teaches foreign languages. The Provincial University has a dedicated foreign language department, so I come here to sit in on classes, borrow books, and study with some students who are good at foreign languages."

Tang Yuan praised her, "Xia Zhiqing, you're amazing! You really love learning!"

Xia Xiaoguang blushed slightly. "Apart from studying, I don't excel at much. How about you?"

Tang Yuan briefly explained her situation.

Xia Xiaoguang was surprised yet not surprised, and complimented them, "You're even better learners than I am."

They exchanged compliments for a couple of minutes and then laughed together.

Xia Xiaoguang wanted to invite them for dinner, but Tang Yuan declined. They agreed to study together sometime and then parted ways.

Knowing that Xia Xiaoguang was actively learning foreign languages on her own, Tang Yuan was both surprised and touched.

People who are willing to change and strive upward are truly wonderful!

Xia Xiaoguang received a stipend for attending the Workers, Peasants and Soldiers University. She saved part of her monthly allowance to repay the food debt she owed to the brigade.

She had repaid it all last year.

Knowing her upright character, Tang Yuan greeted her. If it had been a different type of urban youth who didn't want to associate with rural people once in the city, Tang Yuan wouldn't have approached her.

The two of them returned to the Cannery together, still needing to rush to the canteen for their meal.

When they ate at Professor Cheng's house, they didn't pay with money or food tickets, as Pei Xiu'e refused to accept any.

Naturally, Tang Yuan didn't want to eat two meals there; she always left a bit earlier in the evening so that Professor Cheng and Pei Xiu'e could have things simpler.

The consumption of food by four people and two elderly individuals was certainly different, especially since Feng Chen had a big appetite. She didn't want to overburden her teacher's household nor let Feng Chen go hungry.

Upon returning to the factory, they first parked their bicycles in the shed and then went back to their dormitory to fetch their lunch boxes before heading to the canteen.

On the way, they unexpectedly encountered Zheng Yingju's wife, who stared coldly at them, her lips pursed almost up to her nose.

Tang Yuan ignored her. Previously, due to Zheng Yingju's connection, she would politely greet her, but the other woman would respond with cold sarcasm, secretly warning her not to have designs on Zheng Yingju.

"Really impolite, not even greeting us. You think you're so special, don't you? Can't stand not going out and showing off every day, can you? Learned a few words of foreign language and now you flaunt it in front of foreigners. Really makes you stand out!"

Feng Chen, with his sharp ears, heard this and wanted to turn around and confront her.

Tang Yuan held him back. "I'm hungry. What was she mumbling about?"

Feng Chen told her.

Tang Yuan was surprised. "How did she know?"

Could it be that she followed them out that morning?

Soon, she found out the reason.

Lu Jiankang came over to find them, smiling and saying, "Director Ma is cooking stir-fried pork at home and invited you both to join him."

Tang Yuan was surprised. "What good news? Is Director Lu coming back?"

Lu Jiankang nodded. "Yes, he called today and will arrive at the station in a couple of days. He asked us to arrange for someone to pick him up."

After discussing Director Lu's return, Lu Jiankang led them to Director Ma's house.

Lu Jiankang mentioned their heroic act, "You two are really something. After just a few days of learning, you can communicate fluently with foreign guests."

It turned out that at noon, two police officers from the Public Security Bureau came specifically to praise Tang Yuan and Feng Chen, thanking the unit for cultivating such excellent employees.

Secretary Wen wasn't at home, so Ma Huiyou received them, which left him quite puzzled.

These two could do good deeds even when they went out, couldn't they?

No, how long had they been learning for, and they could already communicate with foreign guests?

Ma Huiyou felt increasingly impressed by these two, believing they had a bright future ahead and that he needed to build a good relationship with them.

Especially with Director Lu returning, Ma Huiyou thought he should show an even closer relationship with Tang Yuan and Feng Chen.

Tang Yuan and Feng Chen could also see the internal power struggles among the Cannery's leadership. Although everyone faced difficulties together and tried to overcome them, each had their own interests and weren't entirely in harmony.

There was no avoiding differences, conflicts, and cliques wherever there were people.

Wasn't it the same with the Forward Brigade?

Of course, she wouldn't get involved in the Cannery's struggles. She'd just eat and stay out of other matters.

Sure enough, the next evening, Director Lu and his group returned to the provincial capital.

Besides Director Lu and several Cannery workers, there was also Mr. Yamaguchi, the president of a Japanese company, his secretary Sato, and their Chinese translator Wu Chaoqun from Guangzhou.

They first checked into the only high-end hotel in the provincial capital. The next day, they visited one of Yamaguchi's friends and then met with a provincial leader. On the third day, they came to visit the Cannery.

For these two days, the Cannery was on high alert, preparing as if receiving a national leader's inspection. Every corner, even those usually neglected, was thoroughly cleaned.

The path from the entrance to the workshops was lined with bright red flowers. Initially made of red silk, they were too expensive and were replaced with red cloth, which was still costly, so finally, they used red paper.

At each intersection, there were wooden blackboards with chalk drawings and welcoming messages, reading "Warmly Welcome President Yamaguchi of Japan to Our Factory."

Everyone at the Cannery took this visit very seriously, hoping to make a good impression on President Yamaguchi and secure a contract.

Director Lu's thinking was straightforward: Even if you don't like our factory, given our sincere reception, wouldn't you sign a contract out of friendship and respect?

Once we start, if the Japanese citizens enjoy our canned goods, they might keep ordering more.

Even if the order isn't large, it still brings in foreign exchange, doesn't it?

With this goal in mind, the entire factory was prepared to welcome the guests warmly and meticulously, making them feel at home.

Tang Yuan silently prayed that this high-level reception would result in an order.

Foreigners had long enjoyed preferential treatment in China, and even after 2020, many people still held a favorable view of them, often idealizing their presence.

Even some institutions treated foreigners more leniently than their own citizens.

Given that the Cannery needed their orders, this preferential treatment was understandable.

They desperately needed new foreign orders.

Tang Yuan soon saw President Yamaguchi and Secretary Sato. They were punctual and had a friendly, humble demeanor, presenting themselves as neighbors who should help each other.

Director Lu and Secretary Wen personally accompanied them through the workshops.

Following Tang Yuan and Feng Chen's suggestions, the workshops made several minor adjustments to improve hygiene and efficiency.

They added steps such as shoe cleaning upon entry, nail checks, hand disinfection with alcohol, and full-body spraying with disinfectant after changing clothes.

President Yamaguchi smiled and nodded continuously, praising Directors Lu and Wen for their excellent management. He gave them a thumbs-up and repeated several times in Japanese how good it was.

Sato, the secretary, also smiled and praised in agreement.

Wu Chaoqun, however, raised his chin and looked down his nose at the workers, letting out a soft hum. "Not bad, I guess."

Zheng Yingju had wanted to flatter the foreign guests, but he didn't speak Japanese, and Wu Chaoqun was occupying the spots next to President Yamaguchi and Secretary Sato, allowing only Director Lu and Secretary Wen to approach. Whenever Zheng tried to get closer, Wu would deliberately bump him with his shoulder or glare at him with his narrow eyes from behind his glasses.

Zheng Yingju then urged Tang Yuan and Feng Chen, who were lagging behind the crowd, "Aren't you two good enough to communicate with foreigners now? Why don't you go introduce yourselves?"

Tang Yuan glanced at him. Now you're not afraid we'll steal your credit?

This is Director Lu's invited guest. She won't go over unless Director Lu calls her himself.

Only after Director Lu secures an order and stabilizes the business will their team be able to help the Cannery with processing.

However, she felt that Director Lu wouldn't proactively ask her and Feng Chen to interact with the foreign guests.

Yesterday, when Director Lu returned, Secretary Wen and Ma Huiyou introduced Tang Yuan and Feng Chen to him, praising their diligence and noting that they were learning foreign languages from Professor Cheng. They suggested that the foreign guests could be received by them tomorrow.

Director Lu had smiled and said okay, but today, when Director Lu and Secretary Wen waited for the foreign guests at the entrance, they asked their secretary and salesperson to join them, without including Tang Yuan and Feng Chen.

His silence spoke volumes, and Secretary Wen naturally didn't insist on bringing them along.

The two understood the situation and wouldn't force themselves into it.

Tang Yuan already had plans for the development of their team. They would start with a small-scale cannery. If they couldn't break into the international market, supplying the military and domestic market could sustain them for two years.

After reforms, with some capital built up, they could quickly expand production.

Compared to the Cannery, their team had advantages.

Team members weren't solely dependent on the Cannery; they had fields, mushroom greenhouses, medicinal fields, and livestock that could directly generate income. The Cannery was just a starting point, providing additional revenue for the team.

Loans weren't a concern either, as the government supported agricultural loans with interest-free periods. Other projects could also support the Cannery.

Of course, this was the worst-case scenario. Ideally, they would secure orders from foreign guests, making the Cannery fully operational right away!

They first visited the meat canning workshop, then the vegetable and fruit canning workshop, and by noon, they went to have lunch.

Director Lu planned a high-end reception and wanted to take them to Jufenglong for a grand meal.

President Yamaguchi smiled warmly and said, "Mr. Lu, let's eat in the canteen. Your factory is running hard, so there's no need to spend extra."

Sato nodded in agreement.

Director Lu and Secretary Wen looked at Wu Chaoqun.

Wu Chaoqun wanted a fancy meal and wasn't interested in the canteen food. He drawled, "President Yamaguchi understands your poor management and doesn't want to burden you. Let's eat in the canteen instead."

He glanced at Director Lu. How can you serve such simple fare?

It's a cannery; surely there's meat and vegetables?

As long as the cooking isn't terrible, it should be decent, right?

Director Lu, of course, had made arrangements and had set the menu with the chef yesterday. He planned to invite Yamaguchi to a restaurant, expecting a refusal, and then suggest the canteen.

They invited President Yamaguchi and his team to the private room on the second floor of the canteen.

Secretary Wen hinted, "Tang Yuan and Feng Chen are learning Japanese from Professor Cheng, and he always praises their progress. Perhaps..."

Originally, he wanted to invite Professor Cheng to assist with translation, but Director Lu refused.

Director Lu said that President Yamaguchi brought a translator who had a temper and might sarcastically imply distrust if he asked for another translator.

To avoid conflict, Director Lu decided to tolerate it.

He thought about having Professor Cheng check the contract later.

The factory didn't have dedicated export order handlers because their export business was minimal, mainly focused on Southeast Asia, where the guests spoke Chinese and didn't require translation. Export documents were handled by government personnel, requiring only an accountant to interface.

President Yamaguchi was their first proper foreign guest.

He glanced around and spotted Tang Yuan, who was blocked, but Feng Chen, being tall, was easily visible.

He hesitated, "All right."

This translator, Wu Chaoqun, was worse than a traitor, submissive to the Japanese but arrogant towards the factory staff. He suspected Wu hadn't translated properly.

President Yamaguchi had given a thumbs-up, yet Wu still looked displeased, saying it was just okay.

Thus, during the meal, Tang Yuan and Feng Chen joined their table.

Zheng Yingju, of course, didn't make the cut. He didn't go to eat but stayed outside, ready to help serve dishes.

Secretary Wen had Tang Yuan and Feng Chen sit next to him, while he sat next to Director Lu, who sat next to the foreign guests.

Tang Yuan was seated opposite Wu Chaoqun.

Wu Chaoqun eyed the two supposed language learners warily, glaring at Tang Yuan but not at Feng Chen, whose gaze was colder.

Before the meal, Director Lu had several flavors of canned meat brought out for the foreign guests to sample, hoping they would place an order if they liked it.

During his trip south for the trade fair, the factory developed several new canned meat recipes, producing samples specifically for the foreign guests.

Steamed luncheon meat, aromatic luncheon meat, braised pork, new pork trotter and soybean cans, liver cans, and braised intestine cans.

Ma Huiyou and Xu Gaoshan personally opened the cans.

Wu Chaoqun, with a dissatisfied look, said, "Now in Japan, there are those high-end aluminum foil pouches for soft cans, which can be heated directly, very convenient and luxurious."

It hasn't been introduced domestically yet; only a few factories have purchased it for research but haven't started mass production.

Everyone tried to bear with him.

Tang Yuan sat quietly in her seat, not exchanging private words with Feng Chen, but rather observing subtly.

She noticed that whenever Wu Chaoqun acted arrogantly, President Yamaguchi would display a smug expression.

He always appeared humble and friendly, but beneath this demeanor, she sensed a hint of... hypocrisy?

She quickly closed her eyes, silently reminding herself not to jump to conclusions and to remain objective.

When tasting the canned food, she watched Sato devour the sweet and savory canned luncheon meat she had suggested, take a small bite of the richly flavored one, eat one piece of braised pork, and consume half a bowl of braised tripe!

President Yamaguchi sampled each type as well.

Wu Chaoqun coolly ate everything.

Director Lu smiled and said, "President Yamaguchi, Mr. Sato, Translator Wu, what do you think of the flavors? Please give us more suggestions so we can improve."

Wu Chaoqun translated for Yamaguchi and Sato.

To Tang Yuan, Wu Chaoqun's Japanese carried a strong accent from a southern region, and his Mandarin wasn't very good either.

When translating for Yamaguchi and Sato, he conveyed the general meaning without direct translation.

Yamaguchi nodded repeatedly while listening, muttering, "Shōdesu ne—." He pointed at the richly flavored meat cans and said, "This meat's aroma is perfect for our market in Japan. This one is too sweet and doesn't suit our taste. The braised pork is fine, but the tripe..." He shook his head. "We don't eat offal in Japan. If we import it, no one will want it, and we'd have to sell it cheaply to the poor, who have no purchasing power."

Wu Chaoqun's eyes widened slightly, seemingly puzzled, and he turned to look at Sato.

Sato smiled and nodded, "Shōdesu ne—."

Wu Chaoqun immediately lifted his chin and repeated Yamaguchi's words to Director Lu and Secretary Wen, this time with a word-for-word translation.

"Ah?" Secretary Wen and Ma Huiyou were a bit surprised.

They looked at Tang Yuan.

What could Tang Yuan say?

Look at the plate in front of Sato; if he really wanted to be convincing, he should have eaten that piece of luncheon meat with artificial flavoring.

But she couldn't use that as an argument because it might just be Sato's personal preference. They could claim that the citizens of Japan love artificial flavors.

Do you know better than they do about their own citizens' tastes?

Director Lu acknowledged this and happily asked Ma Huiyou to remove the cans, then said to Secretary Wen, "Foreigners understand foreign tastes best."

The factory has been producing the richly flavored variety for years, and it wasn't for nothing, right?

Listen to a young girl change the recipe?

Fortunately, they only made samples and didn't start mass production.

Secretary Wen wanted to offer them canned food made from pigs from the Forward Brigade, but Director Lu declined.

Soon, the cafeteria staff began serving dishes. Although they didn't go to a restaurant, the food was still quite lavish.

Braised fish, braised pork, stewed pig knuckles, and braised tripe, among other hearty dishes.

During the meal, Tang Yuan noticed they picked at the tripe several times.

They would probably say the domestic market doesn't like it, but their tastes were peculiar, taking advantage of Director Lu's lack of experience abroad.

Information gaps can be deadly.

Throughout the meal, Yamaguchi kept expressing gratitude, thanking Secretary Wen, Director Lu, the chefs, and everyone else, casually praising Japan's situation.

"We may be rigid, but we strive for perfection in everything..."

Every time he said something, Sato would chime in with, "Hai, hai."

Wu Chaoqun would eagerly add praise, "That's the Japanese spirit of craftsmanship, striving for excellence."

On and on, the meal was filled with one person being humble, another saying "hai," and the third one praising.

Tang Yuan really wanted to remind them to be careful about safety in Fukushima, not to let leaks happen, and certainly not to dump nuclear wastewater into the sea...

After the meal, they had tea.

In those days, tea was served in large glass jars or white porcelain cups for officials.

President Yamaguchi began boasting about Japanese tea ceremony practices, going on and on.

Sato chimed in with "hai, hai."

Wu Chaoqun added various compliments.

Of course, except for Tang Yuan and Feng Chen, everyone else was impressed by President Yamaguchi's erudition and humility, seeing him as a promising foreign investor with no airs.

While drinking tea, Director Lu began discussing orders with Yamaguchi.