Chapter 113 Dong Shengping

Chapter 113 Dong Shengping

Su Taotao had indeed never run into Dong Shengping before, but there were stairs at both ends of the alley leading down, and since his house was at the far end, it was normal for him not to pass by her side.

It's better to do things sooner rather than later. After finishing her meal, Su Taotao hurried home to place the lobster in the coolest spot. She waited until Chenchen finished his nap before taking him to Dong Shengping's house.

Chenchen now really cares about the whole 'going out' routine. A small straw hat and a little backpack are essentials, and this time he also wanted to bring Bai Bai. Seeing it wasn't far, Su Taotao let him carry Bai Bai, but after just a few steps, Bai Bai ended up in Su Taotao's arms.

When will this kid grow up a bit and get stronger?

By the time they got to the last house in the alley, Su Taotao was soaked with sweat. She knocked on the door, and someone quickly came to answer.

The one-armed man who answered the door was just as Auntie Zhong had described—tall, clean, and full of integrity, with a clear and straightforward gaze, free of any shadow.

"Are you Comrade Dong Shengping?"

Opening the door to see a beautiful woman holding a child in one hand and a puppy in the other, Dong Shengping was first surprised, then quickly realized who she must be: "I am Dong Shengping. Hello, Director Su. Please come in."

He never expected Su Taotao to show up at his door.

Su Taotao wasn't surprised that he could guess her identity. The island isn't exactly small, but it's not that big either, and her family is quite noticeable, so most people know them.

The yard was neat and tidy, with a shed on one side, probably growing loofah or beans, as green vines covered the entire roof. Under the shed were various pieces of wood, with wood shavings and carpentry tools scattered on the ground.

The lush green shed looked really cool.

"Do you do carpentry?" Su Taotao asked.

Dong Shengping didn't close the yard door but opened it wider, using a brick to keep it from closing in the wind. He then brought over two small stools for them to sit under the shed, saying, "Just something to pass the time."

Dong Shengping looked at Chenchen and asked Su Taotao, "Is the handcart working well?"

Su Taotao looked at him in surprise, "So it was you who helped make it? It works great, thanks."

Su Taotao handed Bai Bai to Chenchen to take aside and play.

Dong Shengping shook his head, "No, I just helped adjust it and tweaked some details."

With only one arm, he couldn't manage such complex carpentry.

After the small talk, Su Taotao got straight to the point: "You probably know why I'm here. Our factory needs a guard. Can you handle this job?"

It was then that Dong Shengping really started to size up Su Taotao, starting from her straightforwardness—no pity, no sympathy, not even a second glance at his missing arm, treating him not as a disabled person but as a regular potential employee. If you think you can do the job, here's your chance; if not, I'll find someone else.

He thought she might at least offer some preamble, or perhaps some emotional appeal or sympathy.

But there was none.

Fairness and equality—that's what he had always wanted.

This was the first time since losing his arm that he had been treated so equally.

Yes, what he least needed was sympathy and charity.

His flesh and blood stayed on the battlefield, helping to win a war, which was the supreme honor of a soldier, his faith, his pride. He had never thought to use his military merits to gain any advantage in employment.

He didn't need it when he was whole, and he needed it even less now that he was missing an arm.

So he had turned down all jobs that offered him special treatment.

But now...

"What are the requirements for the guard post at your factory?"

Su Taotao looked at him intently: "Commitment to the job and a strong sense of responsibility are the basic requirements. The job involves various tasks, including protecting factory property and ensuring employee safety, making sure unauthorized personnel don’t enter the premises, and managing attendance. You need to be strict and fair; employees can't be late or leave early without a proper leave slip.

We are a well-organized and disciplined organization. Detailed job requirements will be outlined in the employee handbook, and each position will have different assessment standards, closely tied to the salary distribution ratio."

After hearing this, Dong Shengping looked visibly shocked.

In fact, he had recently heard some unfavorable rumors about her—that she was lazy and unyielding, that she became the factory director solely because of Fu Zhengtu, and that opening this factory was just a front to secure a job position.

Dong Shengping smiled. You can't believe everything you hear.

"I can handle it. When do I start?"

Su Taotao stood up: "Probably by the end of the month; the exact time will be posted in front of the canteen. Before you start, you'll need to sign a labor contract and attend a group orientation session."

Dong Shengping nodded: "Okay, I understand."

Su Taotao: "I gotta go now; I need to get back and cook. Chenchen, let's go home."

"Okay, mommy~~" Chenchen picked up Baibai and toddled over on his short legs.

Dong Shengping looked at the cute little kid, walked to the back of the shed, picked out the most suitable small basket, and handed it to Chenchen: "Here, this is for you; your puppy can ride in it."

Chenchen blinked, looking at the basket, then at Su Taotao.

Su Taotao took it and examined it: "Did you weave this yourself? The craftsmanship is excellent." It wasn’t clear if it was made from aloe or bamboo strips, but the surface was polished smooth, very light, and quite exquisite—just the right size for Baibai.

Dong Shengping still said: "Just something to pass the time."

Su Taotao handed the basket to the child: "Chenchen, put Baibai in there and say thanks to Uncle Dong."

Chenchen then reached out to take it, saying in a childish voice: "Thank you~~ Uncle Dong~~"

Then he put Baibai inside; it was a bit big now, but it would fit perfectly once Baibai grew a little more.

Baibai lay obediently in the basket, its little head resting on the edge. It was so cute that Chenchen absolutely loved it.

Carrying it back made Su Taotao feel a lot better; holding a fluffy puppy on such a hot day was no fun.

Dong Shengping watched them leave, feeling that life still held promise, or maybe it was time for him to think about becoming a father.

At home, Chenchen kept Baibai in the basket, sometimes placing it on a small stool, other times on the stairs. The kid was still wobbly on his feet, and the basket swayed as he tottered around with it. Every time Su Taotao thought he might drop Baibai, but each time it turned out fine, so she stopped worrying.

The uniquely shaped earthen oven had almost dried completely after a day and night of airing, and heating it would speed up the drying process.

As luck would have it, they had bought lobsters, and Su Taotao decided to roast them for the oven's first meal.

It must be said, this oven was off to a great start.

Su Taotao treated herself today by making white rice.

She also wanted to roast some sweet potatoes and regular potatoes.

The lobsters looked big, but there wasn’t much meat on them. Su Taotao only planned to roast the body parts, as the heads and claws had no meat to eat. She dismantled them to make a lobster soup, adding some winter melon and kelp, so there would be both soup and vegetables.

Right away, Su Taotao chopped up a bunch of garlic, fried it in oil until it was half-dry, then turned off the heat and mixed in some salt and soy sauce to make a simple garlic sauce.

Honestly, such garlic sauce would make even shoe soles taste good. She should have bought more oysters—they’re cheap and not a waste. A miscalculation indeed.