Chapter 55 Rumor

Chapter 55 Rumors

"I think I heard someone call Xie Xinyi's name," Ms. Liu said, momentarily stunned.

"I think I heard it too," Xiao Jiang echoed, her laughter fading.

As the few of them stood in a daze, enthusiastic applause erupted around them.

Cui Jun quickly asked Guo Xiufang, who was in front of him, "Who did the host just announce? Was it Xie Xinyi from our team?"

"It was your team's Xie Xinyi," Sister Guo clapped her hands, more excited than anyone. "Xie Xinyi, hurry up and go on stage, what are you standing around for?"

Xie Xinyi was indeed stunned. She thought she had heard her name, but she couldn’t quite believe she could win the Outstanding Employee award.

She sat frozen in place, unable to react for a long time, until Ms. Liu and Xiao Jiang came over to hug her, and Sister Guo even turned around and gave her a thumbs-up to congratulate her. Only then did it truly sink in that she had been honored with the Outstanding Employee title.

Amid the roaring applause, Xie Xinyi was cheered onto the stage, where Fang Mingan personally presented her with the award.

Someone in the audience who didn’t recognize her asked, "Who is that? She seems like a new face."

"You don’t know her? That’s Xie Xinyi!" someone who had previously sought Xie Xinyi's help with new product evaluation introduced her. "The girl who was selected twice for the R&D team."

"I feel like I’ve never seen her in the factory before."

"It’s normal not to have seen her. The factory complex is huge, and she’s only been here for a couple of years."

Only two years at the factory, selected twice for the R&D team, and now an Outstanding Employee!

Someone noticed her age.

"She looks at most eighteen or nineteen. How did someone so young win Outstanding Employee? What were the judges even looking at?"

"And Director Fang personally gave her the award. Pretty faces always get special treatment."

The gossiping individuals were from the Nonstaple Food Workshop, sitting right behind the Ice Pop Team. Ms. Liu heard every word clearly. She turned and glared at them, then raised her voice above the applause and said, "If you don’t have the skills to win an award yourself, don’t question others’ abilities. Clucking away like a bunch of hens, so irritating."

Xiao Jiang heard it too, but her voice wasn’t as loud as Ms. Liu’s. She also turned and glared at the gossipers, then grabbed Ms. Liu’s hand, which was about to slap someone, and comforted her, "They just can’t stand others doing well. There’s no point arguing with people like that. Let’s just focus on celebrating."

"Right, why bother with them? They’re just a bunch of sour grapes."

Cui Jun raised his voice and cursed. As soon as he finished, Xie Xinyi returned with her prizes.

She didn’t know what had just happened. Seeing that Ms. Liu and Xiao Jiang seemed upset, she handed the ceramic basin she had just won to Ms. Liu.

"Here, sis, take it home for your family to use."

She shoved it into Ms. Liu’s arms without giving her a chance to refuse, then turned and handed the enamel mug to Xiao Jiang. "This is for my future godchild to drink water from."

Xiao Jiang was immediately sidetracked. "Couldn’t it be a godson?"

She gave Xie Xinyi a teasing look. "Besides, this cup is so big. How is my son supposed to drink from it?"

"He'll hug it and drink."

As soon as Cui Jun said this, everyone around burst out laughing, and the earlier tension instantly vanished.

After the awards were handed out, it was time for the factory director and deputy factory manager to give their closing speeches.

Fang Mingan stood on stage, leading everyone in reviewing the year's progress, then guiding them in looking ahead to the future.

By the time all the events concluded, it was already 10:30 PM.

Xie Xinyi walked out with Ms. Liu and the others, debating whether Cui Mama or Xie Xinyi should host the celebration tomorrow.

Earlier, no one had expected Xie Xinyi to win the Outstanding Employee award this year, so everyone had counted on Cui Mama.

"This advanced team award isn’t given to me personally. Why should I treat everyone?"

Although Cui Jun verbally refused, his hands were already honestly digging in his bag. "Alright, I’ll only buy two jin of White Rabbit candy. Xie Xinyi can cover the rest."

He handed the money to Xie Xinyi, grumbling about everyone picking on the honest ones.

"Hahaha, honest people? Mama, you've got the wrong idea about yourself."

Xiao Jiang couldn’t help but laugh. After all, with so many people in the workshop, if Cui Jun only contributed two jin of White Rabbit candy and left the rest to Xie Xinyi, she’d be cleaned out.

She jokingly complained about Cui Jun’s stinginess and was about to say that Xie Xinyi was the one being bullied, but when she turned around, she saw a familiar figure standing at the factory gate.

"Xie Xinyi, your guy really can’t stand to be apart from you for even a moment. He comes to pick you up every day."

Ms. Liu also noticed Gu Yu standing by the guard booth.

Since they had met a few times and had even bravely saved Big Chen together, Ms. Liu was no longer as intimidated by Gu Yu as before. She could even occasionally read his mood and crack a joke or two.

Today was the factory’s annual gala, and Uncle Wang had taken his wife to check out the excitement at the auditorium.

The guard booth was closed, so Gu Yu had nowhere to wait inside. He stood nearby, smoking while waiting for Xie Xinyi.

Seeing that his mood seemed okay—not as dark as when Xie Xinyi was drunk—Ms. Liu took the initiative to greet him.

"Gu Yu, you’re here! We were just saying we’d get your Xie Xinyi back to you first."

Gu Yu had already put out his cigarette the moment he saw Xie Xinyi. Hearing Ms. Liu’s words, he pushed his bicycle forward and even gave a brief nod to Big Chen and Cui Jun.

"Your Xie Xinyi is amazing. She’s only been at the factory for two years and already won an Outstanding Employee award."

Cui Jun was a natural socializer. Although this was his first time meeting the legendary Cold-Faced King, seeing the other party nod in greeting, he readily started telling him about Xie Xinyi’s award.

As for Gu Yu, he clearly hadn’t expected Xie Xinyi to win an award today.

Some time ago, the girl had mentioned that her factory would hold a year-end gala, and he had recently seen her frequently practicing with a song list on her bed, nodding off like a chick pecking grain. But she had never mentioned anything about an awards ceremony at the gala—not even a hint.

He tilted his head to look at the girl now standing beside him, holding a towel and a folded award certificate, listening casually as her team leader talked about her achievement as if it were nothing.

Gu Yu clenched his jaw in frustration. After Big Chen told them to travel safely and left, he lowered his head to look at the girl again.

"You won an award?"

Xie Xinyi was holding the money Cui Jun had given her to buy candy, planning what to get tomorrow, completely unaware of the jealous tone in his voice. She casually handed him the last remaining towel. "Yeah, this is the prize."

An off-white towel, with the words "Outstanding Employee" printed in bold red letters at the bottom.

Gu Yu took it and glanced at it. "Just a towel?"

Earlier, he had seen Ms. Liu and Xiao Jiang holding enamel basins and cups also printed with "Outstanding Employee" and figured Xie Xinyi must have given hers away. But when he asked the question, the girl suddenly stopped walking.

"You saw those?"

Gu Yu stopped short, not quite grasping what his wife meant, when Xie Xinyi continued, "I noticed we have plenty of these awards at home, so I thought I’d give them to Ms. Liu and Xiao Jiang."

"...Um, you’re not reluctant, are you?"

Although the award was hers, this was an era where married couples were considered one unit—whatever belonged to either should ultimately become part of their shared life.

Xie Xinyi assumed Gu Yu had seen the items in Ms. Liu and Xiao Jiang’s hands and asked coldly if all she got was a towel.

Assuming he was displeased, she stopped to explain properly. However, the man just snapped sarcastically, "Why would I be reluctant?" and said nothing more.

Xie Xinyi was left confused, unable to figure out whether he was actually reluctant or not.

Oh well, she thought, it’s better not to guess a man’s thoughts, or you’ll only end up doubting yourself even more.

Xie Xinyi didn’t want that, so she didn’t respond to his remark.

The two walked home without another word. By the next morning, the man had already disappeared.

She didn't care to figure out what was wrong with him; all she knew was that she urgently needed to replenish her energy.

At the party the night before, she had barely eaten anything and was now ravenous. She headed straight to the kitchen to find some food, completely unaware that Wen Shuhua was on the living room sofa, proudly showing off the towel Xinyi had won to Luo Jinxia over the phone.

"...Yes, Outstanding Employee. Apparently, she’s the youngest award winner in their factory, and her team also received the Advanced Collective award this year."

Wen Shuhua examined the towel from every angle in her hands, a proud smile on her face, beaming as if she'd won it herself. Even Luo Jinxia on the other end of the line couldn’t resist teasing her, joking that she might enshrine the towel.

"You’re right! I almost forgot. I should go tell Grandma and find a place to display Xinyi’s award certificate and prizes."

Spurred by Luo Jinxia’s comment, Wen Shuhua sprang into action.

She quickly hung up and went to find Grandma Gu, who was busy in the vegetable garden.

The two quickly agreed on where to place the award certificate and prizes and were just heading to find a place when they saw Xie Xinyi walking out of the kitchen holding a plate of pancake rolls.

"Grandma, Mom, what are you two up to so early in the morning?"

Xie Xinyi noticed the two hurrying along but had never seen them move with such purpose, especially early in the morning when Grandma Gu was usually tending to her garden.

Before they could answer, she spotted the towel in Wen Shuhua’s hands.

"Isn’t that my—"

"Yes, your Outstanding Employee award. Your grandma and I plan to find a place to preserve it properly."

Wen Shuhua avoided mentioning "enshrining," afraid Xie Xinyi would call her superstitious, and instead said "preserve."

Xie Xinyi, unaware, didn’t comment but felt it was unnecessary.

"How is it unnecessary? This is your first award!"

Wen Shuhua clutched the towel like a precious treasure, as if afraid someone might snatch it away, which made Xie Xinyi want to laugh. "Mom, I’ll win more in the future."

"That’s different," Grandma Gu chimed in. "This is the first award in our family."

Alright, Xie Xinyi couldn't win against both of them. She had important business to take care of later.

Xie Xinyi took the money from Cui Jun the night before and went to the department store.

Since everyone had specifically asked for White Rabbit candy, she bought five pounds of it. She also bought two pounds of the recently popular fruit candies. She had intended to buy two pounds of crispy candy as well, but it was sold out.

"Is there really none left?" she asked the female clerk sitting behind the counter filing her nails.

"No. Maybe you can ask if she's willing to share some of the treats with you," the clerk replied impatiently, glancing at the person standing next to Xie Xinyi. "Her family member is heading back to Shanghai tomorrow and has been craving this."

The clerk wore a stern expression, her tone sharp and sarcastic, as if implying Xie Xinyi hadn't paid or didn't have a relative in Shanghai who enjoyed such treats.

That's why she never liked dealing with shop clerks, whether in this era or in the future.

Fortunately, she didn't absolutely need to buy it today, so she didn't follow the clerk's suggestion to ask the person beside her. Instead, the person next to her, hearing her voice, called out, "Sister-in-law? Is that really you? I thought I might have mistaken you for someone else."

Xie Xinyi looked up at the sound and saw Zhang Juan smiling as she stood there.

"What a coincidence!"

Xie Xinyi smiled and greeted her. As they chatted, they walked outside together. Xie Xinyi then learned that the family member the shop clerk mentioned who was returning to Shanghai was Ma Dakui.

"Isn't he staying until after the New Year?" she asked.

"He said something urgent came up at the company, so he has to go back," Zhang Juan said, sweeping her hair back, her eyes full of tenderness as she spoke.

Xie Xinyi suddenly recalled the time Zhang Juan had bravely gone to the military factory to lodge a complaint.

Indeed, when someone has protection, who would want to have to act tough?

She smiled and said goodbye to the girl. Before leaving, Zhang Juan grabbed two large handfuls of brittle candies from her bag and gave them to Xie Xinyi.

Xie Xinyi asked her to wish Ma Dakui a safe journey, then put the candies in her bag and strode toward the factory area.

But as she reached the factory gate, she could tell something was off about the atmosphere today.

From the gate to the workshop entrance, everyone passing by was looking at her. When she glanced back, they all avoided her gaze, whispering to each other.

Unlike the previous rumors about their work team winning the advanced team honor, these people were clearly discussing her personally.

Puzzled, Xie Xinyi headed toward the workshop. As she passed by the Yuanxiao Team, the pointing and staring intensified.

Wherever she went, everyone looked at her with odd looks, and some even whispered about her right in front of her.

"I always said she got in through connections, but none of you believed me."

"I believed you! It's just that Sister Guo, Short Ruler, and the others kept saying she was capable. Turns out it's this kind of capability."

"Just look at her face. What decent person looks like that? There's something fox-like and seductive about her."

"Exactly. Take Big Chen from their workshop—have you ever seen him smile at any other woman? Did he ever smile at you? Or you?"

"Definitely not at me. Not only did he never smile at me, but I've been in the same workshop as him for almost eight years, and we've never even exchanged a word. But that day, I saw Big Chen smile at her no less than ten times. Ten times!"

The person remarked, looking at Xie Xinyi with disdain. Even those who had previously sought her advice lowered their heads and avoided her gaze.

Confused, Xie Xinyi was about to go to the work team to ask Ms. Liu what was going on when Xiao Jiang, who had just arrived at the workshop, quickly pulled her into the work team.

"Xiao Jiang, you're just in time. I wanted to ask—"

She let Xiao Jiang pull her along, still wanting to ask if the other knew what was happening with everyone else. But the next moment, Xiao Jiang interrupted her and pulled her straight to the work team's small storeroom.

The small storeroom was in the back corner of the workshop, quiet and rarely used.

Xiao Jiang led her there and made sure no one was around before speaking in a hushed tone and saying, "Do you know you've become the talk of the factory?"

Xie Xinyi was already baffled, and after hearing Xiao Jiang's words, she was even more confused. "What kind of influential figure?"

"You really don't know?"

"No, I don't!" Xie Xinyi replied blankly.

Xiao Jiang took a deep breath, then said angrily, "Someone started spreading rumors after you won the Outstanding Employee award, saying it wasn't earned honorably—that you relied on... on..."

She hesitated for a long time, unsure how to phrase it to minimize the harm to Xie Xinyi.

"This morning when I came to the workshop, I saw those with loose tongues from the Sweet Rice Ball Team huddled together. I edged closer to eavesdrop and found out they were talking about you yesterday winning the Outstanding Employee award."

After careful consideration, Xiao Jiang tried to put it as gently as possible, but Xie Xinyi still caught on.

"Are they saying I used backdoor connections?"

"Yes," Xiao Jiang nodded. "They said you used your family connections to take opportunities that should have gone to others, and even this award was because you used backdoor connections."

Otherwise, how could someone who'd only been here for two years outshine veterans with over a decade in the factory and win the Outstanding Employee award?

She had taken what the senior workers felt entitled to, and even those who joined around the same time as her were green with envy.

When Ms. Liu and Cui Mama heard the gossip this morning, they immediately went to Director Fang's office to complain. Even Big Chen, who never usually spoke up for anyone, lost his cool right then.

"She earned that award with her own skills! What are you all gossiping about? If you have what it takes, go use backdoor connections yourselves and see if Director Fang will give you any special treatment!"

Xiao Jiang was specifically left by Cui Jun to tip off Xie Xinyi. She recounted everything that happened in the workshop this morning, imitating Big Chen's mannerisms, her anger unmistakably clear.

"Those people are just jealous!" she said pointedly, growing angrier as she spoke. "They don’t have the skills to win awards, so all they can do is gossip behind others' backs. They even said you have loose morals and improper conduct, that all you know how to do is..."

At this point, Xiao Jiang seemed to realize she’d spoken too much and suddenly stopped, closing her mouth.

"All I know how to do is what?" Seeing Xiao Jiang flushed and silent, Xie Xinyi asked coldly, "Are they spreading rumors about my personal life?"

"What do you mean by 'rumors about my personal life'?"

Xiao Jiang clearly hadn’t heard the term before. Xie Xinyi explained, "You know, saying I have questionable morals, that I have some shady secrets with male comrades, that kind of thing."

Earlier, at the entrance of the Sweet Rice Ball Team, she’d heard people talking about her being seductive and Big Chen smiling at her—wasn’t that just implying her award wasn’t earned honestly and she relied on her looks?

Such comments were always followed by malice toward women, spreading harmful rumors, commonly known as slut-shaming.

Xie Xinyi patiently explained to Xiao Jiang, her initially indifferent expression gradually turning cold.

She could tolerate people saying she used backdoor connections—after all, the truth would prevail, and the best way to deal with rumors was ignoring them. But spreading rumors about her having inappropriate relationships with male comrades? That, she couldn’t stand.

"It must be that Short Ruler! I heard from the Sweet Rice Ball Team that he was supposed to be nominated for Outstanding Employee this year," Xiao Jiang fumed. "A while back, I even saw him whispering with his mom by the back door. He must’ve complained to her. That pathetic shortie—a grown man shameless enough to spread rumors about a woman!"

She launched into a tirade against Short Ruler, but Xie Xinyi didn’t think he was the main culprit. "He’s someone who used backdoor connections himself. He wouldn’t dare accuse others of doing the same."

"Then who could it be?" Xiao Jiang narrowed her eyes in confusion.

"I don’t know yet."

Rumors spread like wildfire, and finding the source to solve the problem at its root was indeed difficult.

Xie Xinyi comforted Xiao Jiang, advising her to keep calm. Since they couldn’t find the source of the rumors, it was better to stay still and respond to changes with consistency.

As for how far the rumors would spread, that was beyond Xie Xinyi’s control.

Cui Mama and Ms. Liu returned from the office and tried to comfort her, but Xie Xinyi wasn’t bothered. "You can’t bite a dog back just because it bit you."

She smiled reassuringly and took out the candy she’d bought that morning from her bag. "Forget about all that. Didn’t you ask me and Cui Mama to treat everyone? Here, have some candy."

Seeing she was unfazed, the others dropped the subject.

As Xie Xinyi said, you can’t bite a dog back just because it bit you.

Everyone relaxed a little and crowded around. Even the temporary workers who arrived later each received a few White Rabbit candies.

As everyone split into small groups to discuss when the factory would break for Chinese New Year, Cui Mama pulled Big Chen aside. "Xie Xinyi secretly added her own money to what I gave her. Did you know?"

He had glanced at the candy on the counter—two full bags, not just White Rabbit but also new fruit candies and even some crispy sweets.

Cui Jun had often brought White Rabbit candies for the factory workers before. He wasn’t foolish—he knew exactly how much the money he gave her last night could buy.

But he couldn’t ask Xie Xinyi directly. After working with her for two years, he knew her personality better than anyone. If he asked whether she’d added her own money, she’d definitely make up excuses and deny it. So Cui Jun approached Big Chen, who had been standing near the two bags of candy, and said directly, "I can’t win this argument with her, but we need to stand up for her in other ways."

They had reported the rumor to the office this morning. Although the higher-ups promised to find the rumor-monger quickly, Cui Jun felt their efficiency was always poor. Rather than waiting for their investigation, it was better for their team to take matters into their own hands.

In fact, the moment he heard the rumor, he had a few suspects in mind. After sharing his suspicions with Big Chen, he discussed with Ms. Liu and Xiao Jiang in the afternoon about conducting their own investigation.

While they were discussing how to find the rumor-monger, over in the office, Director Ou couldn’t help but say, "I said at the time that this was inappropriate. Xie Xinyi hasn’t been at the factory long enough. Giving her the award was bound to make many people unhappy."

"But you agreed to it back then."

Yuan Kang was already stressed, and hearing Director Ou’s hindsight criticism made him scoff. He immediately retorted, "I agreed because Old Liu kept advocating for her."

Director Ou, unwilling to take responsibility, shifted all the blame onto Old Liu, who had strongly supported Xie Xinyi. This angered Yuan Kang, who had been helped by Old Liu in the past, and he was about to start arguing when Director Fang cut in with a single sentence: "Now is not the time to blame each other. We need to find a way to resolve this issue at its root."

When Director Fang added Xie Xinyi’s name to the list for the award, he had anticipated this outcome.

The main issue was that Xie Xinyi hadn’t been at the factory long. Although she was capable, skilled, and had outstanding achievements, there were many senior workers who had never been recognized. They didn’t care what she had done—all they saw is a newcomer being awarded while they, after years of hard work, had received nothing. It was only natural they’d feel resentful.

Fang Mingan had expected this to happen. But after the incident with Minister Jia and his wife, he believed that sticking to old conventions and prioritizing seniority had to change.

So when Old Liu suggested giving young people more opportunities, although Fang Mingan had reservations, he still added Xie Xinyi’s name under pressure.

"Comrade Xie Xinyi’s award followed all proper procedures. If anyone has objections, let them come to me directly."

This was his way of standing firmly on Xie Xinyi’s side.

Director Ou fell silent, but Yuan Kang was still worried. "Should we issue a notice highlighting Xie Xinyi’s outstanding achievements during this period?"

"Only for her?" Fang Mingan countered.

This year, there were twenty-two awards in total: five model workers, five advanced collectives, and twelve Outstanding Employees.

Xie Xinyi was the last one added. If they only highlighted her achievements and ignored the others, wouldn’t that be like protesting too much and pushing her back into the whirlpool of controversy?

Fang Mingan wanted to protect Xie Xinyi, but this was definitely not the best way.

Director Ou also felt issuing a notice was inadvisable. "Everyone already thinks we’re showing her favoritism. If we issue a notice in the office’s name, wouldn’t that just confirm to everyone that Xie Xinyi used backdoor connections?"

Although Director Ou had always felt the award was inappropriate, her criticism was directed at the situation, not the person.

Xie Xinyi knew perfectly well that her performance stood out, and she also knew that Old Liu's words weren't solely directed at her personally.

The factory needed reform, and the rules required improvement. She understood the considerations behind what the factory management was doing; she understood, but did not agree with them.

Haste makes waste, she thought—this matter should be handled step by step rather than rushed headlong without regard for consequences. Moving too quickly would not only fail to achieve the desired outcome but also lead to a dilemma.

At the moment, everyone was buzzing with complaints about Xie Xinyi being picked as top performer. As those handling the incident, the only safe approach was to do nothing.

Rumors stop with the wise.

Only by not intervening, not showing favoritism, and letting time prove the truth could the matter work itself out.

Fang Ming'an also felt this was the best solution at present.

But Yuan Kang saw things differently.

Time could prove everything, but relying just on time wasn't his style.

Yuan Kang was not one to sit back and wait. Moreover, he knew how much Old Liu valued Xie Xinyi.

The old man had finally gotten over what happened before, and Yuan Kang didn't want these rumors to cause him harm again.

If those people loved spreading rumors, he'd give them a taste of their own medicine, having their gossip blow up in their faces.