Back to the 1970s: Building My Fortune Through Time Trading

Chapter 201: Winning the Bid

Half an hour later, Su Xiaoxiao and Zhang Dongmei’s teams had both finished their shopping and returned.

Upon returning to the competition site, they found that Wang Jianmin’s team had already started cooking.

The three hurriedly put down their things and got to work.

The cooking speed on both sides was quick; soon, two tables filled with dishes that looked and smelled great were ready.

However, upon comparison, it was clear that Wang Jianmin’s dishes looked better and were more abundant.

Zhang Dongmei looked smug and said, "How about it? Do we even need to compare? Isn’t it obvious who won and who lost?"

Zhang Dongmei’s team made five dishes and a soup, each packed in large enamel bowls.

Liu Cuilan’s team also had bowls filled to the brim, but they only had three dishes and one soup, and the meat in them was significantly less than that of the other team.

Both sides spent the same amount of money, so there shouldn’t be such a big difference.

The spectators were discussing animatedly.

"Although both teams seem equally skilled in cooking, given the variety and quantity of dishes, it’s clear that Chef Liu’s team is winning."

"Indeed, this table could easily serve ten people, maybe even three to five more young men."

"It’s a pity; without the other team’s comparison, this team’s effort would have been quite impressive."

Amidst the chatter, someone suddenly brought up, "But did Chef Liu’s team really buy all these things with just one yuan?"

This comment was quickly drowned out by the conversations, and few people noticed it.

Su Xiaoxiao also observed the situation; judging by the meat quantity, it certainly didn’t just cost one yuan.

It’s obvious that Wang Jianmin spent most of his money on meat, and the vegetables were likely gifted by others.

In a sense, they were skirting the rules.

By this time, several judges stood between the two tables filled with food, discussing for a moment before Yan Guohua looked at Wang Jianmin and asked, "Mr. Wang, I have a question for you before the final selection."

Wang Jianmin thought the leaders were impressed by him and wanted to ask about contracting the cafeteria, so he proudly glanced at Liu Cuilan and confidently said, "Please feel free to ask, leaders."

Yan Guohua said, "Were all these dishes bought using the specified amount of money?"

Wang Jianmin’s mind was prepared for how to present himself well to the leaders, but he didn’t expect this question from Yan Guohua.

He initially planned to honestly say that some dishes were gifted by acquaintances, but in the end, he confirmed, "Yes, General Manager, these dishes were bought with the money tickets you provided. To be honest, I didn’t even spend all of them; there’s a little leftover."

He said, pulling out a dime and several food coupons from his pocket, placing them on the table.

Yan Guohua glanced at the money tickets on the table and simply nodded, saying nothing further.

In Liu Jianhua’s eyes, this seemed to affirm him, boosting his confidence further, convinced that he was certain to win the cafeteria contract.

While he was contently thinking about this, Yan Guohua stopped in front of Liu Cuilan.

He first glanced at Su Xiaoxiao behind her, smiled, and nodded before asking Liu Cuilan, "Ms. Liu, I have the same question for you: Were all these dishes bought using the specified amount of money?"

Liu Cuilan nodded, "Yes, but when buying vegetables, the meat stall seller gifted me a piece of fatty meat, which I set aside separately and didn’t use."

Upon hearing this, Yan Guohua noticed the piece of fatty meat on the cutting board, also nodded, and returned to stand between the two tables.

He cleared his throat and announced, "I declare the winning bid for the department store cafeteria contract goes to..."

Liu Jianmin believed he was certain to win, arrogantly raising his chin, while Zhang Dongmei had the same expression, waiting expectantly for Yan Guohua to announce the result.

Liu Cuilan felt a bit nervous, turning to ask Su Xiaoxiao, "Xiaoxiao, should I not have mentioned the fatty meat earlier?"

Su Xiaoxiao held her hand reassuringly, "Mom, don’t worry. Our Manager Yan is very fair and just, and speaking the truth, you didn’t do anything wrong."

Xu Zhaodi quietly comforted beside them, "Aunt Liu, Xiaoxiao said it doesn’t matter whether we win; as long as we participate, we’ll get the deposit back. As long as we get the money back, it doesn’t matter if we’re not selected."

With their reassurances, Liu Cuilan instantly felt less tense.

Just then, Yan Guohua’s confident voice rang out again, "The winning bid goes to Ms. Liu and Ms. Xu’s team."

Liu Jianmin was almost ready to jump for joy but suddenly realized that Yan Guohua hadn’t named him.

His face immediately turned dark.

"Manager Yan, clearly our team’s dishes were better, so why is the bid awarded to them? I’m not convinced."

Upon hearing his words, Yan Guohua looked at him slowly and replied, "Our tender announcement had two requirements for the winning bidder: excellent culinary skills and personal integrity. You failed in honesty, as those dishes were clearly gifted out of favor, yet you didn’t mention it."

"But... they gifted me, didn’t I still save money for our department store..."

Wang Jianmin tried to explain, but Yan Guohua had no patience to listen further.

Ignoring Wang Jianmin, he stood on the podium and loudly announced, "Since there are no objections, from tomorrow onwards, our department store cafeteria will be managed by Ms. Liu and Ms. Xu."

He finished speaking, then smiled at the two and said, "Please, let’s have the winning bidders come up. Everyone, give a warm welcome."

Upon hearing they had to go on stage before so many people, Liu Cuilan and Xu Zhaodi immediately felt weak.

Neither had spoken before such a large audience in their life.

Seeing them appear as if heading to the execution ground, with pleading eyes fixed on her, Su Xiaoxiao rubbed her brow and said, "I’ll go up instead, so stop looking at me like that."

Saying so, she quickly stepped forward.

Yan Guohua had always had a good impression of Su Xiaoxiao, and seeing her step on stage, smiled and said, "Comrade Su, you can speak on behalf of your mom and sister."

Su Xiaoxiao had thought it was just a formal appearance, quickly done, but didn’t expect she needed to give a speech.

After pondering for a moment, she cleared her throat and began, "First, I want to thank you on behalf of my mom and my sister for the opportunity given by the leaders and everyone."

After speaking, she bowed deeply to the leaders and the audience, then continued, "We promise to uphold the cafeteria’s role, providing affordable and quality dishes, maintaining integrity, and striving for all department store employees to enjoy delicious meals."

Just after she finished speaking, a mocking voice suddenly came from the crowd.