Rebirth: Splendid Marriage in the 80s Chapter 2528 - 2464: Actually a Sneak Attack

When Meng Xinian’s mocking laughter echoed from the doorway, Ding Haijing sprang upward like a fish leaping from the current, his temples throbbing with irritation.

"Meng Xinian! You, a distinguished Great Officer, actually resorted to a sneak attack!"

How was he to know that even with his attention distracted by holding Chiang Xiao’s hand, Meng Xinian would strike when he least expected it?

Meng Xinian chuckled, "Who ever claimed that being an Officer prohibits a sneak attack? Ding Haijing, I hadn’t realized you were quite so naive. Frankly, I am becoming concerned regarding your overall alertness."

Ding Haijing gritted his teeth in frustration.

What exactly was the issue with his alertness?

His vigilance was always meant for others; he simply never thought to direct it toward his own companion!

Had trusting Meng Xinian been his genuine error?

There was no room for doubt; Wei Yixi had once mentioned that those unacquainted with Meng Xinian might perceive him as cold, solemn, and rigid, with methods bordering on the ruthless. Yet, in truth, the man possessed a hidden, roguish streak beneath the surface.

Now, he had witnessed this firsthand.

Chiang Xiao struggled to contain her amusement. As she watched Ding Haijing’s features darken with mounting rage, she finally lost her composure and giggled.

Ding Haijing offered her a sharp, disgruntled glare.

"Listen here, Officer Meng, I will have my revenge. Eventually, I shall see you brought down a peg as well."

"Then you better pray that by the time you reach seventy or eighty, your limbs remain agile enough for the attempt," Meng Xinian replied, steering Chiang Xiao toward the vehicle while carelessly tossing a set of keys over his shoulder.

"Lock the door."

Tch!

Ding Haijing snatched the keys from the air, secured the door, and after watching Meng Xinian and Chiang Xiao settle into the backseat, resignedly slid behind the wheel.

Upon arriving at the medical center, it was Ding Haijing who stepped out to process the necessary documentation.

Having visited a couple of hospitals already, he had gained some familiarity with the process, yet he kept his gaze averted from Chiang Xiao as he returned to the car.

Because neither Chiang Xiao nor Meng Xinian broached the subject, he naturally refrained from asking.

Chiang Xiao then directed them toward Youqingwei.

Cheng Qiulian beamed with delight upon her arrival.

"The workshop is nearly prepared for the grand opening. I have successfully recruited the entire staff."

"The whole team is already assembled?" Chiang Xiao expressed her surprise.

She had assumed finding qualified help during this period would prove far more difficult.

After all, while men gravitated toward stable positions, the majority of women remained occupied with sewing, washing, and domestic labor. Her own standards for the staff were excessively high, and she had instructed Cheng Qiulian to monitor them for strict hygiene habits, a requirement that should have disqualified many.

Yet, against all odds, Cheng Qiulian had secured everyone needed.

"Most were recommendations from regular patrons, and I have personally vetted them all," Cheng Qiulian said, casting a playfully reproachful glance, "My dear child, you underestimate how enticing your proposed salary package truly is."

Even if the employment wasn’t strictly permanent, the prestige of being associated with a prominent tea house like Youqingwei, combined with wages surpassing those of standard factory workers and the promise of holiday bonuses, proved irresistible.

With such incentives, recruitment proved to be far from difficult.

Furthermore, the daily hours were limited to seven and a half, allowing them ample time to manage household duties or prepare lunch back home.

Consequently, finding staff was not the burden she imagined.

Chiang Xiao maintained that offering a premium wage was essential given her rigorous requirements. Each worker was mandated to sign a strict confidentiality agreement, ensuring not a single grain of flour or leaf of tea could leave the workshop, and the standards for cleanliness remained uncompromising.

"That is fantastic, Madam. Let us select a date and initiate the workshop launch."

"Agreed. There is one more detail I must share. I believe Old He possesses a natural aptitude for administration. Should we consider promoting him to gain further experience?"

"Old He?"

Old He had been with them for such a short duration, had he not? Could he truly be prepared for such management responsibilities?