Deng Xiaojun shot her an annoyed glare. "For a farewell meal, who do you think should pay?"
Guo Youning couldn't be bothered to argue with him. She strode into the restaurant first and went straight to the ordering window. A small blackboard listed the day's dishes and prices, while the waitress stood behind the counter cracking sunflower seeds with an indifferent air.
The peak dining hours had passed, and there were few customers left.
In this era, being a waitress was considered a good job, ranked among the "Eight Great Professions," so their cold and arrogant attitude was quite common.
Guo Youning had long dreamed of trying the braised pork at the state-owned restaurant, so she ordered it first.
Just as the waitress was about to jot it down, she noticed Deng Xiaojun following closely behind and immediately changed her expression. "We're out," she said curtly.
Thinking she had come too late and the popular dishes were already sold out, Guo Youning settled for her second choice: Yellow River carp.
But the answer was still: "We're out."
"Kung Pao chicken."
"Out."
"Noodle soup with meat and egg."
"Out."
…
Guo Youning was dumbfounded. How could everything be out? A large restaurant like this couldn’t possibly have run out of even noodles. She began to sense something was off.
Deng Xiaojun, standing beside her, was also taken aback. "Are you doing this on purpose?" he complained. "Other people were just ordering these a moment ago."
The waitress tossed away a sunflower seed shell and snapped impatiently, "If I say we're out, we're out. If you're not ordering, move along. Don’t hold up other customers."
Fuming, Guo Youning stepped aside, cursing inwardly: What kind of service is this when you have nothing left to serve?
Just then, three young men in Zhongshan suits, pens tucked in their pockets and leather shoes on their feet, walked in.
The waitress immediately beamed, transforming into a picture of warmth. "Chief Editor Wang, Reporter Li, Reporter Zhang, what brings you here so late today? What would you like to eat?"
One of them nodded with a smile and began ordering: "One portion of braised pork, one Yellow River carp, one stir-fried seasonal vegetables, and three bowls of rice. It’s Chief Editor Wang’s birthday today, so we’re treating ourselves."
The waitress replied obsequiously, "Right away! I’ll have the head chef prepare it personally. It’ll be ready in no time. That’ll be 4.53 yuan, 2.5 jin of meat coupons, and nine liang of grain coupons."
As they paid, Guo Youning was livid. The favoritism was just too blatant! This was beyond endurance!
She raised her voice and said, "Well, well, waitresses these days really do judge people by their appearance! Ordinary folks can’t get anything they ask for, while officials get whatever they want. Does the slogan ‘Serve the People’ on the wall even mean anything anymore?"
The waitress, having obsequiously led the three men to a good table and handed their order to the kitchen, finally cast a contemptuous glance at Guo Youning.
"With your shabby look, can you even afford meat dishes? Don’t think just because you have a pretty face you can tag along with men for free meals."
Guo Youning glanced down at her faded plaid shirt and frayed blue pants. They were indeed a bit worn, but they were clean and tidy. How snobbish!
Wasn’t this era supposed to advocate frugality and simplicity? She had intended to keep a low profile, but she refused to be a pushover who took insults lying down.
She pulled a stack of money and coupons from her bag, slammed them on the counter, and declared arrogantly, "Who says I need to freeload? Even if I were, it’d be my own skill—none of your business, you meddler! Get your manager out here. I demand an explanation today."
Deng Xiaojun was also furious, glaring at the waitress, but the longer he looked, the more familiar she seemed. A flash of inspiration brought a shadow to his mind.
He spoke somewhat guiltily, "Are you Xu Xia, Peng Hua's cousin?"
Seeing that Deng Xiaojun had finally recognized her, Xu Xia shot a strange glance at Guo Youning.
She sneered at Deng Xiaojun, "How dare you go out eating and drinking with another woman? You've ruined my cousin! She impulsively quit her job at the textile factory and volunteered to go to the countryside. She's leaving for Heilongjiang Province the day after tomorrow. Are you happy now?"
Guo Youning put away her money and meal tickets, quietly stepping aside. So the differential treatment was collateral damage?
She knew Peng Hua—same school, different class—but how was she connected to Deng Xiaojun?
The flames of gossip burned fiercely within her. Also leaving for Heilongjiang the day after tomorrow? They'd likely be assigned to the same place.
Deng Xiaojun looked incredulous. "How could she do this? Her parents look down on me, and I'm not the one she likes anyway."
"Nowadays we advocate for freedom in love. Child betrothals don't count anymore. I'm only eighteen—what's wrong with not wanting to get married?"
"Everyone's responsible for their own life. You can't blame others for your choices."
Xu Xia's eyes reddened. "If you had agreed to the engagement, she wouldn't have come to this. It's your fault! You're not a real man—daring to do but not daring to take responsibility."
Their argument drew all the customers over to watch, creating chaos in the restaurant. The manager had no choice but to intervene.
He apologized, "I'm sorry, employees shouldn't bring personal emotions to work. We've disturbed everyone."
Then he turned to scold Xu Xia, "What's wrong with you? If you're on duty, you should fulfill your responsibilities. Everyone who comes to eat is a customer. No matter what history you have with them, you should serve them properly. If you can't control your emotions, then don't work here."
Guo Youning couldn't help but look at the manager with newfound respect. His fairness deserved praise.
Xu Xia wasn't having any of it. "What are you yelling about? Shouldn't you think about how you got your manager position? I'm causing trouble today, so what are you going to do about it?"
Guo Youning was thoroughly enjoying the drama, her earlier dissatisfaction completely gone. She marveled inwardly: Xu Xia was truly something else, daring to talk back to leadership. Impressive!
Before the manager could get angry, the onlookers grew agitated first. Remembering how she fawned on the privileged and bullied the weak, how arrogant and domineering she was, they all started lodging complaints.
"Manager, you have to discipline her properly. If this is how she treats you, imagine how she treats us! The noodles I ordered today were too salty. When I asked for more broth, she accused me of taking advantage and undermining socialism!"
"I didn't bring enough money and tickets, so I only bought a few steamed buns. She mocked me for being poor and called me a starving ghost reborn!"
"When the table and chairs were dirty and I asked her to wipe them, she criticized me as a capitalist only seeking pleasure!"
…
Guo Youning stood by, watching with great interest. Xu Xia was truly a piece of work. She had provoked public outrage, and now everyone was turning against her. How would she handle this?
Just when Guo Youning thought she would back down, Xu Xia took off her apron, threw it on the counter, and pointed her finger one by one at those who had criticized her—including the manager, Deng Xiaojun, and Guo Youning.
She brazenly threatened, "Do you know who my father is? Just you wait—I'll make sure you regret this!"
The manager was so angry his face turned red and he stomped his feet. His mouth opened and closed, but he couldn't get a single word out. He could only watch helplessly as she arrogantly strode out of the restaurant.
He turned dejectedly back to the kitchen and instructed an apprentice to take over Xu Xia's duties.
Deng Xiaojun looked at Guo Youning, his eyes filled with apology. "I'm sorry, I've dragged you into this. Should we still eat this meal?"