The journey to the testing bureau went smoothly, and they arrived at the entrance without any issues.
As Jia Fuhai was searching for a parking spot, he heard Uncle Zhou in the back seat say, "By the way, did you bring your company documents? Otherwise, you might not be able to get the paperwork later."
Uncle Zhou had been so flustered by the couple's affection earlier in the lounge that his IQ had seemingly dropped, causing him to forget to ask about this until they arrived at the testing bureau.
"Uh, I brought it. It's right here in the car," Jia Fuhai quickly responded, remembering he had left the documents in the car after finalizing them with the lawyer.
"Good, that'll make things easier." Zhou Jin nodded in approval, now feeling assured that everything could be taken care of in one trip.
He secretly wished he didn't have to spend more time with the couple, as it made him miss the more businesslike presence of Zhen Linna, Jia Fuhai's other romantic interest. Who would have thought there were people who preferred her more straightforward personality?
Once the three of them parked the car, they entered the testing bureau.
They approached the reception desk.
"Hello, we're here to collect the test results for Jia Ji Food Factory," Zhou Jin addressed the staff, following the procedure even though they already knew the results.
"Alright, could I see the credentials for Jia Ji Food Factory?" the receptionist asked, with a professional smile, following the usual routine.
Hearing this, Jia Fuhai quickly handed over the necessary documents.
"Please wait a moment," the receptionist said, before beginning to process the request on the computer.
After a brief wait, another staff member appeared holding a file. After confirming some details, Jia Fuhai smoothly received the test results for his food factory, as well as approval for launching the factory's products in the market.
Before long, the trio exited the building, and Jia Fuhai's food factory was now officially ready to open.
"Uncle Zhou, that was so simple! I thought it'd be much more complicated," Jia Fuhai said in surprise as he looked at the paperwork in his hands.
"?? What did you expect? The market's trying to prosper, so everything is streamlined. But don't celebrate too early—food supervision is strict," Zhou Jin responded with an expression that suggested Jia Fuhai was overthinking things.
This was just the beginning; starting a business wasn't supposed to be easy.
"Uncle Zhou, I'm planning to live-stream the production process. What do I have to worry about with inspections?" Jia Fuhai chuckled.
"It's precisely because of that approach that I've been helping you every step of the way. I wouldn't do this for just anyone," Zhou Jin said, genuinely appreciating Jia Fuhai's willingness to innovate.
"Thank you so much, Uncle Zhou," Jia Fuhai said gratefully.
"No need for thanks. Let's go. You'll be pretty busy from now on," Zhou Jin waved his hand, downplaying the gratitude.
After they left, inside the testing bureau:
"Director, that cake factory you mentioned has picked up their documents," a staff member reported in a meeting room.
"Oh, great. Did they mention when they'll open?" Director Qian asked with interest.
"They didn't specify, but they'll definitely notify us before they open," the staff member replied with a shake of the head.
"Sigh, I was hoping to personally check it out. Too bad I have to leave on a business trip later," Director Qian said regretfully. He genuinely wanted to visit the factory in person to see the operations firsthand.
As soon as the director finished speaking, the meeting room erupted with voices.
"I'll go! It's all for the benefit of the people."
"I'll do it! This tough job is mine."
"No, I should go. I wouldn't want to burden anyone else."
...
Watching the crowd jostle for the task, Director Qian slammed the table heavily and said, "Normally, when I assign you work, you all drag your feet. Now you think I don't know what you're after?"
"Anyway, we haven't been notified yet, so wait your turn. I might not even go on that business trip."
With that, everyone in the room quieted down, realizing they had gotten excited for nothing.
"Meeting adjourned," Director Qian said as he walked out, ignoring the disappointed faces behind him.
"Sigh, I really wanted to see how they make such delicious cake."
"Exactly! Only three ingredients—unbelievable."
"Haha, remember how the inspectors were dumbfounded? They couldn't believe it."
"Hmph, they were the ones pushing the hardest for the inspection samples. They didn't even leave any for us!"
"Hey, aren't you the one who's always taking time off? Why are you here today?"
"Taking time off? I'm often out doing undercover work. Do you know how many bad food suppliers I've exposed?"
"Pfft, in that case, sit this one out. Let us handle it. No need to trouble you."
"Hmph, then how about you uncover something too? You're just taking up space, not pulling your weight."
"We were the ones who inspected the cake—how are we taking up space?"
"Actually, I might have some inside info. They're planning to livestream their production," someone interjected, trying to calm the rising tension.
"Hmm? How do you know that?"
"Their factory is right next to Xiang Jin Shi Ji. You know Xiang Jin Shi Ji, right?"
"Of course, it's that place that live-streams their coffee production," the undercover expert said, very familiar with all the factories on the island.
"Anyone who dares live-stream production in the food industry is impressive."
"Yeah, but the coffee business isn't that complicated. It's the mixed foods that matter."
The undercover expert shared his seasoned perspective.
"Hey, we're getting off-topic. We're all just curious about how this cake factory with only three ingredients works."
"Well, we'll just have to wait for the director to decide."
"I just can't believe it. Can't we buy their cakes ourselves? Our job is to ensure food safety, after all."
"Not the same. What you buy outside is mass-produced. Inside, though, things are made by hand. The quality's bound to be better."
"Wow, you've really thought this through."
"Look who's talking. You were shouting just as loudly as I was earlier."
...
Meanwhile, the staff at the testing bureau continued to debate the merits of the cake factory.
Having tasted the cakes during inspection, they were eager to see what made them so delicious, especially with such a simple ingredient list.
Back at the factory, Jia Fuhai had just returned to Tianfeng Factory.
Zhou Jin made an excuse and quickly disappeared, taking the tea with him to prevent Jia Fuhai from having any more.
"Uncle Zhou is quite amusing," Zhen Linqi said with a smile as she watched Zhou Jin leave.
"He is, but he sure ran off quickly." Jia Fuhai sighed, a bit exasperated by Zhou Jin's sudden departure.
"He just doesn't want to be the third wheel," Zhen Linqi said, covering her mouth as she giggled.
"Let's go. Just the two of us—we'll do some shopping and catch a movie," Jia Fuhai suddenly suggested, no longer in the mood to deal with work at the factory.
"Sure, let's go," Zhen Linqi agreed, linking her arm with his.
"Damn, this Jia kid is so enviable. His luck with women is unbelievable," muttered Zhou Jin as he watched from the corner, seeing Jia Fuhai abandon his work to go out with his wife.
"To hell with this! I'm going home to my wife!" Zhou Jin cursed under his breath, deciding it was time to go home and let his own wife soothe his battered ego. The jealousy was eating him alive, and he feared he might come down with greeneyed envy if he didn't act soon.