Who else could be called a "scoundrel" by everyone at the Aircrew Base?
Of course, it was none other than the stuck-in-the-mud, Park Ae-hwa.
After setting down the three boxes he had in hand, Chen Fei greeted the short-haired girl, "Devil Pepper" teacher, and hurriedly ran over.
He had thought that the merchant had been executed by the Ministry of Internal Affairs already, yet now there was news about him again.
"Jiu!~"
Xiao Jiu flapped its wings, flying above Chen Fei's head.
Not far from Hangar One, on the tarmac, Chen Fei indeed saw the disheveled, scruffy-bearded, deeply sunken-eyed, and haggard-looking scoundrel Pu Aihua, with a large duffel bag and a suitcase beside him.
"Hey, Chen Fei!"
Seeing Chen Fei coming over, Pu Aihua mustered some energy, calling out with a somewhat hoarse voice.
Obviously, his recent times had not been good.
"Old Piao, are you okay? Without you, Chef Abel in the cafeteria is almost at his wits' end."
Chen Fei asked with concern—it was not an empty statement.
Mr. Chef, failing to find someone else to replace him and unwilling to become a simple package opener, flatly conscripted Chen Fei, managing to get by only with his help.
Chen Fei had to put in at least two hours in the kitchen every day; while it was somewhat hard work, the bit of money he earned was really quite sweet to him.
"I know, I really appreciate it," Pu Aihua said, then bowed deeply to Chen Fei on the spot.
Chen Fei quickly stopped him, saying, "No need, no need, I wasn't working for free—Chef Abel pays me wages! The Ministry of Internal Affairs didn't give you a hard time, did they?"
Chen Fei looked around; not far off stood a few figures in black suits, sporting sunglasses—clearly, they were those Ministry of Internal Affairs guys.
"No, no, it's nothing. It's my own fault for being too greedy, and there are some things I shouldn't have touched. I don't blame anyone else," Pu Aihua said with a bitter smile, continuously shaking his head.
Taking small advantages in daily life wasn't considered a big deal; even if the company knew, they often chose to turn a blind eye, taking the stance of "where water flows, a channel will form," pretending not to see.
But the Metallic Dragon remains were far too sensitive. Pu Aihua had just started to get an idea when the Ministry of Internal Affairs quickly zeroed in on him. They detained him immediately, interrogated him for over half a month, and finally let him go when they were sure he hadn't succeeded—but the incident was far from over.
"Old Piao, where are you headed?"
Though a bit of a swindler, Pu Aihua wasn't inherently bad; at least, he didn't exploit the equally impoverished newcomer, Chen Fei, but instead provided him with much assistance.
"Hehehe, too greedy, too greedy."
Pu Aihua laughed dryly. The hard times he had eaten recently were all due to his excessive greed.
It was crossing the line that got him noticed by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, who detained him for over half a month. Only after confirming that he had merely entertained the thought without actually succeeding in his scheme, was he released.
Though he was released, he lost his job, as the Apocalypse Defense Group could not possibly allow an employee who had committed such an error to remain in his post. A termination of the employment contract was sent out without any need for compensation.
"You bastard!"
Chef Abel landed another punch on Pu Aihua. After all, he wasn't the type to coolly turn his back the moment someone left. He added, "After you get back, if you run into any trouble, call me. Don't play tough. You've said it yourself, having one more friend means having one more path to take, so why wouldn't you walk it?"
Given Pu Aihua's age, in an economically competitive region, it might be difficult to find a job that pays well. He would probably have to rely on himself for an extended period. With a daughter at home who was seriously ill and urgently needed surgery, financial difficulties were inevitable, whether for tuition or surgery costs.
At least Abel was a proper chef with both level and certification in the culinary circle, and he recognized a few fellow chefs. Perhaps by calling in a few favors and selling some face, he could help Old Piao sort out an urgent employment issue.
Having worked in the canteen at the Aircrew Base for so long, he had become deeply familiar with the ins and outs of the kitchen, and certainly lacked no related experience. He could start working immediately given the opportunity.
"Thank you, thank you!"
Pu Aihua's eyes grew somewhat moist as he held onto Abel's hand, nodding vigorously.
The ones who allow you to trouble them are your true friends.
"Pu Aihua, ready to go!"
The Ministry of Internal Affairs personnel nearby received a signal from the "Luo Jing Number" heavy Transport Airship.
"Little Chen, Chef Abel, I'm leaving!"
No matter how reluctant he was to leave this place where he had worked for many years, Pu Aihua's time here was running short.
All feasts must come to an end, and the time to leave had arrived.
Pu Aihua looked back three times with each step he took, but as he neared the heavy Transport Airship, he suddenly turned around and shouted, "Little Chen, that bird egg isn't a Magical Beast Egg, I found it in the wild, I lied to you, I'm sorry!"
After bowing deeply and then standing up to wipe his slightly reddened eyes, he took his luggage and, without looking back, followed the Ministry of Internal Affairs personnel onto the gangway leading to the airship's cabin.
In the end, Old Piao could not keep this secret buried in his gut. Before leaving, he apologized to Chen Fei for his lie.
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