Daddy, Come Home For Dinner!

Chapter 929: Chapter 929: Punishment

"They think Ye Fei’s cooking is delicious, but that’s actually because their level is limited," Zhuang Mingyan said. "I gave low scores not because I’m targeting anyone, but because I misjudged their level."

"I judged by our normal standards; who knew this would be the point they would hold onto without letting go," Zhuang Mingyan sighed, as if she had been greatly wronged.

"It’s fine to just tell me this," a colleague said. "Lucas won’t listen."

"I know." Zhuang Mingyan spoke in a tone of difficulty, speaking as if enduring a heavy burden, "Lucas wants me to apologize to Changping and even hopes I’ll apologize to Ye Fei."

"I’ve accepted it," Zhuang Mingyan said. "I will also actively cooperate with the organizers."

"This time, it was indeed because I wasn’t familiar with the range of strength at the Changping Competition, which resulted in my scores being too different from those of other judges, causing a misunderstanding. Although it’s a misunderstanding, it was caused by my failure to do my homework thoroughly and investigate well, leading to the current result."

Zhuang Mingyan’s attitude was very good, and her words were sincere.

It made colleagues feel that Zhuang Mingyan indeed didn’t do it intentionally.

It’s just that the strength of the Changping Competition isn’t as touted in the publicity.

It’s quite commendable for Zhuang Mingyan to acknowledge her mistake so earnestly.

"Alright," the colleague said. "However, the company is currently investigating the contents of the complaint."

"To verify the authenticity of Changping’s complaint; if there’s any exaggeration, it just so happens that the company will have something to say. If the investigation results show what Changping claims is not wrong, then you’ll still need to cooperate with the company," the colleague said.

But in any case, the organizers must investigate.

This is considered a procedure.

It makes them appear very attentive.

Apologizing without investigation makes them seem afraid of Changping, and also appears unprofessional.

Upon learning of the matter, they immediately investigate.

It demonstrates their seriousness about this matter, and in case they discover some inside information, the organizer’s side can have a straighter back.

As for the complaints from netizens, since it’s going through the public channel of the organizer.

The feedback hasn’t come up so quickly.

So whether it’s Lucas, the Secretary-General, down to this colleague and Zhuang Mingyan, they still don’t know how big the backlash from netizens will be.

"I’ll report your attitude upwards, and later our PR department will issue an apology draft for you. At 9 a.m. in Hua Country, you can apologize through Hua Country’s public platform," the colleague said.

Zhuang Mingyan felt very aggrieved.

In the end, this matter still has to end with her apology.

Doesn’t this mean she conceded to Ye Fei?

But, Zhuang Mingyan had no choice but to apologize.

If not, her work here in the International Cooking Competition and the International Chef Association would be at risk.

Zhuang Mingyan didn’t care whether she could keep her job.

After all, it wouldn’t matter even if she didn’t work.

If she wants to work and doesn’t want to waste her time, she can still join the Zhuang Family’s company.

The reason Zhuang Mingyan values this job is that it overlaps with Zhao Gushen’s.

She can meet Zhao Gushen at work.

Just like she said to Zhao Gushen before when she went to find him.

She could use this job to offer help to Zhao Gushen.

And acting as a judge at the Changping Competition, giving Ye Fei deliberately low scores.

Besides personally holding a grudge and not wanting Ye Fei to do well.

She just wanted Ye Fei to be humiliated in front of so many people.

Also, she wanted Zhao Gushen to see her power and means.

She wanted Zhao Gushen to see clearly that she really could wield her influence in the competition.

She wanted Zhao Gushen to know that her status in the International Cooking Competition and the International Chef Association, as she said, indeed had significant influence.

She wanted to show Zhao Gushen her power.

To tell Zhao Gushen, not just in the Changping Cooking Competition but in the International Cooking Competition as well.

She could make whoever she wanted win, win; make whoever she wanted to lose, lose.

She completely has the ability to manipulate the competition results.

But who knew, she ended up embarrassing herself.

Whether Zhao Gushen saw her ability and her influence in the company, she was also unsure.

She only knows, Zhao Gushen really made Changping come forward, using Changping’s name to hold her accountable.

Could Zhao Gushen not have considered that in the subsequent International Cooking Competition, it would be best for Changping’s people to have an "insider" to help?

Thinking this, Zhuang Mingyan heard her colleague continue, "Moreover, there might be changes to your position."

"Because Changping questioned the fairness and authority of the International Cooking Competition, although you weren’t originally in a judging or decision-making position in the International Cooking Competition. But because of this matter, just asking you to apologize might appear that the International Cooking Competition is neither sincere nor fair enough."

"So, there will be some adjustment to your post," the colleague said.

Zhuang Mingyan’s face changed. She also gained her current position through her efforts.

It wasn’t just handed to her.

It’s a rare, real-power position.

She’s the representative of the Hua Country District.

Matters in the Hua Country District are all her responsibility.

Although the jurisdiction seems small, based on Hua Country being a nation of gourmet delights, this area is equivalent to a continent elsewhere.

If she could take charge of the Asia-Pacific region, it would mean a promotion.

Meaning in Hua Country, she has almost all the decision-making power.

Even if she went back to headquarters, she could still have a say.

But if she’s transferred away from her current position, she may only be given a nominal position.

At least she wouldn’t get a real-power position.

"Don’t worry, the transfer is temporary. You are experienced and have built relationships with all sides, it would be hard for someone else to start fresh, without your foundation," the colleague reassured.

Moreover, there are words the colleague, from his position, couldn’t say to Zhuang Mingyan.

So they kept it in a tacit understanding.

Within the company, quite a few people are eyeing Zhuang Mingyan’s position.

This time, Zhuang Mingyan was really too careless.

Exposing such a big handle for others.

However, although there are many eyeing Zhuang Mingyan’s position.

Zhuang Mingyan still has an advantage.

Her family holds a significant influence in Hua Country.

She has lots of connections.

Which also helps with the company’s expansion in Hua Country.

Moreover, Zhuang Mingyan has been in this position for a long time and has her own loyal team and network.

Even if someone replaces her, they won’t be able to accomplish much in that position for a while.

It’s like being sidelined.

The subordinates are all Zhuang Mingyan’s people.

If a new leader wants to say or decide something, if the subordinates don’t listen, there’s nothing they can do.

The connections Zhuang Mingyan has built, those who are on good terms with her.