At midday on Friday, the cafeteria was sparsely populated.
Chi Yu waited in line for three minutes before reaching the service counter.
Chen Ting, who had been in a despondent mood the previous day, was now brimming with energy.
"We've got braised beef with potatoes today. It smells heavenly—want some?"
Chi Yu smiled and nodded, noticing Chen Ting glancing around cautiously, likely checking for the supervisor's presence.
Chen Ting scooped a heaping spoonful of braised beef and potatoes onto Chi Yu's tray, with the beef taking up two-thirds of the serving.
Unsatisfied, she added a few more chunks, then prepared two additional sides of Chi Yu's favorite stir-fried greens before sliding the tray over.
Chi Yu took it, swiped her card, and asked with a smile, "Did something good happen? You seem in great spirits."
