Chapter 255: A Friendly Reminder
Su He finally managed to squeeze her way out of the enthusiastic crowd of female medics and followed Director Zhang back to Director Jing’s office.
Director Zhang couldn’t stop talking.
“Su He, I’ve disliked that Four-Eyes Bai for ages—today was so satisfying! His name is such a waste. ‘Dongliang’? At best he’s just a cornstalk!”
Su He pursed her lips and smiled. “Don’t forget his surname.”
Zhang froze for a moment, then burst out laughing, giving her a thumbs-up. “Still you, Su He—sharp as ever! You’re right—his surname’s Bai. Totally wasted the name ‘Dongliang’!”
Just as they were chatting and laughing, Director Jing pushed the door open and walked in.
“Old Jing, perfect timing! You heard what everyone’s saying, right? Ten thousand packs of instant noodles aren’t even enough to fill the gaps—why not order more? Consider it helping the locals…”
Director Jing shot him a look. “Cut the nonsense. Is that something I get to decide? But after Chief Gu watched Su He and Bai Dongliang’s race, he approved an additional order of forty thousand packs.”
Su He’s eyes lit up. “Director Jing, is that true?”
Director Jing smiled. “Absolutely. Our chief was moved by your dedication to your hometown, so he increased the order.”
Factory Director Tian was stunned.
Just from running a race… they got an extra forty thousand packs?
If I’d known, I would’ve run too!
Even if it broke me, it’d be worth it!
Su He was secretly delighted as well. The 1,000 yuan she’d spent in the trading system was equivalent to just ten yuan here—what a bargain!
If only that “dog” system could get more of those potions!
Forget anything else—give her a few years and she could go to the Olympics and win glory for the country!
100-meter champion, 10,000-meter queen, long jump legend…
All hers!
As long as Su He competed, everyone else would just fight for second place!
The system suddenly popped up:
[Host, just a friendly reminder—it’s daytime.]
Su He: “…Scram!”
Just as she was indulging in her daydream, Director Jing said:
“Su He, our chief thinks very highly of you. Your endurance and explosive power are impressive, and more importantly, your willpower and character stand out. He’s interested in recruiting you—would you be willing to join?”
Su He: “…”
Wait—I just ran ten thousand meters, and now I’ve caught the chief’s eye?
Join the military?
Absolutely not!
Su He knew her own limits. Daily training would wear her out completely.
Besides, she didn’t like being restricted, and there were far too many rules in the compound.
Just as she was thinking this through, she suddenly noticed Director Tian looking at her with teary eyes.
There was reluctance… and even a hint of pleading—like an old dog about to be abandoned.
Su He: …That’s a bit much.
She turned to Director Jing and said:
“Director Jing, to be honest, I’m deeply honored. I almost said yes right away—after all, joining the military is every Chinese citizen’s dream.
But after careful consideration, I’ve decided to stay where I am.
First, today was an exceptional performance. I was so angry at Comrade Bai that I pushed myself beyond my limits. Normally, I can’t even carry a box of instant noodles.
Second, several projects in An County were introduced by me. If I leave, they might stall.
At a smaller scale, that would affect the county’s economy. At a larger scale, it could impact export revenue. I can’t be irresponsible.
So I have no choice but to give up this dream opportunity…”
By the end, her voice was choked with emotion.
Director Jing nodded approvingly. Though young, Su He clearly had strong awareness and a sense of responsibility.
Someone like her would succeed anywhere—whether in the compound or outside.
Not only was he not displeased, he even comforted her.
Director Tian finally relaxed, his heart settling back in place.
That scared me to death!
Even though I worry every day she’ll replace me, she’s the backbone of the food factory—we can’t lose her!
After chatting a bit more, Director Jing took the contract to revise and stamp it.
By the time he returned, it was already lunchtime.
He invited Su He and Director Tian to stay for a meal, but Su He declined, thinking of Principal Chen waiting outside.
Before leaving, Su He changed out of the clothes and shoes she’d borrowed.
She had briefly considered keeping them, but decided against it—rules were rules, and it wasn’t worth causing trouble.
Just as they reached the entrance, they ran into Director Zhang again.
He was carrying a sack. Opening it with a grin, he said:
“Su He, these are from the medics—some common medicines, alcohol swabs, and the like. The rest are small gifts from everyone else in the compound…”
Su He took a look—good heavens.
Fur hats, military coats, leather boots, canned meat, toothpaste, toothbrushes, enamel mugs…
Even someone as thick-skinned as her felt a bit embarrassed.
She sincerely tried to refuse, but Zhang frowned.
“This is everyone’s goodwill. If you don’t accept it, you’re looking down on us!”
Hearing his hometown dialect slip out, Su He knew there was no point refusing further.
Director Zhang personally carried the sack to the compound gate for her before waving goodbye.
Under a tree in the distance, Principal Chen was nearly frantic.
If they didn’t come out soon, he’d start pulling his hair out!
Seeing them finally emerge, he hurried over.
“Why did you take so long? Did something happen?”
Su He sighed. “Something did happen. I ran a ten-thousand-meter race with someone, then the compound added an order of forty thousand packs of instant noodles, and they insisted on giving me a whole sack of gifts.
Principal, I’m really troubled—why am I so outstanding? Fully developed in morality, intelligence, physique, aesthetics, and labor—that’s basically me, right?”
Principal Chen: “…”
If you were a boy, I’d slap you!
Look at you—getting carried away!
And ten thousand meters?
With those skinny arms and legs? You’d collapse after one thousand!
Su He smiled and winked at Director Tian—your turn to brag for me.
Director Tian: “…”
He shot her a glare, but still explained everything from start to finish.
After listening, Principal Chen didn’t smile—instead, his face darkened, and he scolded Director Tian:
“Su He is young and inexperienced—that’s one thing. But you? Have you lived all these years for nothing?!
Do you think the compound is a place where you can act recklessly?!
Do you even know Bai Dongliang’s background before going head-to-head with him?!
What if he decides to sabotage you later?!
By then, you’ll have no one to turn to—and won’t even know how you died!
And you, Su He—showing off by running ten thousand meters? Why didn’t you just collapse from exhaustion…”
Director Tian lowered his head and said nothing.
Su He also lowered her head, silent.
The two of them looked like a pair of quails being scolded.
