Chapter 270: Everyone Thinks I’m an Easy Mark
Old Gu recounted Su He’s Shanghai trip based on what she had written in her letter, then sighed with admiration. “That girl Su He is truly remarkable—she secured over three hundred thousand dollars in foreign trade orders just by talking. Her future is limitless!
To be honest, if my two grandsons weren’t already married, I’d really want her as my granddaughter-in-law!”
Old Master Gu curled his lip. With those two crooked-looking grandsons of yours? As if that slippery girl would even glance at them!
Still, he had no intention of revealing that Su He was Gu Chiyan’s girlfriend.
First, he felt their relationship wasn’t entirely stable yet—there might still be changes, so there was no need to broadcast it.
Second, Old Gu had mentioned on the phone that Su He’s purpose in writing to him was to secure a Canton Fair booth.
If he revealed her identity now, it might influence Old Gu’s judgment and complicate matters.
After chatting a bit longer, Old Master Gu asked casually, “Yesterday you mentioned giving An County a spot at the Canton Fair. Is that confirmed?”
Old Gu smiled. “Unless something unexpected happens, it’s settled. Their hair accessories, instant noodles, and small agricultural machinery are all competitive. The only drawback is their lack of credentials, so they’ll probably get a less prominent location.”
Old Master Gu’s eyes flickered. “Old Gu, I may not be in your ministry, but I know that right before the Canton Fair, there are always last-minute insertions.
Big-name factories are protected, but places like An County—without backing—could easily be squeezed out at the last minute.
So you’d better assign them a good spot now. That way, even if others get inserted later, An County won’t be pushed out.
I don’t mean anything else—I just think that girl, that Su… whatever her name is, she works quite hard.
If everything falls apart at the last moment, it would be a heavy blow for a young person.
And besides, An County’s products have real export potential—it’d be a pity if they were squeezed out.”
Old Gu slapped his thigh. “Old Gu, you’re absolutely right! When you’re stubborn, not even eight oxen can pull you back—but when you’re not, you’re sharper than anyone.”
Old Master Gu snorted. “If I were truly useless, I’d have been sent to the countryside long ago!”
Old Gu chuckled. “True enough—you’ve been domineering in the capital all these years, and no one’s been able to move you. By the way, how’s your health? Has your old condition flared up again?”
Old Master Gu rubbed his temples. “Better after taking Lao Ge’s medicine, but curing it completely is difficult.”
Old Gu laughed. “Speaking of Lao Ge, we have Chiyan to thank. Who would’ve thought that old fellow would go incognito in An County?
And that old rogue Yuan Xingzhi is there too!
That tiny An County really hides some extraordinary people—no wonder it produced someone like Su He!
Oh, by the way, do you still have that nutritional paste Lao Ge made? Give me a couple of bottles…”
Old Master Gu gritted his teeth. One after another, everyone was eyeing his nutritional paste! Do they all think I’m an easy mark?!
At that very moment, Su He—just stepping off a tricycle—sneezed twice.
Damn it, who’s cursing me?!
Principal Chen asked with concern, “Little Su, did you catch a cold? Have the guesthouse make some ginger soup tonight.”
She waved it off. “No, just got a bit choked! Principal, this night school is much bigger than ours in An County!”
They were standing at the entrance of the Tieling District Night School in the capital.
Even as just a district-level school, it looked more impressive than the provincial night school back home.
A teaching director received them, polite enough, showing them around and giving a brief introduction.
But his tone carried a faint sense of superiority.
Which was understandable—An County was a small place few had even heard of, let alone its night school.
After leaving, Principal Chen looked dejected.
Director Tian tried to cheer him up. “What’s wrong, Old Chen? Feeling down? No need! Let them say what they want. Besides, their school really is better than ours.”
Principal Chen sighed. “It’s not that. I’ve heard worse.
It’s just… the gap is too big.
Whether it’s facilities or teaching staff, we can’t compare.
I feel like I’ve let the students down—I don’t deserve them calling me ‘principal.’”
Director Tian, who had grown closer to him on this trip, suddenly blurted out, “What’s the big deal? It’s just money!
Once our instant noodle project starts making profits, I’ll donate to you!
We’ll build An County Night School into something magnificent—better than this place a hundred times over!”
Principal Chen was stunned and overjoyed, grabbing his hand. “Old Tian! You mean it?
I never expected you to have such high ideals!
On behalf of all the teachers and students, thank you!
Don’t worry—I’ll present you with banners and letters of appreciation, and your name will be praised everywhere…”
Director Tian: “…I think I just got played again!”
In truth, Principal Chen hadn’t meant to trick him—he genuinely felt guilty about the school’s conditions.
The donation was simply an unexpected blessing.
He even felt Director Tian was a good person—scheming at times, perhaps, but clear-minded on important matters and warm-hearted.
Back at the guesthouse, despite Su He insisting she was fine, Principal Chen had the front desk prepare ginger soup and made her drink it.
He even told her to stay inside and sweat it out.
Su He: “……”
In this heat? You’re trying to give me heatstroke!
The next morning, Gu Chiyan arrived on his bicycle.
He brought buns and soy milk, delivering them upstairs.
Director Tian thought to himself—look at this young man: good family, good looks, good job, and most importantly, he treats her well. A rare find!
But then he worried—men in love could lose their heads. Once the excitement faded, who knew what might happen?
He made a mental note to remind Su He someday—not to do anything foolish before marriage…
Little did Gu Chiyan know that simply delivering breakfast had triggered such thoughts.
He handed Su He three sleeper train tickets. “Little Su, I got your tickets for the day after tomorrow—two lower berths, one upper.”
She looked surprised. “I was planning to buy them later—didn’t expect you’d already taken care of it!”
He smiled. “It was on the way.”
Su He: “……”
On the way? Didn’t you say your institute is far from the station?!
