Chapter 283: This Pie Is Big and Round
Su He continued, “Old Qiao, after working together for a while, I can see you’re someone who gets things done!
If you stay at the textile factory, at best you’ll be a workshop director for the rest of your life. But if the Huaihua branch becomes independent, I’ll at least make you a deputy factory director!
And I mean a real deputy director—not just a figurehead like now.
And that’s only the beginning. As our orders increase, the factory will keep expanding. We might even set up branch factories all over the country.
When that happens, I’ll put you in charge of a whole region—say, the entire Northeast…”
Qiao Yabin felt his blood boil. He almost wanted to raise his fist and shout a slogan.
He had thought becoming a deputy factory director would already be the ceiling, but Su He was talking about making him a regional head!
How impressive would that be!
Whether it came true or not, at least this “pie” she painted was big, round, and incredibly tempting.
After laying out her grand vision, Su He said, “Old Qiao, I know you have concerns. Breaking away from the textile factory won’t be easy.
But don’t worry—I know what I’m doing. As long as you follow my lead, within two years I guarantee we’ll make the Huaihua branch independent.”
Qiao Yabin hurriedly replied, “Director Su, I have no concerns. I’ll follow your instructions!”
Su He nodded, chatted with him about work for a while longer, then said, “Old Qiao, you haven’t had any rest while I’ve been away, right?
Take some time off to make up for it—or count it as overtime.
Also, Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day are coming up. Right now it’s just the two of us in the branch factory. I’ll arrange some extra benefits for you.”
Qiao Yabin was so moved he almost cried.
What had he done to deserve such a good leader?
Even though Su He was much younger than him, in his eyes now she was a respected and admirable superior.
Under his gaze—full of admiration, respect, gratitude, and reliance—Su He drove away from the Huaihua branch factory.
She first went to the supply and marketing cooperative to buy some pork, flour, and other items, then drove to pick up Su Grandma and Su Xiaoman.
As she reached the entrance of Old Cao’s alley, she saw a group of elderly women gathered around Su Grandma.
Su Grandma was talking nonstop: “That girl Little Su is good in every way, just too filial!
What would an old country woman like me do with fancy synthetic clothes? Isn’t that a waste of money?!
I told her not to buy them, but she wouldn’t listen!
She already bought me a set in Shanghai that I haven’t even worn yet, and now she bought another one.
Oh, and look at me—don’t you think I’ve gained weight?
That girl keeps making me drink milk powder and eat meat every few days. How could I not gain weight?! You can’t buy thinness in old age with money—this child is really spoiling me…”
Wang Fengrong, Cao Hongmei’s mother, looked envious. Even though she felt a bit sour inside, she still flattered Su Grandma.
She had no choice—her daughter depended on Su He. She couldn’t afford to offend her.
Su Xiaoman, on the other hand, stood quietly beside Su Grandma, smiling without saying a word.
These old ladies weren’t her target audience—showing off to them was pointless. She was saving her energy to impress her “subordinates” back in the village.
When the car approached, all the women turned to look.
Su Grandma slapped her thigh. “That child Little Su—I told her she didn’t need to come pick us up, that Xiaoman and I could go to her ourselves. But look, she still came! Such a filial child…”
The women felt their teeth ache from the sourness.
This old Su woman really knew how to put on a show!
But what could they say? Her granddaughter was capable and successful.
Everyone in Huaihua Commune knew Su He was impressive—now she was even the factory director of the Huaihua branch of the textile mill. Who wouldn’t try to curry favor with her?
So the moment Su He stepped out of the car, she was met with overwhelming enthusiasm.
Especially Wang Fengrong, who grabbed Su He’s hand and wouldn’t let go.
“Little Su, you said you’d visit your grandma more often, but I haven’t seen you at all! I’ve finally been waiting for you today—no matter what, you must come eat at my house, or I won’t let you leave!”
Su Grandma curled her lip. Even Su He’s real grandmother couldn’t act as well as this one!
After exchanging a series of polite words, Su He finally got Wang Fengrong to let go.
As soon as Su Grandma got into the car, she said, “Little Su, you finally came! Those people kept asking questions—it drove me crazy. My throat is practically smoking from all that talking!”
Su He: “…”
The car soon arrived at Huangxi Village.
At the entrance, Su Grandma spotted a crowd gathered under the big willow tree.
At a glance, she saw Old Lady Liu surrounded by people.
Su Grandma curled her lip. When the tiger’s away, the monkeys think they’re kings!
She rolled down the window and greeted everyone with a smile.
The people under the tree rushed forward, talking all at once. Old Lady Liu pushed her way to the front.
“Old sister, you’re finally back! I’ve really missed you!”
Su Grandma thought, “Oh please—you wish I’d never come back!”
She smoothed her hair and said, “My legs are a bit numb from sitting in the car, so I won’t get out. Come visit when you have time.”
As soon as the car drove off, Old Lady Liu spat. “Numb legs? More like she’s afraid of falling flat on her face again!
Look at her putting on airs, as if she’s some city lady now!
Visit her house? I don’t have that kind of free time!”
Even as she said that, she hurried home. There were a few small eggplants in her garden—Old Lady Su loved those. She’d pick some and bring them over later…
The car stopped at the gate of the Su family home.
Zhao Cui’e and Su Yufen had gone to other villages to check on the hair accessory work. Su Yongguo was helping at team leader Lin Youde’s house. Only Old Man Su and little Tiedan were home.
The moment Su Grandma entered, she started finding fault.
“Old man, not to nag, but look at how dirty this stove is! Can’t you wipe it down when you have nothing to do?”
“And this kang mat is torn—why didn’t you patch it? Doesn’t it scratch?”
“And look at Tiedan’s face—like a little dirty kitten! Why didn’t you clean him up?”
…
Old Man Su was furious inside.
In the past, he had been the head of the household. When had his wife ever dared speak to him like this?
But ever since he made that mistake regarding the third son, his status at home had plummeted.
Everyone else was busy and thriving, while he had been reduced to an old man babysitting.
Who could he blame?
Every blister on his feet was from his own walking.
