Chapter 39: A Role Model for Young People
In the west room, Su He said to Su Yongguo, “Dad, take me to the commune tomorrow morning. I still need to go to the county.”
Zhao Cui’er asked with concern, “Su He, you just got back—why are you heading out again? All this back and forth must be exhausting!”
Su He smiled. “This time it’s a good thing. Just wait for my good news!”
Su Xiaoman leaned in. “Sis, what’s the good news?”
Su He gave her a glance. “Whatever it is, it has nothing to do with someone who eats goodies all by herself!”
Su Xiaoman immediately wilted— even the little cowlick on top of her head drooped.
After a fierce internal struggle, she finally pulled the hidden chocolate out of her backpack, pouting. “Who says I eat by myself? I just forgot! I’ll share it now!”
She handed out two pieces of chocolate to Su Yongguo and Zhao Cui’er.
Zhao Cui’er, seeing her youngest daughter’s pitiful look, quickly said, “Mom doesn’t like sweets like this. You keep it for yourself.”
Su Yongguo added, “Dad doesn’t like it either.”
Su He disagreed. “If you do this, she’ll get used to it and won’t give you anything next time.”
So, under Su He’s stern gaze, they finally accepted and ate the chocolate.
Su Xiaoman reluctantly handed chocolate to the other elders too. In the end, she was left with just one piece.
Su He tugged on her little cowlick. “Make sure you teach everyone at home to read and write. When I come back from the county, I’ll bring you some biscuits!”
Su Xiaoman lit up with joy!
From now on, whatever her sister says goes!
Zhao Cui’er lowered her voice and asked Su He, “Su He, do you really have a way to deal with the Lü family?”
“Piece of cake. As long as Aunt can make up her mind.”
What’s frustrating about domestic violence cases is that once outsiders intervene, the victim may change their mind and say it’s a family matter— even blaming others for interfering.
So Su He would only step in after Su Yufen gave a clear stance. Otherwise, it would just be thankless effort.
The next morning, Su Yongguo took Su He to the commune bright and early.
After meeting up with Director Luo and the others, Su He boarded the small bus to the county with them.
Even though it wasn’t Gao Hong’s shift today, the ticket seller was still very courteous when he saw Director Luo and the others.
Once in the county, they hurried to the machinery factory.
Director Luo and the others were a bit nervous. Although they were commune leaders, they had never dealt with big factories like the machinery or textile factories.
At the gate of the machinery factory, Su He showed the visitor pass. After Director Luo and the others registered, the gatekeeper let them in without issue.
Their view of Su He shifted significantly.
Qian Huifang was already waiting in her office. When they met, she was very enthusiastic.
“Xiao He helped me a lot before, which is why I chose to cooperate with your Huaihua Commune…”
Her words instantly elevated Su He’s status even more.
After signing the agreement with the machinery factory, Su He took them to the textile factory.
Director Gao was also very warm and welcoming. After signing, he said, “I’ll have someone deliver the fabric scraps to your commune tomorrow. Once you finish processing them, I’ll send a vehicle to pick up the seat cushions.”
Su He immediately looked impressed. “I was worried that with tomorrow being Labor Day, we’d have to wait until the day after for delivery. Looks like I underestimated your factory’s drive! If all of China was like your factory, we’d surely achieve the Four Modernizations in no time…”
Director Gao was practically floating!
If it weren’t for his need to remain composed, he would’ve grinned from ear to ear.
“Oh no, this is just our duty! Have you all eaten lunch? Come on, try our canteen chef’s cooking.”
Director Luo and the others exchanged glances— now they understood why Su He could get big things done.
She was an absolute master at flattery!
While Director Gao went to order food, Su He said quietly to Director Luo, “Director Luo, there’s some trickiness with these fabric scraps. I’ll come over tomorrow morning and try to pick out some good ones for loading. Then I’ll just ride back with the delivery truck—no need to take the bus with you all.”
Director Luo felt a bit bad, but he knew none of them could handle this like she could, so he simply said, “Then we’ll count on you. Thank you for your hard work!”
Su He smiled. “It’s all for our Huaihua Commune—no big deal!”
Director Luo was touched. Su He was truly a good comrade.
During the meal, after confirming the loading schedule with Director Gao, Su He said, “Director Gao, I’ll ride back with the truck tomorrow so I can help communicate on the way if anything comes up.”
Director Gao didn’t think much of it and agreed.
After leaving the textile factory, Director Luo asked, “Xiao Su, we’re staying at the guesthouse. Are you going back to your second uncle’s place, or should we book you a room too?”
“I’ll go to my second uncle’s, but no rush.
Director Luo, since you’re in the county anyway, why not stop by the grocery store and discuss selling our dried mountain vegetables?
If they agree to buy some, it would help boost our commune members’ income.”
The group was taken aback. “You think that’ll work?”
Su He replied confidently, “I stopped by that grocery store a few days ago and saw they only had cabbage, radishes, and potatoes—and not much at that. With fresh vegetables not yet in season, we can take advantage of this timing!
And since we’ve got an agreement with the machinery factory in hand, they’ll be more likely to agree!
Also, this isn’t a one-off deal. If things go smoothly, in winter we could sell them dried eggplant, gourd strips, dried green beans, wild mushrooms…”
The group was fired up just hearing this.
Director Luo grasped Su He’s hand. “Xiao Su, if this works out, I’ll record this as a major contribution from you!”
Su He blushed modestly. “No need for recognition—we’re all here to serve the people!”
Director Luo thought to himself, We can’t let such a good comrade go unrecognized—we must find a way to reward her.
The others felt the same.
Su He was truly a role model for young people.
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Basic China 1970s History Info: The Four Modernizations were a national consensus in China to strengthen four key sectors of society: agriculture, industry, national defense, and science and technology.
