Chapter 49: A Letter from Gu Chiyan
Su He began writing a reply to Luo Xiaoling, using overly affectionate words like “sisters for life” and “you’re my only hope,” and told her that she would indeed apply to the county theater troupe.
At the end of the letter, she even asked Luo Xiaoling to send more ration coupons and Huaxia currency next time.
Since Luo Xiaoling and Shen Ruyi were willing to be suckers, Su He had no reason to be polite.
After finishing the letter, she heard some noise coming from Qian Huifang’s courtyard and quickly went out to greet her.
Qian Huifang’s face lit up when she saw Su He: “Xiao He, you’re just in time! Auntie dreamt about you last night. Come, come sit for a while!”
Su He agreed and climbed over the wall, following Qian Huifang into the house.
Lowering her voice, Qian Huifang said, “You got a letter from the Imperial Capital. I was worried that those two might have bad intentions, so I brought you in to tell you quietly.”
Su He quickly thanked her. Qian Huifang really was someone worth befriending.
She thought to herself—Imperial Capital? Could it be from Gu Chiyan?
If so, then judging by the timing, he must have written the letter right after arriving in the capital.
Su He didn’t open the letter immediately and instead said, “Aunt Qian, a young man bumped into me at the roadside yesterday. Said his name was Lin Bo from the county theater troupe. Do you know him?”
“Lin Bo? Sure I know him. He’s one of the leading actors at the county troupe. He regularly performs for the workers in the big factories around here.
Our factory doesn’t have many female workers, but I’ve heard that every time he performs at the textile factory, some of the women start swooning over him and even give him gifts.”
Then Qian Huifang teased, “Why? Are you interested in him?”
Su He shook her head, “He’s not my type. He suggested I apply to the county troupe, said I’d definitely get in. I just wanted to ask your opinion.”
Qian Huifang laughed, “No wonder! Who could blame him—you’re too pretty!
But honestly, since you don’t have formal training, even if you join the troupe, there might not be much of a future. You’d be better off trying to get into our machinery factory.
Director Pang told me the other day, if you join the factory, he’ll make you the statistics clerk in his workshop…”
Right now, Qian Huifang admired Su He immensely. She had only worked half a day in the casting workshop, and Director Pang already wanted to poach her!
Su He nodded, “You’re right, Aunt Qian. I’ll follow your advice.”
After chatting a bit more, Su He returned to the Su house.
Instead of going inside, she opened Gu Chiyan’s letter right there in the courtyard.
“Comrade Su He,
Greetings.
I’ve arrived in the Imperial Capital and have found information about the Heimlich maneuver. I’ll begin promoting it soon so more people can benefit.
It’s springtime here. The scenery is breathtaking—birds singing, lush greenery, all very picturesque…
Old Master Ge is a loner. I haven’t found anyone suitable to take care of him, so I have to trouble you to keep an eye on him and update me about his situation through letters. I would be deeply grateful.
Please don’t mention this to him—it might upset him.
I’ve included several postage stamps to make it easier for you to write back. Looking forward to your reply.”
Su He looked at the thick stack of stamps in the envelope: “…”
This could last for years!
Two small dimples appeared on her face. So, he wants to stay in touch regularly? Clearly, Master Ge was just an excuse!
She didn’t rush to reply. A little restraint goes a long way.
*
The next day, Su He went to the machinery factory with Qian Huifang and worked in the forging workshop.
By the end of the day, several older male workers who had sons of marriageable age were subtly asking if Su He had a boyfriend.
Su He played shy: “My parents are very strict—they won’t let me date until I’m twenty.”
Only then did the old workers give up. Otherwise, they might’ve dragged her home for matchmaking dinners.
After work, she and Qian Huifang walked home together.
Just before reaching home, they ran into Lin Bo.
He was pushing a shiny new bicycle, with his hair slicked back like it had been licked by a cow.
“Comrade, I accidentally bumped into you yesterday, so I bought two movie tickets to make it up to you. Come on, I’ll take you there!”
He spoke with a smug air, as if watching a movie with him was some grand favor that Su He should be grateful for.
Su He glanced at him and said coldly, “I’m not free. And please don’t bother me again.”
Then she linked arms with Qian Huifang and walked away.
Lin Bo’s face immediately darkened—this Su He really didn’t know what was good for her!
He had thought wooing her would be a piece of cake, but she had the nerve to act aloof?
He’d seen girls like this before—just playing hard to get!
As long as he put in the effort, she’d give in eventually. Gotta admit, the girl was damn good-looking.
*
Meanwhile, Qian Huifang teased her, “Xiao He, looks like Lin Bo has taken a liking to you. Otherwise, he wouldn’t be asking you to the movies.”
Su He looked troubled, hesitated, and then said, “Aunt Qian, I didn’t say anything yesterday, but Lin Bo spoke very flirtatiously. I really don’t want to get involved with him.”
Qian Huifang was instantly furious: “Seriously? And to think he always plays righteous roles and has such a good reputation. Who would’ve thought he’s actually such a scumbag! If he dares mess with you again, just tell me—I’ll deal with him!”
She only reacted this way because she had a good relationship with Su He. Otherwise, even if Su He spoke up, most people probably wouldn’t believe her.
Su He realized she needed to build a narrative. Otherwise, if she and Lin Bo clashed in the future, no one would take her side.
That evening, Su He told Cao Hongmei, “Second Aunt, I heard Lin Bo from the county troupe has issues with his personal conduct. When you’re chatting with your workshop friends, maybe casually mention it.
But when you spread the gossip, make sure you stay clean—don’t bring trouble on yourself.”
“You don’t have to worry about that! Gossiping without leaving traces is your auntie’s specialty. No one’ll trace it back to us!”
Cao Hongmei was actually very curious. The girls at their textile factory blushed just hearing Lin Bo’s name—why was Su He so set on taking him down?
Then she thought of that relative of Old Master Ge—the handsome young man with that extraordinary air.
Yeah, no wonder. Compared to that guy, Lin Bo was nothing.
“Oh, right, Xiao He. I bought two hair ties for you yesterday, but forgot to give them to you.”
Cao Hongmei took out two red silk hair ties from a box.
They were simple, made of satin. Even so, not everyone could afford such accessories—most girls just used yarn or fabric strips to tie their hair.
Su He’s eyes lit up the moment she saw them!
She had been worrying about how to make money—and now, a new idea just fell into her lap!
Cao Hongmei noticed her excitement and thought, Girls are girls—so happy over a couple of hair ties!
“Second Aunt, take out some scrap fabric, a few buttons, and bobby pins. I’ll teach you how to make something.”
Cao Hongmei didn’t understand, but followed her instructions anyway.
Su He wasn’t very handy, so she mostly gave directions while Cao Hongmei did the crafting.
In no time, they had made five fabric flower hair clips.
Cao Hongmei held them up, amazed: “These are gorgeous! Prettier than the ones at the supply store!”
Su He asked about the price of similar items at the supply store and immediately sighed in frustration.
If only private business were legal in this era—she’d be hitting that first million in no time!
Looks like Huaihua Commune was about to profit again.
Director Luo might laugh himself awake in his sleep!
“Second Aunt, don’t tell anyone about this. Whether you and Second Uncle get promoted or not depends on it!”
Hearing that, Cao Hongmei immediately swore up and down: “Don’t worry! Even if I talk in my sleep, I won’t spill a word!”
She was both excited and nervous. Could Su He really help them get permanent positions just by selling these little hair flowers?
