Chapter 100: The Seventy-Two Transformations
After school, Su He—as usual—organized her classmates to rehearse for the performance.
Just as things were wrapping up, Principal Chen personally brought over the invitation letters.
Su He: …Now that’s what I call efficiency!
Clearly, Principal Chen was eager beyond words!
Seeing Cao Hongmei’s curious expression, Su He pulled out an invitation letter and handed it to her.
Cao Hongmei looked shocked, “They’re inviting factory leaders to watch the performance? And the principal asked you to deliver the invitations?”
Su He nodded, “Mm-hmm, and ask for some material donations while I’m at it.”
Cao Hongmei: “…”
No wonder her niece had managed to become the student council president—it turned out the principal wanted her to go… begging.
This wasn’t a great gig. How was it any different from panhandling?
But with so many people around, she couldn’t say anything.
After the rehearsal, when they walked out of night school, Cao Hongmei said, “Little Su, this errand really isn’t a good one!
Which factory director is actually willing to hand over money or supplies?!
If someone polite declines, that’s fine. But if you run into someone with a sharp tongue, they might just verbally slap you in the face. How are you supposed to hold your head up?”
Su He said lightly, “Then I’ll just hold my head however I normally do. I’m going on behalf of the night school—if they scold me, they’re scolding the school, not me.”
Cao Hongmei: “…This whole thing just seems thankless. Is it really worth it just for the title of student council president?”
Su He grinned, “Second Aunt, you’ve got it wrong. This is a great opportunity!
If it weren’t for this invitation delivery, how would I have the chance to meet so many high-ranking factory leaders?
Even if I get scolded, next time we meet, at least we’ll be familiar—that’s a big win!”
Cao Hongmei: “…”
She felt like she could permanently weld her jaw to the floor.
Why did her niece always look at things from such a different angle than normal people?
But seeing Su He so relaxed, she decided not to worry herself like a eunuch panicking over the emperor’s affairs.
*
The next morning bright and early, Su He went to the textile factory to find Director Gao.
Director Gao had been a bit on edge the past few days, wondering what Su He had been up to with the sales plan—it’d been quiet for too long.
So when he saw her, he immediately asked, “You’ve come up with the sales strategy? You’d better hurry. Those hair clips just sitting in storage isn’t ideal.”
Su He nodded with a bright smile, “Almost done! Could you first write me a requisition slip for 60 hair clips? I’ll use them for initial investment.”
Director Gao looked confused, “Initial investment? You’re putting them on display at the supply co-op? But even then, 60 is way too many.”
Su He said mysteriously, “Can’t tell you yet. If I say it now, it won’t work anymore.”
She was familiar enough with Director Gao now that he didn’t mind her being cagey.
He waved his hand, “Fine, fine, I won’t ask. But if you don’t deliver results, forget about your part-time job.”
Su He giggled, “Just watch! Oh, right—I want to deliver an invitation to Director Feng. Could you introduce me?”
Director Gao looked puzzled, “An invitation? What invitation?”
“I’m now the student council president at night school. We’re holding a performance soon, and Principal Chen sent me to deliver invitations.”
As she spoke, Su He handed him one of the invitations.
Director Gao: “…”
Seriously, it’d only been a few days—how had this girl suddenly become the student council president?
Not only that, but Principal Chen trusted her enough to personally assign her to deliver invitations. She must be one of his favorites now.
Just a month ago, she was a nobody. Now she was the liaison for the commune, a special correspondent for the county radio station, and the student council president of the night school?
Was this girl reincarnated from the Monkey King or something? She could perform seventy-two transformations!
Director Gao composed himself and said, “Alright, I’ll take you.”
And so Su He cheerfully followed him to the factory director’s office.
On the way, Director Gao reminded her, “Director Feng is a serious and principled man. When you hand him the invitation, don’t say anything unnecessary.
Otherwise, your side gig might be in jeopardy!
Oh, and one more thing—he hates flattery, so watch your words.”
Su He nodded, “Got it. I’ll stick to the main points.”
Director Gao knocked, and Director Feng’s voice came from inside, “Come in!”
He pushed the door open, and the two of them entered.
“Director, this is Su He, the student council president from night school. There’s an upcoming performance and she’s here to deliver an invitation.”
Director Feng didn’t think much of it—these performances were usually just symbolic. He’d send the logistics head to attend.
Su He quickly stepped forward and handed the invitation over with both hands, “Director Feng, Principal Chen originally wanted to come invite you himself, but he had to deliver invitations to county officials today, so he asked me to come in his place.
He told me specifically to deliver yours first and said he’ll apologize to you in person another day.”
Director Feng was taken aback, “Old Chen is inviting the county leadership? The county officials are attending?”
Su He nodded, “Principal Chen said that even though only provincial night school officials are officially attending, this is still a great opportunity to showcase An County’s achievements. He said he’d swallow his pride to get the county leadership there.”
Director Feng immediately changed his mind.
If county leaders were attending, he’d definitely have to go himself. Otherwise, they might think he was being aloof.
So he said, “Alright, you go back and tell Old Chen—I’ll definitely attend.”
He figured that would be the end of it, and Su He would take her leave. But then, she hesitated, looking a little awkward, “Director Feng, Principal Chen also asked me to pass along another request… but I’m a bit embarrassed to say it.”
Director Feng paused, “Go ahead. It’s fine.”
“Principal Chen said the night school’s finances are extremely tight. So he’s hoping the factories can show some support—whether in supplies or cash, anything helps.”
Director Feng: “…”
Old Chen really has no shame!
You’re struggling? Who isn’t?!
How could he even say something like that out loud?
Of course, he couldn’t say that to Su He’s face. Instead, he chuckled and said, “Tell Old Chen our textile factory’s situation isn’t great either. Once things get better, we’ll lend our support.”
Su He nodded, “Okay, I’ll pass that along.
Honestly, I think everyone’s having a hard time. Principal Chen may be going too far. It might be better to rely on ourselves.
But he insists on doing this. He’s even planning to give a thank-you speech after the performance and read out a list of donating units…”
Director Feng: “…”
You bald bastard, Chen!
No wonder your hair’s falling out—you’re too ruthless!
You’re going to read out the donor list?!
If everyone donates and we’re the only ones who don’t, how will that look to county officials?
Forget the officials—the other unit heads will make me a laughingstock!
Meanwhile, as Principal Chen was sipping tea in the county leader’s office, a chill ran down his spine. He felt like someone was cursing him.
Weird… but I’m a good guy… right?
