Chapter 102: Hard to Decline a Gracious Offer
Director Tian of the food factory was indeed holding a personal grudge. Although Su He had primarily targeted Zhu Yanli at the night school entrance incident, the food factory got caught in the crossfire too. Naturally, he wasn’t pleased.
There was no way he would willingly make a donation. It was already polite enough that he hadn’t thrown her out.
Su He hadn’t expected Director Tian to be so petty—or that his shamelessness could rival her own.
Still, she had to find a way to make him agree to the donation.
The textile and machinery factories had given verbal promises, but nothing was finalized. If Director Tian turned around and said something to them, this entire effort might fall apart.
She could threaten or manipulate him if she wanted to—pointing out, for instance, that if every other factory could contribute except his, county leaders might question his capabilities. Or she could say refusing to donate would make people think he was narrow-minded and using public resources to settle personal scores.
And with such tactics, Director Tian might indeed agree.
But Su He wouldn’t go that route. She wasn’t looking to make enemies—she wanted to build connections.
“Director Tian, I’ll relay your words honestly to Principal Chen. I’m sure he’ll understand. Oh, by the way, has he mentioned Happy Brand Instant Noodles to you?”
Director Tian looked confused. “Happy Brand? The one made in S City? No, he never brought it up. Why, is he looking to buy some? We don’t sell that here in the county—he’d have to go to the provincial capital.”
Su He smiled. “No, he’s not looking to buy it. One of his former students works at that factory. Since our province is a major wheat producer, he’s hoping to help introduce the project here.
He even mentioned that instead of building a new factory from scratch, it’d be more cost-effective to expand your existing food plant.
I thought he would’ve mentioned this to you. But since he hasn’t, forget I said anything.”
Director Tian’s mind started turning. He looked at Yu Guodong. “Guodong, Su’s been here a while. Why haven’t you offered her any tea?”
Yu Guodong: “…”
Su He smiled, “No need to trouble yourself! I should be going. I still have other factories to visit for donations. You’re always welcome at our performance event!”
She stood to leave, but Director Tian quickly stood too. “Su, don’t rush off. We rarely get a chance to talk—stay a bit longer!”
Su He sighed, “Maybe next time. I still have to hit up other units. If I don’t meet the donation target, Principal Chen’s definitely going to scold me.”
“Su, our food factory may be struggling, but supporting education is our duty. Even if we have to tighten our belts, we’ll make a donation.
How about ten boxes of canned goods and five boxes of sponge cake?”
“Director Tian, you’re having a hard time too. Let’s forget it. I’m sure Principal Chen will understand. Don’t trouble yourself.”
Director Tian gritted his teeth. “Fifty boxes of canned goods. Ten boxes of sponge cake!”
Su He looked moved. “If you insist on donating, then I will graciously accept!”
Director Tian: “…”
At that moment, Yu Guodong handed Su He a cup of tea.
She was actually quite thirsty—this kind of “begging for alms” was exhausting.
She slurped half the tea down, then stared at the floral design on the cup without saying a word.
Director Tian was fuming.
You’ve got what you came for—say something flattering at least!
He cleared his throat. “Su, about the instant noodles project—was Principal Chen seriously thinking of pushing that forward? How far has it gone?”
Su He finally responded, “I didn’t ask the details, but I heard he might go to S City soon to inspect the factory. But you know how tight night school’s budget is—he’s still hesitant.”
Director Tian’s eyes lit up. “Our food factory is very interested in that project. Why not have us sponsor the inspection trip under our factory’s name? We’ll cover all travel expenses!”
Su He was surprised. “That… that doesn’t seem appropriate.”
“What’s inappropriate? Just tell Principal Chen exactly what I said. Leave it to me!”
Su He nodded. “Alright. I’ll relay your message honestly. I won’t disturb you further.”
Director Tian personally walked her to the office door and instructed Yu Guodong, “It’s nearly lunchtime. Take Su to the cafeteria for a good meal. And start sorting out the donation items—we don’t want Principal Chen waiting.”
Yu Guodong: “…Got it.”
He took Su He to the cafeteria and had the chef prepare a few meat dishes. They chatted while eating.
At that moment, Zhu Yanli entered with a few female coworkers for lunch.
She immediately spotted Su He and clenched her teeth in frustration.
She thought Su He had come to monitor her, worried the factory wasn’t punishing her enough.
She whispered to the two girls beside her, “That fox Su He must be seducing Director Yu. Look at her flirty smile—definitely not a decent woman.”
One of the girls, a round-faced one, said, “Yanli, I think you may have misunderstood Su He. She seems like a good person to me.”
The other, with a high nose bridge, nodded, “Yeah, she’s really helpful. I don’t think she’s the type you’re saying. You’ve got the wrong idea.”
Zhu Yanli was about to explode.
“What kind of spell did she cast on you two? Defending her like that?! Are you turning on me just because I’m down right now?! Trying to climb up by siding with her?”
She slammed her tray down and stormed out.
The two girls looked at each other, speechless.
They were both night school students and had been friendly with Zhu Yanli. To avoid upsetting her, they’d tried not to get involved in the school’s affairs.
So they had no idea about Su He’s recent accomplishments.
The girls chuckled awkwardly and continued their meal.
Meanwhile, Zhu Yanli stormed out of the cafeteria and took a half-day leave from the workshop, heading straight home.
To her surprise, there was a guest waiting.
Her eyes lit up. “Cousin, what are you doing here?”
Fu Peng smiled. “I just got transferred from the commune school to the county night school. Still have a few formalities left, but I’ll report in a few days. You look upset—who bullied you?”
Zhu Yanli immediately spilled everything about Su He, cursing her.
“That bitch even came to the factory today to monitor me, like she’s afraid I’m not suffering enough. If Little Hong and the others hadn’t stopped me, I’d have scratched her face off!”
Fu Peng’s eyes gleamed. “Is that Su He from Huaihua Commune?”
“I don’t know. But her second uncle and aunt work at the textile factory.
All she knows is how to seduce men—first Zhao Bin, then she got Lin Bo arrested. Total vixen!
Cousin, you’re not falling for her too, are you?
Stay away from her. Any man who gets close ends up miserable!”
Fu Peng laughed. “What are you talking about? The name just sounded familiar. Based on what you said, she didn’t actually enroll in night school?”
“No, her uncle and aunt are students there, and she randomly showed up the other day.”
Fu Peng frowned slightly but didn’t press further, changing the subject instead.
