Chapter 106: Principal Chen’s Chicken Soup for the Soul
Principal Chen had spent the entire morning tirelessly negotiating, and after sacrificing a few precious strands of hair in the process, he finally managed to convince the county leaders to purchase the donated supplies.
And not at factory price—but at full retail value.
At that moment, Principal Chen felt like his hair wasn’t made of mere strands—it was practically made of gold bars!
Beaming with pride, he trotted happily back to the night school. He imagined Su He sitting in her office, frowning in frustration. The mere thought made him chuckle.
He didn’t even need to check—he knew the poor girl must’ve hit a wall!
Those commune heads were notoriously stingy and difficult to deal with. Their words alone could choke a person to death!
She must’ve learned her lesson by now!
Still daring to challenge me? Serves her right!
In this cheerful mood, Principal Chen arrived at his office and knocked.
Su He opened the door with a bright smile. “Principal, you’re back?”
Principal Chen looked at what he assumed was a forced smile and offered some comfort. “Didn’t manage to get any supplies, huh? Don’t be too upset. Life is never smooth sailing—setbacks are part of the journey. You’re still young, the road ahead is long…”
Su He nodded enthusiastically, clearly appreciating his heartfelt chicken soup for the soul. She even thoughtfully poured him a cup of tea so his mouth wouldn’t dry out from all the advice.
Just as he finished his long-winded speech, she picked up a small notebook and began to read:
“Qiping Commune has voluntarily donated one pig. Sanglin Commune has donated five hens and fifty jin of eggs. Tuanjie Commune has offered…”
PFFT!
The tea Principal Chen had just sipped went spraying out of his mouth.
Luckily, Su He had anticipated this and kept a safe distance.
Pointing a trembling finger at her, he stammered, “What… what did you just say?”
With mock sincerity, Su He repeated the donation list, reading it out with rhythmic flair.
Principal Chen felt like the world had turned upside down.
Forget the others—Qiping Commune actually donated a whole pig?!
A pig was worth its weight in gold these days! How could Director Wu be so generous?
“What did you say to him? Don’t tell me you pinned this on me somehow!”
Su He grinned. “Do I look like someone who throws people under the bus?
All I did was chat with Director Wu about family stuff, emphasized the importance of supporting education, and he—being a man with a grand vision—immediately agreed to donate a pig!
He even wanted to give us two piglets. But since we don’t have anywhere to raise them, I politely declined.”
Principal Chen: “…”
Either Director Wu had lost his mind… or this girl was lying through her teeth!
“All the communes—did you call them all? Any you haven’t? Call one now, let me listen!”
There were still a few she hadn’t called yet. After all, each call took over ten minutes and she’d only just gotten around to drinking some tea when Principal Chen returned.
She picked up the phone to dial the Huaihua Commune, but Principle Chen’s eyes glinted. “No, call Xiangyang Commune first—Director Shen.”
He had heard Su He had offended Director Shen in the past. She was definitely going to crash and burn this time!
Su He nodded and dialed.
“Hello? Who’s speaking?” came the voice from the other end.
“Hello, Director Shen! This is Su He, president of the county night school student council. We’ve met a few times before—do you remember me?”
“…You’re Su He from Huaihua Commune?”
“Yes, that’s me. Have you been busy lately?
I wanted to visit you in person, but I’m currently juggling too many responsibilities. So I’m borrowing Principal Chen’s phone to give you a quick call.”
Director Shen was stunned!
What’s this Su He girl doing at the night school now? And as student council president?
And borrowing Principal Chen’s phone? Since when were they that close?!
Still, despite his surprise, Director Shen kept his voice calm and composed. “Ah, Little Su!
Well, unlike your Director Luo who has a lot of free time, we’re quite busy here. So, what’s the matter?”
Su He explained the upcoming night school performance, and Director Shen immediately replied, “Please pass on my thanks to Principal Chen, but I’m too swamped to attend.”
Su He asked in surprise, “You’re really not coming? Our Director Luo heard that county leaders and heads of major factories will be attending. He’s planning to pedal here overnight!”
Director Shen: “…County leaders and major factory heads will be there?”
“Mm-hmm! And not just them—Director Wu from Qiping Commune will be attending too. Oh, and he donated a whole pig to the night school.
Of course, we understand Xiangyang Commune can’t quite match Qiping’s economic strength. You don’t have to match him—just a few hundred jin of eggs will do.”
Director Shen hated being told Xiangyang was inferior to Qiping—and in reality, the two communes were quite evenly matched.
Her words were like stepping on his tail!
“Little Su, that’s not quite fair! Our Xiangyang Commune’s overall strength is far superior to Qiping’s!
They donated one pig? Fine—we’ll donate one too! Plus five hens!”
And as soon as the words left his mouth, Director Shen realized—he’d been played!
It was classic provocation. Su He had clearly baited him!
He was annoyed. Not to boast, but he was normally a careful man—not easily outmaneuvered. And yet, this little girl had completely led him into her trap!
But what was said was said—like spilled water, there was no taking it back.
Then Su He’s voice rang out, cheerful and crisp: “Director Shen, you truly live up to your reputation as the head of the strongest commune in An County! Your decisiveness is unparalleled!
On behalf of Principal Chen and all the faculty and students of the night school, thank you for your generosity!
After the performance, Principal Chen will deliver a public thank-you speech. We’ll make sure Xiangyang Commune is mentioned first!
And if you’d like, I can recommend to Principal Chen that you give a few remarks on stage. Would you be open to that?”
Director Shen’s eyes lit up. He cleared his throat. “With so many leaders present, would it really be appropriate for me to speak?”
Su He smiled. “Of course! Xiangyang Commune is donating the most. As a representative, it’s only fitting!
If you’re okay with it, I’ll report it to Principal Chen and confirm later.”
“Great, great. Thank you, Little Su! And come visit Xiangyang Commune whenever you like—we’d be glad to have you!”
This time, Director Shen meant every word.
Moments ago, he couldn’t stand her. Now? He was delighted.
What a capable young lady!
Just by donating five more hens than Qiping, he secured top billing and a speaking spot.
What an honor!
That donation was well worth it!
