Chapter 129: Do Not Disturb, Currently in Shutdown Mode
When Su He returned to the house, Old Madam Su immediately began making arrangements upon hearing she’d be leaving tomorrow.
“Dumplings when you depart, noodles when you arrive—Grandma will start kneading the dough right now!”
Su He, wanting to speak with Su Yongshi and his wife anyway, suggested, “Grandma, let’s go to my second uncle’s place and eat together.”
Old Madam Su missed Jinbao too, so she readily agreed.
Before they left, she gave Old Madam Zhao her usual “farewell threat”: “You better cheer up over there! If I see a single tear, all the clothes I brought back from S City are mine!”
Old Madam Zhao nodded furiously. It wasn’t even about the clothes—she was more afraid Old Madam Su would dismantle her car’s wheels in revenge!
Su He originally wanted to invite Old Man Ge along as well, but he politely declined.
“I won’t go. Just bring me back some dumplings.”
Su He didn’t push it.
She then stopped by the provisions store, bought a strip of pork belly and some chives, and brought the two old ladies over to Su Yongshi’s house.
Luckily, both he and his wife were home.
Su Jinbao, like a little tail, stuck to Su He’s side and said, “Sis, my classmate Big Fatty says the biscuits and candies from S City are amazing…”
Su He: …You really are Grandma’s biological grandson!
Same exact trick when asking for stuff!
She flicked his forehead. Jinbao yelped, then immediately grinned and tilted his head up, saying, “Wow, Sis, even your forehead flick hurts more than anyone else’s!”
Su He: …
All shame abandoned in the pursuit of snacks, huh?
She was mostly teasing him, anyway. She promised to bring him back something tasty when she returned.
Jinbao immediately skipped away excitedly to brag to his friends.
Su He: …I haven’t even bought anything yet, what are you showing off for?
But in little Jinbao’s heart: I’ve already boasted! Sis can’t back out now, or she’d totally lose face!
After dinner, Su He called Su Yongshi and his wife into the west room for a private chat.
Her message was the same as back in the village: stay alert, in case trouble stirs up when she’s gone.
Su Yongshi quickly assured her, “Don’t worry, Little He. Your second uncle is more vigilant than ever now. I won’t fall for any tricks.”
“Oh, right—what happened with those people who invited you to dinner before?”
Su He had been so busy, she’d forgotten about them.
“They came looking for me a few more times, but I made up excuses to avoid them. Eventually, they gave up.
But don’t worry—I’ve got a few friends keeping an eye on them. If they make a move, I’ll know immediately.
And frankly, even if they want to mess with me, they better think twice.”
Su He gave her second uncle a nod of approval. He’d started building networks and influence. Not bad.
Still, she didn’t want him to get cocky, so she threw in a few words of caution.
Her warning quickly deflated the minor swagger he had.
In contrast, she felt more at ease with Cao Hongmei, so she asked her to keep him in check when needed.
As she was about to leave, little Jinbao leaned in and whispered in her ear, “Don’t worry, Sis. I’m here. I’ll be your spy! If Dad misbehaves, you can just replace him with a new one!”
Su He: …
You really are your father’s son!
*
The next morning, Su He and Principal Chen arrived at the train station, her travel bag in hand.
Principal Chen carried a worn-out briefcase and a netted bag stuffed with clothes, a tea mug, and a towel.
“Give me the net bag, I’ll help you carry it,” Su He offered.
After a bit of polite refusal, she still managed to take it from him.
Principal Chen sighed internally—this girl might be clever and sharp-tongued, but her character was solid. That’s why he indulged her so much.
Too bad she didn’t want to go to university. Otherwise, she could’ve gone far.
Su He’s bag only had a few pieces of clothing. The money and heavy items had been stored in the Exchange System.
She even mocked it: “What a shame you can’t pinpoint locations. You could’ve made me some real money!”
Exchange System: Currently in shutdown. Do not disturb.
*
Train travel wasn’t exactly smooth in those days. Su He and Principal Chen had to fight their way aboard and finally found their assigned sleeper bunks.
Their berths were directly across from each other—a sign that Liu Dong at the train station had done a great job with the arrangements.
Su He mentally noted to maintain this connection when she returned. She’d need to travel by train often.
She noticed the upper and middle bunks around them were still empty—probably reserved for passengers boarding at later major stops.
After settling Principal Chen, she said, “I’m going to walk around a bit. Keep an eye on the bags.”
Principal Chen thought she meant a bathroom trip and simply nodded.
But soon, he heard Su He’s familiar, bright voice coming from the next section of the sleeper car:
“Big Sis, are you going to S City too? Is this your child? So adorable—looks so clever!”
“Uncle, I hear your accent—is it from Huajiang? They say it snows so much there in winter it blocks the door. Is that true?”
“Auntie, you look so young! If you didn’t say your age, I’d have called you ‘Big Sis’ instead!”
…
Principal Chen: …
Who starts socializing on a train ride like this?
Two stops later, Su He returned.
Left hand holding a bag of hazelnuts, right hand with a jar of preserved fruit, and her jacket pockets stuffed with two boiled eggs.
Principal Chen: …
This girl could be penniless and still wouldn’t starve!
Su He pulled out some pastries from her travel bag and skipped away again.
That’s just how networking works—give and take.
By the time she returned again, the train had reached Chucheng Station in Jingbei Province.
Chucheng was a major stop, with lots of passengers getting on and off.
Su He climbed back into her bunk and nibbled on hazelnuts like a little squirrel.
Principal Chen seemed like he wanted to say something several times, probably wondering how she could chat with strangers so easily.
Su He handed him a handful of hazelnuts. “Principal, if you want some, just ask! You’ve been so kind to me—how could I not spare a few nuts?”
Principal Chen: “…Get out and close the door behind you!”
Su He froze for a second—then burst out laughing.
Principal Chen’s face turned red. He had momentarily thought he was in his office!
All Su He’s fault—she always drove him to use his catchphrases!
