Chapter 134: Let’s Wait and See
Su He’s English was quite fluent, though it leaned slightly toward the conversational side. Still, this wasn’t a formal academic conference—it was more than adequate.
Most of the foreign guests responded warmly, nodding politely at her. Only John and a few others wore expressions of disdain.
Both Elder Gu and Yue Zhongcheng let out a breath of relief. Clearly, Su He was far more capable than those four clueless interpreters before her.
After exchanging a few pleasantries, Su He walked up to John.
“Sir, may I ask how I should address you?”
John glanced at her arrogantly. “John Bakarin.”
“Mr. John, may I ask—do you speak Chinese?”
John rolled his eyes. “Of course not! Isn’t that obvious? If I did, what would I need you for?!”
Su He chuckled. “Since you don’t understand Chinese, then according to your logic earlier, does that mean I can call you a ‘country bumpkin’?”
John froze for a second, then exploded. “What’s that supposed to mean? Are you trying to start a fight with me? Do you know who I am? I’m your guest! If you offend me, there’ll be consequences!”
Elder Gu frowned. He didn’t understand what John was saying, but judging by his aggressive demeanor, he could guess it wasn’t anything pleasant. His heart tensed up. While he hoped Su He would put John in his place, he worried it might offend the other foreign guests.
Su He, however, remained calm and composed. “Huaxia has always been a land of courtesy and hospitality. Our doors are always open to friends from around the world.
But all of this is built on mutual respect. Mr. John, your earlier words lacked basic respect. Was I wrong to ask you to apologize?
As we say in Huaxia, what you did was ‘eating from the bowl, then cursing your host after setting down the chopsticks.’ That’s shameful.
If you’re dissatisfied with the service here, you can voice your concerns properly. But don’t resort to personal insults. That only reflects poorly on your own upbringing.
And threats? I’m not afraid of them.
Also, do you even know that the ‘country bumpkin’ you insulted—Elder Gu—once singlehandedly wiped out an entire battalion from your country during the war of 1952? You’ve got guts, I’ll give you that.”
The foreign guests immediately turned to stare at Elder Gu with new eyes—some with awe, some with fear.
Especially after Elder Gu snapped off the arm of his glasses and, now without them, gave off a fierce, intimidating presence.
Elder Gu, confused, had no idea what Su He said. Why were the foreigners suddenly looking at him like mice spotting a cat?
Even the 1.8-meter-tall John instinctively took two steps back, trying to maintain his composure. “This is a time of peace. If you lay a finger on me, it’ll cause a diplomatic incident!”
Su He smiled. “Don’t worry. As I said, we’re a civilized people. We won’t resort to violence so easily.
Like we say: when friends arrive, we serve fine wine. When jackals come, we bring out the hunting rifle.
If you apologize sincerely, we’ll consider this matter settled.”
At this point, a middle-aged woman among the guests said to John, “John, your earlier comments were indeed inappropriate. You should apologize.”
Her words were echoed by several other foreign guests urging John to apologize as well.
Grudgingly, John mumbled an apology.
Su He even kindly taught him how to say “sorry” in Chinese.
When Elder Gu heard John mutter “dui bu qi” in awkward Mandarin, he kept a straight face—but inside, he was as shocked as if he’d seen a ghost.
This foreigner… actually apologized?
Although he never thought much of foreigners, he knew Huaxia’s current technological and economic position meant they had to be tactful for now.
As his old leaders used to say: endure hardship now, wait for the day to rise again.
Having seen far worse in his time, Elder Gu kept his composure. He gave a few polite remarks, which Su He translated for John.
Yue Zhongcheng’s eyes were a little misty. As a train conductor, he had often dealt with foreign tour groups in the soft sleeper cabins. Over the years, he’d seen plenty of scenes that left him feeling uncomfortable or even humiliated. But for the bigger picture, he had to stay silent.
Today, Su He had made this arrogant foreigner lower his head—she was right. As long as you speak with reason and confidence, foreigners aren’t all that special.
Su He then turned to the group with a bright smile and spoke in English: “Alright, let’s consider this matter closed and never bring it up again!
We have a saying in Huaxia: it takes a thousand lifetimes of fate to share a ride in the same boat. The fact that we’re all here together is a rare and special encounter. I hope we’ll enjoy the rest of our journey together.
To help us all get better acquainted, why don’t we each introduce ourselves briefly?”
Though these foreign guests had already spent some time together and knew one another, Su He had just given them a taste of her sharpness, so they cooperated without complaint.
Su He carefully recorded every name in her notebook, inwardly delighted—she could practically see foreign currency waving at her!
Even though Elder Gu didn’t understand English, he could recognize a few names. Realizing they were introducing themselves, he didn’t comment, though he found it a bit unnecessary.
After the introductions, Su He beamed and said, “To keep the journey from getting dull, I’ll perform a snippet from the Peking Opera Taking Tiger Mountain by Strategy!”
Without hesitation, she began to sing. Though not as polished as a professional, her performance was more than enough to impress the foreign guests.
After the opera, she continued sharing Chinese historical anecdotes with wit and humor, drawing waves of laughter from the group.
Yue Zhongcheng and Elder Gu exchanged a glance, both seeing disbelief in each other’s eyes.
Wasn’t a translator supposed to be just a tool?
Why did it feel like Su He had become the central figure of the entire foreign guest group—and was now completely in control?
John, still harboring resentment, finally found an opening to speak.
“Su,” he said smugly, “after this time touring your country, we’ve concluded that Huaxia is quite backward—at least fifty years behind our M Country! Do you agree with this fact?”
All the foreign guests turned to look at Su He, their expressions ranging from curiosity to disdain to glee.
Elder Gu, sensing the tension, asked Su He what John had just said.
She translated his words honestly.
Elder Gu frowned. This was a tough one.
If they denied it, it would be an obvious lie—the gap between the countries was real. But if they admitted it, they’d lose face, and it would weaken their stance in front of the foreigners.
Even he couldn’t think of the right words in such a short time. And since John had directed the question at Su He, he couldn’t answer for her, or it would seem like she was just his mouthpiece.
Su He, however, simply smiled.
“Mr. John, you’re right. I admit that our country is currently lagging behind in many areas compared to developed nations.
Your statement about being fifty years ahead isn’t an exaggeration. But we have rich resources, hardworking people, and five thousand years of accumulated culture. We have the confidence and ability to close that gap.
I firmly believe that one day, Huaxia will once again stand proudly at the pinnacle of the world.
Let’s wait and see!”
