Chapter 172: Long Time No See
Just as Director Gao was feeling anxious, Wu Qiang, who had just returned from the train’s restroom, leaned in mysteriously and said, “I saw there are guards stationed at the First-Class cars. I heard they’re full of foreigners!”
Hearing this, the younger folks immediately began to chatter excitedly.
“I heard First-Classs are way better than hard sleepers! Four people to a cabin, and some cabins even have just two people!”
“They get special meals too, I heard—Western food even!”
“Too bad only foreign guests and foreign trade department officials get to ride First-Class. No chance for us!”
…
Director Gao listened to their conversation, and a sudden realization hit him.
Su He had said she met a leader from the foreign trade department on the train. That leader must’ve been in the First-Class section—so how did she meet him?
Did she go into the First-Class car?
Director Gao found the thought ridiculous. Not even high-ranking officials from the county could get in there—how could Su He?
Never mind, he’d ask her once they met.
Thinking of Su He, he reminded the five young people he had brought along: “Deputy Director Su definitely worked hard to get you all this learning opportunity. You must make the most of it. Also, the people at No.1 Textile are known for being tough. They might say some unpleasant things or make things difficult for you. Just endure it—don’t let Deputy Director Su get put in an awkward spot. And don’t forget: address her as Deputy Director Su when you meet her!”
That was something Director Feng specifically emphasized—they wanted Su He to feel the factory respected her, starting with how she was addressed.
The five young people eagerly promised, “Don’t worry, Director Gao! We’re mentally prepared. We’re fine with a little hardship if it means learning something valuable.”
“Yeah, we’ve heard how proud the No.1 Textile folks are—they’ve got the qualifications to be proud. Let them say whatever they want; we’ll just pretend we didn’t hear it.”
“Even if you hadn’t told us, we’d have figured out that Deputy Director Su really went the extra mile for us. We won’t let her down.”
…
After two long days and nights on the train, they finally arrived at the train station in S City.
Director Gao thought, Thank goodness we had sleeper tickets. If we’d had to sit in hard seats this whole time, we’d be wrecked.
He told the young people, “S City Station is big. Stick close to me, don’t get lost!”
As they exited, the group stared at the bustling crowds and the tall buildings in the distance, all looking a bit dazed.
Wu Qiang pointed toward the bus stop, saying, “Director, I don’t see Deputy Director Su. Maybe she’s waiting at the bus station?”
Director Gao thought, Little Su is a smart one. She should be waiting for us right at the exit.
Just as he was wondering, Wu Qiang suddenly exclaimed, “Director Gao! Look—two sedans over there, brand-new! So classy!”
Director Gao followed his gaze and thought, Yeah, nice cars—but they’ve got nothing to do with us!
He was about to look away when the door of one of the sedans opened and an elderly man stepped out.
Director Gao froze. That guy looks familiar…
Especially that mop of “disaster-relief” hair—looked extra familiar.
Then the door of the other sedan opened, and out stepped a young woman.
She wore a lake-blue dress, a “Serve the People” satchel slung across her shoulder, and white leather shoes.
Director Gao nearly went blind from the sight.
Isn’t that Su He?! Why is she getting out of a sedan?!
Click-clack, click-clack—Su He walked up in her little leather shoes and held out her hand, “Director Gao, long time no see!”
Director Gao: “…”
Hasn’t even been that long! But it feels like decades have passed!
A bit dazed, he shook Su He’s hand—then realized the man behind her was none other than Principal Chen.
He quickly greeted Principal Chen.
But in his heart, he was puzzled. Su He is just an off-campus instructor at the county night school, and Principal Chen is her superior. Why does it look like he’s her assistant?
Su He smiled and asked, “Director Gao, these young folks must be the backbone of our textile factory?”
Director Gao collected himself and introduced each one.
Su He shook hands with each of them. Hearing them call her “Deputy Director Su” one after another, she was delighted.
Gotta admit—Director Feng really knew how to handle things!
Smiling, Su He said, “Director Gao, it’s too hot to be standing around chatting! To welcome you all, I had No.1 Textile send two cars to pick you up. Come on, let’s head to the factory!”
Director Gao: “…”
The five young people: “…”
Wait, weren’t we supposed to be treated harshly?
Weren’t we supposed to swallow our pride?
Aren’t we here to learn from them?
We came asking for help, and Deputy Director Su even had them send cars to pick us up?
Director Gao felt his brain short-circuit. “Su—Su He, Deputy Director Su… what’s going on here?”
Su He giggled. “Didn’t I tell you? To welcome you, I had the No.1 Textile send two cars. Sales Section Chief Yu originally wanted to send a whole motorcade, but I thought that was too flashy, so I turned him down.”
Director Gao: “…”
Su He continued, “Also, I spoke with No.1 Textile—they’re covering all your food and lodging. You won’t have to spend a single cent. And if anyone gives you trouble, just tell me—I’ll deal with them!”
Director Gao: “…”
You talk like you own the place!
But… it’s hard not to believe it—with two cars right there!
The group, full of shock and confusion, got into the cars.
There were eight of them in total—exactly why Su He had borrowed two sedans.
Su He, Principal Chen, Director Gao, and Wu Qiang got in one; the other four young people took the second car.
Su He chatted and joked with the driver in fluent S City dialect as they headed toward No.1 Textile.
Director Gao and Wu Qiang sat there, dumbfounded.
Deputy Director Su can speak S City dialect too?!
Seeing their stunned faces, Principal Chen felt a quiet pride rise in his chest.
Look at you bumpkins! If you only knew what this girl’s accomplished in the past few days, your eyeballs would fall out of your heads!
Before long, the cars arrived at the gate of No.1 Textile. As usual, Su He rolled down the window and nodded at the guards. They all snapped to attention and saluted in unison.
Director Gao: “…”
Good heavens. What the hell did Su He do?! She’s acting like she runs the place!
Su He noticed Director Gao’s reaction and felt smug.
When it comes to showing off—I’m a pro.
