Chapter 190: A Token of Gratitude
Qian Huifang thought she must have misheard. Secretary to the Factory Director?
That was a position countless people fought tooth and nail for—either you had to be a favored confidant of the factory director or someone with strong family connections.
And little Su—she just became the director’s secretary?
“Little Su, are… are you serious?”
Su He nodded. “Mm. But my work won’t overlap with Secretary Yang’s. I’ll mainly be responsible for some new projects.”
As she spoke, Su He helped pick up the scattered documents from the floor. Her eyes paused on one of them, and she was suddenly struck by an idea.
“Aunt Qian, is the machinery factory allocating housing? You and Uncle Qi should be up for one, right?”
Qian Huifang gave a bitter smile. “Housing is given out based on seniority and household size. Even though your Uncle Qi and I have been working here a while, we don’t have any children. We’re probably not eligible yet.”
Su He blinked. “I’ll try bringing it up with the factory director when I have the chance. But I can’t promise anything.”
Qian Huifang was both surprised and delighted. She grabbed Su He’s hand. “Little Su, whether it works out or not, your aunt is already grateful to you!”
Now that Su He was the director’s favorite, there was a good chance she could really make it happen.
Su He smiled sweetly. “Auntie, I’ve got my own reasons for helping too. Once you move into the new apartment, could I rent your current house?”
Living with two old ladies was way too inconvenient. But she couldn’t move too far away, and she still needed to take care of Old Man Ge. Staying in Qian Huifang and her husband’s place would be ideal.
As for why she wasn’t just asking for an apartment for herself—it was partly because she hadn’t yet gained a firm footing, and making such a request would seem too arrogant.
Also, the apartment buildings in An County didn’t have central heating yet, and bathrooms and kitchens were still shared among multiple households. She figured a bungalow was more convenient for now.
Once she had a more stable position, she’d find a way to rent a larger courtyard home.
Eventually, when private property ownership was allowed, she’d buy a place of her own.
Of course, her motivation wasn’t just to rent the house. Qian Huifang and her husband had helped her plenty, and this was her way of repaying the favor.
Qian Huifang understood this too. In return for Su He’s kindness, she shared a lot of insider info about the factory—especially about Secretary Yang.
“Little He, we’re family, so I’ll give you a heads-up. Secretary Yang is narrow-minded and might make things difficult for you. Stay sharp.”
Su He nodded. “Mm, I understand.”
Just then, the phone on the desk rang.
Qian Huifang picked it up and then smiled as she handed the receiver to Su He. “It’s for you!”
After that, she grabbed her files and left the room.
Su He took the phone. “Hello, this is Su He speaking.”
A familiar voice came from the other end—it was Gu Chiyan. “Comrade Su He, I was out at a meeting this morning and missed your call. I’m terribly sorry.”
Gu Chiyan spoke as he wiped the sweat from his brow. As soon as he’d returned and heard from Xiao Wang that Su He had called, he didn’t even take a sip of water before calling her back.
Su He laughed. “No need to apologize. No one can stay by the phone all day.
I just wanted to tell you—I picked up a little gift for you while I was in S City. I mailed it this morning, so keep an eye out for it.”
“Okay, I will. Was your trip to S City smooth?”
Gu Chiyan’s heart was fluttering with joy. She even bought me a gift on a business trip… does that mean she might be a little interested in me?
“It went very well. I learned a lot in S City. I’ll write you a letter with all the details in a couple of days.”
…
Since it was the factory phone line, they couldn’t talk for too long. After a few minutes, they hung up.
Gu Chiyan held the receiver for a moment, reluctant to let go. But thinking about the gift Su He had mentioned, a smile tugged at the corner of his lips.
Su He doesn’t make a big salary… buying something for me must’ve cost her a fair bit. I’ll have to send her some money soon…
That afternoon, the machinery factory held an all-staff assembly.
Director Hu first recited a section of a political speech, then said: “Comrades, our machinery factory is welcoming new opportunities for development. Several new projects will be launched soon. I hope everyone will stay motivated…
In addition, I have a personnel announcement.
Comrade Su He has made outstanding contributions to the factory. She is hereby appointed as the director’s secretary.
Her primary responsibility will be handling matters related to new projects. I hope everyone will support her in her work.”
Once he finished, Director Hu began clapping, and the room erupted in applause.
“Comrade Su He, please come up and say a few words.”
Su He confidently walked onto the stage and began her speech.
First, she thanked Director Hu for recognizing her talents. Then she said:
“Comrades, the scale and production level of heavy industry is a critical indicator of a nation’s strength. It is the cornerstone of national development.
We often talk about contributing bricks and tiles to the Four Modernizations. In truth, every single one of you here is a brick, a tile—you are all part of that foundation!
I believe that under Director Hu’s leadership, and with all of us working together, our An County Machinery Factory can become a leading enterprise in the nation’s machinery sector!
Our goal isn’t just the domestic market. We must also look outward and help earn foreign currency for our country through exports…”
The factory workers were fired up, clapping until their palms turned red.
Su He had become an overnight sensation at the machinery factory.
Everyone was talking about the new Secretary Su—quick-witted, silver-tongued, and impressive on stage.
At the same time, news of Su He’s appointment as secretary reached Director Tian and Director Feng.
The two of them cursed up a storm.
Old Hu, you sly fox! You pulled off a major move without saying a word—truly, it’s the quiet ones that bite hardest!
They were furious—but neither of them could bear to give up the secretary position now.
After the meeting, Su He was assigned to the secretary’s office.
Originally, the office had only one desk. Logically, Su He’s new desk should’ve been placed opposite Secretary Yang’s.
But Secretary Yang had it moved to the northwest corner, claiming it was “so they wouldn’t disturb each other while working.”
Su He just smiled and said nothing.
Before the end of the workday, she strolled out casually.
Secretary Yang’s eyes flickered, and she picked up a file and headed to Director Hu’s office.
“Director, please approve this document.”
After he signed it, Secretary Yang smiled and asked, “Director, does Little Su have a different work schedule? I noticed she already left for the day.”
Her intent was to subtly criticize Su He, but Director Hu replied:
“She’s a special case. She can come and go as she pleases.
Oh, and tell the union—Little Su missed out on the Dragon Boat Festival benefits. Give her two thermos flasks and a cast iron pot. Also, two industrial coupons.”
Secretary Yang forced a smile. “Understood.”
