Chapter 195: Return to the Village
Su He poured a cup of tea for Director Hu before speaking. “Didn’t I just bring my grandma and maternal grandmother over? Now the house is a bit too crowded.
Actually, I could rent somewhere else, but it’s really hard to find a place that’s big enough.
Besides, I also have to take care of Grandpa Ge next door. After thinking it through, I realized it’d be best if I could rent Qian Huifang and her husband’s place.
They’ve always looked out for me, so I’m thick-skinned enough to come ask you for a favor—maybe you could help them get allocated a new apartment, and then I could rent theirs?”
Su He was very direct, not beating around the bush.
Director Hu was a man with a big-picture mindset, so she preferred being open and upfront with him.
Besides, he was an experienced old fox—any lie wouldn’t hold up to his scrutiny.
Director Hu appreciated her honesty and chuckled. “Qian Huifang and her husband work diligently. They were even named model workers last year. It’s about time they were allocated a home. You’re an employee here now too, so once they vacate, subletting to you is entirely by the book.”
Su He knew then—the matter was settled.
When Qian Huifang found out, she immediately teared up.
She and her husband had long dreamed of having their own place. But because they had no children, they were always passed over for housing allocations.
Mentioning children gave Su He an idea. She asked, “Auntie Qian, if you don’t mind me asking—was it by choice that you didn’t have kids, or was it something else?”
Qian Huifang sighed, “Of course we wanted kids! We took medicine and saw doctors, but I could never get pregnant. Over time, we just gave up. It’s just the two of us now.”
Su He thought: You live two doors down from a miracle doctor, but you have no idea…
She remembered her lesson from last time. Since Grandpa Ge wanted to retire quietly, she wouldn’t say anything without his permission.
So, she just offered a few words of comfort and left it at that.
*
That evening at home, Old Madam Su said, “Su He, your grandma says she’s missing home and wants to go back for a visit. What do you think?”
Old Madam Zhao: “…”
When did I say that? You’re clearly the one who wants to go back and show off!
Then Old Madam Su added, “Su He, your grandma’s not very mobile. How about I go back instead?
Let your parents visit the Xu family village. I’ll take a look in on Erya too—I haven’t seen that girl in so long, I really miss her!”
Su He: “…”
You badmouth Su Xiaoman eight hundred times a day—now you miss her?
Still, Su He wanted to visit as well. She could deliver the gifts she’d bought and pick up Su Xiaoman now that summer break had started.
But she couldn’t leave Old Madam Zhao behind, especially since it had been so long since she’d returned home.
The real problem—how to get there?
Old Madam Zhao couldn’t handle a bus ride with her mobility issues.
*
The next day, Su He went to the textile factory to look for Director Feng.
He looked a little awkward.
The reason was simple: Director Hu had openly outplayed him!
He had made Su He his secretary and even held a general staff meeting to announce it.
How could Su He not take it personally?
But Su He just beamed. “Director, is there any news about the sub-factory at Huaihua Commune?”
“Our factory reached a preliminary agreement. I’ve already reported it to the county. We’re just waiting on approval.”
Su He nodded and discussed a few other things before getting to the point with a bright smile:
“Director, I want to take a trip back to Huaihua Commune, but my grandma can’t walk well. I was hoping to borrow your car.
Actually, Director Hu even brought it up himself yesterday, but I thought since our factory might work with the commune in the future, it would be more appropriate to ride in your car. Don’t you think?”
Director Feng: “…”
So you’re borrowing my car, and I should be grateful you chose me over Director Hu?!
Still, that old fox Hu would totally say something like that, especially after giving Su He the secretary title.
If he refused now, Su He might fully throw her lot in with the mechanical factory.
So he forced a smile. “It’s really not a big deal—just borrowing a car, right? I don’t have much going on tomorrow. I’ll have Old Li drive you.”
Su He’s eyes lit up. “That’s perfect! We’re just going for the day and will be back by nightfall, so it won’t interfere with your schedule.”
“Even if you stay overnight, it’s fine. One day won’t make a difference.”
*
Director Feng was in a particularly generous mood that day. As long as it didn’t involve factory interests, he was easy to deal with.
That evening at home, Su He told them about the car.
Old Madam Su’s eyes lit up immediately!
“Su He, you mean tomorrow we’re taking a car back to the village?”
Su He nodded. “Yep, we’ll stop at Grandma’s village first, then head to Huangxi Village.”
Old Madam Su was so delighted she could barely clap her hands together!
She already thought it was fancy just wearing clothes bought in S City and carrying a bag—now she could ride in a car?
That’s practically the ancient equivalent of an eight-man bridal sedan!
Even a titled noblewoman wouldn’t get better treatment!
She was so excited that she couldn’t sleep all night. She got up before dawn to get ready.
Old Madam Zhao didn’t sleep well either. She’d been recovering and could now stand up on her own.
Her eyes had also returned to normal after not crying so much recently.
Su He, on the other hand, slept like a baby and dreamed of catching a giant golden fish that spat out gold instead of water bubbles…
*
Old Li, Director Feng’s driver, was very respectful—driving a car in this era was something to be admired.
But he treated Su He with extra care, knowing how highly Director Feng regarded her.
He even helped carry Old Madam Zhao into the car and drove especially smoothly, fearing the elderly ladies wouldn’t handle a rough ride.
First stop: Xu Family Village. The harvest season was over, so Grandpa Zhao and Uncle Zhao were both home.
Old Madam Zhao reflexively teared up upon seeing her family, but got pinched by Old Madam Su—no tears allowed!
Grandpa and Uncle Zhao were momentarily stunned seeing her dry-eyed.
Su He gave them the clothes and gifts she had brought, arranged when to come pick up Old Madam Zhao, and then headed to Huangxi Village.
They had to make it back today, so time was tight.
Though Director Feng had said they could stay the night, she wanted to be considerate.
As soon as Old Madam Zhao got off the car, Old Madam Su started fiddling with her hair and smoothing her clothes.
“Su He, the closer we get to home, the more nervous I feel. What’s wrong with me?”
Su He laughed. “That’s called being homesick—it’s normal to feel a bit unsettled when you’re almost there.”
Old Madam Su beamed. “My precious granddaughter’s so educated! If you were born in ancient times, you’d totally be a top scholar!”
The car finally reached Huangxi Village. Old Madam Su spotted some old ladies gossiping under the big willow tree and quickly said, “Stop the car! Stop!”
Old Li had no idea what was happening but quickly complied.
Su He knew exactly what Old Madam Su was up to and got out to open the door for her.
Old Madam Su smoothed her hair again, lifted the fancy shopping bag from the Jinxiang Hotel—and stepped out.
Unfortunately, whether from sitting too long or stepping on a pebble, she slipped and fell flat on her face.
Old Madam Su: Dear heavens, please strike me with lightning right now…
