Chapter 214: If There’s a Pole, You’ll Climb It
Old Lady Su scolded lightly, “Su He, grandma’s money is your money! What’s spent is spent — why bother paying it back? And why give so much?”
Su He: … Grandma, could you at least not hold out your hand while saying that!
You’ve already taken the money — saying that makes it sound a bit insincere.
“Grandma, you helped look after my maternal grandma in the county and worked hard, and Grandpa also worked hard at home. The extra money is my way of showing respect to you both.”
Old Lady Su grinned from ear to ear, “My precious eldest granddaughter! Money in your hands will even give birth to little babies!”
Su He teased her back with a few jokes, then was about to leave when the old lady caught her hand, “Su He, Grandma knows you were wronged this time. Don’t worry — from now on, whether that family lives or dies, your grandpa and I won’t meddle.”
Su He smiled, “Grandma, listen to you. You and Grandpa are the pillars of this family — whatever you two decide, we’ll follow.”
Hearing that, Old Lady Su’s heart skipped — Su He’s words carried an undertone!
There was still some resentment there!
At this point, Old Man Su, who had been uneasy since Su He entered, finally spoke, “Su He, this time Grandpa was muddle-headed. From now on, whatever happens in the Su family, you’ll have the final say.”
Su He blinked: “Grandpa, you really want me to run the household?”
Old Man Su nodded.
Although this whole situation had been orchestrated by Su He, if they hadn’t driven out the third son’s family, something like that — or worse — might truly have happened.
Old Man Su wasn’t senile; he was actually more perceptive than Old Lady Su. So why had he been so confused?
Because when people grow old, their hearts soften; they long for their descendants to live in harmony.
And part of it was pride: the Su family was now thriving, but the fact that the third son had married into another household was a stain. He’d dreamed of erasing it.
Even knowing deep down the third son wasn’t sincerely repentant, he’d still given him a chance.
And the result? They’d almost destroyed the Su family!
Though not as open-minded as Old Lady Su, he now knew: Su He was the true pillar.
If the Su family wanted a good life, they had to listen to her.
Seeing him nod, Su He smiled sweetly, “Alright then. Since Grandpa says so, I’ll shamelessly take charge!”
Su He had never been overly soft-hearted. She’d spared the third couple only because the whole affair had been her setup — even “Luo Xiaoling” had been a cameo by Tian Xiaotao.
If things got too big and the third couple spilled the truth, she’d have trouble ending it neatly.
As for the grandparents’ soft hearts, Su He understood; parents’ tolerance for their children rarely made sense.
Better to use their guilt to justify officially taking control of the Su family.
And the third couple? They thought paying some money settled things? Dream on!
Once she had time, she’d deal with them properly.
Su He said to Old Lady Su, “Grandma, pack your things — we’ll head back to the county tomorrow.”
The old lady replied, “Su He, it’s easy enough for us to take the minibus, but what about your other grandma? Maybe your dad can send a message for your uncle to bring her the day after tomorrow.”
Su He smiled, “No need. I’ve already arranged with the two drivers — they’ll come tomorrow morning to pick us up.”
“So you arranged everything? My big granddaughter really has everything planned!”
The old lady was overjoyed.
When they’d first come back, she’d been worried and hadn’t behaved well; now she could finally make a good impression.
She’d also come to terms with it: as parents, they’d done their best.
Children and grandchildren have their own fates. Whatever end the third couple met, they’d brought it on themselves!
Instead of fretting, it was better to enjoy peace in their later years.
The next morning, two small sedans rolled into Huangxi Village and stopped at the Su family’s gate.
Before getting in, Old Lady Su smoothed her hair, “Su He, I told you not to go to so much trouble. Bringing us back was nice enough — no need to fetch us again!
“Though I’m used to the county, dirt roads make me uncomfortable. But walking them now and then isn’t so bad.
“Honestly, I don’t like the county food — all fine grains, no flavor. Home’s cornmeal cakes taste better!
“I looked in the mirror yesterday — my face is paler, no spirit at all! The countryside’s better: more sun, tan me shiny dark, makes me look lively.”
…
Old Lady Liu, nearby, felt sour enough to bubble!
As if there were no sun in the county!
Do city folks live in the dark?
Just two days ago you were crying, and now you’re showing off!
If not for fear of upsetting your granddaughter, I’d poke a few holes in your bragging!
You’re just lucky to have such a granddaughter!
Might as well spend New Year in the county — don’t come back flaunting!
Then she warmly grabbed Old Lady Su’s hand, “Sister-in-law, I’ll really miss you. Do come visit often!”
“I’ll miss you and the village ladies too. I’ll come back whenever I can — we’re lucky to have that option.”
…
Behind the woodpile, Su Xiaoman shook her little ahoge at her gang of sidekicks, “Keep an eye on my house, especially Grandpa! If anything happens, write it in your notebooks — I’ll bring you candy when I’m back!”
The little sidekicks nodded eagerly. As long as there was candy, Sister Man’s word was law!
Hearing Su He calling, Xiaoman darted out from behind the woodpile.
Old Lady Su, still reluctant, rolled down the car window to wave at everyone as they drove off.
The sedan reached Xu Village, picked up Grandma Zhao, and returned to the county.
Compared with the third couple, Su Yongshi and his wife were much more sensible.
After several days away, the flat house was a bit dusty.
They rolled up their sleeves to clean, then cooked lunch…
After eating and washing the dishes, they finally left.
The next morning, Su He began her rounds, inspecting her “territory.”
First stop: the food factory.
Factory Director Tian greeted her sourly, “Little Su, why didn’t you tell me you needed a car? Think mine’s too shabby?”
He expected an explanation, but Su He smiled sweetly, “Isn’t this perfect timing? I’ll be heading back to Huaihua Commune in a few days — I’ll borrow your car then!”
Director Tian: “…”
You must be a monkey — if there’s a pole, you’ll climb it!
