Chapter 225: You’re Still the Stingiest
Su He drove Factory Director Tian’s little sedan back to the bungalow and honked at the gate.
Su Xiaoman was the first to run out. Seeing Su He get out from the driver’s seat, the girl’s eyes went wide, “Big Sis, you drove this car back yourself?”
When Su He nodded, Xiaoman’s face lit up with pure admiration, “Big Sis, is there anything in this world you can’t do?! You’re way too amazing! You’re the most, most, most awesome person I’ve ever met!”
At that moment, Granny Su came out, pushing Grandma Zhao’s wheelchair.
Xiaoman flicked her little cowlick proudly, “Granny, Grandma, my sister drove back herself! No wonder she’s my big sister—so impressive! I’m bound to be great too; after all, what kind of little sister wouldn’t take after such a big sis…”
Granny Su wasn’t even listening to the bragging—her eyes were glued to the car, “Su He, you can drive? When did you learn?”
Su He smiled, lips pressed together, “I picked it up after watching a few times. Not that hard.”
Granny Su’s eyes curved into slits with her grin, “My precious eldest granddaughter is so smart—everything comes easy for her. By the way, Su He, where did this car come from?”
“It’s Factory Director Tian’s from the food plant. He lent it to me for a few days.”
The rainbow-flattery came instantly, “That car’s worth a lot—most people wouldn’t lend it out! But of course, you’re the factory leaders’ favorite everywhere you go…”
Su He listened with a smile, then said, “Granny, Grandma, Second Girl, come on, I’ll take you for a spin!”
Granny Su couldn’t have been happier and readily agreed.
Seeing that Old Man Ge’s door next door was open, Su He shouted, “Grandpa Ge! Grandpa Ge! Come on, let’s go out for a drive!”
Old Man Ge came out scowling, “What’s with all the hollering? Staying home peacefully isn’t good enough for you? What do you need to drive around for?!”
But as he grumbled, he locked his door.
Su He was long used to his “sharp tongue, soft heart.”
She had him sit in the passenger seat, hit the gas, and the car shot forward. Old Man Ge clamped his eyes shut in fright—did this girl really know how to drive, or was he about to lose his old life?
But soon he relaxed: though fast, her driving was smooth.
Circling the county seat, Su He complained, “This car is too beat-up! It’s not as good as Director Tang’s jeep—at least that one doesn’t fuss about the road. I’m definitely getting myself a jeep someday.”
Old Man Ge was speechless, “You’re getting more outrageous by the day! Calling this car ‘beat-up’? How many sedans are there in the whole county, huh? And you’re talking about getting a jeep—are you even at that level?!”
Su He cleared her throat, “Grandpa Ge, actually I’ve got good news. I’m now the director of the Huaihua branch of the textile factory!”
Old Man Ge: “…”
He vaguely remembered betting with this girl: if she managed to get the textile mill to set up a branch in Huaihua commune, he’d have to call her “Great Auntie.” And now? Not only had they built the branch, she’d become its director!
Lucky he’d been wise enough to accept her as a granddaughter early—otherwise, at his age, he’d have had to call someone “Grandma.”
Granny Su was clapping her hands in delight, “Su He, so everything at the Huaihua branch will be up to you now? You decide who works there, who holds what post! Won’t all the Huaihua commune folks have to curry favor with our family…”
Her heart bloomed with joy. She’d once been just the matriarch of Huangxi Village; soon she’d be the matriarch of Huaihua commune! She almost wished Grandma Zhao’s legs would heal right away, so she could get back to the village… to show off.
After the joyride, Su He brought everyone home.
That evening, after dinner, she drove to the night school.
The gatekeeper nearly popped his eyes out—this girl had a car now? And drove herself? Incredible!
The moment she arrived, he rushed forward eagerly, “Teacher Su, you’re here? I saw some mud on your car—I’ll wipe it off for you later!”
Su He, ever respectful toward elders, agreed with a smile.
She strolled to Principal Chen’s office and knocked. Inside, Principal Chen was happily combing his hair—the fresh sprouts on top were growing nicely! Hearing the knock, he sat behind his desk and put on a solemn face, “Come in.”
Su He grinned, “Principal, guess how I came today?”
Principal Chen glanced at her, “How should I know? You didn’t blow in on a gust of wind, did you?”
Su He: “…”
Ever since their business trip, this old man had been letting himself go—no more polite phrasing like “please close the door”; now he just spoke bluntly.
She flopped onto the sofa, “I drove Director Tian’s car! It’s a bit shabby, but it works.”
Principal Chen raised his brows, “You can drive? And that penny-pinching Tian lent you his car?”
“Yup! I rode in cars a few times in Shanghai, watched carefully, and learned. Driving’s not much harder than riding a bike. As for Director Tian, he’s generous enough—he’s even taking me on a business trip to the capital soon!”
But Principal Chen latched onto the business trip part. He poured Su He tea, fetched a bag of fried peanuts from his drawer, and sat beside her, shelling peanuts as he spoke, “Little Su, Tian the Skinflint may not be a bad person, but he’s a bit scheming. I’m not entirely at ease letting you go on a trip with him. I’m afraid he’ll take advantage of you. Tell you what—I’ll rearrange my work and go with you!”
Su He: “…”
“Principal, we’re going to meet clients. Isn’t it… inappropriate for you to tag along?”
Principal Chen coughed, “What’s inappropriate?! That instant-noodle production line was arranged through one of my former students, wasn’t it? Who knows, maybe the Beijing Supply & Marketing Company has one of my students too.”
Su He: “…”
Did he have any sense of how unlikely that was?!
This wasn’t the same principal who used to feel shy even asking for donations—his skin was getting thicker by the day!
Su He rolled her eyes.
“Principal, how about this—you go as an official night-school visit, to inspect and learn from the Beijing night school. I’ll be your assistant. About travel expenses…”
Principal Chen paused.
“…I’ll give you an allowance! As for the travel costs, forget it—you let Tian the Tightwad cover your transport and lodging. I’ll bunk with him; won’t cost extra.”
Su He: “…”
When it comes to stinginess, you’re still the champion!
