Chapter 229: Setting Off for the Capital
If it were usual times, the moment Principal Chen heard Director Tian’s words, he would definitely give him a vivid “lesson in ideology”—things like don’t hit people in the face, don’t expose others’ shortcomings, don’t talk about height in front of a short person.
But today, Principal Chen was unusually agreeable.
“Old Tian, that’s why I say your eyesight is sharp! My hair has just started sprouting—most people wouldn’t even notice.”
Director Tian instinctively took half a step back. “Chen Baldy, if you’ve got something to say, just say it. You’re giving me the creeps acting like this.”
Principal Chen gave a dry laugh. “It’s nothing much. I heard you’re going to the capital on a business trip in a few days? I also want to visit the night schools there for some inspection.
But you know, our night school funds are tight. Anyway, you can’t sleep in two beds by yourself. I can share a room with you. We can even drink a little and chat, ease your discomfort while being away. What do you think?”
Director Tian: …I really should thank you!
I knew this Chen Baldy wouldn’t come knocking without a reason!
So after all that talk, you just want to take advantage of me?!
Just because I can’t sleep in two beds means I have to give you one?
Where did you get such a big face?!
No wonder you get along so well with that girl Su He—birds of a feather!
Both of you are iron roosters—even walking on the ground, you’d want to pick up a bit of dirt for free!
Just as he was about to say something sarcastic, Principal Chen continued:
“Old Tian, if it were Old Feng or Old Hu going on this trip, I wouldn’t say this to them—we don’t have that kind of relationship.
But you’re different. We drank together not long ago, and you even donated supplies to the night school twice. We’re close friends now!
In the future, I’ll also tell the night school students more about you—let them know you’re loyal and generous, so people won’t gossip behind your back and give you random nicknames.
Of course, if you’re not used to sharing a room, just pretend I didn’t say anything.”
The two things Director Tian hated most were: one, worrying that Su He might “usurp his position,” and two, the nickname “Tian the Stingy.”
So Principal Chen’s words hit right where it mattered.
He immediately swallowed the harsh words he had been about to say and smiled instead:
“Old Chen, listen to yourself—are we strangers to each other?!
Forget sharing a room—even if I opened a separate room just for you, it’s nothing. At worst, I’ll pay out of my own pocket—not using public funds.”
Principal Chen’s smile became even more sincere.
“Old Tian, I knew you were a straightforward man. Then it’s settled—just have Little Su inform me of the exact date.”
“Alright, it’s a deal.”
…
Throughout the whole exchange, Su He didn’t say a word.
Because she felt that Principal Chen’s every move looked strangely familiar…
Why did it feel like she was looking into a mirror?
After Principal Chen left, Director Tian finally reacted.
Damn it, I got led around by Chen Baldy!
But words once spoken are like water spilled—there was no taking them back.
Still, maybe it wasn’t bad. Traveling alone with Su He, a young girl, wasn’t very appropriate anyway. With Chen Baldy along, there’d be less gossip.
Over the next few days, Su He was busy handling her work, mainly matters related to the Huaihua branch.
In the blink of an eye, it was mid-August—and the day to depart for the capital arrived.
Besides his toiletries, Director Tian also carried a large box of instant noodle samples.
Thinking about it made him annoyed!
Sure, samples were needed for the supply and marketing company in the capital—but was there really a need to bring such a big box?!
That girl Su He was clearly making unnecessary trouble!
And besides, she was the secretary—and a young person at that. Shouldn’t she be the one carrying the box?!
Where was her usual attentiveness?
And that Chen Baldy too—freeloading off the trip, couldn’t he at least show some initiative and take the box?
Both of them were treating him like a fool!
While he was grumbling inwardly, Su He came over with a station staff member, who was pushing a small cart.
Principal Chen felt the man looked familiar. After a moment, he remembered.
When he and Su He bought train tickets to Shanghai before, it was this man who helped them get sleeper tickets—his name seemed to be Liu Dong.
Liu Dong greeted both Principal Chen and Director Tian politely, then loaded all their luggage onto the cart.
“Follow me through the staff passage. You can wait on the platform ahead of time—otherwise it’ll be too crowded later.”
Last time he helped Su He purely because she used the county leader’s name as leverage.
But Su He had one good trait—she always followed through.
After returning from Shanghai, she not only wrote a commendation article for An County Railway Station and Liu Dong, but also gave him a bag of White Rabbit milk candies.
Plus, she had casually mentioned that Yue Zhongcheng was her “uncle,” so Liu Dong naturally treated her warmly.
Director Tian felt a bit sour.
With his status, he could have done the same—he just hadn’t thought of it.
So this wasn’t really anything special.
Besides, Su He was his secretary—it was only right for her to arrange everything properly for her leader.
Director Tian’s thoughts shifted—right, she is my secretary…
After waiting on the platform for a while, the train to the capital arrived.
Although An County was a transport hub, there weren’t too many passengers, and the three of them quickly found their sleeper compartment.
Director Tian had bought two lower berths and one upper berth.
His reasoning was that this way, all three could stay in the same compartment and look after one another.
Director Tian and Principal Chen took the lower berths, while Su He took the upper berth.
After settling in, Director Tian picked up his thermos and said, “Secretary Su, go get some hot water from the conductor. After all this, I’ve finished mine.”
Su He nodded and took Principal Chen’s thermos along as well.
At that time, trains didn’t have hot water dispensers—conductors carried kettles and poured water when needed.
If necessary, passengers could also ask them directly.
After Su He brought the hot water back, Director Tian said again:
“Secretary Su, take down my travel bag and get me the book inside.”
“Secretary Su, this berth feels a bit hard. Go ask the conductor if there’s a thicker mattress.”
…
Director Tian felt quite pleased with himself.
No matter how many part-time jobs you have in An County, once you’re out here, you’re still my secretary—you have to serve me!
Just as he was thinking that, Su He suddenly said:
“Director, I’m not feeling well. The next stop is the provincial capital—I’ll get off there. You and Principal Chen can continue to the capital.”
Director Tian: ……
I just had you do a bit of work—and you’re quitting on me?!
Seeing Su He already taking her travel bag down from the rack, Director Tian panicked!
This girl was capable of anything!
If he didn’t quickly appease her, she might really just walk off!
“Little Su, if you’re not feeling well, just lie down and rest a bit more. Is your thermos empty?
I’ll go get you some hot water!
I’ll also check the dining car to see if there’s some hot porridge—you can warm your stomach…”
