Chapter 117: If the Deal Falls Through, We Still Have Friendship
Director Shen thought Su He had gone mad!
Was causing a stir at Huaihua Commune not enough for her? Now she wanted to stir things up at their Xiangyang Commune too?
He had never heard of anyone holding part-time roles in two communes at once!
Besides, those orders she managed to pull off were nothing but small-time deals—not even worth his attention.
So, after a brief silence, he laughed it off and said, “Little Su, don’t joke like that. Just do your work properly at Huaihua Commune.”
Su He blinked innocently. “Very soon, Huaihua Commune will be getting a major order—big enough to put us in the top five in An County by year-end.”
“If I pull this off, even if you want me to be a liaison for Xiangyang Commune, I might have to think about it!”
“Because by then, I’ll be in demand—every commune will be trying to recruit me!”
“I only told you this in advance because I feel a connection with you.”
“But hey, if it’s not meant to be, I won’t force it. If you’re not interested, just pretend I never said anything.”
Director Shen’s first reaction was: Su He is bluffing.
But… seeing her so full of confidence, he couldn’t help but feel a little uncertain.
Could it be true?
If it was, then Su He was a gem—and he had better act fast.
Unable to decide immediately, Director Shen said, “Little Su, I’m not the only one who decides matters at the commune. I’ll go back and discuss it, then let you know.”
Su He nodded. “Alright, I’ll wait to hear from you. But don’t feel pressured. If we don’t do business, we can still be friends.”
Director Shen: “……”
Just then, Director Luo arrived.
Seeing Su He chatting and laughing with Director Shen, he asked, “What are you two talking about so happily?”
For some reason, Director Shen suddenly felt guilty—like he had been caught stealing something.
“Ah, nothing really… just chatting about the nice weather,” he stammered.
Director Luo immediately sensed something was off. After Director Shen left, he asked Su He directly, “Little Su, what did Director Shen say to you just now? Was he giving you a hard time?”
Su He hesitated, then replied, “Director Luo, since you asked, I won’t hide it. Director Shen wanted me to work part-time as a liaison for Xiangyang Commune. He even offered the same benefits as a formal staff member.”
Director Luo was instantly furious!
That old fox Shen! Trying to poach my people?!
No wonder he looked so flustered earlier—he was guilty!
Through gritted teeth, he asked, “Little Su, did you agree?”
Su He looked a bit conflicted, her tone uncertain. “Director Luo, I’m not sure what to do.”
“Technically, I belong to Huaihua Commune and should devote myself wholeheartedly here. But the folks at Xiangyang are our brothers and sisters too. We should prosper and grow together!”
She tugged at her sleeve and added softly, “Also, I need money… My grandma’s medical expenses have been high. If I can earn more, that’s a good thing. I just don’t know what to do. What do you think, Director Luo?”
Huaihua Commune was her base of operations, so she needed to give Director Luo a heads-up in advance to avoid any misunderstandings.
She was also confident that Director Luo would ultimately agree.
Unlike Director Shen, Director Luo had a mild temper and a generous heart.
Sure enough, though clearly unhappy, Director Luo said, “If you have the energy to handle both, then go ahead and say yes.”
“But let’s be clear up front: when you bring in orders, Huaihua Commune gets first pick. Xiangyang can take the leftovers.”
Su He was thrilled. “You agree?! I thought for sure you’d say no!”
“Looks like I underestimated you. I deserve a scolding!”
“Don’t worry—Huaihua Commune is my foundation. No matter how high I fly, I’ll always think of you and our commune.”
Hearing this, the last bit of dissatisfaction in Director Luo’s heart melted away.
Then he asked about the hair accessories project: “How are the flower headpieces selling? It’s been quiet lately.”
Su He smiled. “No need to worry. We’ll have results in a day or two.”
Director Luo didn’t push for more details when he saw she didn’t want to elaborate.
After returning from the bus station, Su He went straight to night school—she still needed to oversee the setup for the upcoming performance.
It was the first time the night school students had gathered during the day. They chatted and joked, the atmosphere lively and friendly.
Su He didn’t stop their horseplay—after all, the show wouldn’t start until 6 PM. There was plenty of time.
In contrast to Su He’s calm demeanor, Principal Chen was growing increasingly restless.
Though he’d developed a thicker skin lately, the thought of facing so many “donors” that evening made him nervous.
After pacing around the office a few times, he sent someone to fetch Su He.
“Where did you go this morning? I looked everywhere and couldn’t find you.”
If he hadn’t been sure Su He wouldn’t give up her extra stipend as an external counselor, he might have thought she’d run off!
Su He quickly explained, “I went to the bus station to pick up the directors from various communes!”
“I originally wanted to ask for some funds to arrange their meals and lodging, but then I remembered the school’s tight budget, so I told them to handle their own accommodations.”
Principal Chen: “……”
He hadn’t even thought of that, and this clever girl had already taken care of it?
What a sharp one!
Still, he quickly said, “You did right. Our budget’s tight—we have to save wherever we can. Besides, big feasts are out of fashion now. If someone catches us overdoing it, we’ll be in trouble.”
After a pause, he asked hesitantly, “You don’t think those people tonight will throw shade at me, do you? I don’t want to be embarrassed…”
Su He chuckled. “They already donated. If they come just to mock you, isn’t that counterproductive? Besides, even if they say something snarky, just pretend you didn’t hear it—for the sake of the funding!”
Principal Chen nodded. “You’re right. For the sake of funding, I can sacrifice my pride!”
Su He felt a twinge of emotion.
In this era, there were many people like Principal Chen—those driven by ideals and convictions. It was people like him who held up the nation of Huaxia.
Principal Chen then asked how preparations were going for the performance.
Su He replied, “Everything’s ready except the flowers.”
Hearing this, he frowned. “They left early this morning—why aren’t they back yet?”
His opinion of Fu Peng dropped further.
Can’t teach well, can’t even gather flowers properly?
Just then, a commotion erupted outside.
Principal Chen’s office was on the second floor, so he rushed to the window, with Su He following close behind.
What they saw stunned them both.
Why was there a “pig-headed” person down there?!
Someone below spotted them and shouted, “Principal! Teacher Fu got stung by a swarm of wasps! We just got back from the hospital!”
