Chapter 126: The Second Su Family Meeting
Su He looked at Su Xiaoman, who wore a proud, eager-to-be-praised expression. Not wanting to discourage her enthusiasm, Su He said, “Give me the notebook, let me take a look.”
Beaming, Su Xiaoman flipped open her notebook. This frugal little girl had cleverly used the front pages for meeting notes and the back… for tattling.
Su He skimmed through it and found that Su Xiaoman had indeed taken the notes seriously—there were daily entries without missing a day. However, what caught her eye was that several entries about Old Madam Su had clearly been erased and rewritten.
Su He didn’t even need to ask to know—Old Madam Su must’ve bribed this little foodie with snacks to rewrite her reports.
Still, overall, Su He was quite pleased.
She handed the notebook back and gave Su Xiaoman a look of approval. “You’ll get a reward after the meeting.”
Su Xiaoman grinned from ear to ear.
She knew working for her big sister would pay off!
Su He cleared her throat gently. “Let’s start the meeting. I’ll first give a quick summary of what’s been happening lately…”
Since she hadn’t returned to Huangxi Village much recently—and even when she did, it was brief—her family hadn’t been updated on the recent events.
Like how Su Jinbao was almost kidnapped, how Su Yongshi and his wife were nearly fired, or how Fu Peng schemed against her.
When she finished her summary, Su Yufen was livid, her eyes red with rage.
“I always thought that girl Ruyi had bad intentions. She was constantly pushing Su Xiaoman to stir up trouble while reaping the benefits herself! Back then, Big Brother and Sister-in-law begged everyone to help treat her illness. I remember once it rained and Big Brother even fell into a ravine! If his luck hadn’t saved him, he might’ve died!
You feed dog meat, it still won’t stick to a sheep’s back—no matter how kind you are to her, she’s just an ungrateful wretch!”
Old Man Su trembled with anger, barely able to hold his tobacco pipe steady. “We raised a monster!”
Su Yongguo clenched his fists tightly. Deep down, he couldn’t deny having feelings after raising her for eighteen years. But Ruyi’s actions had crossed the line—he had no choice now but to treat those years as wasted.
Zhao Cui’er silently shed tears.
Su He frowned slightly. “Mom, are you still feeling sorry for Shen Ruyi?”
If so, she’d have to start guarding against her mother too.
Unexpectedly, Zhao Cui’er suddenly hugged her and cried, “I’m not sad for her, I’m heartbroken for you! You’re only eighteen! In a strange place like the county, you suffered so much. If you weren’t so smart, who knows… who knows…”
She choked on her words and burst into sobs.
Su He had always disliked her grandmother’s tears—they were manipulative and served as a defense mechanism.
But Zhao Cui’er’s tears were different. They came from guilt for not being able to protect her daughter, from pain over Su He’s suffering, and from sorrow at Shen Ruyi’s betrayal.
Su He’s eyes turned red. She gently patted Zhao Cui’er’s back. “Mom, I’m really okay. That old man once said: ‘To struggle against the heavens is a joy, to struggle against the earth is a joy, to struggle against people is a joy.’ Since I’ve got nothing better to do, fighting them actually makes life more fun.”
Su Xiaoman chimed in, “Exactly! My sister’s just like Granny Liu’s rooster—she droops if she doesn’t get into a fight every day.”
Su He: “…”
Even Zhao Cui’er was amused.
She patted Su He’s hand and said, “Su He, don’t worry. Your mom may be useless, but I’m not blind. That Ruyi girl—I’m treating those eighteen years like I raised a stranger. No matter what you do to her in the future, I’ll support you.”
Su He finally relaxed. She had been genuinely worried her mother would go soft-hearted.
Once Zhao Cui’er calmed down, the meeting continued.
“Shen Ruyi has failed multiple times in her attempts to harm me and our Su family. She’s definitely not going to give up.
Since she can’t get to me directly for now, she might go after you guys instead.
So everyone needs to stay alert.
First, Su Yongzhen and Zhang Lianxiang are schemers. Shen Ruyi might try to manipulate them. Grandpa, don’t let your guard down and fall for their tricks again!”
Old Man Su knocked his tobacco pipe against his shoe and said, “Su He, Grandpa isn’t senile yet. After that whole ox incident, I’ve already disowned that brat.”
Su He nodded and continued, “Second, Aunt, now that you’re divorced, there might suddenly be a ‘decent’ man pursuing you. Watch out—don’t get fooled again!”
Su Yufen blushed and gritted her teeth. “To be honest, I’ve no intention of marrying again. One trip into hell was more than enough.”
Su He understood she hadn’t healed from her last marriage yet and didn’t push it. Time would take care of that.
Then she turned to Su Xiaoman. “Third, Su Xiaoman, you’re too gullible and easily tricked.
You need to be more cautious from now on. Don’t talk to strangers, and definitely don’t eat anything they give you.
Also, if anyone tries to convince you to do something, you must tell us—don’t make decisions on your own.”
Su Xiaoman pouted, “Sis, you’re underestimating me!
Even that idiot Jinbao managed to escape from traffickers—I could sell the traffickers themselves if I wanted to!”
Su He: “…”
“It’s not just traffickers I’m worried about—it’s Shen Ruyi setting traps. Remember, everything must be reported to me. If I’m not home, tell Grandpa or someone else. Got it?”
Su Xiaoman saw Su He’s sudden serious expression and shivered. “Got it, sis! I promise I’ll listen to you!”
Su He turned to her parents. “Fourth, Dad, Mom, you’re both too kind and softhearted. I’m afraid Shen Ruyi will try to emotionally manipulate you.
If I’m not home and she comes back, gather the village chief and other elders. They’ve seen more than we have—she won’t be able to pull anything in front of them.”
Both Su Yongguo and Zhao Cui’er nodded firmly.
Then Su Xiaoman piped up again, twirling her little cowlick. “Sis, back when Ruyi was still living here, she wasn’t even as smart as me. How did she suddenly become so dangerous?”
Su He gave her an approving look. “That’s what I’ve been wondering too.
First, why does she hate me and the Su family so much?
Second, how did she, fresh back at the Shen family, manage to rally so many people to help her?
Grandpa, Dad, Mom—any ideas?”
The three of them pondered for a long while, then all shook their heads.
Su He hadn’t really expected answers, so she continued, “Let’s talk about our family’s development plan next.
In the coming days, the commune will assign more hair processing tasks. Mom, keep doing your supervisory work, and also help guide Aunt.
If things go well, the commune might open a branch factory. If you two perform well, I’ll recommend you both as workshop supervisors.”
Zhao Cui’er and Su Yufen were both stunned!
