Chapter 138: What Can’t You Do?!
Su He felt that John’s love came even faster than her grandma’s whirlwind romances!
Her grandma’s love was like a tornado—John’s? A full-blown hurricane!
Seriously, how did he end up catching feelings just from being used?
But she didn’t think John was playing with her emotions—his face was as red as a baboon’s butt!
“Mr. John, I’m honored that a kind and charming gentleman like you likes me,” Su He replied politely.
“But I already have a boyfriend, so I have to apologize.”
Then, with a dramatic sigh, she added, “Honestly, I feel like I just missed out on a million dollars. What a shame…”
Her exaggerated expression made everyone burst into laughter, easing the awkwardness of John’s rejection.
John smiled and said, “Su, you’re the most charming lady I’ve ever met. I hope we meet again someday.”
“Absolutely!” she replied cheerfully.
…
Meanwhile, Old Gu and Principal Chen—who had been silently eavesdropping the whole time—were left confused.
What just happened?
Did that foreign wolf cub fall for our little Su?
He got swindled and still caught feelings?!
When they saw that Su He didn’t accept the handkerchief flower John offered, both old men finally let out a breath of relief.
You kidding? With all the outstanding young men in China, we’re not about to let a foreigner steal away such a fine girl!
Just before getting off the train, Old Gu pulled Su He aside and handed her 30 yuan.
“Little Su, here’s your wage for the past two days.”
Considering a professional interpreter only made 87.5 yuan a month, 30 was quite a generous sum.
Su He grinned. “Elder Gu, I was just helping you with a little favor. I can’t accept this! Besides, the First-Class ticket was way better than the hard sleeper—I came out ahead!”
In the end, she didn’t take the money.
Sometimes you have to give up a little to gain more. Su He was still hoping Old Gu could help her get a booth at the Canton Fair!
Old Gu didn’t insist since she clearly meant it. His impression of her improved even more.
What a good comrade—she’s not even greedy!
If Principal Chen had heard that, he’d have choked on his tea!
Not greedy?!
She’s been asking me for an extracurricular supervisor stipend this entire trip!
Feeling a bit guilty, Old Gu asked, “Do you have a place to stay in the S City trip?”
“We’re planning to stay at a guesthouse.”
“How about this—I’ll write you a note. Go to Jinxiang Hotel at No. 8, Zhonglou Lane, Yingbin Road. Look for Director Qu. The conditions are much better there.”
Su He had done some research at the exchange office. After 1973, China’s foreign policy eased a bit, and many international guests started visiting.
The capital and S City had remodeled many foreign affairs hotels, which were way better than regular guesthouses—some even had TVs.
Jinxiang Hotel was one of those.
Staying there was a hundred times better than at a guesthouse!
After exchanging a few polite words, Su He agreed readily.
Finally, it was time to part ways.
Even though they’d only spent two days together, Old Gu felt a little down. Su He’s presence had been easy and cheerful—he’d found himself smiling often because of her.
Yue Zhongcheng felt the same and even gave Su He a model train as a farewell gift.
That kind of souvenir was usually reserved for foreign guests.
Principal Chen, watching from the side with envy: “…”
Can’t I get a train wheel model too, at least?!
The foreign visitors also began piling gifts into Su He’s hands—perfume, handkerchiefs, silk scarves, cigarettes—you name it. She couldn’t say no even if she tried.
Seeing Old Gu nod at her, she finally accepted the gifts.
Back then, accepting gifts from foreigners had to be reported—otherwise, it could land you in serious trouble.
Su He even asked Old Gu to write her a signed note to prove she hadn’t done anything shady.
Old Gu didn’t have a seal with him, so Yue Zhongcheng served as the witness, stamping the train ticket checkmark as an official seal.
Yue Zhongcheng: “…”
Still, he understood. Better safe than sorry—especially when it involved foreign interactions.
After Old Gu and the others left, Principal Chen asked, “Little Su, how do we get to Jinxiang Hotel?”
To be honest, Principal Chen was a bit lost.
He’d been to the capital before and had seen his fair share of the world. But after staying too long in An County, stepping into the bustling S City was overwhelming.
And who could blame him? The S City train station was packed to the brim. All you could see was people.
In a completely unfamiliar city—what now?
Su He, however, looked calm and composed. She asked around for directions and led Principal Chen to a small ticket booth.
The sign read: Rickshaw Ticket Sales.
Su He bought two tickets and got into a rickshaw with Principal Chen.
It was basically a bicycle with an extra wheel and a little cover on the back.
These rickshaws, like buses, were managed by the state.
The driver was initially indifferent, but when he heard they were going to Jinxiang Hotel, he perked up.
In slightly broken Mandarin, he asked, “Jinxiang Hotel’s a foreign affairs hotel—are you from the Ministry of Foreign Trade?”
Su He answered smoothly in the S City dialect, “Not exactly—we just know someone there.”
The driver was amazed. “Wow! A young girl like you can speak S City dialect too? Are you from here?”
Su He smiled. “I’m from Beiliao Province. Just picked up a few phrases from someone. Probably not very fluent. By the way, how long have you been doing this job, sir?”
The driver replied, a bit self-deprecatingly, “Been a few years. I used to pull rickshaws before this. Didn’t have many skills, so I’ve just relied on hard work.”
Su He responded warmly, “Sir, that’s not true at all. Labor is the most honorable thing there is! Besides, being a driver—people would fight over that job back where I’m from! If someone in our village became a driver, they’d set off fireworks to celebrate!”
The driver suddenly felt… special!
Yeah! Even if it’s a rickshaw, I’m still an official driver!
Energized, he started pedaling like the wind—his pedals almost started smoking!
Su He then casually shifted the conversation to local factories in S City, especially the food factories.
The driver, who spent his days weaving through the city, loved gossip more than anything.
He got so into it, he was practically foaming at the mouth.
Meanwhile, Principal Chen, silent like an old quail the entire ride: “…”
Seriously—how do you even know S City dialect?
Is there anything you can’t do?!
