Chapter 144: Routine Operations
In the car, Principal Chen curiously examined the vehicle’s interior.
He had ridden in sedans before, but they were always old ones. This was his first time in such a new model—and the design was quite modern, too.
Still, even after receiving a large donation, his only thoughts were on improving school conditions and enrolling more students.
Meanwhile, Su He smiled warmly as she struck up a conversation with the driver, “Driver sir, thank you for making the trip in this hot weather! May I ask your name?”
As she spoke, she placed a box of cigarettes on the front passenger seat.
The driver grinned. “Young lady, just call me Old Xu.”
Su He beamed. “Ah, Master Xu, I’m Su He. You can call me Little Su. I bet you’re the best driver at the factory!”
Old Xu chuckled. “Why do you say that?”
“Because this is clearly a brand-new car! Leaders would only assign new cars to their most skilled and experienced drivers. Plus, from the moment we left the factory, I didn’t feel a single bump. Your driving is top-notch!”
Old Xu laughed heartily. “You’re quite the sweet talker. Are you here on business?”
…
Su He continued to chat cheerfully, subtly prying out all sorts of information about the food factory—especially about the Happy Noodle brand of instant noodles.
Principal Chen: “…”
Forget it. This was just her usual operation—he was numb to it by now.
As soon as the car stopped in front of the Jinxiang Hotel, two doormen hurried out.
In this era, riding in a private car meant someone was either rich or powerful. Naturally, they treated them with utmost hospitality.
When they saw Su He and Principal Chen step out of the vehicle, the doormen were surprised but still courteous, even helping move boxes.
They felt a mix of admiration and fear toward Su He—after all, this was the woman bold enough to argue with foreigners. If they offended her and lost their ‘iron rice bowl’ (guaranteed job), it wouldn’t be worth it.
Watching this, Old Xu thought: Looks like this Su He is very well-connected at Jinxiang Hotel.
He reported everything truthfully to Section Chief Wei when he returned, which only made him value Su He even more.
Once inside, Su He took a few bags of Little Bunny Milk Candy from the boxes and placed them at the front desk for everyone to share.
Wu Xiaoshuang happened to be nearby and asked, “Little Su, did you go to the supply store? You bought so much candy—planning to gift it to someone?”
Little Bunny Milk Candy was a popular souvenir, something people brought back home to show off.
Su He laughed. “Not from the supply store. I visited the S City Food Factory today for some business. Section Chief Wei from their sales department was so enthusiastic, he insisted on giving me an entire box. I couldn’t say no!”
Principal Chen: … I’m just going to stand here and silently watch you spout nonsense.
In every era, gossip travels fast.
Soon, rumors spread through the hotel that Su He had strong connections at the S City Food Factory—so much so that even the sales section chief treated her with special respect.
Upstairs, Principal Chen asked, “Aren’t we here to discuss the instant noodle production line? Why didn’t you bring it up today?”
Su He, completely confident, replied, “The timing isn’t right yet. No rush.”
Principal Chen didn’t press further. He understood his role now—he was just… the sidekick.
Whatever Little Su said, he followed. Wherever she wanted to go, he went. No questions, no overthinking.
At dinner, Su He brought a few tins of Little Bunny Milk Candy to the restaurant and enthusiastically handed them out to the foreign guests.
Daniel made a face, “In our country, we have lots of high-end candies and all kinds of chocolates. I’m already tired of milk candies like this…”
Seeing Su He glance his way, he quickly shut up.
But Su He still walked up to him.
“Mr. Daniel, what did you say? I didn’t quite catch that.”
Daniel: “… I said this candy is delicious.”
Then he unwrapped one and popped it in his mouth, smacking his lips exaggeratedly.
Su He: …Your willpower is pathetic. I haven’t even said anything yet and you’ve already caved.
This morning’s incident had clearly left a mark on Daniel—he was terrified Su He would launch into another long rebuttal and utterly humiliate him again.
Su He grinned, “I think this candy’s pretty good, too. The only thing is the packaging is a bit plain. The factory’s limited-edition gift boxes in Chinese-style packaging are much prettier. I’m not exaggerating—no matter where you take them, they’ll draw attention.”
Daniel, chewing on the candy, looked suspicious, “I haven’t seen these gift boxes in any stores or at our country’s friendship stores.”
Su He explained, “That’s because those are handcrafted, limited editions. They’re not available for public sale—only for select clients. Why? Interested in buying? I could talk to the factory. But the gift boxes are expensive and limited. Honestly, it’s a bit extravagant.”
Daniel’s pride was immediately provoked. Expensive? Extravagant? Are you looking down on me?!
“Su, money’s not an issue! Get me ten boxes!”
Su He looked surprised, “Ten boxes? That many? Are you sure? Their pricing is really steep!”
Seeing her “shocked” expression gave Daniel immense satisfaction.
Ha! Look at you—so easily impressed. I am that rich.
“Even if it’s ten times the price, I don’t care. I said ten, so ten it is.”
Su He nodded, “Alright then. I’ll discuss it with the factory tomorrow. But since you want so many, they might not be willing to sell.”
“Su, then it all depends on your skills,” Daniel said, with a slight challenge in his tone.
But Su He didn’t mind. In fact, she was now looking at Daniel very favorably.
This kind of rich, naive lamb that sheds its wool without even needing a tug—I love it.
Many other foreign guests had overheard the conversation and began chiming in.
“Su, I want to buy those gift boxes as souvenirs too. Could you get me ten as well?”
Once someone spoke up, others followed.
To them, handcrafted, limited-edition, and exclusive meant rarity—making it the perfect high-status gift.
Su He looked troubled, “You all want so many… I’ll try, but there’s no guarantee I can pull it off. If I can’t make it happen, don’t blame me!”
Daniel muttered under his breath, “I thought you were supposed to be impressive. Looks like even you have limits.”
But when Su He turned to look at him, he immediately shut up. I didn’t say anything!
Brown, on the other hand, stayed silent the entire time. After being dragged into trouble that morning, he had learned—silence is golden.
Then, after Su He tallied the total orders, Brown quietly said to her, “Su, I’d like ten thousand boxes.”
Su He: …
