Chapter 198: Skipping Generations
Old Madam Zhao gave a bitter smile. “In-law, what you just said really hits me in the heart! If I couldn’t even understand that much, I would’ve lived all these years for nothing!
Without Su He, our Zhao family would’ve fallen apart. Not to mention, she did everything she could to get my leg treated.
Let me make this clear today—if anyone from our Zhao family ever wrongs Su He, I’ll be the first one to stand against them!”
Granny Su rolled her eyes. “You talk a good game. Let me make myself clear too—if your Zhao family pulls any nonsense in the future, I’ll turn your turtle nest upside down!”
Su He: “…”
When my grandma gets serious, she really doesn’t hold back!
Su Xiaoman, meanwhile, was thinking: Grandma’s right!
As long as I’m around, all those others—Jinbao, Goudan, Tiedan—they can all take a backseat!
And especially that last-minute addition, Tiezhu!
I, Su Xiaoman, am the real sister—by blood!
But sensing that the atmosphere in the car was getting a bit off, she deliberately interrupted:
“Grandma, I heard my sister made you a wheelchair. What’s it like?”
Old Madam Zhao had just been wondering how to change the subject, so she happily started chatting with Xiaoman about the wheelchair.
Su He, watching this, thought: This little girl is quite the smart cookie too!
Strange, really—Su Yongguo and Zhao Cui’er are both as quiet as clams. How did Su Xiaoman turn out so sharp?
Could it be… a skipped-generation trait?
*
As dusk settled in, the car pulled up in front of the bungalow.
Su Yongshi’s family had been waiting there for a while.
After exchanging a few pleasantries with Xiao Li, Su Yongshi helped Old Madam Zhao into her wheelchair.
Su He divided the vegetables she brought into three parts—kept one for herself, gave one to Xiao Li, and had him deliver the third to Factory Director Feng.
It wasn’t worth much, and even if someone saw it, they couldn’t say anything.
In addition, she quietly slipped Xiao Li two packs of cigarettes.
Xiao Li thought to himself: No wonder she gets along everywhere—she knows exactly how to make people feel good.
*
When Su He entered the house, Cao Hongmei was already clinging affectionately to Su Xiaoman.
“It’s only been a while, and our Xiaoman has already grown into a proper young lady!
Girls really are better than boys—so much more sensible than that rascal Jinbao!
If only your mom would agree, I’d trade my son for you in a heartbeat. Auntie adores you so much…”
Su Xiaoman blinked innocently. “Auntie, that sounds like a lot of trouble. How about I just stay here in the county and be your daughter?”
Cao Hongmei: “…”
No wonder she’s Su He’s sister—these two are both sly little foxes! All brains, both of them!
“I wouldn’t mind at all! I just worry your mom would never agree. Oh right, Xiaoman, this is your cousin Tiezhu.”
Su Xiaoman gave a half-hearted “Hi, Cousin Tiezhu.” In her mind, he was the enemy—competing for her sister’s attention!
Not only did she have to guard against paternal and maternal cousins, now she had to watch out for surprise siblings too!
So unfair!
Su He was actually relieved watching this. She’d been worried that Su Xiaoman might cozy up too quickly with Tiezhu. At least until she could be sure he was a trustworthy person, she preferred to keep a little distance.
Just as Su He was thinking this, Su Jinbao came over and said, “Sis, there’s not much room here. How about letting Xiaoman stay at our place?”
That way she won’t have as much chance to win over Sister He!
Su Xiaoman pouted. “No way! I’m staying wherever my sister stays! Even if it’s in a doghouse, I’m happy!”
Su Jinbao rolled his eyes. “Then I’ll stay here too!”
In the end, he had to leave—after getting a swift kick from his dad and leaving the house wailing.
Granny Su felt sour inside. These two little ones used to fawn all over her, because she had snacks. Now that she was no longer the center of attention, she was clearly sidelined!
Grumbling to herself, she turned to Su He and said, “Su He, you must be tired after a long day. Let me heat some water so you can take a bath and relax.”
*
The next morning, Su He went to the textile factory to meet with Director Feng.
After thanking him, she said, “Director, the food factory wants to transfer my second uncle and aunt.
Director Tian gave some thoughtful reasons. The food factory in S City has a good relationship with me, and when their experts come to teach techniques, my second uncle and aunt will be able to help communicate. I think it makes sense. What do you think?”
Director Feng silently cursed Director Tian: You little sneak, addicted to poaching now?!
You already stole Su He, and now you want to take Su Yongshi and his wife too? Trying to use them to draw Su He closer? Dream on!
He forced a smile and said, “Little Su, your second uncle and aunt are doing well at the textile factory. A sudden transfer would be disruptive.
Besides, I want to develop their potential—they have a bright future here.
As for the S City food factory, as long as you speak with them, someone else could go just as easily.”
Su He looked troubled. “Director, I’d really hate to reject Director Tian outright. How about this—my second uncle’s only real strength is his physical labor, not much else. Let him go to the food factory.
My second aunt has some talent for headwear design. Let her stay at the textile factory and continue contributing.”
Director Feng couldn’t say much more.
In fact, Su Yongshi and his wife could quit and join the food factory without his permission at all.
Su He came to inform him as a courtesy.
After she left, Director Feng immediately called Director Tian and tore into him without letting him get a word in before hanging up.
Director Tian: “…”
You fool!
This was clearly Su He planting a mole on my side, and you think I’m the one poaching?
But he knew even if he explained, Director Feng wouldn’t believe him.
That Su He girl is wicked smart!
No matter. Let’s see how I deal with your second uncle!
*
Three days later, Su Yongshi completed the transfer process and officially joined the food factory.
On his very first day, Director Tian called him into the office.
“Comrade Su Yongshi…”
He paused—This feels weird.
‘Little Su’ is practically trademarked for Su He now. Calling someone else that just sounds wrong.
“Comrade Su Yongshi, even though you’re related to Su He, our factory doesn’t tolerate nepotism. If you make mistakes at work, you’ll be treated just like anyone else.
Also, public interest always comes before personal ties. If anything comes up, report it to the factory first. Understand?”
Su Yongshi nodded quickly. “I understand, and I’ll do just that. Even though Little He is my niece, you’re right—public duty comes first. I know where the line is.”
Director Tian nodded in satisfaction. “Good. If you perform well, the factory won’t overlook your efforts—you’ll be promoted and valued.”
Su Yongshi immediately looked like he was overwhelmed with gratitude, repeatedly pledging his loyalty.
Director Tian thought: This guy is easy to manage.
Looks like the Su family only produced one clever fox—Su He. The rest are average at best.
Little did he know, Su Yongshi was thinking:
I’ll agree to whatever you say now, and then I’ll go straight back and tell my niece everything!
I may not be the brightest, but I know how to follow orders.
