Chapter 22: A Kind and Beautiful Girl
Su He said seriously, “Aunt Qian, how could I joke about something so important?
After hearing what you said yesterday, I kept it in mind.
As luck would have it, I went to the textile factory residential compound today to express my thanks, and I ran into Engineer He…”
Qian Huifang’s eyes widened in disbelief, her mouth agape: “You mean, if our machinery factory agrees to process parts for the textile factory, they’ll sell us the defective cloth? And the key is—they won’t need cloth coupons?”
Su He nodded. “That’s right. That’s what Engineer He and I agreed on.”
Qian Huifang still looked skeptical. “Really? You’re not joking?”
She confirmed with Su He several times before finally believing she was serious.
“Xiao He, if you can really pull this off, you’re doing me a huge favor!”
Recently, a deputy director in their office had retired, and Qian Huifang had been eyeing the position. Several others were eyeing it too, and aside from her diligent work ethic, she had no other advantages.
But if she could pull off this deal, that position would almost certainly be hers!
After the excitement settled, Qian Huifang remembered Su He had mentioned a condition, so she quickly said, “Xiao He, just tell me what you want!”
She assumed Su He would ask for some fabric or maybe industrial coupons. But instead, Su He said:
“Aunt Qian, like I told you before, because of the whole Zhao Bin situation, people in my village have been spreading some unpleasant rumors about me. I need to do something to change their perception.
It’s spring plowing season right now, and our village doesn’t have enough oxen. If I could borrow a tractor, I’m sure everyone would look at me differently. So… could you help me with that?”
Qian Huifang was genuinely surprised—not only by the unusual request but also by Su He’s ambition.
Most girls in her situation, once caught up in gossip, would either hide away or get into public arguments. Neither approach was effective.
But not Su He—she chose to use her actions to change how others saw her.
Before, Qian Huifang had been friendly to Su He mostly because she liked being flattered. But now, she felt a new sense of sincerity toward the girl.
She took Su He’s hand and said, “Xiao He, just for your attitude alone, I’ll do everything I can to make it happen! Just wait for my good news!”
Su He looked deeply moved. “Aunt Qian, then I’ll be counting on you!”
She added, “Aunt Qian, when you go talk to Engineer He at the textile factory, take me with you. If there’s anything difficult to say, I can bring it up.”
Qian Huifang felt even more impressed by Su He—such a kind-hearted and capable girl! She couldn’t stop praising her.
After chatting for a while longer, Su He finally got up to leave.
Once she left, Qi Weimin, Qian Huifang’s husband, came back inside.
He had stepped out on purpose—it was a small space, and since he wasn’t familiar with Su He, staying in the room would have felt awkward.
“That girl came to see you about something?”
Qian Huifang beamed. “Not just something—something good! I can’t believe she actually solved the problem I mentioned just offhand yesterday…”
Qi Weimin looked surprised. “Who would’ve thought that a village girl could be so capable? Never mind how she got in touch with Engineer He—just the way she thinks is impressive!”
Qian Huifang nodded. “Exactly! Do you think this plan could work?”
“I don’t see why not. Both sides need something—the textile factory needs the parts, and we need the fabric. It’s just about connecting the dots.
As for the tractor, it shouldn’t be a problem. If Su He was asking for it for the entire Huaihua Commune, that wouldn’t work—there’s no way to arrange that. But if it’s just for Huangxi Village during spring plowing, it’s doable.
Besides, Huangxi Village already has some oxen. If they use both tractors and oxen, they won’t need the tractor for long.
The Agricultural Machinery Bureau has always relied on our people to maintain their tractors. If our factory leadership just puts in a word with them, it’ll be settled.”
Hearing her husband’s assessment made Qian Huifang even more excited.
“I used to think Su He was just good with words and had a sweet temperament. But now I see she’s a girl with real ambition—who knows, she might have a bright future ahead.”
“Mm. You should stay close to her. Turns out Su Yongshi and his wife really do have a good niece.”
Qian Huifang could hardly wait to rush to the factory and coordinate everything—but no matter how eager she was, she’d still have to wait until the leaders were back at work in the morning.
*
Meanwhile, Su He returned to Su Yongshi’s house.
Cao Hongmei was working the middle shift today and wouldn’t get home until 11 p.m., and Su Jinbao had gone out to play, so only Su Yongshi was home.
He tried to hold back but couldn’t help himself. “Where have you been all day? Why are you just getting back? Sure, public safety in the county is good, but you’re still a girl—you should be careful.”
Su He smiled sweetly. “Second Uncle, of course I was out handling the tractor business. I think it’ll be settled in a couple of days.”
Su Yongshi didn’t believe her at all. He thought she was just daydreaming and gave her a whole lecture of sarcastic remarks.
Su He blinked. “Second Uncle, how about we make a bet? If I can’t get the tractor, I’ll never step foot in your house again.
But if I do get it, then from now on I can come and go as I please—and you’ll have to shield me from Second Aunt. How about it? Dare to bet?”
Su Yongshi agreed without a second thought—he was certain he’d win!
They set a deadline of five days.
He scoffed inwardly, She’s just a naive little girl—thinks it’s that simple, huh?
*
Around 11 p.m., Cao Hongmei came home, while Su Yongshi headed out for his night shift.
She looked exhausted—these rotating shifts were tough, especially for temporary workers like them, who did more but earned less.
That’s why both she and her husband were desperate to get permanent positions.
Thinking of that, Su He suddenly remembered something and asked, “Second Aunt, why did you think to introduce me to Zhao Bin last time? Did someone say something to you?”
