Chapter 27: Another Big Surprise
Everyone’s eyes focused on Su He. Wasn’t she… asking for an official position?!
And she asked for it so confidently, like it was only natural. That face—truly thick-skinned!
Old Man Su wished he could crawl into a hole.
Old Madam Su, hiding like a quail in the corner, suddenly lit up. My goodness, if her eldest granddaughter really became some kind of liaison, she’d be the most powerful old lady in Huangxi Village!
Director Luo’s expression stiffened slightly. He said he needed to discuss it with the others.
Su He then led Old Man Su and the rest out, leaving the east room for the public commune leaders to talk.
Sister Wu was the first to speak: “I think this girl Su has potential. And if she can speak to people at the Machinery Factory, that means she has connections. Even if building a branch factory is unrealistic, she might really bring us some profitable leads.”
Section Chief Liao chimed in, “I agree with Sister Wu. This girl carries herself with confidence and grace—she’s not timid at all. Clearly someone who can handle big tasks.”
“And besides, the title of commune liaison isn’t an official post. Even if she does something out of line, it won’t affect our commune.”
The rest all had similar opinions. After all, there was nothing to lose. Why not let Su He give it a shot?
If she actually pulled it off, it would count as their achievement!
Director Luo made up his mind: “Since no one objects, let’s appoint her as the Huaihua Commune Liaison.”
He called Old Man Su and the others back in and then shook Su He’s hand, saying: “Comrade Su, I hereby officially appoint you as Liaison for the Huaihua Commune. I hope you’ll dedicate yourself wholeheartedly to our commune’s development!”
Su He’s eyes welled with tears: “Don’t worry, I’ll do everything I can to contribute to our commune’s progress and never fail in my duty! I believe in the near future, Huaihua Commune will surpass the others and become the county’s shining example!”
Her speech stirred the room’s mood. The leaders felt fired up with ambition and came forward one by one to shake her hand and encourage her to bring back good news soon.
When the commune officials had arrived, their faces were grim. When they left, they were all beaming.
As they left, Director Luo turned to Zhang Zhanfa and said, “Comrade, you’ve been dishonest. When the neighboring village needed help, you stood by and did nothing. Now that they’ve solved their problem, you try to smear them. You’re no longer fit to serve as accountant of Zhangjia Village.
The commune will appoint a new accountant in a few days. Go back and reflect on your actions.”
Zhang Zhanfa nearly collapsed. He just couldn’t figure it out—clearly that wretched Su girl was just spouting nonsense, so why did everyone believe her?
Seeing villagers pointing at him, he slunk away quickly, terrified that if he delayed, someone might beat him.
Old Madam Su was so thrilled she was clapping off-beat!
“My precious eldest granddaughter! Granny never dreamed you’d actually become an official! If this were the old days, you could’ve gotten Granny a noble lady’s title!”
Old Man Su glared at her: “What nonsense are you spouting? Careful or someone might seize on that as a political issue!”
Only then did Old Madam Su realize her slip—these days, talking about noble titles could be dangerous.
Truth be told, Old Man Su was just as happy. Borrowing the tractor already made him feel proud, and now his granddaughter had brought yet another big surprise!
From now on, even the village head would have to show him some respect.
Su Yongguo and his wife were grinning from ear to ear. If not for a shred of restraint, they’d have laughed out loud already.
Su He decided to pour a bit of cold water to keep them grounded.
“Grandpa, Grandma, Dad, Mom—this is just an honorary title, not a real government post. And if I don’t accomplish anything, they’ll take it back.”
Hearing that, the Su family finally calmed down a bit.
Su He actually had many ideas for making money. From what she knew, even by 1975, there were already places quietly skirting the rules to do business.
But she didn’t want to take that risk. She wanted to earn money through proper, legitimate channels to build up her image and position.
She wasn’t interested in politics—she just wanted to build good relations with the local government, so when reforms came, it would be easier to do business.
Su Yongguo scratched his head. “Well, I’ll go check on the fields and see how things are going.”
Su He had a sudden thought.
“Dad, do you want to drive a tractor?”
Su Yongguo was stunned at first, then gave a bitter smile. “Su He, which man in the village doesn’t want to drive a tractor? But just wanting it is useless!”
Su He smiled.
“Dad, who says it’s useless? If you can learn to drive one, I’ll handle the rest!”
To be honest, if Su He had said that a few days ago, Su Yongguo would’ve thought she was dreaming.
But after seeing her pull off two major feats, his mind opened up.
“Su He, r-really?”
Su He nodded.
Su Yongguo looked troubled. “I heard from Master Sun that they all learned at the tractor training class at the Agricultural Machinery Bureau. But that class has been shut down. Even if I wanted to learn, I couldn’t.”
Su He grinned. “Dad, why go far when help is close? We’ve got teachers right here!
Just get closer to Master Sun and Master Zhang—bring them some gifts. They’ll definitely teach you.
Besides, if you learn, they can lighten their load a bit—why wouldn’t they be happy to help?”
Old Madam Su slapped her thigh: “My precious granddaughter, you’re so clever! That little head of yours is packed with ideas!
Yongguo, what are you waiting for? Do what Su He said! I’ve got some sponge cake and milk powder in my room—take them as gifts!”
Su He thought to herself, Wow, Grandma really knows how to read the room!
Now that she had “made it,” even Granny was willing to part with sponge cake and milk powder!
“Grandma, no need. I brought back some packs of cigarettes from the county. Dad can give those instead.”
Those two masters were sharp. Now that she had become the commune liaison, they’d be more than happy to do her a favor.
Then Su He turned to Old Man Su: “Grandpa, I bought you a few packs of cigarettes too. But smoking isn’t good for your health—try to cut back, okay?”
Old Man Su nodded eagerly. Right now, Su He was the most respected person in his heart—even his precious grandson Su Jinbao had to fall in line!
Following Su He’s suggestion, Su Yongguo found an opportunity to give the cigarettes to Master Sun and Master Zhang.
As expected, both agreed without hesitation.
Su Yongguo really did have some talent—within a day, he was already driving the tractor like he knew what he was doing.
People in the village saw it and started making sour comments.
“Tch tch, even if he knows how to drive, what’s the use? No matter how capable that Su girl is, she’s not going to make her dad a tractor driver!”
“Looks like the Su family is getting cocky. Don’t even know their place anymore!”
“Besides, driving a tractor isn’t hard. It’s no different from handling an ox cart.”
…
Even Su Yongguo began to doubt a little. Sure, his daughter was capable, but could she really get him on a tractor for real?
China 1970s Brief History Info:
In the 1970s, China’s Cultural Revolution saw a campaign targeting the “Four Olds”: old ideas, old culture, old customs, and old habits. This was the target of a campaign by the Red Guards to eradicate traditional Chinese culture and thought, deemed incompatible with Maoist ideology.
The campaign involved destroying temples, valuable works of art, and traditional architecture, as well as attacking individuals who were perceived as representing the “Old Four”. This included intellectuals, teachers, nobles, capitalists and anyone who deviated from the prescribed revolutionary line. The “Old Four” campaign was a key aspect of the Cultural Revolution, aiming to transform Chinese society by eliminating anything considered feudal or bourgeois.
