Chapter 271: A Little Essay on Love
Su He took out money to pay Gu Chiyan for the train tickets, but he refused.
She blinked a couple of times and didn’t insist.
While Gu Chiyan went to call a tricycle, Su He turned to Director Tian. “Remember, I paid for those train tickets—make sure you reimburse me when we get back!”
Director Tian: “…Didn’t Little Gu just say he didn’t want the money?”
“He may be silly, but I’m not! His money is my money, so what’s wrong with getting reimbursed?”
Director Tian: “……”
Truly happy for the Gu family—they’re bringing home a little money-devouring beast!
The four of them took a tricycle to the department store. Su He went straight to Wu Bailing, the group leader of the second-floor counters.
Wu Bailing told her to go pick out what she wanted and just bring the list later.
While shopping, Su He made a point to stop by the ceramics counter to greet the saleswoman Lu Yarong.
“Sister Lu, busy?”
Lu Yarong was even more polite than last time. She had vaguely overheard Wu Bailing mention “Section Chief Bao” and “uncle,” so she completely believed Su He’s earlier story.
“Little Su, not really busy—same as always. Back shopping with your boyfriend?”
“Mm, I’m heading home tomorrow, so I’m buying gifts for my family.
Oh, I forgot to mention last time—I’m from An County in Beiliao Province. I’m the factory director’s secretary at the food factory, and also the head of a branch textile factory.
In a while, our instant noodles and hair accessories will be sold in major department stores here in the capital. When that happens, could you help me keep an eye on things…?”
As she spoke, she discreetly slipped ten yuan into Lu Yarong’s hand.
Lu froze. “Little Su, this… this…”
“I don’t mean anything else. I just can’t come to the capital often, and it’s not convenient to trouble my uncle every time. If anything comes up, please give me a call.”
She handed her a note with the factory’s phone number and address, then smiled. “Go ahead and stay busy—I’ll go pick out some things. Let’s keep in touch!”
Before Lu Yarong could respond, Su He had already moved on.
Lu’s heart was pounding.
Ten yuan… just like that?
This girl was really generous.
Then again, with an “uncle” like that and her own positions, she clearly wasn’t short on money.
And she said “keep in touch”… did that mean more benefits if she kept feeding her information?
What a lucrative opportunity!
Su He walked around with Principal Chen and Director Tian, writing down everything they wanted, along with her own items.
Just as she was about to hand the list to Wu Bailing, Gu Chiyan took the paper and pen and added more items—fabric, candy, pastries, stationery.
“This is something I’d like to give your family.”
He then handed her a stack of cash and ration coupons.
Su He smiled and accepted without hesitation.
When everything was ready, she pulled out a white shirt and a leather belt and handed them to him.
“For you.”
She had spent days thinking about what to give him. Most obvious gifts had already been given before, so this was the best she could come up with.
Gu Chiyan looked radiant—as if she’d given him gold even if it were just a needle.
Men in love see everything through a thousand-layer filter.
The four returned to the guesthouse with arms full of packages. Gu Chiyan offered to treat them to a meal, but Principal Chen and Director Tian tactfully declined.
The young couple didn’t have much time together—no need for them to act like third wheels.
So he took Su He to a nearby state-run restaurant, and afterward, they strolled through the park where they had first met.
Most of the time, she talked while he listened.
She knew he was still hiding many things—his exact work, his parents, his past.
But she didn’t ask. Some things would be told when the time was right.
Thinking back to what the system had said about love, she found it a bit amusing.
Love wasn’t something that came so easily.
Did Gu Chiyan love her now?
Perhaps a little—but not much.
It was more liking, admiration, even curiosity.
But his feelings were pure and intense, blending together into something that looked like love.
How many people truly fall in love at first sight? Most of it is just attraction at first glance.
Love needs time to ferment—shared joy, shared hardship—until liking, admiration, and curiosity are distilled into something deeper.
Just as Su He was mentally composing her “essay on love,” Gu Chiyan pointed ahead. “Little Su, there’s a photographer over there. Let’s take a picture!”
“Okay!”
…
The elderly photographer kept praising them. “My, my—I’ve photographed so many young couples here, but you two are the best match!
A perfect pair—talented and beautiful!
Stand closer—yes, yes. Young man, don’t be so nervous. Relax, smile…”
Afterward, he said, “Come back tomorrow afternoon or the next morning to pick it up!”
Gu Chiyan paid, then said, “Little Su, I’ll mail the photo to you once it’s ready.”
She nodded. “Alright. Oh, by the way, let me take you to the place where Grandpa saved that child. He was so heroic—I wondered which old hero it was, never thought it’d be your grandfather…”
He had been worried she might resent his grandfather, but seeing her admiration, he felt relieved.
Little did he know—Su He never resented a “fat sheep.”
Her tolerance for valuable “sheep” was extremely high. As long as there was still wool to shear, it was a good sheep.
By the time he reluctantly walked her back to the guesthouse, it was already getting dark.
After he left, Director Tian pulled Su He aside.
“Ahem… Little Su, maybe it’s not my place to say this, but since we get along well, I’ll be straightforward.
That Little Gu is a good kid, and his family is impressive. But you must keep your boundaries.
Don’t do anything improper before marriage.
If something happens, it won’t affect him much—but it could ruin your life.
So no matter how sweet his words are, don’t let him take advantage of you. Got it?”
Su He lowered her head shyly, her face flushed. “Director, what are you saying! I’m a very conservative girl—I wouldn’t do anything foolish!”
