Chapter 37: The Village Is in an Uproar
As soon as the minibus Su He was riding entered Huangxi Village, the entire place erupted in excitement.
“Isn’t that the minibus from the commune that goes to the county? Why is it coming to our village?”
“Look! Isn’t that Su family’s eldest girl sitting in it?”
“It is her! My goodness, last time she came back on a tractor, and now she’s riding in a minibus!”
…
The village roads were bumpy and full of potholes, so Su He had the minibus stop at the entrance to the village.
Back in those days, even tractors were rare, let alone minibuses.
A crowd quickly gathered at the entrance to gawk.
“Uncle Yu, Sister Gao, come over to my house and have a seat!”
Both of them politely declined.
Su He didn’t push it—they’d have plenty of opportunities to visit in the future.
Once the minibus drove off, Su He was immediately surrounded by curious villagers.
“Su Su He, why are you riding a minibus home?”
Su He smiled, “I was going to walk, but Sister Gao and Uncle Yu were kind enough to give me a ride since it was on their way.”
Villagers: …On their way? The only thing beyond here is mountains!
It was clearly a special trip just to drop her off!
The Su family’s eldest girl really was becoming more impressive!
Last time she came back on a tractor, now it’s a minibus—who knows, maybe next time it’ll be a private car!
On the edge of the crowd, Old Madam Su shouted at the top of her lungs:
“Su He, Su He, Grandma’s here to get you!”
Su He finally squeezed her way out of the crowd, and Old Madam Su immediately grabbed her hand.
“My precious eldest granddaughter! You look thinner—come on, Grandma will make dumplings for you!”
Su He: …Is this really my grandmother? The same woman who used to favor boys and treat girls like dirt?
Apparently, even favoritism can’t withstand the allure of money!
Old Madam Su was beaming with pride!
She hadn’t felt this proud in years.
Not to brag, but among all the grandmothers in Huangxi Village, she was the queen bee now!
Even that arrogant old Liu woman now bowed and scraped when she saw her—how satisfying!
All thanks to her precious granddaughter.
When they got home, Old Madam Su became extra attentive:
Fetching water, handing her towels, making milk powder, unwrapping candy—buzzing around like a busy bee.
Su He felt exhausted just watching her.
“Grandma, sit down and rest. Did Grandpa and the others go to the fields? And have Master Sun and his crew gone back?”
“Yeah, they left yesterday afternoon. The remaining fields should be done in two or three days.
That’s why I say my granddaughter is amazing. In past years, planting would take at least another half a month!”
“Su He, tell Grandma—why did the minibus bring you back?”
Su He smiled, “Because they think I’m useful! People are like that—if you’re rich, you have relatives even deep in the mountains. If you’re poor, no one cares even if you live in the busiest part of town.”
Old Madam Su nodded vigorously, “Ain’t that the truth! Some people are just so snobbish!
That old Liu woman used to have her nose in the air, and now she speaks to me like a mouse squeaking! It’s embarrassing, really…”
She went on bragging, but then noticed Su He… had fallen asleep.
Old Madam Su: She fell asleep sitting up? My granddaughter really is something else!
She bustled into the west room to lay out the bedding, then gently woke Su He so she could lie down properly.
Su He was truly exhausted. It might have seemed like all she did was talk, but every move had to be carefully planned. She was mentally and physically drained.
By the time she woke up, Su Xiaoman was already back from school.
Seeing her sister awake, the little girl leaned over the kang excitedly:
“Sis, I heard you came back in a minibus? Why didn’t you have it circle our school a few times? That would’ve made me look so cool!”
Su He: “…”
“So, how did you do on the task I gave you?”
Su Xiaoman pulled a crumpled workbook from her schoolbag and proudly announced:
“Look! This is Grandpa and Grandma’s homework!”
Su He flipped through it. Grandpa had written some classical poems, while Grandma had copied some characters from Chinese currency.
Su Xiaoman added with a smug grin:
“Grandma kept getting sleepy while writing, so I told her to copy the characters off money instead. She perked right up!”
Su He: “…Well done.”
Su Xiaoman held out her hand.
“Sis, since I did a good job, where’s my reward?”
Even though Su He’s small satchel was right there on the cabinet, it was clear Xiaoman hadn’t rummaged through it.
Su He thought to herself—seems this kid isn’t fundamentally bad. With the right guidance, she won’t go astray like in the novel.
She had Xiaoman bring the satchel over, then pulled out a big handful of chocolates.
“These are yours to distribute. Decide how you want to share them.”
Xiaoman’s eyes lit up. “Really? I can keep them all to myself?”
Su He nodded, “As long as you’ve thought it through.”
Xiaoman unwrapped one and popped it into her mouth, her expression blissful:
“It’s so good! This has to be the best thing in the world!”
Then, hesitating a little, she picked up another piece:
“Sis, you have one too!”
Su He took it and ate it.
Xiaoman looked pained.
You actually ate it?
She immediately stuffed all the remaining chocolates into her schoolbag. Clearly planning to hoard them.
Su He just watched coldly, saying nothing.
True to her word, Old Madam Su made dumplings for dinner that night.
There was no meat, just some lard—but in those days, a meal of white flour dumplings was already a luxury.
Su He’s father and uncles had already heard about the minibus and were all glowing with pride.
Especially her father—he now walked around with his hands clasped behind his back, looking more authoritative than the team leader!
Just as the dumplings were being served, a voice came from next door:
“Yufen? You’re back? Oh my—what happened to your face?!”
Everyone’s expression changed instantly.
Old Madam Su dropped her chopsticks and rushed out.
Su He followed and saw a woman in her early twenties standing at the gate, her face covered in bruises. In her arms was a child of about two or three.
It was Su He’s aunt—Su Yufen, the youngest daughter of Old Man Su. She was holding her son, Tie Dan.
Su Yufen had married into Liushugou Village in Xiangyang Commune. Her husband’s name was Lü Xingwang.
The Lü family had six sons, and Lü Xingwang was the youngest. He had been spoiled his whole life.
He married Su Yufen for her good looks, getting a matchmaker to arrange it.
Back then, Su He’s father had opposed the marriage. But Old Madam Su and Su Yufen were both in favor—after all, Xiangyang Commune was much wealthier than Huaihua Commune, and Lü Xingwang at least looked decent.
Who could’ve known it would be such a disaster?
Her in-laws were stingy, her sisters-in-law were difficult, and Lü Xingwang had a violent temper—he beat her at the slightest disagreement.
Su Yongguo and Su Yongshi had gone to confront them. But the Lü family had six brothers. They had left full of righteous fury and come back with their tails between their legs.
Old Man Su and Old Madam Su had worried endlessly about their daughter ever since.
In the past two months, when Su Yufen didn’t come home, they thought maybe their son-in-law had finally changed for the better.
Instead, he had beaten her up again!
Old Madam Su took the child and immediately began cursing the entire Lü family’s ancestors.
Su He thought to herself: If you’ve got the guts, go curse them to their face!
Her grandma was all bark and no bite—only bold when she was at home.
