Chapter 45: Contentment is Happiness
After Su He laid down her warning, she got in the vehicle and left without looking back.
Old Lady Lü was just about to curse Su He, but when she saw the surrounding villagers staring at her, she had to swallow her words.
She turned irritably to her daughters-in-law: “What are you standing around for? Hurry up and clean this mess!”
The daughters-in-law were full of regret. Now that Su Yufen was gone, life would be much harder for them.
Had they known it would come to this, they should have helped her back when she was getting beaten…
—
On the vehicle, Su Yufen still felt like she was dreaming.
Holding Su He’s hand, she asked, “Su Heh, did I really get divorced? Tie Daner is really mine? They won’t come to take him away?”
Su He nodded. “Auntie, I made the decision for you without asking—do you blame me for it?”
Hearing this, Su Yufen started crying again.
“Su Heh, you pulled me out of hell. I’m too grateful to even begin to repay you—how could I ever blame you? You’re the benefactor of me and my son. I’ll repay you even if I have to work myself to the bone!”
Su He smiled. “Auntie, we’re family. No need to say things like that! As long as you and Tie Daner can live happily from now on, that’s all that matters!”
Su Yufen nodded continuously, silently making a firm resolution in her heart—she would find a way to repay her niece, no matter what.
After comforting her aunt, Su He addressed the villagers:
“Thank you all for your help today. I can’t let you go home empty-handed—two yuan each as a hardship fee. Just think of it as me treating you all to dinner!”
Even though the crowd tried to refuse, Su He handed the money to Lin Youde, asking him to distribute it among everyone once they returned to the village.
—
Back in Huangxi Village, once everyone had gotten off the vehicle, Su He took out 30 yuan.
“Sister Gao, Uncle Yu, this is for your fuel.”
In truth, the fuel didn’t cost nearly that much—this was clearly a payment for their hard work.
After some polite refusal, the two finally accepted it and happily drove off.
When Su He returned home, Old Madam Su was hugging Su Yufen and crying. When she saw Su He come in, she hugged her too.
“My precious granddaughter! You’ve saved your aunt’s life! From now on, Grandma will treat you the best—better than even Jinbao!”
Su He: “…Grandma, we haven’t eaten yet. Can you make something for us?”
Only then did Old Madam Su release her and go cook.
—
That night, as they were getting ready for bed, Zhao Cui’er whispered to Su He,
“Su Heh, do you think the Lü family will try to get revenge? Especially since you’re just a young girl—what if they get some bad ideas…”
Su He reassured her:
“Mom, don’t worry. The Lü family are bullies who only pick on the weak. After today, they’re too scared to mess with us again.”
Still uneasy, Zhao Cui’er added:
“Even if the Lü family doesn’t act out again, won’t the commune punish you for making such a scene?”
Su He replied calmly: “It’s fine. I already have a plan.”
Only then did Zhao Cui’er feel a bit relieved. She sighed.
“Your aunt can finally breathe easy now. You didn’t see it—her body was covered in bruises and scars. That Lü Xingwang is a real beast!
Compared to her, marrying your father was a blessing!
And your grandma—her mouth is rough, but she has a soft heart. She’s actually been good to me…”
Su He: “…”
Well, you really are content with what you have!
Su He slowly fell asleep to her mother’s murmuring…
—
Early the next morning, Su He headed to the Huaihua Commune for a meeting.
She gave her aunt a ride on her bicycle and had her wait at Sister Wu’s house—the women’s affairs director.
Then Su He went to see Director Luo.
“Director Luo, I’d like to borrow the phone.”
Phones were still rare at the time—only the commune office had one.
Director Luo smiled, “Go ahead. I’ll step out for a smoke.”
Being considerate, he gave Su He privacy to make her call.
Su He dialed the trade union at the machinery factory. “Hello, comrade—I’d like to speak with Qian Huifang.”
…
After the call, everyone for the meeting had arrived.
Director Luo explained the third-party business order arrangement, then followed the prearranged plan to distribute the orders.
Everyone looked enviously at Lin Youde, the team leader from Huangxi Village.
Why? Because Huangxi Village got the largest share of the orders!
But what could they do—Su He was from Huangxi, after all!
Lin Youde couldn’t stop grinning.
—
After the meeting, Su He went to see Director Luo again.
“Director Luo, I made a mistake.”
Luo was stunned. “A mistake? What kind?”
Su He looked down.
“I took a busload of people to Xiangyang Commune to pick a fight yesterday.”
Director Luo: “…”
Su He continued, “I acted on impulse and didn’t consider the consequences. If I were just a regular villager, it wouldn’t matter. But I’m a member of our commune—my actions reflect badly on us!
You should scold me!
In fact, you should announce a public criticism across the commune, so that Xiangyang doesn’t make a big deal out of this.”
Director Luo was speechless.
Should he praise Su He for having presence and loyalty?
Or scold her for being rash and reckless?
And now she was even admitting fault—and doing so sincerely!
Just then, Sister Wu came in, followed by Su Yufen.
She was furious.
“Director Luo, you didn’t see the injuries on Su Yufen! That Lü Xingwang is a monster! Su He was right to beat him! If it were me, I’d have brought people to beat him too!”
Director Luo: “…”
For mild-mannered Sister Wu to get this angry, the injuries must have been truly awful.
Just as he was thinking, the office phone rang.
After answering, Director Luo’s expression darkened.
He hung up a moment later.
“That was Director Shen from Xiangyang Commune. He said Su He’s actions yesterday count as inciting a crowd and disturbing the peace. He wants us to give them an explanation.”
Sister Wu was furious. “Where were they when Su Yufen was being beaten?! Now they want an explanation?
Tell them to eat dirt!
I don’t believe they have the power to interfere in our Huaihua Commune!”
Director Luo said gravely, “Director Shen said if we don’t respond, he’ll report it at the county meeting in two days and let the county authorities handle it.”
Su Yufen immediately burst into tears.
“This isn’t Su Heh’s fault—it’s all my fault! I’ll go explain to Xiangyang! If it comes to it, I won’t get divorced—I’ll go back to the Lü family…”
Su He patted her hand.
“Auntie, don’t worry. This isn’t a big deal—I’ll handle it.”
Then she smiled at Director Luo. “Relax. They won’t dare take it to the county.”
Director Luo asked in confusion, “Why not?”
