Chapter 47: Dignity
These days, women’s federation directors usually also handle marriage registration, and the same applied at the Xiangyang Commune.
So Sister Wu brought Su He to meet Bai Lili, the women’s federation director at Xiangyang.
As soon as they met, Bai Lili’s tone was already laced with sarcasm.
“Oh my, isn’t this Sister Wu? I only got praised by the county this time thanks to you!
Sister Wu, I always thought you were the quiet, honest type. Didn’t expect you to be so clever! You even thought to send a thank-you letter — really something I should learn from!”
Though she wasn’t pleased, Sister Wu still smiled and replied, “Director Bai, please don’t tease me. We’re all just working to help rescue women comrades from abuse — the goal is the same.
This is Comrade Su Yufen, the woman we rescued. She’s suffered long-term domestic violence at the hands of her husband Lü Xingwang, and her body is covered in injuries—”
Before she could finish, Bai Lili cut in with a snort. “If she was suffering domestic violence, why didn’t she report it to me? I think she just wants to leave her husband and is making excuses to divorce him.
I’ve seen plenty like her. Most of them are just trying to climb the social ladder…”
That morning, Director Shen had chewed Bai Lili out during a meeting. The main point: how could something like this happen under her jurisdiction without being handled earlier?
Because of that, the Huaihua Commune got involved, and it made him lose face.
So Bai Lili, still holding a grudge, was extra harsh with her words.
Su Yufen’s face flushed red. She bit her lip so hard it bled. Humiliation, injustice, frustration, and fury pushed her to the brink.
She was the victim, so why was Bai Lili treating her like she was the one in the wrong?
Her vision went dark, and she couldn’t even speak.
Clang!
Su He smashed the teacup on Bai Lili’s desk.
Tea splashed all over the floor.
Su He glared coldly at Bai Lili. “You — apologize to my aunt. Now!”
Bai Lili was stunned, then immediately burned with rage.
“Who do you think you are?! So bold! ‘Aunt’? You must be that Su He who led the ‘rescue squad’!
I know who you are — the one who brought in a couple of measly orders for Huaihua Commune. And now you think you’re all that?
Coming here to act tough?
Apologize? Apologize for what? What did I say that was wrong?
Why don’t other women get beaten by their husbands? Only she does? A fly doesn’t land on a flawless egg — she must be the problem…”
Smack!
Su He slapped her across the face. “If you can’t speak like a decent person, shut that filthy mouth of yours!”
The slap stunned everyone — Bai Lili, Sister Wu, and Su Yufen alike.
Sister Wu’s mind buzzed. Su He usually seemed so quiet and well-behaved. How could she just hit someone like that?!
Then again, Bai Lili was the women’s director. And yet those words? Not even human.
Frankly, she deserved the slap.
Still, how were they going to get out of this mess?
This was Xiangyang Commune’s turf — no way they’d come out on top.
Su He also knew she’d acted rashly. But the moment had passed, and the slap had landed.
“Sister Wu, take me to Director Shen’s office.”
Sister Wu didn’t know what Su He intended, but she nodded. “Okay.”
After they left, Bai Lili finally snapped out of it. Gripping her face, she stormed after them, seething.
Meanwhile, Sister Wu had already led Su He to Director Shen.
After Su He explained the situation, she said with righteous indignation:
“Director Shen, when people in the county mention Xiangyang Commune, they always give a thumbs up. That reputation is the result of your hard work and tireless efforts!
But Bai Lili, as women’s director, dared to suggest the victim was at fault, spouting cruel words — she’s not worthy of her role!
I could’ve just walked away and exposed the whole thing. But if I did that, it would’ve ruined Xiangyang Commune’s reputation.
And that wouldn’t be fair — not to you, and not to the rest of Xiangyang Commune.
Our Director Luo says you’re the fairest person around. So — how do you think this should be handled?”
Director Shen’s brows knitted tight. He knew full well Su He was cornering him with her words.
But truth be told, Bai Lili had acted out of line.
He’d reprimanded her that morning for her handling of Su Yufen’s case, and clearly, she’d lashed out as a result. What a mess!
Just then, Bai Lili burst in.
Clutching her cheek, she shrieked with humiliation and rage: “Director Shen, Su He is out of control! She slapped me! She should be arrested and sent to a labor reform camp!”
Su He turned to Director Shen. “I heard that at yesterday’s county meeting, both our communes were praised. Now tell me — if today’s events made it back to the county, wouldn’t that be a problem?”
Director Shen had been wavering. But at that, he frowned and looked sharply at Bai Lili.
“Your words and behavior were inappropriate. Apologize immediately to Comrades Su Yufen and Su He!”
Bai Lili could hardly believe her ears.
She’d been slapped for nothing, and now she had to apologize?!
But she didn’t dare defy him. She ground out a stiff “Sorry.”
Su He stared at her coldly. “That’s your apology? Bow to my aunt and admit you were spouting garbage and talking like an animal!”
Bai Lili gritted her teeth. “Su He, don’t push it!”
Su He looked to Director Shen.
He slammed the table. “Bai Lili! Apologize properly to Comrade Su Yufen! Sincerely!”
Bai Lili was on the verge of tears.
Grinding her molars, she bowed to Su Yufen. “I spoke out of line earlier. I’m sorry.”
At that moment, Su Yufen felt something take root inside her.
Much later, she would come to understand — that feeling was dignity.
From that moment on, she, Su Yufen, finally had the courage to face gossip and rumors with her head held high.
Humiliated and furious, Bai Lili burned with hatred. You want to process the divorce?
In your dreams!
Since Lü Xingwang wasn’t present, she had the perfect excuse to refuse.
She was still plotting when Su He turned to Director Shen and said:
“Director Shen, I’m worried Bai Lili will take revenge and block my aunt’s divorce. Please, give her a warning so she doesn’t make another mistake.”
Bai Lili: “…”
Director Shen frowned and looked at Bai Lili. “Follow procedure. Don’t let personal feelings interfere.”
Bai Lili clenched her fists. “Director, a divorce requires both parties to be present. Right now it’s only the woman — this doesn’t meet regulations.”
Su He sneered. “Oh, now you care about the rules? Where was that attitude earlier?! Who’s going to believe you’re not being petty?
I have a signed divorce agreement from Lü Xingwang. Plus, with his record of domestic violence, I’d win easily in court!
So I’ll ask just once — are you going to process this or not? If not, I’ll walk out right now!”
Director Shen exhaled heavily. “Process it.”
Su He added, “And please also help transfer my aunt’s and her son’s household registration.”
Director Shen took another deep breath. “…Fine.”
He’d never met anyone so audacious, and she was just a young girl!
He sneered inwardly — Luo Ming from Huaihua Commune treats this Su He like a treasure? If you ask me, she’s just a walking disaster.
Whoever gets involved with her is bound for trouble.
One day, he’d regret this.
In the end, Su He not only helped Su Yufen complete the divorce, but also successfully transferred her and her son Tie Dan’s household registration. They’d be added directly to the Su family household record.
And as if that weren’t enough, she even brought Su Yufen and Sister Wu to mooch lunch from the Xiangyang Commune canteen.
After everything, Sister Wu finally understood how Su He had managed to bring in business.
This girl — she really had no shame.
