Chapter 57: That’s Really Not Necessary
Mr. Yuan was engrossed in his calculations and got startled.
He gave Su He an annoyed glare. “So careless!”
Su He gave an embarrassed laugh, picked up the book, and then exclaimed, “Huh? The binding quality of this book isn’t great—the pages are falling out!”
Mr. Yuan snorted, “Just looking at that flashy cover, I knew it was all style and no substance. The fools at the institute must’ve been duped again! I don’t even bother looking at books like that!”
Su He casually flipped through a few pages, then said in surprise, “Mr. Yuan, this mentions the nliac IV you were just talking about! Maybe you should check if there’s anything useful in here?”
Mr. Yuan didn’t take it seriously. “Even if it’s mentioned, it’ll just be in passing—nothing of reference value.”
Still, he took the book from her and glanced at it.
Then his eyes widened in shock, as if struck by lightning.
He even slapped himself in the face, winced at the pain, then stared blankly at Su He. “Y-You… read this to me!”
Su He read just two passages before Mr. Yuan snatched the book from her and burst into laughter. “Little girl, do you even know what this is?
Hahaha—it’s the basic data and analysis on the nliac IV! This is the material I’ve been dreaming of!”
Su He felt a pang of sourness in her chest, but it was mostly admiration. She feigned surprise, “Really? Didn’t you say the nliac IV data was blocked by Country M?”
Mr. Yuan finally realized that, too. Right, something this confidential should’ve been under heavy restrictions. How did it leak?
Su He thought for a moment and said, “Mr. Yuan, do you think maybe a patriotic individual managed to swap the book contents and intentionally used a flashy cover to fool Country M?”
Mr. Yuan’s expression changed—Su He had nailed the “truth” in his mind!
“Yes, yes, that must be it! Not only did they fool Country M, they nearly fooled me too!”
He wore an expression of deep reverence. “That patriot took tremendous risks and made a great contribution to our country. One day, we must find this person, honor them in history, let them be admired by all, and remembered forever…”
Patriotic Su He: …That’s really not necessary.
Mr. Yuan looked gratefully at Su He. “Xiao Su, it’s all thanks to you. If you hadn’t dropped the book, I might never have opened it in my lifetime!
You really are my lucky star!
If you ever need anything, just say the word. As long as I can do it, I’ll make it happen!”
Su He rubbed her hands together. “Well then… how about a raise?”
Mr. Yuan: “…Just get back to sorting the documents.”
Su He: “…”
Mr. Yuan held the book like a treasure and quickly became fully absorbed in its contents.
Su He finished organizing the materials and helped prepare dinner before finally leaving.
Just as she turned into an alley, she noticed someone was tailing her.
She tensed up—was it Lin Bo?
He’s already lost patience?
She bent down to pretend to tie her shoelace, pulling out a small mirror from her pocket. In it, she saw who was following her.
It was Old Man Ge!
Now Su He understood—he hadn’t gone out for a stroll at all. He was worried about her safety and had been quietly watching over her.
A warm feeling rose in her chest. Old Man Ge was the classic “sharp tongue, soft heart” type—mean on the outside, kind on the inside.
She decided not to call him out on it.
Lin Bo probably wouldn’t be able to hold back much longer. Once he made a move and was dealt with, Old Man Ge wouldn’t need to secretly follow her anymore.
Su He returned home, and a little while later, Old Man Ge walked into the courtyard—clearly having delayed on purpose so she wouldn’t suspect him.
Feeling warm inside, Su He called over the wall with a smile, “Going for another evening stroll, Grandpa?”
Old Man Ge shot her a glance. “You sure like sticking your nose into everything!”
Su He grinned, showing her white teeth. “That’s right! I am nosy!”
And from now on, I’ll be sticking my nose into the rest of your life.
Old Man Ge let out a cold snort and went inside.
Cao Hongmei came out of the house. “Back already, Xiao He? Come in and eat!”
She didn’t quite understand why Su He was getting so close to Old Man Ge. What was there to gain from cozying up to a cranky old man?
After dinner, Cao Hongmei cautiously asked, “Xiao He, any news on your official position yet? It’s not that your second aunt wants to rush you, it’s just that I’m a little uneasy.”
Su He wasn’t too concerned. “Probably because the headflower project hasn’t been finalized yet, so Director Gao doesn’t want to speak prematurely. Director Luo and the others will be coming tomorrow to sign the agreement. If there’s still no news in a few days, I’ll give Director Gao a gentle nudge.”
Cao Hongmei finally relaxed. She thought to herself: With Su He bringing in another contract for Huaihua Commune, that girl was probably a rising star in Director Luo’s eyes.
Maybe she’d even get a permanent position soon!
The next morning, the moment Director Luo and his party got off the car, they saw Su He waiting for them.
Director Luo thought, This girl really knows how to handle things. Even if she hadn’t come to greet them, they wouldn’t have said anything.
But the fact that she did come made everyone feel warm inside.
“Xiao Su, you didn’t say much on the phone yesterday—what’s this new business deal about?”
Su He gave a brief explanation about the headflower project.
Director Luo looked stunned. “Five cents per headflower? Did I hear that right?”
The fabric seat cushions they used to make were so tedious and only paid eight cents in labor fees. And now a tiny headflower fetched five?
After confirming several times, he was overjoyed!
With this new income, Huaihua Commune’s year-end ranking would definitely jump up two or three spots.
The only regret was that the textile factory didn’t want a large quantity.
Su He saw what he was thinking and said, “We’ll make a small batch first to test the market. If the sales go well, I’ll negotiate for a larger order.”
Director Luo quickly nodded. “Xiao Su, you’ve done it again! You’ve made a huge contribution to Huaihua Commune…”
Director Luo praised her like she was a blooming flower, and the others chimed in enthusiastically.
At the textile factory, since they had worked together before, both sides signed the agreement quickly.
As usual, Director Gao treated them to lunch in the factory canteen.
After parting ways, Director Luo and the others chatted as they walked toward the guesthouse.
Secretary Liu said, “Director Luo, why didn’t you mention the dam repairs to Su He earlier? Maybe she could get a small truck for us!”
Director Luo gave a wry smile. “The truck Sunyang Commune borrowed came through Bai Lili’s connection—her brother works at the transport company. Su He is capable, no doubt, but she’s not omnipotent. Bringing it up might just make her feel burdened. Better to let it go.”
Secretary Liu disagreed. “But how would we know unless we ask? Maybe Su He can find a way! If you’re uncomfortable asking, I’ll talk to her tomorrow.”
Director Luo didn’t respond, but didn’t object either—giving silent approval.
Deep down, he had a tiny sliver of hope.
What if Su He really could make it happen?
That afternoon, Su He visited Granny He’s house, then cooked dinner for Mr. Yuan before dragging her tired body home.
Right before bed, she had a nagging feeling she’d forgotten something.
But as sleepiness washed over her, she yawned.
Forget it. I’ll remember later.
Meanwhile, in the capital, Gu Chiyan circled a date on his calendar.
Based on mailing times, he should receive Su He’s reply in no more than three days…
