Chapter 90: My Little Brother Has the Talent of a Bootlicker
The truck left Huangxi Village and arrived at Huaihua Commune.
Director Luo was a bit stunned when he saw Old Madam Su in the cab. Su He smiled and said, “I picked up my grandma on the way. I’m taking her to stay in the county for a few days.”
Director Luo: “…”
On the way? Who are you trying to fool?
But this was Su He’s capability, and he had nothing to say about it.
Su He inspected some of the dried wild vegetables—they were all high quality. Say what you will, but Director Luo was a leader who got things done.
Su He asked for the form to check, then said to Director Luo, “I’ll ask Master Qi to also deliver the batch for the grocery store while he’s at it. See if you can give him a little extra subsidy.”
Director Luo had been thinking the same thing but had felt too embarrassed to bring it up. Now that Su He mentioned it, he naturally agreed.
After arriving in the county, they first unloaded the wild vegetables at the grocery store. Su He had Old Madam Su wait for her there while she followed the truck to the machinery factory.
After everything was properly handed over at the factory, Su He returned to the grocery store to pick up Old Madam Su and also bought some pork before heading back to her house.
Just as they entered the yard, Old Man Ge from next door came out. Su He quickly introduced him to Old Madam Su.
Since she knew Old Man Ge was the miracle doctor who had treated Shen Ruyi before, Old Madam Su was especially enthusiastic, calling him “Big Brother” every other word.
Old Man Ge: “…”
Now he understood why this young girl had such thick skin—it was inherited!
He remained friendly, especially since he wanted to recognize Su He as his granddaughter. Naturally, he couldn’t afford to offend her real grandmother.
Once inside, before Su He could say anything, Old Madam Su grabbed a rag and started cleaning. Su He couldn’t stop her.
“Su He, your grandma can’t sit still. When I’m idle, I feel all uncomfortable.”
Su He: …Wasn’t this the same person who always sat under the big willow tree in the village pretending to be busy?
“Grandma, let’s go to my second uncle’s for dinner tonight. Jinbao’s been saying how much he misses you.”
“Sure, whatever you say,” Old Madam Su replied while still cleaning.
By evening, Su He brought the pork belly and took Old Madam Su to Su Yongshi’s house.
When Old Madam Su saw Jinbao playing in the courtyard, her face lit up like a flower. “Jinbao, my dear grandson! Come let grandma give you a big kiss!”
Jinbao ran over—and hugged…Su He’s leg. “Sis, you’re back! I missed you so much. I even dreamed about you last night!”
Su He: “…”
Why did that sound so familiar?
Old Madam Su, who had stretched out her arms in anticipation, suddenly felt sour—her precious grandson wasn’t the same anymore!
Fortunately, Jinbao, after buttering up Su He, turned and pounced into Old Madam Su’s arms. “Grandma, I missed you too! If I had wings, I’d have flown to the countryside to see you already!”
Su He: …My little brother definitely has bootlicker potential!
Hearing the commotion, Cao Hongmei came out smiling. “Little Su, you’re back? Mother-in-law’s here too. Come on in!”
Old Madam Su took one look at her and her face immediately turned sour.
Su He had told her that this Cao Hongmei always pilfered things for her own family and was the one who’d pushed for that awful matchmaking attempt.
“You think I need your invitation to come to my son’s house? You backstabbing troublemaker!”
Cao Hongmei was stunned. Old Madam Su had always treated her decently—much better than the eldest sister-in-law. What was up with this sudden hostility?
And how had she betrayed the family?
At this moment, Tie Zhu came out from the house and greeted, “Hello, Old Madam Su.”
Old Madam Su’s mood instantly flipped, smiling like a sunflower. “The other day I dreamed that the heavens would bless me with a wonderful grandson—and look! It came true! My sweet boy, come here and let grandma take a good look at you!”
She pulled Tie Zhu over, touching his head and patting his face, making the poor boy blush and not know where to put his hands.
Su He was speechless. “Grandma, let’s go inside first, okay?”
Old Madam Su finally let Tie Zhu go. In her eyes, he was her good-luck charm, so of course she had to cherish him.
Inside, Cao Hongmei quickly brought out rice cakes and milk candies and even poured her a cup of tea.
Still, Old Madam Su gave her the cold shoulder.
Cao Hongmei found an excuse to pull Su He aside and whispered, “Su He, is your grandma upset with me for something?”
Su He wasn’t about to admit she had bad-mouthed her earlier. She replied, “Probably still upset about you and Uncle trying to set me up with someone. Give it some time.”
Cao Hongmei looked embarrassed. “Su He, your second aunt was confused back then. I promise it won’t happen again.”
Su He just smiled, saying nothing.
Words are easy. Actions matter more.
As they spoke, Su Yongshi came home.
The moment he stepped inside, Old Madam Su gave him a hard slap across the face!
“That’s what you call a match? You little bastard!
If your dad hadn’t stopped me, I would’ve come to the county myself to beat some sense into you!
And you sold that bicycle to the Su He? Where’s your shame?! Hand over that 150 yuan right now!”
Su Yongshi: “…”
He looked at Su He, completely shocked. His niece was ruthless!
Not only had she swindled his bike, but now she was sticking him with a 150 yuan debt?
In total, she’d cost him 300 yuan!
Su He rubbed her nose and gave a dry cough. “Grandma, my second uncle’s not doing well financially. Just consider that 150 a loan. He can pay me back when he’s better off.”
She understood that Old Madam Su was putting on a show for her, afraid she’d still hold a grudge.
Say what you will, Old Madam Su might not be sharp, but she was certainly shrewd.
Old Madam Su held Su He’s hand tightly. “Only our Su He has a kind heart. Not only did she forgive you, she even helped you both keep your jobs. If either of you ever betray her again, I’ll be the first to deal with you!”
As she spoke, her eyes reddened and a few tears fell.
Su He: …Didn’t expect you to be such a drama queen, Granny!
She wasn’t some saint. Helping out her second uncle and aunt wasn’t out of familial duty—it was a calculated decision.
First, Su Yongshi had repented in time, showing some conscience.
Second, she needed a place to stay and couldn’t afford to burn bridges.
Third, she was using them as bait to fish out the people Shen Ruyi had planted.
Throughout, she’d been testing them. So far, they’d passed and had been tentatively accepted as “her people.”
After dinner, Old Madam Su wanted to return to Su He’s house with her.
Su He persuaded her, “Grandma, it’s more spacious here. Stay for now. I’ll come get you when Old Madam Zhao arrives.”
Su Yongshi and Cao Hongmei also urged her to stay.
Only then did Old Madam Su reluctantly agree—though in truth, she wanted to stay.
Here, she could play the role of matriarch and boss Cao Hongmei around.
Back at Su He’s house, she’d have to play the housemaid just to prove her love!
