Chapter 94: She’s Backed Down
Su He had come to realize that there were two things Old Madam Su cared about most: money and acting like an imperial titled lady.
Every time she brought up “Imperial Lady,” her grandmother acted like she was injected with chicken blood.
“Grandma, doing it every day is a bit much. Just have Old Man Ge check your pulse from time to time. Also, when you’re cooking, make an extra portion and take it over to him.”
Old Madam Su agreed readily. Though stingy, she was excellent at weighing pros and cons.
Giving a bit of food in exchange for a miracle doctor? Worth it!
After dinner, Su He went to Su Yongshi’s house.
Cao Hongmei was already waiting at home.
Su He had told her the day before that they’d go to night school together today.
Cao Hongmei thought Su He was going to help her and Su Yongshi gain some footing and was full of gratitude.
The county wasn’t big. They arrived at the night school after about twenty minutes of walking.
The county night school couldn’t compare to those in the provincial capital—it only offered literacy and advanced classes.
Cao Hongmei and Su Yongshi were enrolled in the advanced class.
As they neared the school gates, Cao Hongmei slapped her forehead, “Little Su, you need a student ID to attend class. Without one, the gatekeeper might not let you in.”
Su He said casually, “It’s fine. I have my ways.”
At the entrance, quite a few people were already lined up.
“Oh look, isn’t that Director Cao from the textile factory? Who’s that with you? Another future big leader from your plant?”
The speaker was a girl in her early twenties. Her words caused a burst of laughter.
Many in the advanced class disliked Cao Hongmei and Su Yongshi. They believed only current or potential cadre-level workers should be allowed in the class, and looked down on the couple.
So they nicknamed them “Director Cao” and “Director Su” to mock them.
Cao Hongmei quietly told Su He, “That’s Zhu Yanli, a union officer at the food factory. She’s the one who stirs things up the most.”
At that moment, Zhu Yanli added, “Oh! I recognize her. You’re that Su He who’s always getting harassed by men, right? Tsk tsk. Some loose women just love attracting bees and butterflies. Can’t blame anyone else!”
Su He’s heart stirred. It seemed Zhu Yanli’s target was her, and her second uncle and aunt were just caught in the crossfire.
But she and Zhu Yanli had never even met—why was she being so hostile?
Seeing Su He remain silent, Zhu Yanli grew bolder.
“What? Got nothing to say now? If you weren’t always acting flirty, Lin Bo wouldn’t have lost his mind and ruined his future. People like you should be drowned in a pond and paraded through the streets…”
Now Su He understood!
Zhu Yanli was in love with Lin Bo—deeply and obsessively.
As Zhu Yanli ran her mouth, Su He said nothing.
Cao Hongmei thought, Where’s that sharp tongue of hers now?
But then again, Zhu Yanli had backup. Maybe Su He was intimidated.
That’s what Zhu Yanli thought too. She grew more arrogant, her words getting nastier, just short of accusing Su He of selling herself.
Her provocations drew everyone’s attention to Su He. Some men even looked at her with lewd expressions.
Su He waited until Zhu Yanli had run her mouth dry before finally speaking:
“Zhu Yanli, let’s set aside the slander for now. But your words clearly defend Lin Bo, a criminal.
Seems like you’re unhappy with the Public Security Bureau’s decision.
Not only that—you actually approve of his harassment of women.
So, according to you, if a woman gets harassed or assaulted, it’s her own fault?
People like you don’t deserve to be at night school, let alone work in the union!
Your attitude reveals a deep problem with ideological education at the food factory. Tomorrow, I’ll write a piece on this and have it broadcast so the entire county can hear it…”
Many from the food factory were in the crowd. Their faces fell!
If Su He really broadcast this and accused the factory of poor ideological education, where would they put their face?
And Zhu Yanli—what an idiot!
If you want to target Su He, fine. Why bring up Lin Bo?
Defending a criminal? That’s just asking for trouble!
Just then, a man in his 40s stepped forward and coughed twice.
“Comrade Su He, I’m Yu Guodong, the head of administration at the food factory. We value ideological work deeply.
Zhu Yanli hasn’t been with us long, and she got carried away emotionally. Zhu Yanli, aren’t you going to apologize to Comrade Su He?”
Zhu Yanli was furious!
She snapped, “Why should I apologize? Did I say anything wrong? Lin Bo lost his future because of her! If not for her, he’d still be the star of the county drama troupe!”
Su He sneered, “Oh? From the way you’re talking, you clearly have deep feelings for Lin Bo!
If you’re that devoted, why don’t you go sit behind bars with him?
What are you doing at night school?
Oh—I get it. You’re bitter that Lin Bo’s in jail. So you’re angry at the police, angry at everyone. You’re here for revenge!
No wonder you’re trying to turn everyone against my second uncle and aunt—you’re trying to create internal conflict within the working class!
Such malicious intent! Utterly reprehensible!
Director Yu, this isn’t just a matter of an apology anymore. Better call the authorities.
Zhu Yanli’s mindset is dangerous. What if she retaliates one day?
She might even tamper with your factory’s canned goods or pastries…”
The crowd erupted in alarm!
“I ate some hawthorn preserves yesterday and got diarrhea—could there really be something wrong with the factory’s food?”
“I found a stone in a cake yesterday—maybe she was trying to break my teeth!”
…
Director Yu: “…”
What the hell is wrong with these people?!
Anyone with a brain could see Su He was exaggerating. Zhu Yanli might be petty, but she wasn’t going to poison anyone.
Besides, the factory had safety protocols—she wouldn’t get the chance.
But the crowd had been swayed. If Su He really broadcast this nonsense, the factory’s reputation would be ruined!
He shot a deadly glare at Zhu Yanli and said to Su He:
“Comrade Su He, your warning is valid. Zhu Yanli is no longer suitable for her union post.
I’ll report this to the factory tomorrow and recommend reassigning her and reinforcing her ideological education. We won’t let her make any foolish mistakes.”
Su He nodded. “Since you’re taking action, I won’t press further.
However, someone like her doesn’t belong at night school either. That opportunity should go to a more ideologically sound worker from your factory.”
Director Yu nodded, “Zhu Yanli, hand over your student ID. You’re no longer welcome at night school.”
