Su Su said, "Dad, you don't understand. Yang Wei will die if he doesn't become a civil servant! I'm leaving, I have things to do at work this afternoon." With that, Su Su walked away. The bus station was just a few dozen meters away; she only needed to get on the bus for a short while. She didn't need to borrow her sister's money anymore…
Su Heqian sighed as he watched his eldest daughter's retreating figure. Turning back to her, he said, "Let him come. Neither of you sisters gives me any peace of mind."
Zhao Qiang drove his Chery Tiggo to Hedian District, where Su Li's parents were already waiting for him. Su Su, meanwhile, hid in her bedroom, too afraid to come out.
Because Su Heqian and Wang Yuru didn't know Zhao Qiang and were afraid of being mistaken for Wu Yao, Zhao Qiang took the initiative to speak, "Uncle, Aunt, I'm Zhao Qiang, I'm here to see Su."
Su Heqian's first impression of Zhao Qiang was quite good. He wasn't an arrogant playboy; his clothes were simple, and his gait was unassuming, not at all haughty. He spoke calmly and politely.
"Sit down," Su Heqian said, pointing to the chair in front of the coffee table. Zhao Qiang did as he was told and sat down, crossing his hands on his stomach in a serious manner, looking like an honest student.
"This is the rest of the money." Su Heqian pushed the black plastic bag in front of Zhao Qiang. The 20,000 yuan that Su Su hadn't used earlier was also in the bag.
Zhao Qiang neither answered nor spoke. He was unsure about the current situation, and Su hadn't given him any hints before he came.
Wang Yuru poured Zhao Qiang a cup of tea, and Zhao Qiang said, "Thank you, Auntie."
Wang Yuru chuckled softly: "Young man, how old are you?"
Zhao Qiang said, "In the Year of the Ox, it will be ten thousand in just a few days."
Wang Yuru said, "She's five years older than our Su. She's still a child in your eyes."
Zhao Qiang understood what was going on; Su's mother was reminding him not to deceive the child.
Su Heqian pushed over another piece of paper with writing on it. Zhao Qiang glanced at it and realized it was an IOU. The total amount was 140,000 yuan, which probably included the 80,000 yuan borrowed earlier, since there was still over 100,000 yuan in the plastic bag.
"Thank you for lending us money when our family was in dire need. Here is the IOU; we'll repay you as soon as our funds are available," Su Heqian said politely.
Zhao Qiang glanced at the bedroom; Su Su was hiding inside, too afraid to come out. It seemed she hadn't managed to win over her parents. Then Su Heqian took out a few more things, which gave Zhao Qiang a headache. They were a bunch of gas cards and the paperwork for the Tucson car. Su Heqian said, "Zhao Qiang, we appreciate your kindness, but please take these back."
Zhao Qiang asked, "Uncle, is this Su's intention?"
Su and Qian said, "No, it's what we parents think. No parent wants their child to have an accident. It's not that Su is still in high school, and there are some things he shouldn't be doing."
Zhao Qiang said, "Uncle, I didn't mean anything by Su. I just wanted to be friends. I think you must have misunderstood." Su Heqian shook his head: "You rascal, I don't care what you mean, but Su really isn't suited to continue associating with you. Take the things back, and we'll pay you back the money we borrowed as soon as possible."
Helpless, Zhao Qiang silently got up and glanced at the bedroom. He knew that the matter was beyond repair. If he had known this would happen, he wouldn't have been in such a hurry to buy Su a car. He had been too hasty. Parents care about their daughters. If you don't get past them first, how easy is it to win over their daughter?
Zhao Qiang strode out, and Su Heqian grabbed the black plastic bag, car documents, and gas card from the coffee table. "Buddy, take your things with you."
Zhao Qiang ignored her, his footsteps echoing in slow motion through Su Su's bedroom, as if declaring to her that once they left this room, they would never have any contact again. Su Su was in tears when she suddenly flung open the bedroom door and ran out. Zhao Qiang was already at the pharmacy entrance. Su Su rushed over to him, crying, "Zhao Qiang, don't go!"
Zhao Qiang turned around in surprise. It seemed his work hadn't been in vain; Su Su did have some feelings for him after all.
"Su!" Su Heqian shouted sternly, and Wang Yuru also said, "Come back. Go to your bedroom and reflect on your actions."
"No!" Su Su shouted, "You don't understand Zhao Qiang at all! You can tolerate a spendthrift like Yang Wei, so why won't you accept Zhao Qiang? Let me tell you, I like him, I just like him! If you insist on driving Zhao Qiang away, then I'll go with him!"
Su Heqian and Wang Yuru were both stunned. Their daughter had always been obedient and well-behaved, but they never expected that she would dare to say such rebellious words for this man!
Su Su held onto Zhao Qiang's arm, tears dripping onto the back of his hand. She looked up at him and said, "Zhao Qiang, I'm sorry, I can't get my parents to accept you, but I won't let you leave like this. Take me with you, go wherever you want!"
"You!" Su Heqian's hands trembled with anger. Zhao Qiang stood before Su and questioned his father, "Dad, what's wrong with me? Tell me, what's wrong with Zhao Qiang?"
Su Heqian said, "The fact that he was willing to lend you money when our family was in trouble shows that he has a kind heart, and he seems to be a very honest and kind person. But no matter what, you are only seventeen years old, and you can't be in a relationship!"
Su Su exclaimed, "What's going on, Dad? When did I say I was dating Zhao Qiang? What nonsense are you talking about?"
Wang Yuru said, "You clearly said you liked him just now."
Su Mu said, "Yes, is liking someone the same as being in love? I also like you and my dad."
Su Heqian and Wang Yuru were dumbfounded. How could kids these days have such complicated thoughts!
Su Su tugged at Zhao Qiang's arm and asked innocently, "Zhao Qiang, we're good friends, right?"
Zhao Qiang readily agreed, saying, "Yes, what else did you think it was?"
Su Su said, "Dad, Mom, you see, you've all misunderstood. What's wrong with friends lending each other a little money? Zhao Qiang isn't short of money. As for the car, that was an advance on my salary. Zhao Qiang said that once I get into university, he'll find someone to teach me to sing. Maybe soon your daughter will be a big singer, and I can pay him back when I earn money."
Su Heqian shook his head. "Ru'er's idea is truly absurd, but since he's given a way out, he won't pursue it further. Otherwise, today's events could have turned into a family tragedy." Su Heqian said, "If you two weren't dating, this matter could be discussed."
Su Su let go of Zhao Qiang and rushed to her father, "Dad, I knew you wouldn't be heartless."
Su Heqian said sternly, "No matter what your relationship is, you are not allowed to neglect your studies! Your grades can only go up, not down! Otherwise, I'll make you regret it!"
Thank you for your two monthly tickets! Thank you to the veteran from the northern border for your one monthly ticket; I've met the requirements for an extra chapter! Thank you to whoever owns the key and to Xingyu and Xingyan for your four coins each!
Volume 2 [181] Secretary Zhang really gave me face
Su wiped away her tears. "I know, I know about your pregnancy with Sister Wan Di. Actually, if Zhao Qiang is willing to help, my brother-in-law's situation shouldn't be difficult to handle. Zhao Qiang, don't you think?"
Su Su looked at Zhao Qiang pitifully, her eyes pleading—a reward for her father's compromise. Su Su hoped Zhao Qiang would agree. Zhao Qiang wanted to ignore her, but Su Su's expression was too powerful. Besides, this was a good opportunity to impress Su Heqian and Wang Yuru; whether he could associate with Su again in the future might depend on this.
Zhao Qiang said, "I'll give it a try and do my best."
Zhao Qiang called Zhang Zhiqiao again. He was the one who made the decisions in Hedian District. "Secretary Zhang, it's me, Zhao Qiang, and I need to trouble you again."
Although it wasn't on speakerphone, the pharmacy was quiet, and the knock-off phone was extremely loud. Zhang Zhiqiao said, "Zhao, what's the trouble? I'm honored that you called me. Is there still some unresolved issue with the power company?"
Zhao Qiang said, "No. I wanted to plead with you on behalf of my classmate."
Zhang Zhiqiao responded with an "Oh," and asked, "Whose business is it?"
Zhao Qiang said, "Yang Xian from the Finance Bureau."
Zhang Zhiqiao's voice faltered: "Zhao, where are you now?"
Zhao Qiang said, "Heqing Pharmacy."
Zhang Zhiqiao said, "Okay. I'll be there in a bit, please wait a moment. We'll talk in detail when we meet."
Zhao Qiang said, "Okay, I'll wait for you."
Zhao Qiang put down his phone and said to Su Heqian, "The Party Secretary of Hedian District and I have some dealings. He'll come over for a face-to-face meeting in a bit."
Su Heqian was a little excited: "I... I didn't hear wrong, did I? The district party secretary is coming to my pharmacy? Shouldn't we be the ones going to see him? It's impolite to make him make the trip, especially since we're the ones asking him for a favor. Besides, we should prepare some gifts."
Su Su secretly pursed her lips, thinking to herself, "Dad, you think too highly of Zhao Qiang. Last night, Secretary Zhang personally went to get the electricity connected for us."
Zhao Qiang said, "It's nothing, the district party secretary is also a public servant, we'll just wait for him."
Su Heqian said to Wang Yuru, "Why don't you hurry up and buy some good tea, the most expensive kind?"
Wang Yuru had just bought the tea when Zhang Zhiqiao arrived. He drove himself there, worried that if others saw him getting too close to Zhao Qiang, they might spread rumors. But he couldn't ignore Zhao Qiang's presence either, as it was a matter of life and death. What did it matter if he was an official? He couldn't afford to offend someone with privileges like Zhao Qiang.
Zhao Qiang stood up to greet Zhang Zhiqiao, "Secretary Zhang, this is my classmate Su Su's father. This is her mother, and this is her younger sister, Qiebu Su. Yang Wei is my classmate Su Su's boyfriend."
Zhang Zhiqiao nodded. So that's the connection. With his seasoned experience, he'd figured out the relationship between Zhao Qiang and Su Su in just a few words. Although Zhao Qiang was serious and proper, Su Su's gaze towards him was unusual. With Zhang Zhiqiao's ability to read people, he couldn't possibly miss it. In other words, Zhao Qiang was doing Da Kanzi a favor. He couldn't easily ignore Yang Wei, but Zhao Qiang wanted to impress his mother-in-law. Zhang Zhiqiao couldn't let things go too smoothly; he had to help Zhao Qiang demonstrate his importance in the Su family. If Zhang Zhiqiao didn't even have this much tact, then he was a useless district party secretary.
"We're all family here, please have a seat," Zhang Zhiqiao invited. Su Heqian immediately closed the pharmacy, as he had important business to discuss and naturally didn't want to be disturbed by customers.
"I've seen the Finance Bureau's report on Yang Wei's problem. The matter wasn't originally too serious, but Hedian District is cracking down hard, and he's run into trouble, so it's a bit complicated." Zhang Zhiqiao subtly brought up the topic first.
Su Heqian said anxiously, "Secretary Zhang, do you think there's still any way to salvage this? The misappropriated funds have already been made up. If all else fails, we can impose a fine, as long as you don't get dismissed from your post, some disciplinary action is justified." Zhang Zhiqiao replied, "This matter has already been reported to the Municipal Finance Bureau; it has a significant impact."
Su Heqian's face darkened. His daughter had fallen too deeply in love with Yang Wei. If she knew things had developed to this point, she would be heartbroken.
Zhang Zhiqiao suddenly added, "Zhao, you're not an outsider. If I can help ten percent, I certainly won't just use nine-tenths of my strength. Even if Yang Wei's problem is serious, I'll help you resolve it since you've asked. However, it's impossible for him to stay in the district finance bureau anymore; after all, countless eyes are watching him."
Upon hearing that there was a glimmer of hope, Su Heqian immediately said, "Secretary Zhang, as long as he can retain his civil servant status, even a grassroots training session would be fine. Yang Wei committed such illegal and disorderly acts; he definitely deserves some education. Ideally, he should be assigned to the most arduous and demanding place. Let him gain experience so he won't repeat the same mistake."
Zhang Zhiqiao smiled at Su Heqian. "Brother Su, I'll take care of this for Zhao. You've raised a good daughter. I have a meeting to attend, so I won't chat with you all any longer. Don't worry about Yang Wei; I'll handle it."
Zhao Qiang got up to see Zhang Zhiqiao off. At the pharmacy entrance, he pointed to the Hyundai Pavement: "This is Su Su's car. She doesn't have a driver's license yet, so please take good care of her, Secretary Zhang."
Zhang Zhiqiao immediately noticed the car had a temporary license plate, knowing it was a recently purchased vehicle. He assumed Zhao Qiang had paid for it for Su Su. Zhang Zhiqiao understood immediately, "No problem, is that Tiggo yours, Zhao?"
Zhao Qiang said, "Yes, I haven't gotten my driver's license yet either. Secretary Zhang, please help me out as well."
"It's a matter of course," Jia Bu said slyly. "I'll write down the license plate number and tell the traffic police later. Just drive freely in the Hedian District."
Amidst Su Heqian and Wang Yuru's repeated thanks and farewells, Zhang Zhiqiao left. Su Su pulled Zhao Qiang's hand: "Zhao Qiang. Let's go. Let's load the truck." Taking advantage of her parents being intimidated by Secretary Zhang, Su Su decided to leave with Zhao Qiang first. Otherwise, who knew how her parents would interrogate her further? She wanted to give them some time to calm down.
Su Heqian and Wang Yuru said nothing about this, and Zhao Qiang got into the passenger seat of the Hyundai Tucson. Su Su went back to the pharmacy to get her bag, taking the money and gas cards from the table with her. Su Heqian watched as his daughter skillfully started the car and drove away. The snotty-nosed little girl from before had grown up.
Wang Yuru sighed: "This Zhao Qiang doesn't seem to be anyone important, even Secretary Zhang is giving him a lot of face."
Su Heqian said, "It's more than just giving him face. I always felt that Secretary Zhang seemed a little afraid of him. His tone and actions revealed a sense of humility. He deliberately flattered Zhao Qiang to help Zhao Qiang increase his influence on our side."
Wang Yuru asked, "What does he do? Is he a second-generation official or a second-generation rich kid?"
Su and Qian said angrily, "You dragged them away before you even got to the bottom of things. It's all your fault for spoiling those two sisters!"
Wang Yuru said, "Wouldn't it be clear if we just asked Su later? How can you ask him in front of Zhao Qiang like this?"
Su Heqian sighed again. Wang Yuqie said, "What do you think? Is it really true that Er Yatou has nothing to do with him?"
Su Heqian said, "It would be strange if it weren't related. Ordinary friends? Call it lying to us or giving us a way out, but we owe Zhao Qiang. He helped us so much. If he can't even be friends with Su, I'm afraid Su might really run away from home. And if Zhao Qiang gets angry, I estimate the consequences will be very serious. You saw it yourself, even Secretary Zhang seems afraid of him. Otherwise, he wouldn't have rushed over in person after receiving the call."
Wang Yuqie said, "Actually, I think Zhao Qiang is a pretty good kid, much better than Yang Wei."
Su and Qian nodded, "But Su can't encourage her to have a relationship too early."
Wang Yuru said, "Kids these days mature early. Even if we tried to control them, could we really manage them?"
Su Heqian said angrily, "If it weren't for the fact that I couldn't control her, I would have let her run away with a man right before my eyes!"
Wang Yuru asked cautiously, "Then how should we view the issue of Er Yatou in the future?"
Su Heqian considered for a long time before saying, "I neither encourage nor oppose it. Let them develop freely. He's been so good to Er Yatou, I don't think he's the kind of person who would deceive her feelings. If he dares to do anything to betray Er Yatou, I'll risk my life to fight him."
While driving, Su Su chuckled. Zhao Qiang scolded her, "You're still laughing? You almost got me into serious trouble. You called me here before you could even handle your parents. You're pushing me into a fire pit."
Su Su reached out and grasped Zhao Qiang's hand, saying, "Alright, my dear Qiang-gege, everything's settled now, don't worry. After what happened just now, my parents won't interfere with us anymore. Besides, we gave them a way out; parents can't let their child not even have any friends. Moreover, you've helped our family so much, I'm sure next time you'll be able to sit openly in the host's seat at our house."
Su Su is quite clever; she knows how to take advantage of favorable timing and location. Zhao Qiang smiled. If Su Heqian and Wang Yuru can't even grasp this basic trend, then there's no need to pay them any attention in the future. Anyway, their daughter's heart is with him.
"I'm sorry, Brother Qiang." Su Su's voice was a little sweet, and Zhao Qiang felt a tingling sensation in his heart. It felt very comfortable. It seemed that Su Su's quarrel with Qian and his wife had not diminished his status in Su Su's heart at all. On the contrary, it seemed to have made Su Su more relaxed.
"Apologize for what?"
Su Su said, "My sister's matter has upset you again. I know you don't want to get involved with Yang Wei. They've wronged you so much."
Zhao Qiang said, "I said I would definitely ignore them if they asked me, but it's different since you asked."
"
Su Su suddenly screeched to a halt on the side of the road. While not perfectly maneuverable, it was still neat enough to avoid obstructing other drivers. Then, Su Su made an extremely bold move, one that even Xu Xiaoya, caught up in the heat of passion, might not have dared to do. She pulled the handbrake, turned, and hugged Zhao Qiang's head, then kissed him on the lips!
The kiss lasted less than two seconds; Zhao Qiang felt a warm, sweet scent on his lips. His lower body jerked, and then Su Su released him. Her face flushed red, her neck also turning a pale pink. Perhaps out of shyness, she possessed a courage that Zhao Qiang admired. Su Su was a girl who dared to love and hate.
Thank you to reader 凶创飞乃4骗刀 for the three monthly tickets! Thank you to 星语星言, 冰河在线, and 械心舞动 for the monthly tickets! An extra chapter has been added to meet the required number of votes!