"Zhao Qiang, how am I going to explain this to my parents about the car?"
Zhao Qiang scratched his head. "I don't know either. You decide what to do. I'm going home now, I'll contact you again this afternoon."
Liu Huilan and Zhao Weidong were cleaning the house. They knew their son would be home soon, so they put the cleaning on hold. Otherwise, in previous years, this would have been done a few days later.
Hearing a car outside, Liu Huilan went to the door to check. Her son was carrying things out of the trunk. "Qiang? You drove back?"
Zhao Qiang said, "Yes, Mom. Business has been good at the company lately, so I bought a car. It's more convenient to come home now."
Zhao Weidong also ran out. "Strong. Did you borrow your car from a friend?"
Zhao Qiang said, "I bought it, Dad. Is this car alright?"
Zhao Weidong was so excited he was almost speechless. "Great, great, my son bought a car too!" he said, wiping away his teary eyes. Zhao Weidong's family had always lived below the poverty line in the village, but now they had suddenly escaped that burden and were moving forward. How could Zhao Weidong not be excited? He was truly bringing honor to his ancestors; this year would definitely be a comfortable one.
Not long after, Zhao Tiancheng, an old man who was sunbathing on the street, also received the news and rushed back. Neighbors gathered around Zhao Weidong's door, pointing and commenting on the Chery Tiggo that only cost 100,000 yuan. They compared it to others' cars, saying that so-and-so's was inferior, while another's was more upscale. Zhao Qiang just smiled and ignored it. Money meant nothing to him.
"Why did you buy so much stuff?" Liu Huilan felt a little sorry for Zhao Qiang. The New Year's goods in the back of Zhao Qiang's car were all bought by Xu Xiaoya. Zhao Qiang felt happy just thinking about it.
But then he thought about how he had slept with Su Su all night, and he felt guilty towards Xu Xiaoya. However, he then considered that Xu Xiaoya still didn't know if she was bisexual, and she and Luo Wei had been messing around. What did he and Su Su amount to? With that, Zhao Qiang felt better.
At noon, Liu Huilan prepared six dishes, and the Zhao family grandfather and grandson enjoyed a good drink together. As soon as the wine hit his head, Zhao Tiancheng burst into tears, saying that the Zhao family ancestors had shown their power, and that their spirits had finally been restored in his grandson's generation!
Zhao Weidong, being more composed, asked his son, "Qiang, have you encountered any further difficulties in business?"
Zhao Qiang said, "Dad, don't worry. This time I found a powerful partner. With him protecting me, I shouldn't get into trouble again. Last time I was arrested, it was because he pulled strings behind the scenes that things were settled. His family has a lot of influence in the military."
Zhao Weidong hesitated for a moment: "Having a partner who is too powerful isn't a good thing, is it? Wouldn't you be at his mercy?"
Zhao Qiang said, "No, because I have advanced technology. He can't get anything he wants from me! So he has to listen to me. If he dares to play tricks on me, I'm not so easy to bully." Zhao Qiang had upgraded several repair tools, and now he was quite confident.
Liu Huilan instructed her son: "Qiang must not cause trouble with anyone. It's best to get along peacefully. At worst, we can give up business and go back to farming to make a living. As long as we're safe, that's all that matters."
Zhao Qiang said, "I understand, Mom. I will pay attention to these things. However, we are cooperating very well at the moment, and I don't think he will have any ulterior motives. That would not do him any good."
Liu Huilan said, "That's good. By the way, Qiang, did you find a girlfriend in Donghai? How's your classmate doing with you lately?"
Zhao Qiang gave an ambiguous answer: "It's alright."
Zhao Weidong scolded his wife, "You're such a woman! Qiang is starting a business right now, how can you let a woman hold him back? You're so short-sighted."
Zhao Tiancheng also said, "Yes, Qiang, you should prioritize your career. But you can't neglect your wife either. If you find someone you like, you must bring her home to meet your grandfather. Back in the day, your great-grandfather had two wives and a concubine. Our Zhao family was once a prominent family, but unfortunately, it declined in my generation. Your grandfather hopes that you can restore the prestige of our Zhao family!"
Zhao Qiang said, "Grandpa, I'd like to have two wives and a concubine. But the government won't allow it." Zhao Tiancheng, emboldened by alcohol, said, "What's the big deal? Those officials in Dong'er Town, which one of them doesn't keep a mistress on the side? It's like they can set fires but we common folk can't even light lamps."
Zhao Weidong said to his father with dissatisfaction, "Dad, what are you saying? Qiang hasn't graduated yet. Besides, you can't let him continue to sway you with his old ideas. We can't do things that national policies don't allow."
Liu Huilan interrupted Ye Ren's discussion. "Let's eat quickly. We need to clean up this afternoon; we have to slaughter the pig for the New Year early tomorrow morning."
Just then, Zhao Qiang's phone beeped with a text message. He read it and saw: "Come on over." The sender was Su Su.
Su Su entered the pharmacy carrying a black plastic bag, feeling extremely uneasy. She kept her head down, not daring to look at her parents who were already at work. But she heard her father's voice, "Everyone, I know you all have your difficulties, but could you please be lenient? I will definitely pay off the outstanding payments after the New Year. I, Old Su, have been in business for so many years. Don't you all know my integrity?"
Supplier A said, "Old Su, it's not that I don't trust you, but I can't have a good year with so much money tied up. It's almost the end of the year and I need funds to buy more goods. If I weren't in trouble, why would I pressure you?"
Supplier B said, "Yes, Lao Su, you should also understand our difficulties. If every pharmacy owed money like you, would we still be able to do business?"
Wang Yuru pleaded, "We've run into some trouble at home, which is why we owe you all money. It was really an unexpected situation. How can we compare this to other pharmacies? Special circumstances require special treatment."
"I don't care who you compare yourself to, Lao Su. The rent is due today, or I'll rent it to someone else." Su Su didn't even see the landlord was there. Su Heqian sighed deeply, his face full of misery, "Heavens! Are you trying to kill my Su family?!"
Su Su felt sorry for her father, so she ran over and hugged him, saying, "Dad, don't be sad, I've borrowed the money!"
Su Heqian was taken aback. Su Su let go of her father, slammed the black plastic bag on the table, and then said to the three suppliers, "Bring me the IOUs. Let's settle the accounts." Su Su was full of confidence; she felt that with Zhao Qiang around, no difficulty was insurmountable.
The three suppliers were overjoyed and hurriedly pulled out IOUs, vying to hand them to Su Su. "Oh, Su's second daughter is really capable. Old Su, you've raised a good child."
Su Heqian cursed inwardly, "You think it's a feat that your daughter can borrow money? You all really know how to flatter people."
First, she took out a bundle of RMB, one hundred 100-yuan bills, totaling 10,000 yuan, and settled the bill with the three people according to the amount on the IOU. Then she tore up the IOU. Su Su took out another bundle of RMB and said to the three people, "Deliver a few boxes of commonly used medicines according to the old standard. Pay first and then deliver, so you won't have to complain anymore."
The three suppliers, who had initially looked dissatisfied, were now pleasantly surprised and humble, nodding repeatedly and saying, "Okay, okay, no problem. We'll go back and prepare the goods right away, and they'll definitely be delivered this afternoon. This time, we guarantee you the lowest price."
The debt was settled, and the medicine for the Spring Festival was secured. Su Heqian and Wang Yuru shed tears, unsure whether from the hardships of life or from being moved by their daughter. The elderly couple couldn't understand where the 20,000 yuan had come from; their daughter was only seventeen, a high school sophomore. Where could she have borrowed so much money? The two elders were unaware that Su Su had secretly borrowed 80,000 yuan from her sister. If they knew, who knows what they would think.
At this moment, the landlord walked over to Su Su's table and said: Su, it's Brother Liu's turn now. Don't tell me you only managed to borrow 20,000 yuan. I need this money to visit my family after the holiday. You can't let me be left with the debts you owe them.
Without hesitation, Su Su took out four more bundles of RMB from the plastic bag. "Thirty-six thousand, right? You can count it all and give me the rest. Remember to sign next year's contract; we don't want any trouble later."
The landlord stared intently at the bulging black plastic bag. Could it be full of cash? How much could it be? No less than a hundred thousand. Where did this girl get it? But that was none of his business. He'd better hurry up and count the money.
Just as the landlord finished counting the cash and signing the contract, Su Su came in from outside. The landlord signed the ready-made contract with his own name and handed it to Su Heqian, saying, "Old Su, you're really lucky. Your daughters are all more capable than the last."
Su Heqian didn't know whether to laugh or cry. He had just realized what was going on: the black plastic bag his daughter was carrying was full of bundles of 100-yuan bills. Where did they come from? Had she robbed a bank?
Watching the landlord leave, Su Su said excitedly, "Dad, you got the money? You're amazing!"
Su Heqian shook his head: "I didn't borrow it. Ask your sister yourself. Your mother and I are also confused. If she doesn't explain herself clearly today, I'm not done with her."
Su Su asked her younger sister, "Did you get it done?"
Su Su nodded, took out two bundles of RMB and gave them to her sister, "Alright, that's all I can do to help you with your matter. Take the money and go."
Thank you to the users Dark Blue Fox, "Encountering Prehistoric Civilization", I Don't Want, Fish at the City Gate, Earthworm He Nai, and Seven Old Men Anchor Flavor for their monthly ticket support. This is an extra chapter; I'll add another one tonight if I get three more tickets! Thank you to Ugly Summoning Bi for the coin reward!
Volume 2 [180] Liking is not the same as loving
Suan stuffed the money into Bao Weidao's pocket! "Su, what are you saying? How can you let me deceive the world and show you even a little sisterly affection?"
Su Su said, "Sister, I'm begging you. Can't you please make things a little better between us from now on? Look at how you've made Mom and Dad suffer so much, they almost couldn't get through the New Year!"
Su Heqian and Wang Yuru remained silent. The Su family's current predicament was indeed related to Su Su and Yang Wei. If they hadn't been raising money for Yang Wei to cover up their losses, they wouldn't be in such dire straits. In truth, the eldest son was not as fortunate as the second daughter.
Su Su blushed and said, "I need to deliver money to my friend. You guys are busy."
Before Su Su could even step out the door, a Hyundai Tucson screeched to a halt in front of the pharmacy. A staff member got out and walked into the pharmacy. "Excuse me, is Sister Su Su here?"
Su Su hurriedly came forward, "That's me."
The staff member carried a file bag. "Please take receipt of the vehicle. The license plate is already attached. Please go to the vehicle management office on Monday afternoon to pick up the official license plate. All the relevant documents and your ID card are in this bag, along with the keys, instruction manual, purchase invoice, and tax payment certificate. Please check them." Su Su glanced at it and said, "Yes, everything is there."
The staff member said, "Then could you please go outside and check the car? If there are no problems, I'll be leaving now."
Su Su, forgetting about delivering the gift, grabbed her sister and said, "What's going on? You've confused me."
Su Heqian and Wang Yuru exchanged bewildered glances; too many things had happened in the past two days. The two elders were still reeling from the shock and remained stunned.
Su Su said, "Sister, don't worry about my affairs. Take care of yourself first."
Su Su said angrily, "You little brat, you think you're all grown up now?"
Su Su ignored her sister and went outside to take a look at the car. Yes, it was the one she bought that morning. There were no scratches, and she signed off on all the specifications before letting the staff leave.
Back at the pharmacy, Su Heqian and Wang Yuru were already poised for their interrogation, with Su Su standing by to oversee the proceedings. A seventeen-year-old girl had actually bought a car—this was outrageous! And that plastic bag full of hundred-yuan bills... their origin was even more dubious!
Su Su steeled her resolve and said to Su Heqian, "Dad, I can only tell you and Mom about this."
Su Su couldn't catch her breath and coughed twice, saying, "You, you, what do you take your sister for?"
Su Su chuckled: "Sis, you'd better hurry up and deliver the gift, or I won't lend you the money anymore. You'll have to pay me back the money you owed me last time too."
Su Su rolled her eyes, feeling that this matter had little to do with her. The most important thing right now was to protect Yang Wei. She stretched out her hand and said, "Fine, it's not impossible for you to keep it from me. Give me the car keys."
Su Su covered the file bag and said, "What are you doing? The car isn't yours."
Su Su said, "Fine, you won't tell me the truth, but can't I even borrow your car?" Su Su had already sold her Elantra, which she bought on loan, for 30,000 yuan, and she needed the money urgently.
Su Su muttered, "I've never even driven one myself."
Su Su said, "I'll let you test drive the car so you don't get ripped off by the dealership. Hurry up, or I won't leave."
Su Heqian said to his daughter, "Give the keys to your sister. You don't even have a driver's license, what are you going to do driving?"
Su Su had no choice but to hand over the vehicle registration and keys, saying, "Be careful, you have to drive it back by noon, I need to load it up this afternoon."
"Bang!" Su Heqian slammed his hand on the table. "What are you doing with the car? Explain this to Dad first!"
Su Su shrank back, then opened the car door but came back in. "Little sister, the car's out of gas. This car dealer is really awful; they won't even give you a tank of gas."
Su Su said, "Sis, since you're using the car, you should fill up the gas yourself."
Su Su said, "Your sister is penniless right now. I don't even have ten yuan on me. Can you lend me a few hundred yuan for gas? Anyway, the rest of the gas will just stay in your car."
As Su Su reached for her plastic bag, Su Su snatched it away, saying, "No, I'll give you a gas card, you can fill up your tank. Don't touch this money, who knows if you'll take ten thousand at once."
Su Su said, "There are gas cards too?" At this moment, Su Su opened her bag and snatched them away. "My God, so many! They're all two thousand yuan each!"
Su Su jumped up and snatched the bag back. "Sis, you're so mean! I only gave you one."
Su Su put the card in her pocket: "Okay, this one is mine. Su, you've really changed a lot since I last saw you."
Su Su drove away. Su Heqian glared at her, and Su Su obediently sat back in her chair. Wang Yuru said, "Tell me, what exactly happened? I'm starting to doubt if you're still my little sister."
Su Su said, "Of course it's Mom."
Su Heqian said, "Then why are you avoiding your sister? Isn't there something wrong with this?"
Su Su said, "Okay, I'll tell you the truth. I lent him the money, but he bought the car for me."
Su and Qian demanded sharply, "Who is he!"
Su Su replied truthfully, "She's my sister's classmate."
Wang Yuru asked, "Him? Which 'him'? Male or female?"
Su Su said, "The reason I had to avoid fighting Zhao Qiang is because he used to have a crush on my sister, but my sister didn't like him and now she has a lot of opinions about him. It's inconvenient for the two of them to meet, and he doesn't want me to tell my sister that the money was borrowed from him."
Su Heqian pressed on, "What is his intention?"
Su Su was taken aback. "He just wanted me to chat with him." There was something else Su Su didn't dare to say.
Wang Yuru asked incredulously, "It's that simple?"
Su Su said, "I think so. He's a good person. You'll know that if you meet him."
Su Heqian said, "Okay, let him come here, I'll talk to him in person."
Su Su said, "Okay, we agreed to load the truck together this afternoon. I'll have him come over after my sister drops the truck off and leaves the pharmacy."
Su Su returned at lunchtime. Her expression didn't show any joy despite her sister's sudden outburst. Wang Yuru asked, "How is it? Is there any hope?"
Su Su sighed, "It won't work. Zhang Zhiqiao is such a stubborn old man. My friend called him to ask him out, but he refused. He wouldn't even let my friend go to his house, and he even hinted to my friend that things are tense lately and he shouldn't do anything foolish."
Su Heqian said, “Su Su, you’ve done so much for Yang Weiren. If you can’t work at the Finance Bureau, then don’t. You can earn a living anywhere. Why make such a fuss over this? Now your sister is causing trouble for the family too. Your mother and I are really going to have to worry about you for the rest of our lives.”