Chapter 143: Visiting

Chapter 143: Visiting

After the meeting, Director Ren encouraged Su Zhaozhao with a few words and, in front of Director Liu, asked him to nurture Comrade Xiao Su well.

"Xiao Su has been reassigned to the office to handle writing tasks. Don't worry, Director, I'll mentor her well," Director Liu replied.

Director Ren nodded. "Xiao Su has a solid foundation in writing. This arrangement is very appropriate."

Director Ren was very busy with many tasks to handle. After a few more words of encouragement, he left to attend to other matters.

Director Wang came over and praised Su Zhaozhao again.

"Lao Liu, you've gained a strong warrior!"

Director Liu smiled happily, as if he had a tail that was about to wag in the air.

Director Liu's current state could be described as walking on cloud nine.

He was even happier when others praised the people under him than when they praised him!

This showed that he had a sharp eye for talent.

From the meeting room to downstairs, Director Liu walked with his hands behind his back, strutting with confidence.

At the bicycle parking area, Director Wang reminded him again, "Lao Liu, don't forget Xiao Su's training the day after tomorrow."

Director Liu waved his hand, "I won't forget."

It was already 4:30 in the afternoon, and the sun was gradually sinking, painting the sky a bright orange-red.

Without further delay in the city, Su Zhaozhao and the others mounted their bicycles and began their journey back.

On the way, they inevitably brought up the events of the meeting.

"Xiao Su, to be honest, when Director Ren called your name, it really startled me!" Section Chief Xie recalled, still feeling a bit nervous.

Director Liu laughed heartily, "You're just a little jumpy. What's there to be afraid of? I wasn't scared! I've always had great confidence in our Xiao Su. She's very capable!"

Section Chief Xie glanced at him, having clearly seen him wiping his sweat. It was hard to believe he could say that.

Su Zhaozhao smiled, "I was scared too. Although I looked calm on the surface, I was actually quite panicked inside."

"It's normal to be nervous. If it were someone else, they might not even be able to speak properly," Section Chief Xie said.

"Indeed, even Director Ren praised you during the meeting! In our entire branch, there are probably very few people in your age group with such insight."

Moreover, she only had a home-schooling education, making her achievements even more remarkable in comparison.

Su Zhaozhao let the gentle breeze brush against her face, her lips curling into a smile. "I like reading, and my partner has found many books for me to read. At home, we often learn and exchange ideas together. My early experiences of drifting also gave me the opportunity to meet many people and experience various things. These experiences and books have broadened my perspective."

Director Liu nodded in approval, then continued, "It's impressive how much insight you've gained..."

As they rode and talked, they neared their destination.

Director Liu said, "It's getting late. Go straight home."

Su Zhaozhao waved goodbye to everyone and rode home.

The gate was half-closed. After getting off her bike, she pushed it inside.

Gu Heng heard the sound and turned his head. "Back already? Did you fall on the way?" He looked her over.

"Who do you think you're underestimating?" Su Zhaozhao shot back.

Su Zhaozhao parked the bike in the yard and walked up to him. "Do I look like someone who fell?"

Gu Heng shook his head with a smile. "No."

Su Zhaozhao snorted and went to wash her hands by the basin.

Gu Heng took off the shoulder bag and water bottle hanging on her. "How was the meeting?"

"It went well. I even picked up a work trip."

Gu Heng raised his eyebrows.

Su Zhaozhao grabbed the towel hanging on the wall to dry her hands. "I’ve got a training session in Qingshan Town the day after tomorrow."

"First aid training?"

"Yes, Director Ren asked the Supply and Marketing Cooperatives to finish the training this month. Director Wang from Qingshan Town couldn't find a suitable person, so he asked me to help when we met at the branch today. Director Liu agreed, and we settled on the day after tomorrow."

Su Zhaozhao plopped down in the rocking chair, closed her eyes, and swayed back and forth, enjoying the moment. She hadn’t taken a lunch nap and had been riding for so long; she was already tired.

Gu Heng took the shoulder bag and water bottle into the house and hung them up, rolling up his sleeves. "I'll make dinner tonight, how about noodles?"

Su Zhaozhao nodded with her eyes closed. "Okay~"

When Gu Xiang and Gu Nian came back from school, Su Zhaozhao was already asleep in the chair.

The siblings crouched down to watch her for a moment, then quietly went back inside to finish their homework.

The noodles were already pre-made, so it didn’t take long to prepare.

Gu Heng soon finished cooking the noodles, but since Su Zhaozhao was still sleeping, he had to wake her up.

Su Zhaozhao blinked groggily. "Is it ready?" She yawned, covering her mouth.

"Let’s eat first, then you can go back to sleep."

Gu Xiang and Gu Nian had already placed the noodles on the table.

Su Zhaozhao sat down, picked up her chopsticks, and started eating.

"How does it taste? Not too bland, right?" Gu Heng asked.

Su Zhaozhao shook her head with noodles in her mouth. "Just right."

Gu Heng threw in a few pickled chilies, giving it a nice tangy kick.

Gu Heng’s cooking was really improving!

Su Zhaozhao had planned to nap after dinner, but surprisingly, she felt wide awake after finishing the noodles.

Since Gu Heng did the cooking, Su Zhaozhao took care of the dishes.

Not long after dinner, we had some visitors.

It was Aunt Yan and Gao Yue.

Su Zhaozhao opened the door and invited them in; it was clear they had dropped by for a friendly visit.

"I wanted to come earlier, but Yan Guang told me you both work during the day, so I figured it was better to drop by in the evening."

Aunt Yan took the bag of grain from Gao Yue and enthusiastically stuffed it into Su Zhaozhao's arms. "I mentioned yesterday that I’d bring you some mung beans and millet from our farm. It’s nothing fancy, and I know you don’t need it, but it’s just a small gesture. You can use it to make porridge."

If Su Zhaozhao didn’t take it, the bag, which weighed around 7 or 8 pounds, would have fallen to the ground. Holding it in her arms, she said, "Aunt Yan, thank you so much. It must have been tough carrying this all the way, and you’re giving us so much!"

Aunt Yan waved her hand. "We’ve got plenty more at home. No need to be formal with me. Yan Guang told me how close he and Captain Gu have been for years—they’ve been through a lot together. Our families should be close too, so let’s not be formal."

Su Zhaozhao and Gu Heng exchanged a glance, and Gu Heng nodded. "Since it’s such a thoughtful gift, we’ll take it."

Aunt Yan smiled. "Exactly!"

Su Zhaozhao took the bag inside, while Gu Nian and Gu Xiang had already set up chairs in the yard for everyone to sit.