RGL – Chapter 128

“You’re definitely overthinking it. Even though our sister-in-law is a bit mean, she’s still a strong-willed person. She probably wouldn’t do anything to betray Big Brother. Alright, stop thinking about it—if Mom hears about this, she won’t be happy.”

“I know, I was just casually saying it.” Li Meng smiled as she helped wash the dishes.

Although Sun Qiufang was a little worried in her heart, she still didn’t believe Zhang Guihua would do anything to betray her eldest brother. After all, she was already at that age; it didn’t make sense for her to do something disgraceful. So she simply stopped thinking about it.

Especially after Sun Hai and the others returned and Su Min gave a rough recount of the things she’d heard at the Wu family’s place today—

Sun Qiufang and Su Changrong had always thought that Wang Mingsong was targeting their family because of Gao Hong. They hadn’t expected there to be another reason behind it. If it had been over Gao Hong, they’d still think he was just trying to protect her—maybe a bit twisted, but still a matter of sticking up for her.

But to their surprise, it turns out it had nothing to do with Gao Hong. He just wanted their shop.

“This guy’s got a heart as black as coal. Isn’t this worse than a bandit? If he wanted our store, why didn’t he come talk to us first? Whether we’d agree or not, he should’ve at least shown some intention, right? But no—he didn’t even say a word. Just straight-up tried to frame us so we’d have to move out. If that had worked, we really would’ve had to shut down the supermarket. Luckily, the supermarket is already under our name. Even if we don’t run it, there’s no way this bastard’s getting it.”

The more Sun Qiufang spoke, the angrier she got. She wished she could slap Wang Mingsong across the face right now.

Su Changrong frowned and thought for a moment. “Now that we know he did it and has a motive, all we’re missing is evidence. I think we should have Zhang Lihong identify him and let the police investigate. I’m worried that if we wait too long, nothing will be found.”

“Your dad’s right. I think that’s the way to go.”

But Su Min shook her head. “Zhang Lihong doesn’t even know Wang Mingsong’s name. Even if she identifies him, he can turn around and deny it. And if we alert him, he’ll only get more cautious. I think we still need Manager Song to help coax more information out of him. I’ll try to find someone who can trick him into confessing.”

“You think he’ll admit it?”

“I’m not sure, but we have to try. Manager Song has already gotten a little out of him. Since he’s still eyeing our supermarket, I think we still have a chance.”

Even as she said that, Su Min knew this wasn’t going to be easy. If they wanted Wang Mingsong to pay for what he did, they couldn’t rely on Zhang Lihong’s statement alone—there just wasn’t enough evidence. The only option was to get him to act again, and catch him red-handed. That way, Zhang Lihong’s statement would become credible.

She’d have to discuss this further with Manager Song.

After the New Year’s holiday, Su Min’s schoolwork ramped up—after all, it was only a little over ten days until the final exams. So she didn’t rush to follow up on the investigation. She planned to wait until the exams were over and winter break began before dealing with Wang Mingsong.

Besides, now that he was close with Manager Song, any movements would be known to him.

“Su Min, the teacher said that after this semester, we’ll start learning the senior year content. Can you believe it? We’re almost in our final year of high school already. Time flies.”

Liao Zhaodi said with a smile.

Su Min smiled too. “Yeah, it really does.”

In the blink of an eye, she had gone from seventh grade all the way to eleventh grade—and soon she’d be in twelfth.

She had already been back for almost six years.

Looking back now, it all felt like it had passed in a flash.

After finishing a set of review exercises, Liao Zhaodi shared her plans with Su Min. “Su Min, I’m not going to work at the store during winter break. I’m planning to find a job at a restaurant.”

“Why not the store? Isn’t it pretty good?”

“Sun Yan can handle the store just fine. I want to try working at a restaurant for a month. I’m not going home for the New Year, and working at a hotel or restaurant means I can earn some money too.” Liao Zhaodi pursed her lips, then said seriously, “Honestly, I know you’ve always been looking out for me. Letting me earn commission at the clothing store was your way of helping me make money. But Su Min, I can’t always live off your support. The store doesn’t need me now, and I’d just be competing with Sun Yan for business. I’ve thought about this a lot—I want to earn money on my own.”

She’d been thinking about this for a long time. The first money she ever earned had been with Su Min’s help back in the county. Because of Su Min, she was able to earn enough to pay for school and live independently from the Zhu family and her mother. After coming to the city, Su Min had continued to support her.

Back then, she hadn’t felt so useless. But after the clothing shop opened, seeing Sun Yan’s wit and sales skills—and Sister Qingqing’s embroidery craft—she realized she was the most dispensable one there. She didn’t bring anything concrete to the table.

Once that clicked, she started thinking about stepping out on her own.

She couldn’t always rely on Su Min. She didn’t want to be a burden to her mother, and she didn’t want to be a burden to Su Min either.

Su Min was silent for a moment before saying, “Then have you decided which hotel or restaurant you want to work at, and what job you’re aiming for? My uncle’s restaurant just opened recently. They haven’t hired many people yet, but with the New Year coming up, it’ll get busy. I can ask for you. Working at a familiar place is always better. This isn’t about helping you out—it’s just hiring someone trustworthy, which makes sense for them too.”

This time, Liao Zhaodi didn’t object. She nodded. “Alright, then help me ask. If your uncle really needs someone, I’ll go. But seriously, Su Min, don’t go out of your way to take care of me. If they’re not short-staffed, don’t convince them to hire me. I need to learn how to support myself. Right?”

Su Min smiled. “Okay, I promise I’ll handle it professionally.”

That evening, Su Min told Sun Hai about it.

He didn’t even hesitate before smiling. “As long as someone’s hardworking, we’re always short-staffed. The store just opened, and it’s been crazy busy.”

Speaking of which, Li Meng happily chimed in, “Seriously, now that our store’s in the city, the daily profits are way higher than in the county. Big cities really are better.”

Sun Hai laughed. “This is just the beginning. We’ve got to think long-term.” Then he turned to Su Min and added, “Tell Zhaodi to come over once break starts. Even if she just works for a month, I’ll pay her a proper worker’s wage. As long as she’s diligent and capable, that’s all that matters.”

Su Min grinned. “Thanks, Uncle!”

Final exams came quickly.

During this period, they were reviewing old material, and there wasn’t much new content, so Su Min’s grades remained relatively stable. She didn’t feel much pressure during this exam.

On the other hand, Tang Man felt a bit defeated after the exam. “I feel like my brain isn’t working anymore. My grades just won’t improve. When I was doing the paper this time, the last big question really gave me a headache.”

She looked at Zhang Panpan. “Panpan, did you find it difficult?”

Zhang Panpan shook her head.

Tang Man immediately made a face like “I knew it.”

“Why are your grades always so good? Maybe I’m just not cut out for studying.”

Liao Zhaodi laughed and said, “What nonsense. If you weren’t suited for studying, how did you get into a top city school? There’s still more than a year until the college entrance exams. Why are you so anxious?”

“It’s not me who’s anxious—it’s my family,” Tang Man sighed. “My mom insists I must get into a good university so I can get assigned to a good job. I want to do well too and work in the government in the future.”

“You want to work in the government?” Liao Zhaodi looked surprised. With Tang Man’s straightforward and blunt personality, was she really suited for government work?

Zhang Panpan, however, looked full of admiration. “It’s not something just anyone can do. Tang Man, if you do get in, you’d better do your best.”

“Of course. I want to be a female county magistrate and help our county develop well.”

Su Min was still thinking about how to deal with Wang Mingsong, but when she heard Tang Man’s words, she looked up and smiled. She then looked carefully at Tang Man and suddenly remembered that in her past life, there had indeed been a female county magistrate—though she couldn’t remember her name. She was quite impressive and had even handled a major economic case that made headlines at the time.

She smiled and said, “Tang Man, I support you. Be a just and righteous county magistrate who serves the people.”

“Of course,” Tang Man replied proudly.

“Pfft, still dreaming of becoming a county magistrate? What a ridiculous daydream.”

Just as they were talking, a mocking voice came from behind.

Su Min frowned instinctively upon hearing that voice. The girls turned to see Su Wenwen wearing a bright red wool coat, carrying her backpack and seemingly ready to leave school. A few younger girls followed behind her. Su Min remembered they were the same girls who had sided with Su Wenwen against her during the New Year’s party.

Tang Man had been in a good mood, but hearing Su Wenwen’s words made her expression darken instantly. She glared and said, “Who are you calling a daydreamer?”

“Whoever’s dreaming, that’s who I mean,” Su Wenwen replied, glaring at Su Min.

She just couldn’t stand seeing Su Min doing well. If it weren’t for Su Min, she wouldn’t be in such a miserable situation. Why should Su Min still get to chat and laugh with others?

Su Min met her glare with one of her own.

Tang Man had a fiery temper. They’d been chatting happily, only to be rudely interrupted and mocked—by someone she disliked no less. She was instantly furious.

“Why’s your mouth so foul? You really are a rude and uncultured person.”

“Who are you calling foul-mouthed?” Su Wenwen stepped closer to her.

Tang Man simply reached out and shoved her. “What, want to fight? If you’ve got the guts, let’s take this outside the school.”

When the girls behind Su Wenwen heard the word “fight,” their faces changed. Though they hung around with Su Wenwen, it wasn’t out of true friendship—they just liked that she spent money generously and treated them. But fighting over that? If their families found out, they’d be skinned alive.

“Wenwen, we’re heading home.”

“Yeah, my parents are waiting. We’re leaving.”

The younger girls gave brief farewells and quickly left, leaving Su Wenwen standing alone, visibly flustered.

Seeing this, Tang Man sneered. “So? You coming or not?”

Su Wenwen’s face burned with shame. She had wanted to show up Su Min, but ended up being the joke herself.

Not daring to act tough with Tang Man, she turned to Su Min instead. “Su Min, you’re so devious! You got your classmate to bully me!”

Su Min sneered. “You’re paranoid. Who was the one cursing just now? And now that you realize someone’s stronger than you, you shut up and try to blame me. Su Wenwen, let me tell you, I’ve been ignoring you because I don’t want to waste time on you. But if you keep pushing me, I’ll expose everything you did back in middle school. And what you did in the park last time—if the school finds out, how will you show your face?”

Hearing Su Min mention her past and the incident in the park, Su Wenwen’s face turned pale, her eyes filled with fear.

Su Min continued with a smile, “Don’t think I’m scared of your rich stepfather.”

“Oh, so it’s a stepfather,” Tang Man chimed in, then looked at Su Wenwen. “Tch, I saw you hanging on him last time. That looked so inappropriate.”

Apart from Su Min, Tang Man had never lost face in front of anyone. Su Min had helped her before, so she didn’t care. But who did Su Wenwen think she was, daring to provoke her like she was some pushover?

Hearing Tang Man bring up that incident with Wang Mingsong, Su Wenwen’s face turned ashen. She recalled what had happened in the car and bit her lip hard before turning and running out of the school.

“Hmph, what an annoying person. I’d like to see what she turns into in the future,” Tang Man said disdainfully, looking in Su Wenwen’s direction.

Su Min, however, looked thoughtful. She had deliberately provoked Su Wenwen and brought up Wang Mingsong—perhaps this might push Wang Mingsong to make a move again.

That would give her a chance to act.

In any case, she had to prepare in advance.

After returning home, Su Min went straight to the Xiuse clothing store.

Liao Zhaodi had already finalized her job at Sun Hai’s Sihai Restaurant, so only Sun Yan was left to manage the shop. Fortunately, Zhang Qingqing and the two master tailors were still working there, so it didn’t feel too empty. The orders taken during Ke Wan’s baby’s one-month celebration had already been completed and shipped, and now there were two new orders—for New Year’s clothes for Zhang Ning’s and Shu Jing’s mothers.

The new year was approaching, and the clothes had already been cut. Zhang Qingqing was still embroidering. Due to the time crunch, Su Min hadn’t designed anything too elaborate—just the character for “fortune” on the collars and cuffs, and a slightly larger ancient-style “fortune” character on the front lapel. All the characters were in a single color, which made them easier and quicker to embroider.

Su Min checked and saw that one piece was already finished.

She didn’t disturb Zhang Qingqing and quietly left the studio.

Sun Yan poured her a cup of hot water and sat on the small sofa. “I’ve been looking for an embroidery master for a while now. We’ve been running ads for ages, but haven’t found anyone suitable. The ones who came weren’t very skilled. I wonder when we’ll find the right person. Otherwise, we can’t keep relying on Qingqing alone—it’ll hurt business.”

Su Min warmed her hands on the cup and sighed. “We’ll have to manage for now. I’m anxious about it too, but rushing won’t help. I’ll be starting senior year soon and won’t have time to take on more orders anyway. At this point, there’s no need to rush to hire anyone.”

She knew clearly that embroidery wasn’t something you could force. Finding Zhang Qingqing had been a lucky break. Skilled embroiderers were usually older, but older hands often lacked the dexterity and delicacy needed for fine work. Younger people might have better hands but lacked the skill. Even if she found someone highly skilled and experienced, she might not be able to afford them.

After finishing her tea, Su Min left the shop and went directly to look for Manager Song.

If she wanted to deal with Wang Mingsong, she needed Manager Song to connect the dots.

“This matter has already been brought to my attention by the boss,” Manager Song said with a smile. Before Su Min could speak, he added, “I can help with this, but honestly, I suggest letting it go. I already told Wang Mingsong that the supermarket has been sold. No matter what tricks he pulls, it’s useless. He won’t bother you anymore. If you push this issue further, all it’ll do is land him in jail, but that won’t bring you any real benefit.”