Chapter 20: The Vicious Female Supporting Character in the 1980s (20)

Cheng Lan was truly anxious, practically on the verge of stomping her feet and pounding her chest.

Cheng Wenfeng had finally met a girl he liked. From what He Peng said, he clearly took her very seriously. The moment she found out about it at the He family she already had baby names running through her head.

She originally thought that she had to make Su Qin a regular employee, with good benefits and a stable job, and the next step would be to match them up.

Although they had a little conflict during their last blind date, Su Qin didn’t seem to dislike Wenfeng. With a bit more opportunity, things could really work out. It’d be a happy ending for everyone.

Su Qin could submit to magazines and get published. That was already impressive. If she also got a permanent position, Cheng Lan would have to seriously consider whether Cheng Wenfeng was even worthy.

She had always felt cautious and uneasy. Who would have thought that Su Qin was so capable that she got into Yanjing University in the capital!

She really wanted to cry.

Cheng Lan walked out of the workshop and didn’t see Su Qin. Instead, she spotted Cheng Wenfeng not far away. Her eyes immediately turned red and her lips trembled as she walked over, “Wenfeng—”

“It’s over. You’re completely done for.”

“It’s my fault. I’ve let your parents down—”

……

Su Qin’s conversation with Father Su ended on a bad note.

Father Su finally threw out a harsh remark, “You should know your place. Do you think you have the same ability as Su Yue? Wake up and come talk to me again after you’ve thought it through!”

Before coming, Father Su thought Su Qin would be grateful and agree to his request immediately, overjoyed at the chance to take over his position. If he had a son, or if Zhao Yong were reliable, it would never have come to Su Qin.

If things went as planned and Su Qin moved back, he could sell the house she bought and get some money from it.

He hadn’t expected to be flatly rejected, and his face turned cold as ice. Burning with anger, he stormed off toward the maintenance room.

As soon as Su Qin returned to the workshop, the apprentices gave Father Su a thumbs up and congratulated him, “Master Su, your daughter is amazing.”

Father Su thought they were talking about Su Yue, who had just been assigned a job. His expression softened a bit. “I know that child is promising. Her articles were already published in magazines a while ago.”

Although both were formal employees, Su Yue had entered a magazine agency—that made her an intellectual.

A secure iron rice bowl.

If not for Su Yue liking Zhou Zhiyuan, he wouldn’t even think the Zhou family was worthy.

“Yes, yes, yes, her articles were published in magazines,” the apprentice recalled, “but weren’t most of them drawings?”

“They were children’s drawings,” the old master said as he stopped what he was doing. “I didn’t expect that our factory could produce such talents.”

After saying that, he looked at Father Su with envy. “Your kid is going to have a bright future.”

Father Su didn’t understand, thinking they’d made a mistake. “Who are you talking about?”

Su Yue was still in school. What factory?

“Isn’t Su Qin your daughter, Master Su?” The apprentice was confused.

Father Su’s face sank a little. “What about her?”

The apprentice saw that Father Su didn’t know and quickly ran over, eyes full of excitement and pride. “Sister Su Qin placed second in the entire city. She’s going to Yanjing University. Everyone in the factory knows. The factory director said we’ll have fireworks tonight to celebrate!”

News that Su Qin had ranked second in the city and been accepted into Yanjing University quickly spread.

That evening, the canning factory set off several big fireworks.

Boom—Boom Boom—Boom Boom Boom—

Brilliant fireworks bloomed in the sky, lighting up the pitch-black night. Everyone watched the dazzling and magnificent display.

Su Qin became the hottest topic of conversation. After all, it was Yanjing University—a dream of countless parents who wanted their children to succeed.

The factory director told everyone to maintain a good image at all times, as the factory might come under public attention, and every worker had to take it seriously.

Sure enough, reporters and television stations started arriving the next day to interview Su Qin and the factory workers.

Soon after, the interviews were published in major newspapers and magazines, and Su Qin instantly became a celebrity.

During that period, the canning factory was lively and bustling. Provincial leaders came, municipal leaders came, praising them highly and even giving Su Qin a monetary award.

The factory director also presented a reward to Su Qin on behalf of the factory, constantly praising her as a model worker. On the factory’s loudspeaker, he repeatedly emphasized, “Everyone should learn from Comrade Su Qin. There is no end to learning. Gold will shine no matter where it is!”

As Father Su basked in the spotlight for a while. When provincial leaders came down, the factory director specially invited Father Su to receive a visit of appreciation.

Reporters even waited outside the factory gate, hoping to interview Father Su.

Knowing he was in the wrong, Father Su avoided the newspaper and television reporters with a guilty conscience. He lowered his head and snuck away, sneaking back home.

Liu Mei didn’t cook. When she saw him return, she didn’t put on a friendly face either. “Looks like Su Qin won’t be taking over your position. Someone that impressive—would she care about a factory handover?”

As she spoke, her heart was almost consumed with resentment.

How did it suddenly become impossible for her son to take over the job? What had she been enduring all these years for? Her son didn’t have money for a bride price, and her own dowry had gone to Su Qin. Even all her gold jewelry was gone.

In the end, she got nothing. How was she supposed to live?

Father Su’s face turned dark. He didn’t respond.

“Say something!” Liu Mei’s voice turned shrill, her features twisted in anger. “You were still trying to hide it from me and have her take over your position. Once she took over, what use would your retirement pension be? Why would I still stay with you?”

The dormitory was owned by the factory. When the time came, who knew how they’d be arranged? Thinking about it made Liu Mei’s anger surge. She was about to explode.

Father Su looked at her shrewish face, filled with disgust.

“Give me back my money. Give me back my money first,” Liu Mei grabbed at Father Su and kept tugging as she spoke. “And my gold. Give it back to me!”

If she still had that money and gold, maybe her son would’ve been able to get married. The girl wouldn’t have had to abort the baby and break up.

Thinking of this, Liu Mei was completely devastated.

Father Su cursed, “Get lost!”

When Zhao Yong was around, he couldn’t win in a fight, so he didn’t show off. Now that only Liu Mei was home, he didn’t hold back at all.

Liu Mei was still pulling at him when Father Su slapped her. “Yelling, yelling, yelling. It’s all because I married you, a jinx! Don’t think I don’t know you’ve been hoping for me to die, eyeing my job and my house!”

It was all because of Liu Mei that he drove Su Qin out and ended up like this.

Otherwise, would he be in such a humiliating position? He’d be basking in everyone’s envy with Su Qin by now. Maybe even getting a raise—instead of being ridiculed.

Just as the two of them were in a heated fight, a polite voice came from outside the door. “Hello, is this Su Qin’s home?”

“Who is it?” Father Su stopped hitting Liu Mei.

The person outside immediately replied, “We’re reporters from Jiangdong Daily. We’d like to interview Su Qin’s family and talk with you about her education. Is this a convenient time?”

Clearly, they had no idea that Su Qin had already moved out, nor did they know that Father Su and Liu Mei were a remarried couple.

These words were like a loud slap in their faces.

Forget about bragging in an interview. The two of them wished they could crawl into a hole, or else they’d be humiliated in front of the entire country.

*

After the results were released, Su Qin also became very busy.

Because an article she had written was about to be published again, titled: Keep Moving Forward, You Will Eventually Meet the Light.

The content of the article described her journey of growth—her mother’s early death, the rebellious and confused times she experienced afterward, how she became independent and worked hard, and how she believed in the beauty of life and the long future ahead.

Su Qin wanted to use this wave of popularity to completely sever ties with the Su family. Most importantly, she couldn’t let Father Su take credit for her success. Once he latched on, it would be impossible to shake him off.

After the college entrance exam results came out, countless magazines wanted exclusive rights to Su Qin’s article and drawing. However, she had already signed an agreement with the magazine where Chen Guoliang worked.

Because of this, Chen Guoliang let out a long sigh of relief. As Su Qin’s fame rose rapidly, he immediately proposed a pay raise to keep her from leaving.

The higher-ups strongly agreed and immediately doubled Su Qin’s manuscript fee. Taking advantage of the buzz, they placed Su Qin’s article in the most prominent position.

The article instantly became popular. Its content was truly inspiring and aligned with the values currently being promoted—that as long as one works hard and does not give up, they can create a brilliant life for themselves. Even those who started from a higher position than her might not achieve more than she would.

The popularity drove Happy Children magazine to sell out, winning that month’s sales championship among children’s magazines.

Chen Guoliang was so excited he couldn’t sleep for days. He came to see Su Qin several times, praising her as someone with great potential and discussing with her the idea of publishing more of her illustrations.

He was very sincere in his offer. Su Qin herself had some inspiration and, since the pay was indeed generous, she became so busy she barely had time to rest.

Perhaps because her body was still weak after her last illness, her health couldn’t keep up with the workload.

Su Qin fell ill again. She took medicine continuously, but nothing worked.

Cheng Wenfeng suggested taking her to see a traditional Chinese medicine doctor for treatment.

“I don’t want to take Chinese medicine.” Su Qin showed resistance on her face.

“You’re about to go to college. Studying will likely be even more exhausting. You need to take care of yourself, or you’ll keep getting sick,” Cheng Wenfeng advised.

Su Qin’s bright and clear eyes looked at Cheng Wenfeng’s calm expression. She seemed to sense something different between them and asked, “You’re not busy lately?”

Last time, he said he had to transport a lot of goods every day, delivering them to various places, and had even formed his own renovation team, busy with taking orders and doing renovations.

Since both of them had been so busy and he no longer worked at the factory, there was little time for casual conversation.

They used to eat two meals together, but now he often ate with the workers, while she would just buy some fast food or casually cook something simple.

“Busy. I’ll be even busier later.” Cheng Wenfeng avoided her gaze and shared his plans, “I’m planning to go independent. That way, there’ll be fewer disagreements.”

“That’s great. I’m sure you’ll develop even better.” Su Qin’s words were firm.

Cheng Wenfeng said, “Yeah, you too.”

Su Qin listened to these words and felt something was off, though she couldn’t quite put her finger on it. It seemed like there was a growing distance between them, no longer as close as before, and their words were now filled with blessings for each other.

Cheng Wenfeng found a well-known Chinese medicine doctor and made time to take her there. Because it was far, he drove the store’s truck to take her.

After getting the prescribed herbs, Cheng Wenfeng cooked a meal at home and then started boiling the medicine.

Su Qin disliked taking Western medicine, let alone the bitter and hard-to-swallow Chinese medicine. She held the bowl and hesitated for a long time, her eyes carrying a pitiful look as she glanced at Cheng Wenfeng.

He sighed helplessly and softened his tone to coax her, “Drink it while it’s still warm. It’ll taste worse when it’s cold.”

Su Qin pinched her nose and took large gulps. The bitterness and spiciness instantly filled her mouth. Just as she put down the bowl, Cheng Wenfeng handed her a piece of candy.

The sweetness of the candy entered her mouth, stimulating her taste buds and washing away the bitterness.

“I’m heading out to deliver goods.” Cheng Wenfeng didn’t stay long.

Su Qin didn’t say much either. She lowered her eyes, lost in thought.

Not long after Cheng Wenfeng left, Cheng Lan arrived.

“He went out to deliver goods,” Su Qin said as she invited Cheng Lan in and got up to pour her some water.

Cheng Lan gave her half of the watermelon she brought for Cheng Wenfeng and waved her hand, saying, “No need. I’m not thirsty.”

“It’s so hot. It’s good to drink more water.” Su Qin placed the water in front of her and smiled.

The two sat facing each other.

Cheng Lan looked at Su Qin and felt uncomfortable inside. Her eyes began to itch and turn sore. Still, she forced a smile and said, “You, little girl, are so good at studying. No wonder you’re not interested in taking over the job.”

After a pause, she added, “It’s better this way. You have a promising future. Why stay here and put up with that nonsense? Who wants that crappy position anyway?”

Su Qin gave a faint smile. “Just lucky, that’s all.”

“You got the second-highest score in the city, and you’re still being modest!” Cheng Lan teased her. The next moment, her face showed sorrow again, and she sighed deeply.

“What’s wrong?” Su Qin asked.

Cheng Lan didn’t hide it from her. “I saw you and Wenfeng living across from each other and getting along well. I was thinking of playing matchmaker for you two. He seems to like you, and I like you too. But now, you two definitely won’t work out.”

Su Qin had gotten into Yanjing University and would soon head to the capital. Though it was in a neighboring city, it was still in a different province.

Moreover, she had to study for four years. How could she possibly go on blind dates and get married?

Before Su Qin could respond, Cheng Lan’s expression dimmed. “Our Wenfeng has really bad luck with love. He’s got no chance with you at all.”

She took a few sips of plain water. The more she thought about it, the sadder she became, as if she had lost all hope. After chatting a bit more, she also left.

After seeing Cheng Lan off, Su Qin stood at the gate of the courtyard, watching her dejected figure disappear. She vaguely began to understand why Cheng Wenfeng had started to grow distant from her.

Could it be that he also thought, since she got into Yanjing University, there was no longer any possibility between them?

That evening.

After a whole afternoon of work, Cheng Wenfeng finally started packing up to go home. He collected the payments and handed out wages to the foremen and workers. Looking at the dozens of yuan left in his hand, his deep black eyes remained emotionless.

In the past, he would’ve felt a bit more confident and had more plans.

Even though his line of work was unstable, the profit and market were big. If Su Qin had gotten into a junior college or a university in the province, he could’ve supported her and given her a good life.

As long as she was willing, they would get married, and even building a brand-new tile-roofed house wouldn’t be a problem. If she didn’t want to get married yet, that was fine too—it wouldn’t interfere with her schooling.

Just as Cheng Lan had said, no matter how much Cheng Wenfeng calculated and planned, he never expected that Su Qin would do so well on the exam and be admitted to the top university in the country.

That’s right.

It was over. He was done for.

Cheng Wenfeng was happy for Su Qin. After graduation, her future would be limitless. But he was also sad for himself. He hadn’t been able to sleep for several days, tossing and turning.

His chest felt like it was being pressed down by a heavy stone, making it hard to breathe. It was more like a dull knife rubbing back and forth, causing a deep, aching pain. He started to feel lost about everything.

“You’re back?”

Without realizing it, Cheng Wenfeng had walked into the alley. Just as he was about to reach home, Su Qin suddenly appeared at her doorway, smiling brightly as she looked at him.

“Mm.” Cheng Wenfeng’s eyes flickered, and he nodded lightly.

Su Qin’s eyes curved as she smiled. “I cooked dinner. Come and eat.” As she spoke, she turned and walked inside. Her cheerful, clear voice still drifted in the air. “I made salted fish and eggplant casserole, spicy tofu, stir-fried chicken, and winter melon soup—there’s plenty.”

After speaking, she noticed that the person behind her hadn’t followed. She pursed her lips and sighed, then turned back with a smile and urged, “Hurry and come help me move the table out.”

“I’m coming.” Only then did Cheng Wenfeng enter, his face still showing hesitation and struggle.

During the meal, Su Qin did most of the talking while Cheng Wenfeng mostly listened. He would respond occasionally, but compared to his usual self who smiled often, he seemed distracted and absent-minded.

Su Qin didn’t mind. After the meal, while Cheng Wenfeng was washing the dishes, she cut the watermelon Cheng Lan had brought and wanted to share it with him while chatting.

But Cheng Wenfeng said he hadn’t finished his work and needed to hurry back to the shop.

Su Qin didn’t say anything. She handed him two slices of watermelon and reminded him, “Don’t work too late. You can never finish earning money. Your health is more important.”

“Okay.”

In the days that followed, Su Qin continued to buy groceries and cook meals, waiting for him to come back.

Cheng Wenfeng started to avoid her. When they were together, he spoke less and less. Looking at her lively and charming face made him feel worse. He didn’t want to expose too much of his emotions, so he silently ate and silently worked.

Su Qin looked at his closed-off demeanor and asked with a bright smile, “Do you have any plans for the future?”

“No plans,” Cheng Wenfeng replied without hesitation. As he spoke, he reached out to pick up some food, holding his bowl and eating with his head down. He didn’t even glance at Su Qin.

“No plans at all? Not even for your career?”

“None.”

Su Qin was silent for a moment. “What about after I go off to school? You—”

“Take things one step at a time. Nothing much,” Cheng Wenfeng quickly interrupted, not wanting to talk about this topic. It made him feel too stifled.

Su Qin didn’t say anything more and quietly continued eating.

Cheng Wenfeng sensed the sudden heaviness in the air. He wasn’t sure what he had said wrong. He wanted to speak up several times but ended up swallowing his words.

He wasn’t good with words. The more he said, the more mistakes he made. Better not to speak at all.

After dinner, as usual, Su Qin stood by to keep Cheng Wenfeng company while he washed the dishes. Once he finished, she handed him an apple.

“Thank you.” Cheng Wenfeng took the apple.

Su Qin said, “You must be tired today. Go to bed early.”

Cheng Wenfeng walked out of the courtyard. Su Qin waved and said goodbye, then closed the door the next second. Looking at the fruit in his hand, he couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off.

Soon, Cheng Wenfeng figured out what was wrong.

After that night, Su Qin never came to find him again. No greetings, no dinner invitations—they hadn’t even run into each other once.

The door to her courtyard was always closed. Cheng Wenfeng even suspected she had gone to the capital early.

She hadn’t even said goodbye.

Cheng Wenfeng’s mind was in turmoil. He felt restless. He thought that if he slowly let go, it wouldn’t hurt so much when they eventually parted.

But it hadn’t even really started, and the thought of not seeing her anymore made his heart feel like it was being slashed by shards of glass—sharp and painful.

He even regretted pretending to be indifferent all this time.

Cheng Wenfeng quickly went to ask around and learned that Su Qin was still working at the factory and hadn’t gone to the capital. He finally let out a deep breath of relief. He specially cleared his schedule for the weekend, bought her favorite food and fruit, and went to knock on her door.

“Coming.”

The moment he heard her soft voice from inside, Cheng Wenfeng’s gloom lifted. He quickly composed himself and even raised the corners of his mouth, waiting for her to open the door.

Su Qin opened the door and saw it was him. “Not busy today?”

“I’ll go in the afternoon.” Just as Cheng Wenfeng was about to step in and ask whether she preferred braised or clear stewed pork trotters, she asked, “Did you need something?”

That question made Cheng Wenfeng freeze on the spot. The pain in his chest—this must be what it felt like to be stabbed in the heart.

So now he had to have a reason to visit?

“No.” Cheng Wenfeng tried his best to appear natural. “I bought groceries and wanted to ask whether you wanted braised pork trotters or clear stewed.”

“I don’t want either,” Su Qin had already walked to the table and continued practicing her calligraphy. There were many sheets of written paper stacked beside her.

Hearing this, Cheng Wenfeng pressed his lips tightly together. He didn’t give up and walked over to her. “Why don’t you want to eat? What do you want to eat instead?”

“I don’t want anything.”

She answered without hesitation, not even sparing him a glance. Cheng Wenfeng instantly felt uncomfortable and a bit sour in his heart. “Is it that you don’t want to eat, or that you don’t want to eat with me?”

It was never like this before.

Now that she got into Yanjing University, she really had changed.

Let alone getting into Yanjing Universit—back when the college entrance exam was reinstated and the educated youths were allowed to return to the cities, there were already so many men and women who abandoned their families and children. Let alone now, when they weren’t even in any kind of relationship.

“Isn’t this what you wanted?” Su Qin stopped writing but didn’t look up.

Cheng Wenfeng instinctively denied it. “It’s not!”

“You’ve been cold and indifferent to me these days, barely acknowledging me. Isn’t that your way of trying to push me away?” Su Qin packed up her brush and papers. “You could’ve just said so. I know how to take a hint. Besides, I’ll be leaving for the capital soon. There’ll be new friends and new classmates.”

She walked into the room and brought out a small box, handing it to him. “This is a watch I bought for you using part of my prize money.” She paused for a while before continuing, “Just consider it a thank you for taking care of me all this time. Don’t feel burdened. Who knows if we’ll ever see each other again. Let’s part on a good note.”

Su Qin stuffed the box into Cheng Wenfeng’s hands, turned around, and went into the house, shutting the door decisively. 

Cheng Wenfeng looked at the small box in his hands and watched helplessly as Su Qin threw out her words and disappeared into the house right before his eyes. 

He rushed over and anxiously pounded on the door, his expression flustered as he spoke to the inside, “I didn’t ignore you, and I never thought you were a bother.” 

“I’m not blaming you.” When Su Qin spoke, her tone was still muffled, and it sounded somewhat sad. 

Cheng Wenfeng’s heart felt as if it had been torn apart, the torment causing him to completely lose his reason, and he frantically apologized, “It was my fault. I did wrong. It’s not your fault.” 

There was no response from inside. 

Cheng Wenfeng was so anxious he didn’t know what to do. He no longer suppressed his emotions and lowered his stance completely, “Just open the door first, and let’s talk properly, alright?” 

“I know you’ve earned some money and become a small business owner. I still have a few more years of school to finish. I’m just a poor student. You don’t want to have much to do with me anymore.” Su Qin spoke seriously and even sighed twice, “I understand all of this. It’s okay.” 

Cheng Wenfeng’s eyes dimmed instantly, and there was a trace of sorrow in his voice, “Don’t say things like that. I’ve thought it through. If you’re going to school, then I’ll work hard to earn money to support you. I’ll try my best to give you a better life.” 

Still, there was no reply from inside. 

He stared at the tightly shut door and spoke again, “I admit I’ve been in a bad mood lately because I never expected you to get into such a good university in the capital. But I definitely wasn’t trying to distance myself from you. I’m apologizing to you. Please don’t ignore me.” 

After he finished speaking, his hanging fist clenched slightly, and his voice carried a trace of helplessness, “Don’t be like this. I really can’t take it.” 

He gave in. 

Saying it out loud meant the paper window between them was completely pierced, and they might not even be able to stay friends. 

Before the last note of his voice faded, the door opened. 

Su Qin stood in front of him, her clear, moist eyes looking at him. It was obvious she still had a bit of a temper, and she muttered, “I got into a good university and you’re still not happy? Are you afraid you can’t afford to support me? My tuition is fully waived.” 

“That’s not it—” Cheng Wenfeng shook his head, and just as he was speaking, his pupils suddenly widened as he looked at her again. 

Su Qin was smiling at him with upturned lips. Her fair and radiant palm-sized face carried a trace of shyness, and her smile was as beautiful as a flower.