Chapter 7: The Vicious Female Supporting Character in the 1980s (7)

Cheng Lan and the workshop supervisor didn’t understand art, but the drawings in Su Qin’s draft were clearly not just random sketches.

First of all, the small animals she drew were very vivid and lively, silly and adorable. They looked simple yet comfortable to look at.

They couldn’t give a precise critique, but the overall feeling was light and pleasant, very childlike, and clearly meant for children.

The workshop supervisor flipped through several pages and eventually had to admit, “Looks like Su Qin really has some skill. She even made up little stories. Not bad at all.”

Cheng Lan had bought many children’s comics for her son. There were only a few options available on the market now, so she knew Su Qin’s work was not inferior in the least.

After the workshop supervisor left, Cheng Lan’s excitement lingered. The corners of her mouth kept lifting.

If someone didn’t know, they would’ve thought it was her own daughter who had been selected.

As Cheng Lan walked out, she saw Cheng Wenfeng unloading goods nearby. She even walked over to him with a big smile and said, “Last time at the blind date, Su Qin’s attitude toward you might have been a bit off, but don’t take it to heart.”

When she mentioned Su Qin, Cheng Wenfeng silently paused and looked at her.

“There’s a reason for it,” Cheng Lan said as she moved a little closer and cleared her throat. Then, in a serious tone, she said, “She is an artist you know. People who work in the arts are a bit different from us.”

Many famous artists, more or less, are a bit “peculiar.”

Thinking this way, everything could be explained. It all made sense now.

“Art?” Cheng Wenfeng tried to understand the word.

“Exactly. Compared to others, she’s already very good. It’s not your problem, and it’s not her problem either. Neither of you are at fault.” Cheng Lan regained her confidence.

She had to introduce someone with a city household registration to Cheng Wenfeng.

There was no way she’d let him marry someone from the countryside.

Cheng Lan left in a hurry. Cheng Wenfeng was still trying to process what kind of art she was talking about. As he watched Cheng Lan’s departing figure, he wondered what she meant by “neither of you are at fault.”

Was she trying to set them up again?

As soon as that thought crossed his mind, Cheng Wenfeng stopped moving the goods. The corners of his mouth lifted slightly, and his usually sharp brows and eyes softened a bit.

That wouldn’t be a bad thing.

*

Inside the workshop.

Su Qin had just been called out by the workshop supervisor. She had come back once and quickly went out again.

When she finally returned, she put on her gloves and got to work at the assembly line.

Everyone glanced at her from time to time. She remained calm, working at her own pace without saying a word.

Zhou Xiufang nudged Chen Feng with her elbow and gave her a look.

Chen Feng immediately looked at Su Qin and asked, “Su Qin, why did the workshop supervisor call you out?”

Su Qin didn’t stop working. “Just to get something from me.”

“Really? I thought it was something about our workshop,” Chen Feng said, relieved. She was curious about what Su Qin had handed over but didn’t press further since Su Qin hadn’t said.

Zhou Xiufang didn’t give Su Qin any face and said in a mocking tone, “What could the workshop supervisor want from you? Don’t tell me you were getting scolded and just hiding it? Don’t drag us down with you.”

Su Qin paused her movements and gave her a fake smile. “You’re so interested in my business. Why don’t you go ask the workshop supervisor yourself?”

“Who says I’m interested in your business?” Zhou Xiufang, of course, denied it and even tried to stir things up further. “But you’re so petty. Whenever someone says anything about Su Yue, you act like you’re about to explode. Can’t handle anyone saying anything good about her. Our family’s Zhiyuan—”

“Alright, alright,” Su Qin interrupted, looking helpless. “Isn’t all this just embarrassing? Do we really need to make a fool of ourselves in front of everyone?”

“What do you mean embarrassing?” Zhou Xiufang immediately denied it and raised her voice. “The one who should be embarrassed is you. What does this have to do with Su Yue or Zhiyuan?”

Su Qin gave a faint smile and looked at her. “You think Zhou Zhiyuan having a fiancée and still being unclear with Su Yue is something to be proud of? Su Yue knowing Zhou Zhiyuan is engaged but still going out on dates with him—is that something a proper young lady would do? The two of them are really something.”

Before Su Qin even finished, Zhou Xiufang was completely dumbfounded.

In the past, Su Qin would make a big scene, yelling and cursing at Zhou Zhiyuan and Su Yue, stirring up trouble for both families. Because Su Qin often acted irrationally, no one paid attention to this point.

Everyone just thought Su Qin was unreasonable and clinging to Zhou Zhiyuan. And Su Yue, under the halo of education and culture, was much more likable.

Now that Su Qin had laid everything out so plainly, everyone present suddenly realized the truth.

Zhou Zhiyuan and Su Qin originally had an engagement. Doesn’t that mean Su Yue was clearly interfering in someone else’s relationship? Zhou Zhiyuan wasn’t any kind of gentleman either.

No morals at all.

“I know feelings can’t be forced, and I’ve already agreed to break off the engagement to let them be together, but you can’t say it’s all my fault, right? I don’t want to bring this up again, so why can’t you just let me go?” Su Qin looked gloomy as she spoke, her tone sorrowful. “When our families arranged the marriage, it was between me and Zhou Zhiyuan, not Su Yue. Is interfering in someone else’s relationship and marriage considered reasonable and justified?”

Many people in the workshop had only heard bits and pieces and didn’t know the full story. Most of these female workers were older and had been through their share of emotional and marital ups and downs, so they could easily relate, and anger flared up quickly.

A heartless scumbag and a morally corrupt third party deserve no good ending.

Seeing Su Qin had taken the moral high ground, Zhou Xiufang feared how others would view Zhou Zhiyuan if word spread. She said sharply, “You clearly looked down on Su Yue after you didn’t get into university. You kept targeting her, being overly suspicious, arguing with Zhiyuan every day, making it impossible for everyone to have peace. That’s why things turned out this way.”

She quickly added, “How long has Su Yue even been in contact with our Zhiyuan? It was only after she submitted her article to the magazine. That’s when they got to know each other. The two of them speak the same language. Look at you, you’re not even from the same world as him.”

Su Qin wasn’t angry at all. Instead, she nodded and said, “At the end of the day, aren’t your Zhou family just a bunch of snobs who only cozy up to people who are useful to you?”

She really hit the nail on the head. Zhou Xiufang had always been like this at the factory. People just never connected her to the rest of the Zhou family. But now that they thought about it, it was true.

Even a set engagement could be broken off if it meant replacing the fiancée with someone who got into college. Zhou Xiufang constantly bragged about Su Yue at the factory. Anyone dealing with such people had better think twice.

Zhou Xiufang was so furious she nearly jumped up, her face twisted and her voice sharp. “What does this have to do with the Zhou family? Ever since Su Yue showed up, you haven’t been able to sit still. She got into college, and you were unhappy. Her writing got published in a magazine, and you threw a fit. Now she’s going to be published again and even got praised by the editor-in-chief. Are you going to lose your mind?”

Before she could finish speaking, she heard Su Qin let out a quiet, mocking laugh, but Su Qin didn’t say anything and just kept working with the cutting knife.

Her attitude was full of sarcasm. Zhou Xiufang was instantly enraged. Chen Feng, afraid the situation would get out of control, quickly tried to hold her back.

Zhou Xiufang shook off Chen Feng’s hand with a dark look on her face.

Just as Chen Feng was about to intervene again, she saw Cheng Lan approaching. The others saw her too and immediately got back to work. Their guilty consciences made them work even faster.

Seeing Cheng Lan enter, Zhou Xiufang froze and didn’t dare make another sound.

Cheng Lan was in a good mood. Seeing everyone working hard, she smiled and walked over to them. “Everyone, don’t worry about Su Qin. The workshop supervisor called her over for a good reason.”

“What good reason?”

They couldn’t imagine what good thing would happen to Su Qin.

Cheng Lan couldn’t hide the pride and joy in her voice. “Doesn’t Su Qin know how to draw? The workshop supervisor’s husband, Old Chen, liked her artwork and plans to publish it in a magazine.”

That was such an honor, the very definition of being the child that other parents compared theirs to. Cheng Lan was excited just hearing it.

“What?” Many people were confused, while some understood but had trouble connecting the dots.

Cheng Lan patiently explained, “Isn’t the workshop supervisor’s husband the editor-in-chief of a magazine? He took a liking to Su Qin’s artwork and wants to publish it. The workshop supervisor said that he’s been praising Su Qin a lot these past few days and has been studying her drawings for a long time.”

Everyone knew the workshop supervisor’s husband was a big-time editor. Word was, he had quite a reputation in the magazine world. If someone like him saw potential in a person, that person had to be pretty capable.

Zhou Xiufang’s anger instantly vanished, and she quickly reminded Cheng Lan with certainty, “Team leader, they were talking about Su Yue. She’s the one who just submitted work to the magazine and got praised by the editor-in-chief.”

Su Qin was so shameless, actually trying to take credit for someone else’s achievement.

Everyone knew Zhou Zhiyuan had been trying desperately to build a connection with Chen Guoliang. Now he finally had an opportunity.

But Cheng Lan shook her head. “It’s Su Qin. I saw her drawings myself. They’re really good. This time there’s going to be a promotional board activity, and someone from our workshop will finally get featured.”

This involved everyone. People instantly placed their hopes on Su Qin and didn’t doubt her abilities at all. They even felt lucky.

This was magazine-level artwork. Of course, it would bring them honor.

Cheng Lan even added, “If the piece gets published, I’ll treat everyone to ice pops.”

“Really?” Everyone started teasing and cheering.

“Team leader—” Su Qin called out to her.

What if it really did get published?

Cheng Lan didn’t think much of it and said, “Of course it’s true. The workshop supervisor just told me that the drawings Su Qin submitted a few days ago are basically finalized and about to go into layout. You guys just wait for the ice pops.”

Everyone was thrilled and gasped in surprise. Their gazes toward Su Qin were filled with unexpected admiration. This girl was truly impressive.

If someone’s writing got published, it meant they were well-read and good at writing. But if someone’s drawings got published, that was different.

That was art.

Before leaving, Cheng Lan even reminded Su Qin, “Work hard and strive for success in all aspects.”

“Mm.” Su Qin nodded.

She knew Cheng Lan wasn’t talking about working hard in the workshop. She was referring to the college entrance exam and getting published in the magazine.

Cheng Lan might have looked stern and unapproachable, but she was the first person to care about Su Qin like this and be genuinely happy for her.

Su Qin felt a warm current flow through her heart.

When she got off work, she saw Cheng Wenfeng. Her attitude toward him was much warmer than before. She greeted him with a bright smile.

He often wore a serious expression, but he was actually a warm-hearted person.

Seeing Su Qin walking toward him with a smile, Cheng Wenfeng suddenly didn’t know what to do with his hands hanging at his sides. His palms started to sweat.

He was extremely nervous.

“Was work tiring today?” Su Qin took the initiative to ask.

Cheng Wenfeng was silent for a moment before answering with two words, “Not tired.”

He didn’t know what else to say to her. His heart was beating faster.

Afraid that Su Qin would think he was too cold, Cheng Wenfeng added seriously, “We hired another batch of temporary workers today to do the moving, so we don’t need to help.”

“Oh.” Su Qin nodded. “That’s great.”

They were almost at the entrance gate when Cheng Wenfeng, lips tightly pressed, suddenly spoke before Su Qin could say goodbye, “Do you like eating pomegranates?”

Su Qin: “Huh?”

Cheng Wenfeng answered solemnly, “The pomegranates in my yard are ripe. If you want to eat some, come to my house and pick them.”

“Right now?” Su Qin asked.

In this era, fruit was naturally rare. People usually couldn’t afford to buy it, and since the canning factory and the staff dormitory was built in the same area, there was no place to plant fruit trees.

She really hadn’t eaten fruit in a long time.

“We can go now.” Cheng Wenfeng’s tone was calm, but his neck had already stiffened.

Su Qin felt a bit of excitement. “Then let’s go.”

The two of them walked together toward the Cheng residence. Su Qin was quite interested in the nostalgic alleys and kept smiling and chatting with him.

Cheng Wenfeng took out the key to unlock the door. As soon as Su Qin walked into the small courtyard, the first thing she saw was the large tree full of pomegranates. Her eyes lit up instantly, as if sprinkled with diamond dust. “So many pomegranates!”

His gaze fell on her, reluctant to look away. The corners of his mouth curled into a gentle smile.

“Why are there so many on the ground?” Su Qin looked at the fallen pomegranates, sounding regretful.

“Those were eaten by bugs and birds.” Cheng Wenfeng walked over to the tree and climbed up in a few swift moves. “I’ll pick some for you to take home. They’re really sweet.”

As he spoke, he started climbing up the tree again. He quickly picked two and continued to climb higher for more.

Su Qin watched nervously. “You better come down. It’s too dangerous.”

Seeing that Cheng Wenfeng didn’t stop, she quickly added, “Two are enough. I don’t need that many. If I want more next time, I’ll come back and pick some.”

Only then did Cheng Wenfeng stop and ask, “Are three enough?”

“That’s enough! Even one is enough,” Su Qin said bluntly. “I’m not giving any to others. I’m eating them all myself, so one is plenty.”

Liu Mei and Father Su only gave her a bite of food as if afraid she’d take too much advantage. She wasn’t about to bring anything back to share.

Cheng Wenfeng slowly climbed down. When he reached the lowest branch, Su Qin walked over and held out her hands. “Give me the pomegranates.”

Otherwise, he wouldn’t come down.

Cheng Wenfeng handed the pomegranates to her, then took out another one from his pocket. Su Qin stood on tiptoe, reaching out with both hands to receive it.

She moved quickly and her fingertips brushed the back of his hand—very lightly, very quickly.

Cheng Wenfeng’s heart skipped a beat. He almost lost his balance and wobbled. Su Qin was so frightened she turned pale, dropped all the pomegranates, and rushed forward to catch him.

But Cheng Wenfeng grabbed the tree branch with one hand and jumped down in a few agile moves.

“You scared me to death—” Su Qin was trembling all over, still frightened. She kept patting her chest, looking worried. “Be more careful. What if you got hurt from falling?”

Seeing how flustered she was because she was worried about him, Cheng Wenfeng felt a rush of joy inside. His heart was thudding wildly, and he turned to climb the tree again. “It’s fine. I’ll get you a few more.”

The ones just now had fallen and gotten bruised, so he wanted to pick some fresh and pretty ones for her.

“Don’t go up again!” Su Qin hurried forward and grabbed the corner of his shirt, extremely anxious. “Just pick them up. Don’t waste them.”

Cheng Wenfeng was pulled by the hem of his shirt. Joy surged through his entire body again. He felt dazed, as if his heart was drifting in the spring water. Every pore was bursting with excitement.

Su Qin let go of him and walked over to pick up a cracked pomegranate. “Let’s just eat this one now.”

“I’ll wash it!” Cheng Wenfeng moved faster than her.

He picked up all three pomegranates, brought them to the kitchen to clean, then cut them open with a knife and carefully removed the damaged parts.

The Cheng family’s kitchen was in the corner of the yard, made of bricks. It was small in size but tidily organized.

There was a pile of firewood in the innermost part, then the stove, and the kitchen utensils were neatly arranged. It was clear that the kitchen was frequently used and well-maintained.

Cheng Wenfeng handed the pomegranate to Su Qin.

“Thank you.” Su Qin tried a few. They were juicy and sweet. “So tasty. Do you like pomegranates?”

“I do.” Cheng Wenfeng lied, then added, “There are just too many. I can’t finish them all.”

He actually didn’t like them, but he could eat them every day with her and pick them for her.

Su Qin said, “I like them too. Pomegranates are my favorite fruit. They’re a bit troublesome to eat, but it’s kind of fun.”

“Mm.” Cheng Wenfeng nodded seriously. He set aside the other two pomegranates, picked up a bamboo pole from the corner, and picked two more for Su Qin.

When the pomegranates fell, he caught them quickly. Su Qin stared wide-eyed in amazement and exclaimed, “So impressive.”

Cheng Wenfeng’s heart pounded with joy. After washing the pomegranates, he gave them to her. “If you want more next time, just come over and pick them,” he paused, “Freshly picked ones taste better.”

“Okay.” Su Qin didn’t suspect anything and put the pomegranates into her bag. “I’ll eat them tonight while I study. I’ll head back now.”

Cheng Wenfeng walked her to the door.

Su Qin said, “No need to walk me out. I know the way. Bye—”

Watching her leave, Cheng Wenfeng’s earlier joy was clouded over again. He quickly caught up in a few strides.

“What is it?” Su Qin stopped and looked at him.

Cheng Wenfeng spoke seriously, “Don’t go to strange men’s houses again, not even during the day.”

She was really too innocent and easy to deceive, always doing such risky things.

What should he do?

Su Qin blinked and smiled at him. “You’re not a stranger.”

Cheng Wenfeng’s heartstrings trembled wildly and his face softened.

“But I understand. Thank you.”

*

When Su Qin returned home, Liu Mei’s expression shifted when she saw her. She glanced at Father Su, who was sitting on the sofa in the living room. “Xiao Qin, you’re back.”

“Mm.” Su Qin didn’t say anything and walked straight to her room.

“Stop right there.” Father Su stood up and shouted sternly.

Su Qin stopped in her tracks.

Father Su walked over with a dark expression and spoke coldly, “I heard from someone at the factory that you submitted something to a magazine and it got accepted?”

“Mm.”

Father Su’s face turned livid, and he immediately started scolding, “Tell me the truth, did you—”

“You want to say I stole Su Yue’s work and submitted it?” Su Qin finished the second half of his sentence for him. She looked up at Father Su. “Dad, who stirred things up again this time? Which unlucky troublemaker is fanning the flames again?”

Her tone was sharp. Liu Mei’s expression didn’t look good, but she could only hold back and remain silent.

This matter was something Zhou Xiufang had told her. That woman had even told her to go back and discipline Su Qin. Liu Mei then came home and told Father Su about it. On the surface, she said she was worried about the impact, but in reality, she was afraid Su Qin would do something shameful.

Father Su cared a lot about saving face. As soon as he heard this, he got furious and waited for Su Qin to return so he could teach her a lesson.

Being suddenly cut off by Su Qin, Father Su’s face didn’t look good, but he still forced himself to hold back. “Then tell me, did you or did you not steal her work?”

“Dad, can’t you find out the truth of the matter first instead of letting someone use you like a gun?” Su Qin’s expression darkened too, and she spoke with a firm voice. “I submitted some drawings and got selected. Can Su Yue even draw? Why don’t you go ask her and see if I stole her drawings?”

Father Su was stunned, momentarily choked.

In his heart, he had already assumed Su Qin had done something wrong, so now he felt awkward and embarrassed.

“Someone spreads baseless rumors and you’re ready to skin me alive. You don’t even ask me before condemning me. Back when Mom was still alive, how did you promise her you’d take care of me?! I can understand if outsiders want to harm me, but what about you? Are you even still my dad?” Su Qin walked straight into her room and slammed the door shut.

The door shook from the force. Liu Mei, standing there, was startled by the sound. Facing Father Su’s furious gaze, her expression turned sheepish. “I only heard it from Xiufang.”

“I think you just have bad intentions!”