ay enthusiastically. At the end of the semester, he scores above average.”To be a man means playing landlord What does this mean Despite their reluctance, Su Cen and his friends were still forced onto...Chapter 15 Weekly Hotspots
Upon returning home, dad criticized Su Cen for acting without permission on the table, but mostly with affectionate concern. "How did you manage to talk to Factory Director Zhao Although your methods are quite numerous, I see that whether or not their factory can be contracted out is an issue; the few companies we've approached have no intention of taking it over. Also, look at what they're making—those same items as when you were a kid buying them from the park. It's just one thing: they don't adapt and change with the times, and those who lag behind will be eliminated!"
"Forget about this factory for now; quickly handle its transfer out to alleviate my worries!" Su Licheng waved his hand and then asked about Su Cen’s recent studies in the new class. He felt there wasn't much of a problem regarding that anymore. Now, when it came to studying, he had stopped worrying so much for his son.
Though Su Licheng said this with ease, could he really not understand how difficult it would be to take over this factory Who would want to pour vast amounts of money into a bottomless pit that showed no signs of improvement Wouldn't that just be squandering money Just by looking at the lack of interest from these few government-introduced contractors, one knew that implementing such an operation wouldn't be easy.
"Dad, has the headquarters offered any favorable terms regarding the contract" Su Cen wasn’t focused on this factory itself but rather Zhao Mingnong and other skilled personnel below him. He was calculating how to take over the factory and promote Shushan’s brand. Currently, profits from within Shushan Chain through provincial dealers were excessively deducted; having direct supply from their own manufacturer would allow for a competitive edge and market penetration. The stationery industry was currently one of the few sectors with local advantages in which foreign brands found it hard to establish themselves. In this sector, every five percent increase in profit margins could result in over 100 million yuan in revenue growth.
Temporarily using this old factory as a tool to expand their market wasn't a bad idea.
"The headquarters only deducts thirty percent of the profits and can negotiate for certain bank loans. But even with such generous conditions, these companies are still hesitant!" Dad was gloomy.
Su Cen thought that anyone who personally visited the factory would likely think this place might be a bottomless pit where they'd never return.
Wang Feng and Wang Ming of Shushan Chain arrived on Saturday. Su Cen accompanied them to the factory. Zhao Mingnong naturally recognized Su Cen as being from Su Licheng's family, but he was somewhat startled when he saw Wang Ming and Wang Feng. After introductions, Zhao Mingnong was pleasantly surprised to know these two were bosses of a Shushan enterprise in Xia Hai who intended to contract the factory; they had come for an inspection.
Wang Feng and Wang Qi both expressed doubt about whether this place could produce writing instruments during their tour. However, since Su Cen was trusted by them, they didn't question further but showed sufficient interest. This left Zhao Mingnong in a state of pleasant surprise and almost made him call to report to Su Licheng directly.
Originally planning to treat the three guests at a restaurant, Zhao Mingnong was refused, so everyone had lunch at the staff canteen. As Su Cen passed by the guardhouse, he entered and sat down after some thought.
The people present were momentarily stunned by Su Cen's action before entering the narrow guardhouse. The security guard in his fifties looked even older due to life’s hardships; he was at a loss with Zhao Mingnong bringing so many people here, not knowing who they were but recognizing Zhao as someone crucial for the factory's operation and livelihood of around a hundred workers. He hurriedly poured tea for everyone, his hands shaking slightly: "Factory Director Zhao, please sit down, what are these kids"
Hearing that Su Cen wanted to help his father understand the lives of ordinary employees, Zhao Mingnong explained, "Old Xiao, this young man is the son of a vice-minister sent by headquarters. These two are bosses from Shushan Enterprises in Xia Hai who want to contract our factory and provide livelihood for everyone."
The security guard was immediately moved. Su Cen quickly smiled, saying, "I know your family's situation isn't good; once the factory issues are resolved, you'll be among the first beneficiaries! Please extend my greetings to your ill aunt."
With Zhao Mingnong leading them, Old Xiao wouldn’t underestimate Su Cen’s age any longer. Tears welled up in his eyes: "You're truly concerned about our difficult workers; I must remember all of you's names and have my daughter who's studying remember your kindness! You must leave your names behind; we uneducated folks with poor families can't show much, but we can’t forget those who cared for us!"
Su Cen smiled, saying, "That’s what should be done; it's good to do things without seeking recognition. If you really want to remember something, just remember the manager from Xia Hai City, our sister Wang Ming."
Wang Ming was moved by Old Xiao’s gratitude and had tears in her eyes as well. Compared to this, Wang Feng remained more composed; she nodded at Su Cen's words and shook hands with Old Xiao before leaving.
Su Cen thought he’d done all he could. If that girl wasn’t a fool, she should know through her parents that the ones wanting to contract the factory weren't from Qianlong alone—whether or not she would fall for it again was beyond his reach.
Zhao Mingnong secretly admired Su Licheng more and trusted him even further. When other city leaders or headquarters officials came down, they were all full of official jargon about solving the factory’s problems, but in reality, they merely pacified them with empty promises. Su Licheng was different; just by seeing his son, one knew he genuinely cared for the workers’ hardships. Zhao Mingnong felt immense gratitude and regained hope for the factory.
"You won't believe who wants to take over the factory!" Su Licheng came back home very excited, calling out Su Cen again, leaving Zeng He puzzled.
Su Licheng made Su Cen sit at the table and stared solemnly at him. "How did you know Wang Ming started a new company"
"What, who" Zeng He Dagu was a bit confused.
Su Cen smiled and said, "My connection with Wang Ming is closer than yours. I knew about it earlier."
Only then did Su Licheng explain, "When Wang Ming called me today and said 'Uncle Su, I'm in Rongcheng,' I didn't react at first. Later on, when she mentioned it to me, I remembered that this girl isn't the woman we hired in Xiahai named Wang Hu Her uncle's business partner came to Xiahai for her help, and he invested 300,000 yuan to open a company where she is now the legal representative. Su Cen told her about my factory project, and her uncle showed great interest. Therefore, she wanted to take over the factory from me in order to produce writing tools."
Mom was stunned on the spot for a while before reacting, repeatedly saying,
"She's capable, this girl is too capable!"
Su Cen shook his head helplessly and thought to himself that he had now become an uncle.
After sighing in relief, Su Licheng looked at Su Cen a few times. After all, from what Dad told him, it was because Su Cen knew about the project, so he contacted Wang Yu. As a result, Dad found the contractor and Wang Ming found the factory, bringing everyone joy; this was all due to Su Cen's efforts.
Of course, Su Licheng felt very relieved. There were always some people in the company who would try to sabotage him, but he didn't realize that when one joins a new post, it's best to have their children assist them with advice and support. With his son helping him come up with strategies and pave the way, everything naturally went smoothly. This problem that had been troubling him for several days was now about to be solved.
After the entire matter was settled, the headquarters' Mu Kai and Li Yuhai's side probably didn't expect him to act so swiftly. Such ability to establish authority at work played a crucial role in Su Licheng's new position; this was unimaginable.
Of course, from signing the factory contract to starting operations, replacing equipment, hiring experts, and other activities until actual production begins, it would still take some time. However, with the main direction already determined, many things were not suitable for Su Cen to be involved in; he could only operate behind the scenes once again, allowing himself a period of leisure.
This was an extraordinary Sunday. Mom went out to deal with her shop issues. If it were any other time and Su Cen felt as anxious as now, he would read at home, and after reading extensively, his mood would gradually calm down.
However, now, he couldn't focus on reading. He stepped outside and got into a car under the streets lined with paulownia and banyan trees. After passing through various parts of the city, he got off at No. 27 High School's entrance and went to school. Climbing up to the rooftop of the teaching building, the sky above was exceptionally clear—wisps of clouds floated around as if a large cloud mass had been dispersed by an invisible hurricane.
Su Cen felt his heart was empty like this sky. A gentle breeze blew past; he recalled Tang Wu from under the tree shade and suddenly felt impatient for the new week starting at school tomorrow.
In fact, during these days, he had continuously reminded himself not to see her temporarily so as to surprise her when they meet again. The ultimate reason might be that he lacked confidence.
Was it because of that letter Or was it because the letter mentioned that their passing each other wasn't just parting but also remembrance
The word "remembrance" symbolized the courage to face the past... and also meant the best way to forget.
In fact, he didn't want to take a step forward because he feared he would never be able to embrace that girl again who haunted his dreams.
That's why he was so uncertain, feeling unreal.
Was he like someone reborn
This rhetorical question struck Su Cen like lightning. He realized that recently, due to his father’s work troubles and Tang Wu's brilliant status at No. 27 High School, his spirits had been low, making him lose the awareness of a rebirth. In his previous life, he could miss out on many things because he didn't know how fleeting time was cruelly unrecoverable.
His current reborn status and identity told him that he no longer had the right to waste those ephemeral moments; if he didn’t seize them and strive hard, raising his head high to break through the gloomy sky, then what awaited would surely be another major failure in life.
The Grim Reaper indeed hadn't gone far; it reappeared beside Tang Wu. Su Cen could guarantee that he had been misled before. The man who appeared next to Tang Wu on that day might not look as handsome and bright-eyed as Yue Zijiang, but in every other aspect, he was incomparable to him. He had always guessed wrong from the start; it turned out that this man was Tang Wu's death.
The only thing he needed to do was to put on the Rebirth Armor and once again face Death as a Son of the Planes. Fortunately, this seemed like something he could handle with ease.
On Monday morning, as Su Chen left for school, he happened to bump into Guo Xiaozhong. Guo Xiaozhong was also a student at No. 27 Middle School and studied in Class 1, but of course he belonged to the most inconspicuous category. During this time period, Su Chen had hardly seen him on campus. He now picked up Guo Xiaozhong along with the taxi driver that Guo had flagged down.
In the taxi, Guo Xiaozhong found it particularly strange seeing Su Chen ride in a taxi to school. Suddenly, he realized that today's Su Chen was different: his eyes were deep and confident, making Guo Xiaozhong admire him greatly and feel like he had become quite an impressive companion.
Su Chen directly hailed a cab towards No. 27 Middle School. Two lines of security groups at the entrance alternated between male and female students; Wu Shimiao was also among them, glaring fiercely at Su Chen when she saw him. She treated Guo Xiaozhong much more amicably compared to Su Chen, making Guo Xiaozhong extremely excited. However, Su Chen felt somewhat disappointed as he thought that this girl was trying to show off in front of Guo Xiaozhong.
On the way, Su Chen had heard many people discussing the hot topics broadcast by the school's TV station on the previous week. As they walked down a long corridor, he and Guo Xiaozhong inadvertently joined an enthusiastic group of students.
In this crowd was a student council member who was revealing details about today’s hottest topic, attracting much attention and debate.
Guo Xiaozhong secretly told Su Chen, "It turns out that today's hot topic is going to be big news. It seems that TV star Sun Man has for the first time ever cursed someone. Oh right, I almost forgot: You don't know Sun Man, who is as famous as Tang Wu in Class 2 of Grade 10. Both are very beautiful, but Sun Man is more lively while Tang Wu tends to be colder. She was selected for the school TV station during her first year due to her many ideas and cleverness. Her hosting style has always been gentle and refined; she's never publicly cursed before. Now everyone wants to see how Sun Man will curse today!"
Gentle and refined Su Chen couldn't remember seeing that girl named Sun Man being such a person, perhaps because he had unintentionally exposed her true self so she no longer needed to pretend to be an obedient girl in front of him. However, she was quite good at insulting people; he still remembered her saying "I queued up for class 4-2." He shook his head helplessly.
When Su Chen parted ways with Guo Xiaozhong on their grade floor and returned to the classroom, not long after putting down his backpack, the entire school gathered in the playground for a flag-raising ceremony. Around him were people discussing eagerly what would be covered in this week's hot topics program.
Su Chen’s classmate Jiang Mingjun, who was known as the fatty and often at the center of male discussions involving weekend games or new gossip about soon-to-be-seen school TV station exposés, didn't seem to be a particularly active figure in class. Su Chen shook his head helplessly; this student council president, Gao Zhansong, knew how to operate things well. He had found an angle beforehand and spread it out to attract discussion across the entire school. For No. 27 Middle School to react like this was quite impressive for a person of his age. Even some news workers wouldn't have such high炒作 (stirring up) awareness.
Of course, Sun Man, currently one of the stars in Class 13, is also very eye-catching at the moment, standing among the girls' circle where many classes are her influence range; people often whisper to each other about what happened during her previous week's interview. She feels that her current fame rivals Tang Wu's.
Girls beside her keep asking her what interesting things she encountered in her interviews last week and if it was true that she had an argument with someone
Sun Man thought of Su Chen’s indifferent expression and said angrily, "It's a very annoying person who thinks he's so great. He is also a transfer student!"
"Transfer student"
This piece of information spread quickly. A man secretly admiring Sun Man, who dressed quite brightly, deliberately said to her, "A transfer student who hasn't even warmed up his place at our No. 27 Middle School dared to run into your sights! I wasn’t there then but when I am next time, don’t you worry about a thing. If he still dares argue with you, just point him out and scold him. He’ll definitely regret it!"
Tang Wu slightly raised her ears and looked towards Sun Man.
Yang Cheng smiled and said, "So we have to look forward to seeing how cleverly she will curse him, right If someone provokes our Miss Host, I bet his luck isn’t good. He’ll probably be pointed out by many people in the future."
If one wanted a fight, why would they choose such an opponent—a person like Sun Man who is supported and admired across three grades and countless students. This guy must have been bored to death! Perhaps he will even be attacked when walking around school; behind him might even read "This is what happens for insulting a beauty."
The crowd laughed, as they were not particularly interested in the TV station's reports on the school leaders’ policies and behaviors. Instead, they preferred watching Central News Broadcast. To them, the only part of the campus TV station that could attract their interest was Sun Man’s regular exposure of those who maliciously destroyed the school environment every week. She is the main attraction of the campus TV station.
After chatting with everyone about this matter, Yang Cheng noticed Tang Wu's lack of reaction and quickly said with a smile, "Do you think it's a bit immature to wait for an argument early in the morning at such a prestigious school Moreover, is it appropriate for a top school within the province"
"No," Yang Cheng was slightly surprised by Tang Wu’s smiling reply. "It's actually quite interesting."
This morning, seeing Tang Wu's smile was like honey rubbing into people's hearts, making them feel incredibly sweet...
As the school returned to its usual routine and students entered their respective classrooms like homing birds, the TV at the upper left corner of the classroom began airing the campus television station’s weekly hot news report.
The tight, familiar, and professional-sounding opening music led to the redwood desk in the highest floor recording studio of the arts building. The male host was Student Council President Gao Zhansong, while the female host was lead actress Sun Man.
Seeing Gao Zhansong's solemn demeanor, those who recognized him couldn't help but comment on it with pride and admiration in their voices.
The homeroom teacher Wang Guiwen stood at the back of the classroom, hands folded, head held high as a swan, staring proudly at the TV. He had no particular thoughts right now; he felt just as relaxed as when watching TV on his sofa barefoot.
With Sun Man's crisp voice and serious demeanor, she reported, "Students, here is our weekly exposure platform. Our campus surprise team reports the most challenging behavior to campus civilization that has occurred within school premises over the past week!"
The background was filled with rousing music, which might lead one to believe it was wartime propaganda being aired.
A chuckle came from Class 23 of Grade Two as Sun Man said this line every program, but today’s delivery felt a bit exaggerated, like they were in the midst of class struggle.
The first exposure was of someone hanging smelly shoes on a tree, causing laughter throughout several teaching buildings.
Other bad behaviors included littering after purchasing food at the cafeteria while dodging cameras or placing leftover instant noodles on flagpoles without being caught.
Spectators either laughed, pondered, discussed, or were completely oblivious, engaging in their own small-group conversations.
The camera panned to a scene of two students standing by a pond, due to the rough cut, causing a slight shake. Then came Gao Zhansong’s bewildered voice: "Why are you doing this Didn't I tell you not to throw stones and instead pick leaves Aren’t you destroying public property"
Due to Gao Zhansong's slightly distorted voice and off-key tone, it elicited laughter.
The next scene focused on Su Cen holding a jumping carp. A few water droplets splashed onto the lens, followed by his speech about special talent cultivation and criticizing the school’s policy on keeping carps.
Sun Man's concluding statement afterward became a classic quote at No. 27 High School:
"Do you think you’re Stephen Chow!"
Class 3 of Grade Two was eerily quiet in this moment.
The entire class of eighty people felt like they had seen the person on TV before, as if someone mentioned "Dreaming I’ve Dreamed You" by Teresa Teng.
Fat student Jiang Mingjun couldn’t shake off a sense of familiarity that made him think he’d just met this person that morning.
At this moment, Jiang Mingjun was momentarily stunned, shaking his head and turning to Su Cen. He stared at him for about three seconds before tilting his mouth up half an octave in surprise: "Eh!"
This exclamation drew the attention of everyone in the class.
Simultaneously, in Class 13 of Grade Two, amidst laughter, only one girl tightly covered her mouth as a wave of heartache surged up to her eyes until they were wet and red. She tried hard to see clearly but everything was blurred.nating. Then he heard some commotion at the door as if someone was waiting outside.Someone then spoke in English from outside the door, "Who do you fancy The third sofa over there. What about her, is...