Chapter 104
Chapter 104
C104 – A Donation of One Million
Su Tian couldn’t help but feel smug upon hearing the conversation.
“Cousin, after all the effort to scrape together 500,000 yuan, you’re still splurging on a meal for us. Your parents are getting on in years. This isn’t the best way to handle things,” Su Tian remarked.
“You have a point,” Su Ming replied with a slow, knowing smile.
Fong Yuemei and Su Hai perked up at this exchange, pride straightening their posture. Their son truly had his act together.
With just an offhand comment, Su Tian had unwittingly exposed Su Ming’s true character.
“Cousin, the grind at the construction site is grueling. Now that I’ve made it to general manager at the company, why don’t you come work for me? I’ll set you up as a security guard. Others earn 5000 a month, but I’ll give you 7000. What do you say?”
“Sure, thank you,” Su Ming responded, his tone even.
Su Tian felt a twinge of irritation. He was the one who had offered Su Ming a job. Shouldn’t Su Ming be groveling with gratitude?
“Cousin, that’s not how it works. You need to earn your stripes. As long as I’m with the company, you’ll have a steady job as a security guard. You ought to be thanking me,” Su Tian said, his brow furrowed.
The bystanders couldn’t help but overhear, and one of them burst into laughter.
Su Tian heard it but was oblivious to the mockery.
“Thanks, cousin,” Su Ming said with a smile.
“That’s better,” Su Tian replied coolly, his gaze drifting to the side.
Wasn’t that Principal Ding from Central Primary School? And the teachers—what were they doing here?
It must be sheer coincidence. It was summer, after all, and the day was fair. Many people would be hosting banquets. It was perfectly normal for school teachers to enjoy a meal out.
Su Tian lifted his wine glass, straightened his attire, and made his way toward Principal Ding with measured steps. The villagers’ eyes followed him, and a broad, triumphant smile spread across his face. He was convinced he alone had the stature to engage Principal Ding in conversation.
“My son is truly accomplished; he’s acquainted with Principal Ding,” Fong Yuemei and Su Hai beamed with joy.
Fong Yuemei felt the envious stares from the entire village and reveled in the attention.
“Principal Ding, I was one of your students back in primary school. To see you again after all these years is such a privilege,” she said with heartfelt reverence.
Su Tian stood before Principal Ding, a subtle smile playing on his lips. His tone brimmed with deference, yet his eyes betrayed a prideful glint that belied any true sense of respect.
He had risen to the role of general manager at a major company, overseeing numerous significant projects.
“One day, I’ll be the chairman of the company,” he declared.
“Su Tian,” Principal Ding responded, his own smile mirroring Su Tian’s.
“I heard about the school’s anniversary celebration the day before yesterday, but work kept me too busy to attend. Today, my schedule aligned, and I was able to make it back.”
With that, Su Tian produced a check from his pocket, inscribed with the words: “Su Tian donates one million to the school.” He glanced around with a self-satisfied air as he spoke.
He knew well that the school typically garnered around two million yuan for each anniversary or fundraising event. His contribution of a million should have surely drawn a beaming thank you from Principal Ding.
Instead, Principal Ding remained impassive, as if the gesture was invisible. “I’m sorry. The school is sufficiently funded, so we don’t require your donation.”
“What?” Su Tian was taken aback.
“Principal Ding, my signature and the bank’s stamp are on this check. Take it to the bank, and it’s a million. You’re really turning it down?” Su Tian’s disbelief was palpable.
Truth be told, under normal circumstances, Principal Ding would have gladly accepted the money. But today, with the evident rift between Su Tian and Su Ming, he simply couldn’t.
“Principal Ding, this is my cousin’s heartfelt offering. Please, take it,” Su Ming interjected suddenly.
“Alright,” Principal Ding acquiesced swiftly, snatching the check. “Thanks.”
Su Tian was perplexed. His donation of a million yuan was met with disdainful refusal from Principal Ding. Yet, with just a few words from Su Ming, the money was readily accepted.