[151: Something Fishy]

"This blackboard report is well done," Director Zhang said, pointing to the manuscript in her hand. "Did you write this?"

"Yes!" Su Hanyan beamed.

"Not bad, it shows some skill! I see you are doing a great job with the paperwork. This year, the factory is organizing a study and inspection group to learn from our sister units in other provinces. We need someone from the publicity department to go along, to observe and write reports. Do you think you can handle this job?" Zhang Hong asked.

The factory leaders going on an inspection tour were all high-level officials. She was just a small news officer in the publicity department; it didn't seem appropriate for her to go.

"Director, couldn't our section chief go?" she asked.

"Your section chief can't go, but she recommended you. She said your professional skills are excellent. Do you have the confidence?"

Given this, Su Hanyan felt she could indeed go.

"I do! I have confidence!" she replied.

"It's good for young people to have confidence and enthusiasm. Then get ready. In a few days, you'll go with the factory inspection group. Walk around, learn more!"

"Okay. But our section chief mentioned a city training session in a few days. I wonder if the timing will clash..." Su Hanyan suddenly remembered.

"It won't. The inspection group will leave after the training session."

"That's good."

"That's settled then. Work hard!"

"Yes, Director!"

Director Zhang only paused to say a few words before striding off to handle other matters.

Su Hanyan returned to her spot and continued writing her blackboard report.

Not far away, several female workers whispered to each other as they passed by and then walked away.

Soon, the factory held a meeting to finalize the members of the study and inspection group, which included the factory director, deputy director, a young cadre from the technical department, the main person in charge of production, and a staff member from the publicity department.

After the meeting, the deputy chairwoman of the union, Qiao Chunhua, expressed her dissatisfaction with this decision and immediately raised objections with the factory leadership.

"Since this is a serious learning and inspection trip, why send Su Hanyan? It should be Niu Hongxia going! Who is Su Hanyan anyway?"

Director Zhang directly told her, "This is a comprehensive inspection. Section Chief Niu is unwell and can't travel far, so she recommended Su Hanyan. Do you have any other objections?"

"No more..."

Returning to the union, Qiao Chunhua still felt disgruntled and vented to her niece Qiao Shasha.

"This Zhang Hong is really unreasonable! He used to speak to me so politely, but now he doesn't even show a bit of respect! That ungrateful guy, back then, it was thanks to my introduction and mediation that he and Auntie Chai Ning got married!"

"Auntie Chai Ning?" Qiao Shasha was unfamiliar with the name.

"Zhang Hong's wife. She's an old friend of mine!" Qiao Chunhua took a sip from her big tea mug, then spat out some tea leaves. "The two of them haven't been getting along for the past two years, living separately. They neither divorce nor reconcile, just stuck in this state."

Qiao Shasha suddenly thought of something and quickly told Qiao Chunhua, "Auntie, there's gossip in the factory about the factory director and Su Hanyan having an inappropriate relationship."

Qiao Chunhua, mid-sip, froze. "What do you mean?"

"You don't know?" Qiao Shasha leaned in and shared all the rumors she had heard.

"No wonder!" Qiao Chunhua immediately connected the dots regarding the inspection group selection. "I was wondering how Su Hanyan got included with a group of senior leaders. Turns out, there's something fishy going on!"

[152: Fanning the Flames]

"What? She's going with the factory leaders for the study and inspection trip?" Qiao Shasha was immediately dissatisfied. "Auntie, what qualifications does she have to go? There's definitely something fishy here. Someone saw Director Zhang talking to Su Hanyan for a long time that afternoon!"

"Is that true?" Qiao Chunhua asked.

"That's what everyone in the logistics department is saying. I heard it from them, so it should be true."

"That's unacceptable. I can't just let this go. That little vixen Su Hanyan must have some tricks up her sleeve to quietly climb such a high tree!" Qiao Chunhua said through gritted teeth. "I need to talk to Chai Ning."

"Yes, you should talk to her!" Qiao Shasha added fuel to the fire. "Look at how arrogant she is! Let Auntie Chai Ning deal with that shameless woman. It would be best to kick her out of the factory, hogging a good position in the publicity department while doing such disgraceful things!"

Qiao Chunhua thought for a moment and said, "After kicking Su Hanyan out of the publicity department, I'll arrange for you to move there. The work is better than here, with frequent business trips and exchange meetings. Plus, organizing song and dance performances for outreach, all things you enjoy. That place suits you!"

"Thank you, Auntie."

"No need for thanks among family."

...

The surface of the sea was calm, but beneath, it was turbulent and full of hidden reefs. Su Hanyan was busy with her work and tutoring job, with no time to pay attention to the surrounding gossip.

Rumors were already spreading behind her back, and other employees were starting to look at her differently.

After work, Su Hanyan returned to her dormitory to change clothes, preparing to go to her tutoring session.

It was more convenient to stay in the dormitory after work. She wasn't very good at cooking, and living in the dormitory was more convenient, especially since she still studied with Shao Yu and Zhu Lin in the evenings.

"Yanyan, are you going to your tutoring job?" Zhu Lin, who had just brought her meal in, saw her about to leave and casually mentioned, "Lately, people in the factory have been gossiping about you."

"Gossiping about me? What are they saying?"

"They're saying there's something unclear between you and Director Zhang..."

"Yanyan, I've heard it too," Shao Yu added as she returned. Hearing their conversation, she quickly chimed in, "My brother heard it in the workshop, and he almost got into a fight over it this morning! Yanyan, someone is slandering your reputation!"

"Lin Zhiqiu?" Su Hanyan immediately thought of her but then reconsidered. Lin Zhiqiu shouldn't be the type for this.

She didn't have the guts to stir up such trouble in the factory, especially since the rumors involved her and the factory director. Lin Zhiqiu relied on this job to support her family, and she always maintained a facade of a gentle, weak flower. Any malicious intentions were usually hidden and never brought to the forefront.

"Hanyan," Zhu Lin earnestly advised, "maybe you should quit this tutoring job. The background of Director Zhang's family is quite complicated. I've heard that he and his wife are having marital issues. Going there at this time might not be good for you..."

"But isn't it just Director Zhang, his son, and an old lady at home? What could Yanyan possibly do that's inappropriate?" Shao Yu was indignant. "Those gossipers have nothing better to do! It's infuriating!"

[153: Refusal]

"Don't be angry," Su Hanyan said through gritted teeth. "If I find out who it is, I'll make sure they regret it!"

"Regret it...?" Shao Yu gasped. "Is it that serious?"

Zhu Lin laughed, "It's just an exaggeration! You don't actually think she means to harm anyone, do you? She just means she won't let them off easily."

"That's right." Su Hanyan despised people who slandered others behind their backs, especially those who tarnished her reputation. She was determined to uncover the culprit and make a scene if necessary.

"I support you!" Shao Yu rolled up her sleeves. "If you need me to, I'll fight alongside you!"

"My little ancestor, calm down." Zhu Lin chided. "It's best if you don't add to the chaos. Let Yanyan handle it herself. If she needs our help, we'll be there, but otherwise, we should stay out of it."

"Thank you," Su Hanyan was touched. "Linlin is right. I really can't continue this tutoring job! I'll wrap it up tonight..."

Fortunately, with the upcoming study class, she now had a reason to quit the tutoring job. This opportunity was perfect to inform Director Zhang and resign.

Leaving the dormitory, Su Hanyan headed out of the factory. Halfway, she encountered Zhou Ningkai, who looked troubled.

Seeing her, Zhou Ningkai hurried over, "Su Hanyan, where are you going?"

"To my tutoring job," she replied.

"Wait." Zhou Ningkai blocked her path. "Are you really just tutoring at Director Zhang's house? I've heard... people are saying things about you and Director Zhang..."

"That there's something inappropriate between us?" Su Hanyan raised an eyebrow. "Do you believe it?"

"I don't."

"Good. Now, please let me pass. I have a class to teach."

"Su Hanyan." Zhou Ningkai, feeling anxious, grabbed her arm. "Don't go! I don't believe it, but everyone else does. Rumors are spreading everywhere... And people are saying you got into the study tour because of your connection with the director."

Su Hanyan frowned at him, clearly annoyed. "Let go. Don't make a scene. I've had enough rumors already."

Zhou Ningkai reluctantly released her. "I'm trying to help you."

"Oh? How do you plan to help me?" Su Hanyan asked, looking up at him.

"Date me," Zhou Ningkai blurted out. "If we start dating, people will stop gossiping. Hanyan, I really like you..."

"First, thank you for liking me. But I'm not interested in dating right now, so it's not an option. Secondly, we're not a good match. You're not my type, so let's not waste our time. You should look for someone else." Su Hanyan promptly rejected his proposal.

She didn't want to give him false hope.

Zhou Ningkai was stunned. He considered himself quite attractive in the factory and had plenty of admirers. So why didn't Su Hanyan feel the same way?

[oh well, you've shot your shot boy]

[154: Fever]

"Han Yan, what have I done to make you dislike me? Why do all the other girls want to date me, but you have no feelings for me at all?" Zhou Ningkai said, trying to understand. "I can tell you about my family. My dad was a military doctor, my mom works at a publishing house, and I'm a university graduate, an only child with no shortage of food or clothes. Whatever others can provide, I can give you too. You don't need to work hard as a tutor."

Su Hanyan frowned at his words. "I have my own hands and feet, I can support myself. Other girls are other girls, and I am me. Liking someone can't be forced, Zhou Gong, we are not suitable."

She had wasted enough time and didn't want to continue the conversation. After saying that, she walked away decisively.

Zhou Ningkai watched her back, unable to hold back his words. "Comrade Su, you should think long-term. The factory director will be replaced in a few years. He won't always be able to help you!"

[plz die in a ditch somewhere]

Su Hanyan stopped abruptly and turned around. "Zhou Gong, you really don't believe me!"

But it didn't matter; she didn't care.

Whether Zhou Ningkai believed her or not was irrelevant to her. Once she handled tonight's matters, she would find out who was spreading rumors about her the next day.

As Su Hanyan arrived at the factory gate, she unexpectedly ran into Zhang Tiancai.

He was wrapped in a thick military coat, leaning against the wall outside the guard office, squinting at the people hurrying home after work.

"Tiancai, why are you here?" Su Hanyan asked, surprised. "What brings you here?"

"Yes." Zhang Tiancai took a piece of paper from his pocket and handed it to Su Hanyan. "Look, I made a list for you!"

Su Hanyan was shocked to see the paper filled with names, roughly counted to be more than two hundred.

"So many people?"

"Yes. They all want to join your tutoring class. When do you plan to start?" he asked, lazily retracting his neck.

"After the study and exchange meeting?" Su Hanyan replied. "I need to plan it well too!"

"I suggest you rent a larger place. That small courtyard won't be enough soon," Zhang Tiancai advised.

"We'll see," she said. With the current number of students, a staggered schedule would work fine for now.

"Alright." Zhang Tiancai hummed, struggling to lift his eyelids to look at Su Hanyan. "Teacher Su, don't go to your tutoring session tonight, take a day off..."

Before he could finish, he started swaying.

Sensing something was wrong, Su Hanyan quickly supported him. When their hands touched, she felt his burning heat.

[oh naur]

"Zhang Tiancai, are you running a fever?" She touched his forehead, confirming the high temperature.

"Teacher Su, I feel a bit unwell," he mumbled.

"Come on, I'll take you to the hospital." Su Hanyan supported Zhang Tiancai and headed to the bus stop. "Hang in there, we'll be there soon."

The factory had a workers' hospital, but it was after hours and the hospital would be empty. They had to go to the city hospital instead.

As they left, Zhou Ningkai finally looked away.

Lin Zhiqiu appeared behind him at some point and said, "Zhou Gong, I'm really sorry! I couldn't give her the ice skating tickets you asked me to deliver last week... because there's something I can't hide from you!"

[155: Seizing the Opportunity]

Zhou Ningkai had repeatedly tried to approach Su Hanyan, but she seemed intentionally avoiding him. So, he turned to Lin Zhiqiu, hoping to use him as a way to reach out to Su Hanyan.

A few days ago, he had obtained some ice skating rink tickets to give to her. Perhaps if she brought along a few friends, they could have a lively outing together. This way, Su Hanyan might not resist too much, and they could have an initial contact.

Therefore, he specifically sought out Lin Zhiqiu to ask him to arrange a meeting with Su Hanyan on his behalf.

Unexpectedly, before Lin Zhiqiu could even make the arrangements, rumors started circulating within the factory. Zhou Ningkai had been skeptical until just now, but now he was starting to believe them.

How could a girl, in front of everyone, touch a boy's face directly and even link her arm with his?

"If I can't give them away, then so be it." Zhou Ningkai looked dejectedly at the tickets in her hand. "She doesn't need things I give..."

Lin Zhiqiu looked at him sympathetically. "I'm sorry. Should I give these tickets back to you?"

"No need." Zhou Ningkai didn't lack these two tickets. "Just take them. You can go play with your friends."

"How can that be?" Lin Zhiqiu said. "Let me buy them from you..."

"I don't need the money." Zhou Ningkai was disheartened. "Consider it a token of appreciation for your troubles."

Seeing how downcast he was, Lin Zhiqiu gently comforted him. "Zhou Gong, don't be so sad. You're a good person, a high achiever; many people must like you. Han Yan's mind is hard to read, and you two are not on the same path. Besides, her family situation is quite complicated..."

"Complicated? How complicated can it be?" Zhou Ningkai's gaze fell on Lin Zhiqiu's face.

"That family... lacks affection. It's all about calculations and interests... Growing up in such a family is not easy for Han Yan... In theory, I shouldn't say this as her future sister-in-law, but..." Lin Zhiqiu bit her lip, seeming to muster a great deal of courage before continuing, "I regret it..."

She stopped short, leaving it at that.

By highlighting her dissatisfaction with the Su family while expressing her regret, she conveyed exactly what she intended to Zhou Ningkai.

"Really?" Zhou Ningkai asked, "So, what is the thing you didn't want to hide from me?"

"In fact, Su Hanyan goes out every night, not just these past few days... Everyone is talking about her now, and her reputation is already in tatters. So, I can't go and give her these tickets. I can't in good conscience delay your lifelong matter, Zhou Gong!"

[openly airing it out, like girl, dont u remember that ur engaged to her brother? lmao]

"You're right." Zhou Ningkai looked at her gratefully. "Thank you."

"You're welcome." Lin Zhiqiu shook the tickets in her hand and flashed him a sweet smile. "I'll take these for now. I owe Zhou Gong a favor, which I'll repay slowly."

"Alright." Zhou Ningkai nodded in agreement.

...

Su Hanyan took Zhang Tiancai directly to the hospital. Only the emergency department was open at this hour.

Coincidentally, when Lu Feifan and Jin Chen had just finished a major rescue surgery and came out to catch a breather, they ran into them.

"Oh, isn't this Miss Su?" Lu Feifan greeted, raising his hand. When he saw Su Hanyan supporting the young man, he raised an eyebrow. "Who's this young man? We've met before."

"Dr. Lu, Dr. Jin!" Su Hanyan explained the current situation anxiously. "This is one of my students. He has a high fever and is a bit confused. Could you please help?"