group immediately spread out. A few students from Senior 2 were hit by bricks several times in succession and were roused to a frenzy; relying on their numbers, they fiercely pummeled the two people...Chapter 33: Ingenious Methods

"Son, give your old man a hand and help move the cargo cabinets to the storefront!" Father Su Licheng had set up the newly purchased cargo cabinets below the residential building and called out to Su Can.

Su Can came downstairs. The cargo cabinet frames in front of him were neatly arranged; there was no glass panel placed on top yet, leaving the pristine white frame bodies exposed. Although they weren't as aesthetically pleasing as those seen in supermarkets from later times, they were simple and elegant. These shelves were made of aluminum alloy columns, pieced together according to each joint point, making them lightweight and easy to move once assembled. All that remained was placing the pre-designed glass panels on top and setting up products for sale.

Su Can rolled up his sleeves; in his father's memory, he was very diligent when it came to assembling things or dealing with electrical work, which was what his mother liked about him most. However, she also often criticized him for being conservative and unambitious.

While moving the cargo cabinet frames together with his father, there were many people coming in and out of their courtyard. One woman joked as she passed by, "Oh, Old Su, your family's store is opening up The two of you are working together to move things around. So, did you skip work"

"This isn't about skipping work; I'm just using my free time to get some chores done. Work-related matters can't be neglected," Father Su replied appropriately, causing a passing unit leader's eyebrows to slightly ease.

This woman was called Wang Xiaocui and worked as an accountant at the construction company where his father was employed. The man standing beside her was Xiao Yazhong, one of his mother’s high school classmates. While he usually treated people indifferently, he was adept at ingratiating himself with those in power and had quickly climbed the corporate ladder by taking control of a few small construction sites for oversight. He often felt that he was above others within the unit. Seeing the two father and son moving cargo cabinets, he found his father's appearance somewhat amusing. "Heh, Su Licheng, how’s your family store doing It's so small; even if it doesn't earn money, you'll have your own business now! Come, take a break and smoke a cigarette."

Saying this, Xiao Yazhong took out an exquisite pack of cigarettes (likely a premium brand) from his pocket. He pulled one out and offered it to Father Su. At that time, such cigarettes were something ordinary workers in Xiahai City couldn't afford. Xiao Yazhong was accustomed to showing off within the company by using high-end cigarettes himself while knowing that the CEO of the construction firm didn’t smoke the same brand as him, which made him feel a bit smug. There was an implication in his tone that he didn't take Su Can's family store seriously.

When they laid down the cargo cabinets, Father Su hurriedly blocked them and smiled while reaching into his pocket, "Take mine, take mine..."

In those days, exchanging cigarettes upon meeting was a way for adult men to interact. It also symbolized status, representing a man's face; it was often used to distinguish social standings apart from one’s appearance and speech, with the brand of cigarette someone smoked being an indicator.

"What do you mean take yours!" Xiao Yazhong frowned, believing that Su Licheng was merely making a formal refusal. The cigarettes in his hand were considered luxurious for workers who had spent their whole lives faithfully working at their posts like Su Licheng; he held the cigarette box closer and said, "Take it; you don't often get to smoke these..."

However, Su Licheng had already taken out a cigarette packet afterwards, leaving Xiao Yazhong speechless. The white soft pack was somewhat rustic in appearance from Su Can's perspective, but the large red regular script characters "Zhonghua" directly stimulated Xiao Yazhong’s nerves.

Su Can knew that his father had an honest and kind nature, with a good character like someone who has served in the military. He did not put on any pretentious airs before Xiao Yazhong.

At the time, Zhonghua cigarettes were still considered rare goods in Xihaicheng City; due to regional protection policies by local cigarette factories, they only produced and sold their own brands of cigarettes. The Xihai Cigarette Factory was a branch of the Rongcheng Cigarette Factory, so at that time, the best brand of cigarette available on the market would be Panda Pride, which was also the best brand one could buy at the time. Foreign or out-of-town cigarettes were extremely rare, and the tobacco market was not open.

Su Can did not smoke himself, but he knew that Zhonghua was a top Chinese cigarette brand and the national cigarette of its time. His maternal uncle had received two cartons as gifts during festivals; by July this year, his maternal uncle still hadn’t finished smoking one of them, while his paternal aunt's long-wished-for carton remained unobtainable to her until now. It was only because Su Can’s exam results skyrocketed like he was riding a helicopter that his maternal uncle finally got high on excitement. Combined with the fact that he kept looking at Su Licheng with favor during their last meal together, and in a good mood, he handed over his remaining carton of Zhonghua cigarettes to his father.

The father inevitably faced some jealousy from his paternal aunt, Zeng Zhaodong; however, if it came down to asking the father for it directly, he wouldn’t be able to muster up the face to do so. At that time, having a pack of Zhonghua in hand would make it easier to公關打通各路關節 (engage in public relations to smooth over various connections), and others might even think you have some background or connections.

The father’s essence was simply a humble and generous nature wanting to share with Xiao Yazhong before him, without any intention of showing off. Who would have thought that Xiao Yazhong’s expression suddenly changed

His tone became somewhat sarcastic: "Oh, you smoke Zhonghua Old Su, your shop hasn’t even opened yet, and you’ve already become wealthy!"

He didn’t wait for the father to explain himself but took the cigarette from his hand with a snort before turning around and leaving.

The father stood there in shock for a moment, then sighed and gestured for Su Can to lift the shelf before him.

As they watched the two leave, Wang Xiaocui, who was standing beside Xiao Yazhong’s wife, shook her waist slightly, withdrew her disdainful gaze from Su Licheng, and asked in a half-skeptical manner: "Huh, are you telling me that Su Licheng and Zeng Ke’s shop is making so much money that they can afford to smoke Zhonghua"

Xiao Yazhong angrily took out his lighter and lit the Zhonghua cigarette in front of him. "A small business like this, how much could it possibly earn A pack of cigarettes would be just a favor for anyone to give; why is there anything strange about that!"

"Pft! With your abilities, why doesn't anyone send you Chiness cigarettes You keep sending them out instead of receiving any. This month's cigarette expenses are quite substantial, yet I haven’t seen you accomplish anything!"

Xiao Yanzhong coughed dryly and exhaled a large puff of smoke. His wife’s words had really upset him, but in their circles, this brand of cigarettes wasn't circulated. He was always the one giving gifts to others; there was no chance anyone would give them to him, let alone such expensive ones.

Xiao Yanzhong didn’t say anymore. Today Su Licheng hadn't made him feel embarrassed, and that suited his character; maybe the other party wasn’t bothered by it at all. Instead, Xiao Yanzhong felt petty. As he sulkily smoked, though feeling somewhat annoyed in his heart, he had to admit the cigarette was indeed comfortable and satisfying.

"Dad, your無形中的推手was really impressive just now!"

While people around them at small eateries, shops, and clothing stores on all sides of the street looked at the father-and-son duo moving a shelf with great interest, Su Chen winked at Su Licheng.

The sun’s rays filtered through the leaves above as they walked down the road. Carrying the shelf made them a focal point for pedestrians, despite their slight fatigue. Yet in his heart, Su Chen felt warm.

"I saw Uncle Xiao's face change color; he probably didn't expect you to smoke Chiness cigarettes!" Su Chen said with a smile. He believed that the most important thing was to boost his father’s confidence. This time it was just a minor incident where Uncle Xiao’s prestige had been diminished, but if something similar happened again in the future, Su Chen wouldn’t want others to look down on or take advantage of his father.

Reborn once more, he had matured and understood what it meant to cherish those close to him. He strongly wished to protect them from any injustice.

Hearing this, his father smiled. "Su Chen, you're becoming懂事and understanding the nuances of human relations, which is good. However, don’t be petty; especially with people like Uncle Xiao, it’s not worth competing and bickering over trivial matters. Sometimes taking a step back can lead to broader horizons; focus on doing your own work rather than boasting or seeking superficial glory. Only when you are strong yourself can you truly stand shoulder-to-shoulder with others! If I am looked down upon by others, so be it. Your Uncle once belittled me multiple times, but I didn't lose heart. With a son like you, my future will surpass mine; my son’s strength means no one dares to look down on him!"

Su Chen was stunned. This speech filled his heart with excitement. His father wasn’t as dull as he appeared; nor was he the simpleton everyone saw in him. He understood everything, whether it be sarcastic remarks or disdainful glances—nothing escaped him. With great wisdom comes a broad-mindedness and capacity for understanding. His mindset was calm and untroubled by petty gains and losses. The greatest hope he had was寄托在他身上, knowing one day Su Chen wouldn’t allow others to look down upon him.

A damp feeling surrounded his nose, making it feel a bit sour. Su Chen nodded vigorously in response.

The future self disappointed him, and now that he has been reborn, he cannot let his father down again.

During this period of time, it seemed as though Su Can had become the center of attention. However, in reality, on that day when they were barbecuing, if not for Wang Weiwei's appearance, no matter what Su Can did, he wouldn’t have been able to attract the attention of those from First High School, let alone the regretful look Chen Lingshan gave him later.

Even now, it was still the same. If they hadn't benefited from their uncle’s influence, they would not be respected by others.

To truly stand on one's own feet, as his father said, he needed to have his own strength and confidence; he couldn’t always rely on others' protection and glory to live.

Living off happiness given by others was always short-lived and insecure. Only what one fought for themselves could lead to a truly splendid life.

Su Can still thought that his father was quite strong. Because of his unpretentious exterior and natural demeanor, when he took out the Zhonghua cigarettes, Xiao Yazhong felt even more embarrassed, perhaps with an extra bit of shame, making it impossible for him to harbor any resentment towards his father.

Su Can realized that letting a small person suffer while also preventing them from harboring revengeful thoughts was already a very sophisticated method of dealing with people.

Was this father truly as everyone perceived him—dull, silent, and utterly useless

The author is overwhelmed by the patronage of Brother Spring Wind After Snow. Thank you!s way, Wang Yu didn't know whether she should be angry or amused.Su Can had been closely monitoring the movements after Lin Guozhou's departure and Wang Bo being repeatedly questioned by special inves...