Chapter 88: Chapter 88: Easily Hurt Friendships
The cook was very impressed with Jiang Mianmian, the lovely and polite girl. He hadn’t expected that not only was she attractive, but she was also such a good student.
“That’s right, my girl went straight into fourth grade and only started studying not long ago. She finished three years’ worth of books at home in two months; I really should make it up to her.”
The cook nodded in agreement, “She deserves it. Don’t worry, when she comes for a meal later, I’ll give her some extra dishes.”
“Then I’ll thank you in advance.”
Jiang Changhai thought about how Jiang Mianmian would have to study there for another two years and eat at the school cafeteria for two years, so it was essential to be on good terms with the cafeteria chefs.
Jiang Changhai leaned close to the cook and asked in a low voice, “Master, does your family need any cotton?”
When the cook heard Jiang Changhai’s words, he knew he had connections. He looked around to see that no one was there and quickly said, “Yes, brother, what is it? Do you have a way?”
“I have a relative who brought some back from the north, cotton that doesn’t require a coupon; it’s very much in demand. If you want some, I’ll have him keep some for you. Don’t sell it all, especially since we have this relationship. I should really think of you when there’s good stuff.”
Jiang Changhai acted as if they were old buddies, making the cook beam with joy.
“So how much for a pound of cotton?”
Jiang Changhai made a gesture for six and waved it in front of the cook.
The cook grabbed Jiang Changhai’s hand tightly and nodded vigorously, saying with immense gratitude, “Brother, save twenty pounds for me, we have a big family. Tell your relative, you must save some for me.”
Having made a deal, Jiang Changhai left feeling pleased and ended up selling another ten pounds of cotton while chatting with Old Man Zheng.
After all, everyone was from Mianmian’s school, so he couldn’t give to one without giving to another.
Otherwise, if someone spills the beans, it might harm relationships.
After the class ended, he went to the teachers’ office.
Jiang Changhai was about to knock when he suddenly remembered his daughter telling him to knock lightly, so he gently rapped on the door twice.
Teacher Liu was surprised to see Jiang Changhai, “Is that you, Mianmian’s father? Are you here to see student Jiang Mianmian?”
“No, Teacher Liu, I came here especially to see you,” Jiang Changhai said with a smile.
Teacher Liu looked puzzled, “Is there something I can help you with?”
“Teacher Liu, Mianmian told me how you always look after her in class. I’m very grateful. I don’t have much to offer in thanks, but my relative has some cotton that doesn’t require a coupon. Would you be interested?”
Upon hearing this, Teacher Liu frowned slightly and said disapprovingly, “Mianmian’s father, I look after Mianmian in class because she is the youngest. It’s my duty to care for her. Moreover, speculation is not right. We shouldn’t buy things that don’t require coupons. How can we exploit loopholes in the system?”
Jiang Changhai, seeing Teacher Liu’s educational stance, quickly explained, “Teacher Liu, you misunderstood me. I’m not speculating. My relative’s family grows cotton in the north, where cotton is so abundant it doesn’t sell well, so the boss pays them with cotton.”
He feared that his actions might affect his daughter’s standing with Teacher Liu and added a few more words, “This cotton, my relative can’t use it all. He intends to help his relatives out; whoever in the family needs it can buy some. It also serves to help us, who are struggling at home.”
When Teacher Liu realized she had misunderstood, she apologized promptly, “Mianmian’s father, I’m really sorry. I misunderstood you just now.”