To gauge the scope and vision of a woman, one should observe how she interacts and converses in social situations, and today, Cheng Su refreshed the understanding of County Chief Ying and Principal Gong, both of whom now hold the position of county chief.
Her views on economic development, how cities should be planned and built in the future, her conjectures and convictions, and her insights were expressed so eloquently that people forgot about picking food and drinking wine.
Specifically for Ying Jian, a public servant in the government, Cheng Su’s casual conversation was like a treasure trove to him; he wished he could record everything she said and go back to read and understand it carefully. He found that what Cheng Su said was very much in line with the stability of modern development and it made people feel that the future would surely be as she described.
And if he, himself, could lead the people according to what she said, develop the economy, to achieve such accomplishments in the future...
Ying Jian’s eyes shone with excitement, and his gaze suddenly became warm and enthusiastic.
"A single conversation with you is better than ten years of study. Xiao Cheng said it right, one should keep learning as long as one lives, and it’s true. Today, I have learned something indeed." Gong Mingdong was also very surprised and delighted, as Cheng Su’s perspective refreshed his own understanding.
Vision determines one’s scope; one needs to stand high to look down, and yet the one who spoke such words was a rural girl who married early without even finishing high school.
"Old Gong, it seems we are getting old today and have to seek advice from the younger generation. Xiao Cheng, Uncle Ying will toast to you." Ying Jian picked up his cup.
From the county chief to Uncle Ying, whether there was an intention to ingratiate himself or not, it had already achieved the effect Cheng Su desired.
"County Chief, I dare not accept such honor, it should be me toasting to you." Cheng Su stood up, not daring to be presumptuous, and clinked glasses with him.
After a round of toasting, a bottle of Maotai Liquor was soon empty, and Cheng Su opened a second one.
Ying Jian no longer held back, perhaps also trying to test Cheng Su, and began to treat her as a peer of the same age, asking questions all about economic development and future construction.
Cheng Su did not disappoint him, often saying things that were very useful to Ying Jian, which made him feel quite good about his daughter making friends with her.
To make friends, of course, one must make useful ones; it is better not to associate with bad company.
"Given time, I believe your little restaurant will certainly leap out of the pond," Ying Jian once again looked around the small restaurant.
Cheng Su took the opportunity to say, "In that case, I will need the strong support of the County Chief." Saying this, she poured another glass and shared her plans for the small restaurant, "People regard food as their prime want, and in the future, if our Joy Soon Loy can secure a spot in Qing City, then I can proudly tell everyone that County Chief Ying also appreciates Joy Soon Loy!"
Ying Jian laughed heartily and said, "Your little restaurant is still a bit small, it doesn’t even have a place for large banquets."
Cheng Suxin felt a surge of joy and responded, "Alright, just for what the County Chief said, I’ll grit my teeth and rent the shop next door too."
Everyone laughed in unison.
"Come on, Old Jian, I think Xiao Cheng is someone with great ability; are you still worried the restaurant won’t take off? Just wait, in the future, you might even be afraid to come here." Gong Mingdong laughed and glanced at Cheng Su, saying, "Xiao Cheng, in the future, you must remember to make Feng City High School proud."
This was his way of claiming Cheng Su, the ’former student.’
Cheng Su repeatedly assured that she would definitely not forget her alma mater and raised another round of toasts, securing the benefits of this dinner gathering.