Rebirth: She is Ready for a Counterattack!

In the afternoon, He Cui indeed made a phone call, arranging for a driver to take them back to the guesthouse to refund the deposit, collect their luggage, and send them to the guesthouse at the military district. She specifically instructed the service staff at the guesthouse that they were Director He’s relatives.

Gu Ruhai’s family moved in.

While completing the procedures, both Gu Ruhai and Li Xuemei couldn’t help but marvel at how the military district’s guesthouse costs only two yuan per person per night. Their family spent only ten yuan, which was much cheaper than the other guesthouse.

Once they reached the room, they were surprised.

It was like arriving at a place of fortune.

Look at these snow-white walls, snow-white sheets and bedding, and even a television.

Gu Ruhai and his family didn’t recognize this device, as no one in the village owned one. They were astonished, touching and tapping it, unsure of its purpose.

When Gu Xiaoqing turned it on, it almost amazed the whole family.

The metal box could emit sounds, and people inside were speaking, albeit with some snowflakes — that’s how televisions were back then.

Receiving signals was like that.

Not having to hold the antenna while watching was already pretty good.

There was even a separate bathroom, where simple washing and toilet facilities were available.

Gu Ruhai and Li Xuemei’s only thought was that city folks truly know how to live, seeing all these unfamiliar and novel things.

Li Xuemei, today at He Cui’s home, saw a refrigerator in the kitchen she had never seen before. Opening the door revealed it was filled with vegetables and fruits, with frozen hard meat and fish in the lower box. Just by taking them out and thawing in water, they were just like fresh meat and fish.

Li Xuemei was already amazed and curious about that, and now there was even more.

It seemed the initial rejection and unfamiliarity of the city were somewhat dispelled by the novelty brought by these fresh items.

The next day, He Cui was quite efficient and had a driver take Li Xuemei and Gu Ruhai to meet the commercial street management director.

Last night she made a special call, reminding an old classmate that these were her relatives and to take good care of them.

Li Shangmin was rather surprised; when did He Cui get relatives in Sishui?

But since it was unusual for the aloof and unworldly Director He Cui to make such a fuss, Li Shangmin knew there must be some connection.

It’s just a favor for him, but it lays the foundation for the future. Should anything important arise, reaching out to He Cui means she would have to respond.

He Cui has been transferred to the Director of the Material Department of the Health Bureau this year.

She manages all the funding for hospital expansions and staff housing across the province, a position of real authority.

Gu Xiaoqing went along with her parents, mainly because she had her own intentions.

Taking advantage of Fang Shaonan’s mom’s relationship might be a one-time help: whether out of gratitude or genuine affection. Gu Xiaoqing understands there can’t be a second time.

If you keep troubling them, who would be willing to help?

Therefore, Gu Xiaoqing pointed out this chance to find the manager of the commercial street since the planning for Food Street should soon be arranged, and Director Li Shangmin might know some inside information.

Gu Xiaoqing was even contemplating buying a house in the Food Street area.

The land prices at this time weren’t as high yet.

Li Xuemei knew her daughter had a big heart and was a determined person, and if she didn’t take her, she might well go on her own.

So, the three of them went together.

Leaving Gu Xiaoying with Gu Xiaojie in the room to watch television, Gu Xiaojie was utterly fascinated by this drama box.

The driver took them to the location, instructing them to wait and advising them to find Director Li’s office on the first floor.

Gu Xiaoqing and her family immediately found the office director there.

They knocked on the door, and someone inside said: "Come in."

There were many people inside, chaotic with people handling affairs.

Li Shangmin saw the three enter and impatiently asked: "Who are you here to see?"

All morning, he had been dealing with people seeking favors, his brain nearly bursting.

And the planning bureau kept calling, urging him to conduct measurements quickly, surrounded by matters everywhere.

Gu Ruhai had no choice but to nervously step forward, "Director Li, we are from Director He..."

Li Shangmin immediately beamed with a smile, stood up, and walked over to hold Gu Ruhai, saying, "Hello, hello, you must be Gu Ruhai. Look at how busy I’ve been this morning; I almost forgot you were coming for this matter. Come, let’s go inside and talk."

This warm attitude made the five or six people nearby give them a second look.

These three seemed quite rustic, but the fact they got Director Li out of his seat surely meant they weren’t ordinary folks.

They couldn’t help but admire, seeing how strong their connections were.

The three followed Li Shangmin to another office room.

There was no one inside, and the air quality immediately improved.

"Have a seat, have a seat."

Li Shangmin invited Gu Ruhai and company to sit down.

He then said: "Director He called and informed me that you want to rent a storefront on the commercial street. Can you tell me what you plan to use it for?"

Li Shangmin wasn’t being bureaucratic; there wasn’t any need to impress ordinary people with official jargon; they might not even grasp it anyway. Since He Cui had already made arrangements, it was simply about doing his part well.

Gu Ruhai stammered, "Director Li, we want to rent a storefront to start a small food business."

Li Shangmin was momentarily puzzled.

It’s about food?

Gu Xiaoqing looked at her parents’ expressions and sighed inwardly. Actually, she wasn’t someone with vast experience either, but she had encountered quite a few managers, bosses, and executives in her previous life, so she considered herself somewhat experienced.

So she said, "Uncle Li, I’m Gu Xiaoqing. My parents want to open a restaurant or something similar. Are there suitable locations?"

The young girl’s crisp voice immediately caught Li Shangmin’s attention. He smiled and asked: "Are you Gu Xiaoqing, the one who saved Fang Shaonan?"

This incident had become well-known; many talked about Fang Shaonan’s kidnapping by traffickers at He Cui’s home a few years ago.

So Gu Xiaoqing’s name was well recognized within this circle.

ᴛhis chapter is ᴜpdated by NoveIꜰire.net

Gu Xiaoqing nodded.

Li Shangmin said: "Most storefronts on this commercial street sell clothes, appliances, and various other goods. There are few restaurants, and the storefront prices on the commercial street aren’t low, either." (To be continued. If you like this work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to cast recommendation votes and monthly votes. Your support is my greatest motivation. Phone users, please visit m.qidian.com to read.)