Chapter 171: 140 The old fox wants to negotiate a deal but is rejected (2 updates)_1 Chapter 171: 140 The old fox wants to negotiate a deal but is rejected (2 updates)_1 Su Ruoan found a small water cup next to the water dispenser in the living room, “I rushed out the door today and forgot to bring my water cup, and I still have to go to work. I’m off, you two are in charge of cooking lunch at home.”

“We’re going to go shopping.” Tang Su interjected, finally getting a break, why should she squat at home cooking?

Going out for a meal and satisfying a craving, wouldn’t that be delightful?

“And wash my face.” Zhao Xinlan added.

“Heh, you two sure know how to enjoy life. I don’t care about you guys, if you don’t cook, I’ll just eat in the cafeteria with Old Tang later.”

As Su Ruoan was changing her shoes, she suddenly remembered something and called out to Jiang Tao, “Dean Jiang, just now Vice Dean Li seemed to be asking Little Chen where you went, probably has something for you.”

“Alright, I’ll go with you.” Jiang Tao immediately stood up.

The conversation he had with Zhao Xinlan could only be put on hold for now.

Anyway, he had made his stance clear, he would not divorce.

At this time of day, there was no one in the staff dormitory building, as everyone was at work in the outpatient or inpatient buildings.

In the past, Jiang Tao definitely wouldn’t want to walk with Su Ruoan, but now, to stop Lanlan from insisting on a divorce, Jiang Tao knew that if Su Ruoan was willing to put in a word for him, even just one, it would be very effective.

Jiang Tao also felt some regret; over the years, he hadn’t maintained a good relationship with Su Ruoan and her family. Back then, he always thought that he and Zhao Xinlan wouldn’t have any issues.

He fought in the outside world, Zhao Xinlan managed the home. The man outside, the woman inside—a perfect pairing in any marital relationship.

The work pressure outside was intense, and he had to take care of a son and a daughter, plus be responsible for his younger brothers and sisters. So, he thought that Zhao Xinlan would understand his struggles.

Now, looking back, he realizes he indeed hadn’t been attentive enough towards Zhao Xinlan.

He neglected her in too many ways.

She was willing to treat his children well out of love for him, and when faced with their rudeness and disdain, she would let it slide with a smile for his sake, without holding a grudge.

Over the years, as the Jiang Family’s sister-in-law, her care for her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law was fair. During holidays and festivals, the gifts to prepare and the presents to give to which family—Zhao Xinlan never made a mistake.

There was never a lack for one family or a shortage for another, and she always put her heart into it.

Yet even so, his own brothers and sisters, aside from taking her gifts, would only superficially call her sister-in-law, while in their hearts they looked down on her.

They even felt she was not fit to be their sister-in-law.

People online say that if your own family disregards your wife, the main problem actually lies with you.

Last night, when he couldn’t sleep, he was surfing the internet on his phone.

There was no help for it, he was getting old, and even though he hadn’t officially retired, going online was to keep up with the times.

“Ruoan—” Jiang Tao took a big stride to catch up with Su Ruoan’s pace, walking down the stairs side by side with her.

“Dean Jiang, you might as well call me Dr. Su, I’m used to it.”

Jiang Tao felt a moment of embarrassment, “Well, Lanlan is still angry, so I’ll trouble you with her for the time being. I’ll transfer the living expenses for her stay at your place in advance. When you have time, could you help me talk to her…”

“Dean Jiang, I know you’ve always looked down on my family. It’s fine, I don’t care if you do or don’t look down on us, but don’t use money to insult people, especially when it comes to the friendship between me and Lanlan.”

Jiang Tao: “…”

That wasn’t his intention.

Even among brothers there’s clear reckoning, let alone between best friends.

He was just…

“Fine, I’m wrong, I shouldn’t have done that,” Jiang Tao put away his phone, “But could you please try to persuade Lanlan for me? Vice president Li approached me, it’s probably about discussing Tang Su’s application for department head this year. Tang Su has also toiled for so many years, he should…”

Before Jiang Tao could finish his sentence, Su Ruoan interrupted him again.

“There’s no need for toil, Director Jiang. Tang Su is getting on in years; leadership isn’t his strong suit. His forthright personality also doesn’t suit him. He can’t cooperate well with the director above, nor can he placate the front-line below. He won’t be a good fit.”

“Director Jiang, you’re still a wise man who recognizes talent, better seek someone else. Just let him be until retirement, it’s fine this way.”

She really didn’t want to say this, but the words that Jiang Tao said one after another were unbearable for her to hear.

What does he mean? She’s not stupid and understood very well.

They want Tang Su to become the department head, then have the two of them help convince Lanlan not to divorce him, is that it?

Jiang Tao is truly a shameless old fox.

Her Tang Su has worked diligently for so many years, without any promotion from him, he should have been elevated to department head a long time ago. Hasn’t he always been suppressed by Jiang Tao?

Zhao Xinlan spoke up for them, and in theory, she must have not been shy with pillow talk over the years, but still, Jiang Tao remained unmoved, didn’t he?

Whether through regular procedure or by back channels, without nepotism, her Tang Su should have been head of the anesthesia department ten years ago.

But ten years ago, in order to curry favor with someone who had connections, Jiang Tao blatantly suppressed her Tang Su and promoted that person instead.

However, Jiang Tao got what was coming; that person later went directly from department head to working at the health bureau, and the position at the health bureau that Jiang Tao had coveted, eluded him.

He was really furious.

Later, when they needed someone experienced to fill the department head’s position, Jiang Tao did think of her Tang Su. Being a man of integrity, who learned in his youth not to accept unworthy benefits, he naturally refused.

Not only did Tang Su refuse to be the department head and solve Jiang Tao’s problem, but he also harshly satirized Jiang Tao.

After that, there was no chance of promotion for Tang Su.

Even when it came to increasing performance-based pay, Tang Su’s increases were slower than others; it was suppression in every sense.

With Tang Su’s character as steady as an old horse, he wasn’t in a hurry. He wasn’t, but Su Ruoan couldn’t stand it, especially when it involved salary matters.

Su Ruoan didn’t love money, but when it came to what was rightly theirs, she was determined to claim it back.

Otherwise, these people would really take them for an easy target, easy to deceive.

When it came to principles and bottom lines, Su Ruoan was uncompromising. With other matters, she could let them slide.

Jiang Tao’s suppression did lead Tang Su to learn to play the stock market. Initially, Su Ruoan didn’t support it, knowing all too well the terrifying past associated with stock trading.

Ruined families, suicides, it happened all too often.

But Tang Su’s patience, his steady and unruffled manner, not using important money for trading, just surplus funds for a flutter on the stocks, even weaned him off smoking and drinking – he used the money he would’ve spent on cigarettes and alcohol for trading instead.

Believe it or not, the old guy had some gambler’s luck. No major windfalls, but a nice steady stream of minor gains.

He even earned enough for their son’s and daughter’s houses and cars before their weddings.

Afterward, he would complacently share his experience with her, emphasizing that trading stocks wasn’t for everyone. One must stay humble and patient, hold steady through the dips, and avoid greed, not rushing to go all-in even during a surge.

In this way, one could last long-term and always have resources at hand.