“But what about the ordinary photos when the schedules are packed with wedding and artistic shoots? And when people come to pick up their photos, if none of us are around, we might neglect the customers,”
A new problem arose as the photo studio’s business flourished.
Su Caiqing said, “That’s just a manpower issue. You can hire someone else now, you can afford it.”
“What kind of person?” Liang Qiheng asked again.
He really treated her like a housekeeper, consulting her on everything.
Liang Qiheng genuinely valued her opinion, but Su Caiqing didn’t want to worry about so many things.
“This is your responsibility as the boss. I’m just the sales manager, in charge of bringing in clients. Business success reflects my work, other matters don’t concern me. Even helping you with the accounts is overstepping; personnel decisions are yours alone,” Su Caiqing declined to comment.
Liang Qiheng panicked a little: “I want to discuss it with you, find someone you’ll be satisfied with. If you stay silent, it feels like you’re distant.”
Su Caiqing drew a line: “In running a company, the worst is unclear responsibilities. If multiple people handle the same task, it invites credit-stealing and blame-shifting. Business is about relationships, but sometimes it must not be. As a boss, you need to be aware of this.”
Liang Qiheng frowned, “Then what would make you weigh in on other matters?”
This little man really relied on her. But over recent collaborations, he had genuinely respected her opinions, not just being polite.
Su Caiqing thought for a moment: “If you want me to give opinions on everything here, you’ll need to make me the general manager.”
Liang Qiheng didn’t hesitate: “Fine, you’re the general manager. Now give me your thoughts on hiring.”
“We need a contract first. Without it, it’s all empty promises. Since I’m taking on more responsibility, my compensation should adjust accordingly.”
Liang Qiheng didn’t waste words and immediately took out a notebook and fountain pen, drafting an employment contract efficiently.
“I’ll increase your salary by thirty percent. The money you earn from clothing sales stays the same. Besides commissions on wedding shoots, you’ll have a share in other parts too. Are these terms satisfactory?” he asked.
Su Caiqing reviewed the terms, found them generous, and signed without hesitation.
Handing back the pen, she said, “The person we hire needs to know photography and writing, stay in the studio, and handle ordinary photos.”
“Someone like that won’t come cheap,” Liang Qiheng said, patting the pen pocket.
Su Caiqing replied, “This position requires guarding the place, so it counts as handling multiple responsibilities.”
Liang Qiheng thought it over and agreed. The studio couldn’t be left unattended, or basic business would be lost. Hiring a skilled person would cost more, but the studio was now profitable enough to afford it.
“Alright, we’ll do it your way—hire someone who knows photography,” he nodded.
Liang Qiheng’s social circle was wide; within two days, they found a suitable candidate.
He was short, round-headed, and sturdy, looking more like a laborer.
He had changed his name to Wen Chenggang after being inspired by How the Steel Was Tempered.
With Wen Chenggang on board, Su Caiqing and Liang Qiheng could leave for outdoor shoots more at ease, and tasks like photo development could be entrusted to him.
After finishing an outdoor wedding shoot for Wang Chaoying’s cousin, Su Caiqing returned home exhausted, only to find dinner already prepared.
Her two daughters had transformed into little “flower cats.”
“The younger siblings were starving, so we made some food first. Wu Grandma helped buy the ingredients—you need to pay her back,” Zhang Yunbing carefully reminded.
Su Caiqing nodded, “Alright! Let me try it.”
“Wash your hands first, Mom!”
Their skills weren’t perfect, but the rice was cooked, the dishes seasoned well enough—it was already impressive.
Su Caiqing praised generously, “It’s really tasty. I think I’ll have two bowls.”
Zhang Yunqing said, “It’s not as good as Mom’s.”
Zhang Yunbing nodded, “And Mom’s cooking has improved a lot recently; it’s even better than before.”
Su Caiqing laughed, “I’ve been cooking for years; this is your first time. You’re doing well enough.”
The girls finally stopped being modest.
After dinner and tidying up, Su Caiqing put the kids to bed and went to sleep herself.
At ten past midnight, she woke suddenly, sensing something amiss.
Listening closely, she realized someone had entered the yard.
Just as she sat up, a figure opened the door and slipped inside.
Zhang Yunbing’s small voice whispered in the dark, “Mom! There’s a thief in the house!”
Hearing this, Su Caiqing relaxed slightly, put on her coat, and said, “I heard it too. Someone’s in the yard.”
Living as a single mother, and with Su Caiqing having received a substantial compensation from the machinery factory, it was no surprise that some people would try to target their home, especially now that Su Dazhuang had left.
“What should we do?” Zhang Yunbing asked, frightened.
“Don’t make a sound. Watch over your siblings,” Su Caiqing instructed.
“Yunqing has taken Cai’e to the younger siblings, I’ll help you.”
Su Caiqing nodded, “Go find the candles and matches in the outer room. I’ll tell you when to light them.”
Zhang Yunbing obediently went.
Su Caiqing retrieved a few items from her wardrobe along with some firecrackers and matches the kids had picked up during the wedding feast, then moved to the front door.
She quietly unlocked it, lit a firecracker, and tossed it out. Zhang Yunqing lit a few candles one by one, casting the shadow of a woman holding a gun on the window.
The thieves, just about to reach the door after crossing the vegetable patch, were terrified; one even stumbled.
Su Caiqing shouted, “Late-night guests, I won’t be receiving you, and I’m too lazy to meet you! If you insist, tea is not offered! But this Mauser I’m holding can serve you some peanuts!”
She waited, heard no movement, and continued, “Leave now. I don’t know who you are, and later no one will find you! If you don’t retreat, I’ll make you bleed half your blood on the ground, and then the police will catch you. You’ll only be waiting to die in jail!”
After a while, rustling sounds came from outside. Zhang Yunbing was about to relax when Su Caiqing made a silent gesture, freezing her in place.
Su Caiqing pressed her ear to the door, listening as the thieves left through the yard gate.
After waiting a bit, she opened the door and secured the gate again.
Back inside, the kids were awake, some scared, some still dazed.
“Did they leave?” Zhang Yunbing asked.
Su Caiqing drank some water, “Yes, they left.”
Zhang Yunbing plopped down, “Mom, why didn’t you just shoot them? What if they come back?”
Su Caiqing shook her head, “If I had fired, they’d fight to get in. What then? Remember, don’t chase a desperate enemy.”
“This gun has no bullets. It’s just for bluffing. Don’t tell anyone about it!” she added.
The older kids nodded obediently, while the younger ones hadn’t even registered what had happened. Zhang Yunhe asked confused, “Gun? What gun?”
Su Caiqing picked him up, “The factory is showing a movie, ‘Railway Guerrillas,’ we’re talking about the guns in it. Now go back to sleep.”
She tucked each child into bed. The youngest quickly fell asleep, and Su Caiqing finally felt at ease.
The next day, word spread that Su Caiqing had scared off a thief, earning her a reputation for courage.
The children were well-behaved, telling tall tales about their mother wielding two large kitchen knives, defending against thieves, reasoning that if asked repeatedly, making up a story prevented their efforts from being exposed.
A couple of days later, Su Caiqing noticed red cloth tied around the arms of Zhang Yunbing, Zhang Yunqing, and Zhang Yunyang.
“They went to investigate,” Zhang Yunbing explained. “Recently there have been several thefts nearby. We’ve organized patrols to catch the thieves!”
Su Caiqing asked, “But you haven’t seen them. How will you catch them?”
Zhang Yunbing hesitated, then said, “You’ll see later. Just don’t tell anyone. If word gets out, our efforts will be wasted.”
Su Caiqing stifled a laugh, “Alright, I won’t ask. I’ll wait for your good news.”
Zhang Yunbing nodded, leaving with a confident stride. Watching her, Su Caiqing thought, this child is truly brave and resourceful.