Chapter 64 - 64: Intimate Contact
Gu Zi could discern their concerns from the worried expressions in their eyes, surmising that they thought she might not be familiar with rural labor.
Not wishing to keep the Gu family matter under wraps, Gu Zi explained, “Lin Miao is the biological daughter of the Gu family. They wanted me to fulfill the engagement on her behalf, so I sought out Su Shen.”
Certain details had yet to be confirmed, and she didn’t want to mention Lin Miao and cause the family any distress. Instead, she cited the Gu family as the driving force behind her actions.
Even though Gu Shan and Zhang Mei had been enchanted by Lin Miao, it was undeniable that they were keen on having Lin Miao replace her.
“How could they treat you this way? It’s unfair to you,” Mrs. Lin exclaimed, shaking her head in disbelief.
Even if they discovered Gu Zi wasn’t their biological offspring, did their more than a decade-long relationship not matter?
The entire Lim family still remembered Lin Miao.
For the Gu family to abandon Gu Zi so easily, they were truly heartless.
Gu Zi responded, “It’s not a big deal. Later on, I realized it was rather straightforward. I just thought that having meat to eat every day was quite nice, so I went to find Su Shen myself.”
After saying that, Gu Zi glanced at Su Shen, and their eyes met.
Gu Zi immediately retracted her gaze, her heart pounding.
Su Shen immediately echoed Gu Zi’s words.
Mr. and Mrs. Lin could sense his sincerity. Otherwise, why would a significant figure like him accompany their daughter to their humble abode?
“Have a cup of hot tea. We don’t have any fancy tea at home,” Lin Cheng and Li Hua offered two large bowls of tea.
Despite being called “tea,” it actually contained no tea leaves but rather several red dates. Nevertheless, it was their way of offering the best hospitality they could muster.
Su Shen swiftly accepted two bowls of tea and handed one to Gu Zi. Thirsty as well, she raised it to her lips to drink.
“Be careful,” Su Shen cautioned, covering her mouth at the same time.
The hot tea splashed onto the back of Su Shen’s hand, reddening it.
Gu Zits heart raced, making it difficult to catch her breath. Her face turned crimson.
After all, her lips had just touched the man’s rough palm, marking what seemed to be their most intimate physical contact to date.
At that moment, an enigmatic look flashed in the man’s eyes, but he promptly concealed it.
In the Lin family’s eyes, Su Shen had indeed treated Gu Zi well, and they could see that he was genuinely concerned about her.
However, they were also anxious as they didn’t have any medicine at home to treat the burns.
Su Shen noticed their concern but assured them it was not a problem. He mentioned that he had thick skin and flesh and implied that it wasn’t serious as long as Gu Zi wasn’t harmed.
He then went to take a cold shower and returned.
Gu Zits heart skipped a beat, and feeling shy, she held Su Le in her arms to distract herself.
This time, Mr. and Mrs. Lin were even more convinced of Su Shen’s genuine care for Gu Zi. However, they couldn’t help but voice their concerns. Mr. Lin said, “We understand that you got married primarily to take good care of the child, but we’re worried it’ll be hard to Gu Zi.”
Gu Zi raised her eyes, interpreting this as her biological parents doubting her ability to manage her life.
Yet, she decided not to respond and instead waited for Su Shen’s input.
Su Shen began to explain, “It’s interesting. Before I met Gu Zi, I believed that the most important criterion for marriage was helping me take care of my children.
While speaking, he glanced at Gu Zi, who was busy playing with Su Le. Su Le was laughing joyfully in her arms.
He felt that Gu Zi not only possessed physical beauty but also a certain kind of magic that radiated beauty.
Su Shen continued, “But things have changed. Even if she can’t take care of them, I’ll find someone to assist. Uncle Lin and Aunt Lin, Gu Zi is actually quite competent. She knows how to cook, and everything she prepares is delicious.”
Mr. and Mrs. Lin finally smiled and said, “Is that so? That’s great!”
Their main concern had been whether or not their daughter would be recognized by her husband. If Su Shen’s primary expectation was to care for the child and Gu Zi couldn’t fulfill that role, they saw no reason for them to remain together. Their daughter’s happiness was paramount.
To relieve her flushed face, Gu Zi touched her cheek and regained her normal temperature. She stood up and handed Su Le over to Su Shen. She turned to address the Lin family, saying, “I’d like to show my parents, brother, and sister-in-law. Let me prepare lunch today!”
Upon hearing this, the Lin family waved their hands and protested. Li Hua said,
“Sister, in this household, you’re not supposed to do anything. Just follow Miaomiao’sO example. Your brother and I will go prepare lunch now.”
As she spoke, Li Hua took Lin Cheng’s hand, and they went to the kitchen, which was located in a thatched shed.
Meanwhile, the Gu family had reached the mountain bay. Gu Shan and Zhang Mei couldn’t help but shake their heads. They had expected the family’s conditions to be modest, but they had no idea it was this impoverished.
“Miaomiao,” Zhang Mei said apologetically as she hugged Lin Miao, “You’ve suffered so much all these years!”