Chapter 219 - 218: Doubts (Fourth Update)
Gu Juying snorted coldly and said, "Sister Mei Zi, what you’re saying isn’t right. The county’s Public Security Bureau has a monthly salary of 150 yuan, you know. No matter how he spends, how can he spend it all by himself? He should spend some on you and the child, shouldn’t he?
Besides, the people in this county are quite chaotic. Many men and women claim they’re single and then find another partner. Sister Mei Zi, don’t be careless."
This was a reminder to Mei Zi.
Mei Zi felt a jolt in her heart; these words didn’t sit right.
She felt uneasy being talked about like this regarding her man, but couldn’t say anything, because they hadn’t directly talked about Feng Shichao.
So she said with a smile, "Hey, why keep talking about these things? It’s all household nagging. What brings you here?"
Looking at Gu Xiaoqing and the other two, they didn’t seem like people from the village.
Gu Xiaoqing quickly said, "We are from Gu Family Village. Back in the day I was once kidnapped by human traffickers here, so I’ve come back to take a look and also because I’m grateful for the village’s kindness in rescuing us back then."
Upon hearing this, Mei Zi immediately understood what it was about.
This matter caused quite a stir back then.
All the nearby villages knew about it.
"Ah, you suffered too. Why don’t you stay for a meal then? Though the food in our village isn’t great, it’s a gesture of goodwill."
Mei Zi seemed genuine; upon hearing Gu Xiaoqing’s story, she wanted to host them.
Gu Xiaoqing shook her head, exchanged a glance with Gu Juying and Gu Xiaoying, and said, "Sister Mei Zi, we’re leaving. We have other matters to attend to. We won’t stay. Here’s a pack of candies; keep them for the kids as a treat—it’s our gesture of goodwill."
The three got up to leave.
Mei Zi tried to persuade them to stay, but ultimately Gu Xiaoqing and her companions left.
Gu Xiaoqing and Gu Juying sat in the car; Gu Xiaoying felt the atmosphere wasn’t right.
The two people behind her seemed to be angry.
"Are you two okay?"
Gu Xiaoqing shook her head. The one in trouble wasn’t her.
Gu Juying should have understood by now, and she seemed very upset.
The three returned to the village in silence.
Gu Juying said thanks, got out of the car, and went home.
Gu Xiaoqing and Gu Xiaoying went home.
"What’s wrong with your friend?"
Gu Xiaoying didn’t understand—how could such an uneventful outing make Gu Juying so angry?
Gu Xiaoqing shook her head, "Gu Juying recently met a guy named Feng Shichao; they were considering dating."
Gu Xiaoying was shocked, turning to Gu Xiaoqing and said, "Wasn’t Feng Shichao the person Sister Mei Zi mentioned just now?"
Gu Xiaoqing nodded.
"Oh dear, what a mess. Thankfully, we passed by there today. Otherwise, she’d have been deceived," Gu Xiaoying said nervously.
A girl’s reputation is very important.
Gu Xiaoqing remained silent; she’d already done a lot this time. As long as Gu Juying knew everything, she should be able to break the grip Feng Shichao had on her.
There was no way he’d cause trouble again this time.
The two parked the car and walked into the house.
It was getting dark.
Gu Xiaoqing and Gu Xiaoying entered to find Gu Ruhe and Xiao Xue sitting in the yard washing and picking vegetables, with Gu Xiaofeng and Gu Xiaomin sitting quietly by themselves, playing; this situation felt so bizarre.
It’s one thing for others, but if Xiao Xue was quietly picking vegetables, then something catastrophic had surely happened.
The two sisters exchanged a glance and then walked into the house.
Xiao Xue saw them and immediately greeted them with a smile, "Xiao Ying, Xiaoqing, you’re back. We’re about to eat; go wash your hands quickly."
This smile scared Gu Xiaoqing and Gu Xiaoying; it was so eerie.
Never had they seen Xiao Xue show a pleasant expression to anyone in the Gu Family; this cheerful look made them wonder what was going on.
They quickly went into the house.
They faced Gu Ruhai sitting by Mr. Gu’s bed, smoking.
Mr. Gu was lying on the bed with a wet towel on his head.
He didn’t look too good.
Gu Xiaoying turned to go to the kitchen, knowing that Li Xuemei must be there.
Gu Xiaoqing wanted to leave too, but Gu Ruhai stopped her: "Xiaoqing, come sit."
His tone suggested something big had happened.
Gu Xiaoqing obediently sat down.
Her father hadn’t spoken to her in this tone for a long time.
She felt a bit nervous.
"There’s been a bit of trouble at home. Your third uncle made a mistake at work, used the public’s money, and needs to pay it back. What’s your view on this?"
Gu Ruhai didn’t hide it from Gu Xiaoqing. Although it wasn’t a good thing, Gu Ruhai had long grown accustomed to telling his daughter the truth. This daughter was genuinely able to solve many issues and make decisions.
Gu Xiaoqing raised her head, a hint of surprise flickering in her eyes.
This issue?
Something was off.
In her past life, she’d never heard of this issue.
In her past life, Gu Ruhe sailed through his life without any monetary issues; even when Gu Xiaomin later attended the county high school, it was said to be through connections without requiring sponsorship fees.
How could this issue suddenly emerge?
Gu Xiaoqing thought for a moment, noticing Xiao Xue and Gu Ruhe’s demeanor didn’t seem like deceit.
But to hand over money so readily felt too easy.
Gu Xiaoqing always felt something was amiss here.
Mr. Gu saw Gu Xiaoqing silent and grew a bit anxious, coughing twice. Gu Ruhai patted the old man’s back.
Knowing the old man was anxious.
"Dad, who mentioned this matter? Third uncle himself?"
Gu Xiaoqing had to figure it out. Even if money was given, it had to be given clearly and not deceived.
Gu Ruhai nodded, "It was your third uncle himself, and your third aunt confirmed it. Your grandpa’s idea is for us to think of a way to help out; otherwise your third uncle might end up in jail."
Gu Ruhai wanted to hear Gu Xiaoqing’s view.
Because he felt a bit uneasy.
It felt somewhat wrong to treat his family like this.
Such thoughts seemed extreme, considering it’s his blood brother. But could this be indicative of a sinister plot against Gu Ruhai by the second and third of the Gu Family?
No one could explain.
Gu Xiaoqing saw the hope in Mr. Gu’s eyes and said, "Dad, this matter requires a good inquiry from Third Uncle, because it’s ten thousand yuan, not a hundred yuan, nor a thousand yuan. We must know where it was spent. Nobody can just come to us and say they’ve done something, about to ruin everything, and we have to help.
Have grandpa and dad forgotten about Second Uncle breaking Grandma’s arm? I’m not doubting Third Uncle, but many things need careful scrutiny. I won’t be a fool easily, nor do I want you all to be one alongside me."(To be continued. If you enjoy this work, you’re invited to visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendations and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com to read.)