Chapter 117-121
Chapter 117. A Romantic Bike Ride
Su Shen closed his eyes and imagined the soft touch of the woman's delicate hands. His breathing gradually intensified, and a tingling sensation spread throughout his body with a heavy gasp, but in that moment, clarity returned to his eyes.
In the yard, the two brothers who had just returned from school were gathered around two brand-new bicycles, inspecting them closely.
Seeing Gu Zi come out, Su Li couldn't contain his excitement and asked,
"Stepmom, is this what Dad got us?"
Gu Zi noticed the bicycles only then. Su Shen's generosity indeed carried a strong hint of wealth.
In this era, those who rode bicycles weren't ordinary people. Yet, Su Shen had purchased two at once!
"It seems so. It'll be much more convenient for you to ride to and from school," Gu Zi smiled.
At this time, Su Shen walked out and walked to Gu Zi's side. He said to the brothers, , "After school from now on, you'll learn how to ride these bicycles." The brothers nodded in agreement, eagerly touching and feeling the bicycles.
Su Li could already imagine himself riding confidently into the school's bicycle shed!
Watching the bicycles before him, Su Bing admired Su Shen even more. When he grew up, he also wanted to become a capable person like Dad and provide the best for his family.
Gu Zi raised her eyes, looking at the man beside her. He was tall and well-built, with broad shoulders and a narrow waist.
He had just taken a shower and was wearing a white singlet. Some of the water droplets on his hair slid down his well-defined face, while others fell on his sexy collarbone and chest.
This unexpectedly appealing sight stirred something in her!
He was just talking to the kids, but suddenly turned to her. The play of light and shadow in his eyes made the atmosphere inexplicably flirtatious.
"I'll take you for a ride and demonstrate to Su Bing and the others how to ride a bicycle," Su Shen said in a low voice.
Looking at the woman's reddened face, he could not help but smile. She was so shy yet daring.
This woman seemed to only think about nourishing him, but Su Shen now doubted if she had considered what to do after his "nourishment." His recent behavior in the bathroom might have startled her.
Gu Zi felt that there was something wrong with Su Shen's gaze today, but she did not know where to start discussing it.
Riding a bike together with a lover seemed rather romantic! But these old-fashioned bikes might pose a challenge.
She initially thought they'd each ride a bike, so she was a bit concerned. But then she realized that wasn't what Su Shen intended at all.
He only pushed one bike out and gestured for her to sit at the back.
Extending his long legs, Su Shen effortlessly mounted the front seat of the bicycle. Even with his legs not fully stretched, he said, "Get on, hold on tight."
Without hesitation, Gu Zi sat on the rear seat, tightly wrapping her arms around his waist. His broad back gave her a sense of security.
The bike surged forward at a decent speed, yet it was steady.
The wind gently caressed her face, but for some reason, her face was a little hot. She couldn't help but want to laugh. Perhaps this was what being in love felt like!
As the sun set, the bicycle drew a long and happy shadow across the fields, attracting the attention of many people on the road and in the fields.
Some people envied Su Shen for being smart and knowing how to make money. To buy such good bikes, not just one but two at once!
Others envied Gu Zi's luck in choosing a good and rich man. Many were scared off by Su Shen's strict marriage conditions, but not her. Now it was all good; following Su Shen meant enjoying a lot of comfort!
There were also people who couldn't bear to see others happy, so their tone was very sour.
They said Su Shen was just putting on a show, after all, they hadn't obtained the marriage certificate yet.
They said after she registered her marriage, Gu Zi would also become an old woman. She would do laundry, cook, and take care of the children at home every day.
And they claimed Gu Zi had ulterior motives, coveting Su Shen's wealth. As soon as her position in the Su family was stable, she would be like Su Shen's previous wife.
But at that moment, seated on the back of the bike, Gu Zi was content. This feeling of being in love seemed just right!
In her past, she had seen plenty of romantic dramas where the lead couple displayed their love by kissing and hugging at every moment to highlight the sweetness.
It wasn't that such gestures weren't appropriate, but jumping right into cuddling and sleeping together at the start seemed to cheapen the experience. Maybe it was fine, but it lacked that emotional depth.
She asked Su Shen, "Is this your idea of a romantic date?"
The bike traversed a bumpy road, shaking vigorously a few times, and Gu Zi instinctively clung tightly to the man's sturdy back.
Reassuringly, he said, "Sort of. Don't worry, I won't fall, or let you get dirty.."
...
Chapter 118. Learning to Ride
The man's voice was deep and carried a convincing gravity.
Gu Zi nodded as Su Shen steered the bicycle to a spacious area and turned back.
By this time, more people were on the road, returning from the fields to have their meals at home.
In the crowd walked Aunt Fang, who also caught sight of this beautiful and conspicuous scene.
She was seething with jealousy! This Gu Zi not only looked good but also married such a great man.
Unlike her, who had gone through dozens of men and still hadn't found a reliable one!
She grabbed the arm of a woman nearby and spoke in a spiteful tone, "These city-bred pretty women are all hidden vipers. Don't you know? She bullied poor Su Jing, not allowing her into the house and complaining that Su Jing's gift wasn't valuable enough."
The women's expressions turned subtle upon hearing this, their envy transforming into jealousy.
"Su Shen is doing better and better. This woman is really scheming. I was wondering why she dared to marry without having children."
"Now, her true colors are out, right? Bullying her little sister-in-law now; later, she'll bully those three children."
"She only pretends to be gentle. Remember the day she wanted to set a dog on Su Jing's man? If you don't believe me, ask Aunt Fang."
Seizing the opportunity to slander again, Aunt Fang said, "From being malicious sister-in-law now to being a malicious stepmother later. It's all predestined!"
"I heard Su Shen bought her parents a red brick house at the entrance of the neighboring village. She's quite cunning! Practically a fox spirit reincarnated."
"What?! If three thousand yuan was not enough for the betrothal gift, how dare she want a house from the Su family? Such a greedy woman..."
Meanwhile, Gu Zi and Su Shen were almost at their doorstep, unaware that their brief outing had already painted Gu Zi as a fox spirit by those people's descriptions.
In any case, reality was like this. Where there were people, there would be society. Where there was society, there'd be a social circle.
This inevitably led to gossip and disputes, especially in small communities where everyone knew each other, giving some a sense of arrogance because, after all, they were just gossiping within the village, unlikely to escalate into something significant.
Gu Zi and Su Shen entered the courtyard, where Su Bing had conscientiously finished the remaining bit of his homework.
Su Shen called Su Bing out to learn first, and Su Li sat nibbling his pen, his face filled with envy.
Gu Zi lifted Su Le, took a small stool, and walked over. She sat beside Su Li and said, "It's okay, focus on your writing. I and Lele are here with you."
Su Li then resumed writing. After a few minutes, he looked up, biting his lip, and asked, "Can you teach me? These questions are too difficult, especially math. Every time I finish my math homework, I feel like my head's grown a size bigger."
Gu Zi glanced at his problems; they were just basic primary school math questions, which were no problem for her, a graduate from a prestigious school.
Rather than directly providing answers, she took his notebook and explained the relevant calculation formulas to him.
Enthralled by the scent of his stepmother's hair, Su Li was captivated. After Gu Zi finished explaining, he exclaimed in surprise, "Stepmom, I don't feel sleepy when you explain math to me!"
"Good! You're really clever, Su Li. Then, hurry and finish your homework!" Gu Zi encouraged him.
Filled with renewed energy, Su Li quickly completed his tasks.
When Su Bing came back and saw that Su Li's answers and formula were accurate and logical, he suspected that his stepmother had helped Su Li.
Su Shen walked over and took the notebook. Su Li became especially cautious and did not dare to move.
After a while, Su Shen's gaze fell on Su Li. In a deep voice, he said, "Good job. Come and learn to ride a bike with me."
Su Li's eyes sparkled. Dad just said his homework was good? That was so cool!
Excited, he glanced at his stepmom and hurriedly followed his dad's steps.
Su Shen first took him for a ride before letting him sit in the front seat. Then, he swapped to the back seat to provide some stability and let Su Li try paddling.
Initially, Su Li was quite scared, but because he could see his father behind him every time he turned, he finally relaxed and started practicing.
After dinner, Su Li panted as he reported on his progress, "Although I fell once, I'll continue practicing tomorrow!"
Su Bing deliberately provoked him coldly, "Actually, you don't need to learn. I already know how to ride; I'll take you.."
...
Chapter 119. My Health Is Fine
Su Li waved his hand vigorously. "No, Big Brother. Stepmother says I'm also a man, just like you and Dad. I need to have the ability to protect the women in our family, just like you two!"
Gu Zi looked at Su Li in surprise. As expected of the future underworld boss!
In reality, all she did was to make him absorb the points she was trying to teach by saying he was a boy, just like an older brother.
She believed that anyone willing to put in the effort could become a fine gentleman like their father. Little did she expect him to infer other meanings from her words.
Su Bing stood up, ready to tidy up the dishes. "Oh, really? I need to see actions, then. "
Knowing his brother's character well, Su Bing knew that although he boasted about being invincible at times, he tended to give up easily. He intentionally said those words to provoke him.
Chin held high, Su Li's eyes gleamed with determination. "Big brother, just wait and watch. I'll definitely live up to my words!"
Joining his brother, Su Li swiftly helped with the chores, quickly cleaning up the dining table.
As they were about to wash dishes in the kitchen, Gu Zi called them over. "Hold on before washing up. Let's each have a bowl of snow clam stewed with milk."
Su Bing and Su Li gazed at the milky white liquid in front of them, with semi-transparent objects floating inside, along with red dates.
They weren't familiar with what snow clams were, but they assumed those semi-transparent items were the clams.
Upon tasting, they found it surprisingly pleasant. The clams had a slight fishy taste, but it was subdued by the mild ginger flavor, becoming somewhat fragrant. The texture was delicate and smooth to chew, combined with the aroma of milk and red dates, resembling a dessert.
"Why aren't you eating, Su Shen?" Gu Zi and Lele finished a bowl each and noticed Su Shen's hesitation, prompting her to ask.
With a hint of bitterness in his smile, Su Shen felt utterly helpless. He should have refused, but he couldn't bear to reject this woman, who simply wanted to improve his health.
He took a spoonful before saying, "Gu Zi, I think I've had enough nutrition today. You and the kids should have more. My health is fine, no need to worry."
The phrase "no need to worry" from a man could convey subtle nuances, but it was challenging to provoke thoughts in someone who had already concluded he had sexual dysfunction.
Narrowing her eyes slightly, Gu Zi wasn't worried about his physical health; it was his performance she was concerned about!
A thirty-year-old man, previously married but disinterested in women, made Gu Zi doubt his capabilities.
However, this matter couldn't be rushed. Men had strong pride in this regard, something she understood.
She said, "Give your portion to the kids. Eating too much in a day isn't good. Su Bing, Su Li, your bodies need the nutrition, have some more."
Su Shen divided his bowl between the two children, feeling a sense of relief. At least he wouldn't have to take a cold shower that night.
Yet, he wasn't sure if Gu Zi had taken in his earlier words.
The next day, when they returned for lunch, and she served another bowl of milk stewed with snow clams, Su Shen understood that this woman hadn't taken his words to heart.
Her bright eyes anticipated him drinking it, and he couldn't resist her gaze. She came to marry him without any complaints, pure-hearted, kind, and beautiful. So beautiful that he couldn't bear to let her go. He wanted to devote himself entirely to caring for her.
Resignedly, Su Shen drank another bowl, then looked her straight in the eyes. "Gu Zi, once I'm done with my current commitments, let's register our marriage. Are you willing?"
He wanted to marry her immediately, but before that, he had to provide an explanation to Gu Zi about Tian Hai's matter. If mishandled, he wouldn't be qualified to marry her.
His brows furrowed, exuding a compelling aura with a touch of affection in his eyes, and even his thin lips seemed softer.
The moment Gu Zi heard this, her mind went blank, leaving only her heart pounding in her chest.
She thought their relationship only needed formalization when the time was right for a certificate. She never expected him to specifically ask.
Su Shen's approach was spot on, leaving her with no room for hesitation.
"Okay."
Seeing her immediate acceptance, Su Shen couldn't suppress a gentle smile. He walked up to Gu Zi, the coldness in his eyes melting into tenderness, and opened his arms. "May I have a hug?"
Ever since that stormy night's embrace, he had fallen in love with this feeling. He yearned to hold her frequently..
...
Chapter 120. Slander To His Face
Gu Zi nodded, wrapping her arms around his waist, responding to his query with action.
His arms encircled her in return, feeling the warmth and softness of her body. The embrace involuntarily tightened a bit.
If Gu Zi had a third-person perspective at this moment, she would have seen the usually stern-faced man smiling brightly, displaying an aura of complete possession.
"Su Shen, you... you feel a bit hot!" Gu Zi sensed the high temperature emanating from Su Shen's body. Even through the fabric of their clothes, she distinctly felt the heat of his body.
Her breath grew erratic, and she gently pushed him away. But soon, Su Shen pulled her back into his embrace again, his tone carrying strong restraint. "Gu Zi, please don't push me away for now."
This time, Gu Zi felt more like she was being captivated in his arms. His head buried in the nape of her neck, emitting warmth.
From her ears to the nape of her neck, she felt ticklish. Gu Zi felt her waist loosening.
She had always been focused on nourishing Su Shen. She had never thought about how she, who was single in her previous life, should deal with a man's feelings.
She was craving Su Shen's body, but it seemed that she was a little careless.
Su Shen asked, "Gu Zi, do you mind my age?" The woman in his arms was only eighteen, a budding flower yet to bloom.
Gu Zi shook her head and said gently, "You're mature. You have a good income and you are considerate. I like you."
Su Shen's lips curved slightly. He had forgotten, this woman loved money.
However, he felt that it was better for Gu Zi to be a money-grubber. He would earn money to satisfy this little money-grubber.
He could give her what she needed. This would bring him a great sense of satisfaction, even greater than the satisfaction he felt when he negotiated a big order.
"Are you done? I think there's someone outside in the yard." Gu Zi, through the partially open door, could see some shadows.
"Um, yeah." Su Shen released her, turned around, and opened the door. Outside were none other than Su Jing and Tian Hai.
Gu Zi also noticed the two. Su Jing seemed ready for a confrontation, wearing heels and pursing her lips tightly.
But Tian Hai's face was even more sensational, showing that he had had an eventful few days.
His face was swollen like a pig's head, as if he had been stung by a bee. There was a bandage wrapped around his head, and he was unable to wear his usual sunglasses.
He limped as he walked, looking like he had met with retribution.
The moment Su Jing saw Gu Zi, it seemed like she found a target for her grievances.
She complained to Su Shen that Gu Zi looked down on her and threw away the fruits she bought for her nephews.
She also claimed that Gu Zi said she couldn't return to the Su family, calling her a troublemaker.
Su Shen didn't say a word, his gaze chillingly fixed on Tian Hai.
Tian Hai felt a chill down his spine and hid behind Su Jing. She defended, "Brother, I'm talking about Gu Zi to you. Why are you glaring at him like that? Don't you know he's also a victim!"
A thin layer of red appeared at the corners of Su Shen's eyes. His dark gaze resembled an icy tundra. "Were those words said to you by Gu Zi herself, or did Tian Hai tell you?"
"Brother Shen, I'm telling the truth! This woman is not honest at all. She even tried to seduce me!" After speaking, Tian Hai hid behind Su Jing, thinking he would be safe there.
Originally, he didn't want to provoke Su Shen face-to-face, but he had been really unlucky lately.
Every time he went out, he was either accidentally hit on the head or stumbled upon a steel bar, falling flat on his face.
One day, when he was trying to steal someone's bicycle to sell for money, he was caught. They beat him up, made him limp, and he had to repay money just to settle things, almost ending up in jail.
Even when he arranged to meet a woman for some happy hour, he was attacked by bees. Not only did he miss out on fun, but he also ended up with a head full of swellings!
Tian Hai attributed all of this to not successfully seducing Gu Zi. Everything went wrong for him. He couldn't let this woman have it easy!
But at this moment, he regretted his rashness. Su Shen was not someone to be trifled with, and now Tian Hai dared not lift his head.
The next moment, Su Jing was pushed aside, and Tian Hai was kicked away. His cries of pain attracted the attention of passersby.
"You scumbag! Dare to say Gu Zi seduced you? Say it again, and I'll beat you again!" Su Shen's eyes were cold as he spoke.
Su Jing hurried over to help her boyfriend, and Gu Zi quickly pulled Su Shen back.
She felt that Su Shen's kick was exceptionally satisfying! Right now, she felt no sadness and saw no reason to be troubled by the slander of such a person.
But she couldn't let Su Shen act again; more violence would only lead to trouble..
...
Chapter 121. Shit Hits the Fan
"Su Shen, how could you hit me? You're being unreasonable!" Tian Hai was helped up by Su Jing, trembling and shouting as he crawled away.
He never expected Su Shen to directly resort to violence. And since Su Shen had military experience, Tian Hai was just here to receive a beating.
He instantly regretted coming with Su Jing. He should have let this foolish woman come alone to make a scene!
"Let's not resort to violence; let's talk it out," Gu Zi held onto the man's hand, unwilling to let go.
At this moment, Su Shen's face was filled with a heavy sense of ruthlessness. Tian Hai, that weakling, seemed entirely defenseless.
Su Shen's eyes were crimson. Despite being a mature and steady thirty-year-old man, he now appeared to have the impetuosity of a youth.
"If something happens, I'll take responsibility. But, he must pay the price if he dares to slander you!" He had initially thought to resolve this trouble later, but since the other party had come to him, it was time to settle the score.
When the man was furious, Gu Zi could not hold him back at all.
She simply let go of her hand, and Su Shen rushed toward Tian Hai.
"Su Shen, how can you be responsible if something happens? Just let him go." Gu Zi said.
Only then did the man stop his steps, his gaze still glinting with coldness, like an ice blade that could pierce through the opponent's heart.
Scared, Tian Hai kept retreating, his face flushed with anger, feeling more and more aggrieved.
He hadn't done anything, yet he ended up being beaten like this.
Seeing Su Shen being advised by Gu Zi and refraining from further action, Tian Hai's arrogant demeanor inflated again.
He dared not look at Su Shen and only loudly cursed at Gu Zi, "It's all because of you, seducing me, swinging your hips! You won't admit it and let your man beat me up! I'll sue you both!"
Gu Zi couldn't believe that just wanting to avoid a big scene would result in such humiliation.
Tears welled up in her beautiful eyes as she stood still, no longer intending to stop Su Shen.
Holding a stick, Su Shen walked toward Tian Hai. Seeing him serious, Su Jing screamed and fled.
With a "thud", Tian Hai fell to the ground and clutched his leg, letting out a piercing scream.
Jin Long who had been stalking Tian Hai, followed him and Su Jing back to Daqing Village.
As soon as he returned, he saw Tian Hai on the ground. He knew something big would happen today.
Su Shen was usually cold and didn't talk much, nor did he ever take advantage of others. But if someone truly provoked him or hurt someone he cared about, he would act decisively.
It seemed that in Su Shen's heart, Gu Zi had become someone significant. Otherwise, he wouldn't have done something so reckless without considering the consequences.
Jin Long didn't panic, just asking, "If we don't rush him to the hospital, his leg might be permanently damaged. Should we take him?"
Seeing the man on the ground, Su Jing shouted, "Of course, we need to go! Brother, he is my boyfriend. Why would you treat me like this?"
It was the first time she had heard Tian Hai insult a woman like that, and she was also surprised. Tian Hai's behavior was completely different from what she usually saw, but he was still her boyfriend.
Jin Long couldn't bear it anymore, "Boyfriend? Su Shen is your brother! He has given you money whenever you asked, and when did he ever say no to you coming back home?"
It was Su Jing herself who found these troublesome nephews annoying and didn't want to come back home.
She disliked that the Su family was still in the countryside and was less convenient than the city.
Jin Long didn't know where Su Jing found such trash as Tian Hai. He had long been unable to bear it.
Su Shen dropped the stick and sneered, "There will always be a place for you in the Su family. But if you want to ruin your life for such a man, I have nothing to say. You can ask Jin Long; what has this man done behind your back?"
After saying this, Su Shen signaled to Jin Long. Annoyed, Jin Long hoisted Tian Hai onto his back and walked outside.
Seeing this, Su Jing, red-eyed, spoke to Su Shen, "I will find out the truth. If he hasn't done anything wrong, I won't forgive you!"
After speaking, Su Jing turned and briskly followed Jin Long's steps. The yard regained its calmness, leaving only Su Shen and Gu Zi.
Gu Zi didn't want to bother with the idle gossip outside and pulled Su Shen inside.
In the living room, the man's anger had not subsided as he sat silently.
Gu Zi went upstairs to check on Su Le who was napping and then came back down.
Both of them remained silent. Gu Zi approached to inspect his arm.
He had just removed the bandages and was now involved in a fight again because of her. She needed to check if the old wound was affected.
Actually, she wasn't angry at Su Shen's impulsive actions. People like Tian Hai were genuinely despicable and needed to be dealt with once and for all..
...
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