Chapter 122. Worried

Gu Zi was a little upset because of Su Shen's disregard for consequences.

Resolute in her decision to remain silent, she fetched some medicine upon noticing his injury had slightly split open and proceeded to apply it to him.

Su Shen was aware that Gu Zi was displeased, yet if this situation were to repeat itself, he would still act the same.

Su Shen watched as she applied the medicine on him. Her long hair cascaded like seaweed down her shoulders to her waist.

Gu Zi possessed the curves that men adored — a slender waist and shapely, round buttocks.

Her breasts were in the shape of water droplets that aroused a heated response. He saw that she wasn't wearing any underwear that night.

Sensing the increasing intensity of the man's gaze, Gu Zi fought to mask the desire in her eyes.

In Gu Zi's view, he appeared angry, but she couldn't quite grasp the reason behind it.

Her annoyance translated into added force in her hands, causing a slight frown and a sheen of cold sweat on his forehead.

He heard Gu Zi say, "You're tough. Endure the pain; don't shout out in pain."

Speaking of which, she didn't know how to conclude this matter. Breaking someone's leg was probably not a trivial matter.

Regardless, this situation arose because of her, and she didn't want Su Shen to go to jail because of her.

Su Shen's expression was grim, his eyes harboring a dark hostility. He retorted coldly, "Don't bother."

Upon hearing this, Gu Zi truly felt upset. What did he mean by telling her not to bother?

They were on the verge of getting their marriage certificate, and now she wasn't allowed to be concerned?

"Fine, I won't bother. Boss Su knows best." With that, she turned to go upstairs, but suddenly, her wrist was grabbed by him.

He exerted a little strength and Gu Zi was pulled towards him. She spread her legs and sat on his lap.

Certain parts of their bodies were closely pressed together; the posture was as ambiguous as it could be.

In just a few seconds, the man's body temperature caused Gu Zi to tremble slightly.

His hand rested on her lower back, enveloping her entirely. It felt like a more intimate embrace.

His chin nestled on her shoulder, his breath as hot as fire, almost scorching her.

In a hoarse voice, he explained, "That's not what I meant. I'll handle it,"

Gu Zi was genuinely too worried. Now, upon hearing his explanation, she was no longer angry.

Nestling into his arms, she softly said, "Su Shen, you said we were going to register our marriage. I don't want anything to happen to you. You can't go to jail."

So, she was worried about him going to jail. This woman was truly adorable!

Su Shen's anger had also subsided a lot. His eyes returned to their usual darkness as he gently reassured her, "No, I will marry you."

It was perhaps due to their honest confirmation of their relationship as lovers that they felt much closer to each other.

"You'd better live up to your words. I can't offer you nourishment for nothing," Gu Zi remarked.

Su Shen was speechless. Their moment of tenderness was derailed by this sentence.

Only then did Gu Zi realize she had inadvertently shared half of what was in her heart!

Feeling that there was no point in saying anything more at this moment, Su Shen let go of her hand, and she got off his lap.

"Don't worry about this anymore," Su Shen assured her.

With that, Su Shen left the house. Gu Zi went upstairs to check on Su Le and slept with her for a while.

It was only when Su Le woke up that Gu Zi carried her downstairs.

As she descended, she noticed a group of women gathered outside the courtyard, discussing what had just happened.

At the forefront was Aunt Fang, loudly spreading rumors, alleging that Gu Zi was the cause of the worsening relationship between Su Shen and his sister.

According to the rumors, Tian Hai had come to defend his girlfriend, but Su Shen was too bewitched by Gu Zi, ignoring even his own sister and directly breaking Tian Hai's leg.

Gu Zi's train of thought was that she could choose to ignore them if they were criticizing her, but if they were criticizing her man, she had to act.

She prepared some milk powder for Su Le, seating her on the sofa. "Mommy is going to deal with the bad guys now. Lele, be good and drink your milk, okay?" "Mommy will deal with the bad guys!" Su Le nodded and echoed.

Outside the courtyard, Aunt Fang was speaking animatedly when the door to the Su family's courtyard opened from within.

Gu Zi gazed at Aunt Fang coldly.

Seeing Gu Zi emerge, the other women were taken aback. They hadn't expected her to confront them openly. This time, there was something truly worth watching.

Gu Zi also knew they enjoyed drama, so she decided to give them a real spectacle today..

...

Chapter 123. Making It Clear

Aunt Fang was just speaking enthusiastically, but upon seeing Gu Zi emerge, she smiled coyly, portraying an image of both tender compliance and an aversion to confrontation.

"Why do you city folks speak so harshly? When did I spread rumors about your family? I don't tell lies."

Her shifty eyes were watchful of every movement around her, as if prepared at any moment to defame or incite anyone.

She looked as if she was ready to slander or incite anyone at any time.

She already had an appearance that liked to stir up trouble. How could she hope to feign a rational demeanor?

Observing her performance, Gu Zit s lips curled with a disdainful smile. Her acting skills were truly poor.

"What 'city people' or 'country folk'? Which city dweller, when tracing back a generation or two, isn't from the countryside?"

Gu Zi's words initially surprised the surrounding women, but they soon echoed their agreement. Indeed, weren't city dwellers originally from rural areas too? Unexpectedly, Gu Zi wasn't as aloof as other city visitors usually were. She didn't consider herself superior.

Nonetheless, they still felt Gu Zi had gone too far; she shouldn't have prevented her younger sister-in-law from going home no matter what.

But people are like this; they say anything behind your back, but in person, they have many reservations.

Gu Zi was Su Shen's woman. Several villages relied on Su Shen to lead a good life. No one dared to directly accuse Gu Zi of being malicious.

Someone stepped forward to mediate, trying to please Gu Zi, "After all, Su Jing is Su Shen's real sister. Aunt Fang might have misunderstood. She speaks her mind and is straightforward. Please don't take it to heart."

"That's right. That's how it is in our village. Say what you need to say, and once it's spoken, everyone forgets about it."

"Indeed, this wasn't a big deal to begin with. Let's just disperse for now." Seeing everyone speak up for her, Aunt Fang felt even more at ease.

What if she could speak well as a city visitor? Not understanding the social rules of village life meant that she couldn't win people's hearts.

Although these words didn't outright accuse Gu Zi of malice, those who understood knew that it was more unsettling than directly labeling someone as malicious.

Gu Zi didn't retaliate, knowing that everyone had clarified that their comments weren't heartfelt. If she were to retaliate, she'd appear petty.

Gu Zi perfectly understood but wore a faint smile, composed and calm.

After the women who were trying to reconcile finished speaking, she finally chimed in, "What you said makes sense. I didn't come out here to argue. But Aunt Fang, on the day you witnessed everything, why didn't you clarify things then?"

People often don't remember what they've said but easily remember what others have said. That's why rumors and gossip can become formidable invisible weapons.

Understanding the importance of clarification, Gu Zi had the chance to address it in person. Even if others didn't understand, she'd feel much more relieved by speaking the truth.

When you dare to refute, those who want to slander you will be more wary before attempting to discredit you.

Aunt Fang sneered, "How didn't I clarify? You were planning to set the dogs on us. Dare you say you didn't?"

Gu Zi smiled slightly, "I indeed intended to set the dozs loose, but on that day, when Tian Hai came to deliver apples, I didn't let him in. How did that turn into me not allowing Su Jing in? Did you see Su Jing that day?"

"Th-that Tian Hai represents Su Jing, doesn't he? You didn't let Tian Hai in; it implies you look down on Su Jing!" Aunt Fang felt her argument was rational and argued loudly.

This statement evoked murmurs from the crowd. It turned out that Aunt Fang had exaggerated things.

But some people believed Aunt Fangs logic was reasonable. "Yes, Tian Hai is Su Jing's boyfriend. You didn't let him in; it indeed seems that way, so it's easy to misunderstand."

Aunt Fang, emboldened by someone siding with her, insisted, "Exactly! Seeing is believing!"

There wasn't a ripple in Gu Zi's bright eyes; she continued, "On that day, I was alone at home. When Tian Hai knocked, firstly, he didn't say Su Jing sent him to deliver the fruits. Secondly, in such a situation, any sensible man knows to avoid suspicion. So why would he insist on entering?"

Her tone was gentle, her words articulate, and her speech, calm and clear. After her remarks, she exuded a composed elegance, displaying an air of dignity..

...

Chapter 124. Underwear

Gu Zi's superiority made other women momentarily forget their jealousy and even harbor a liking for her.

The women found her words reasonable. If that was the case, Aunt Fang was the one stirring up trouble and causing chaos.

Everyone was from the same village, and deep down, they knew Aunt Fang's true character.

When they compared Aunt Fang's image to Gu Zi's, there was no need to debate whose words were more credible.

"That's right! Tian Hai shouldn't have done that! It's improper."

"Aunt Fang, your old habit is acting up again. You're talking nonsense again."

"It's totally unrealistic. Luckily, Little Su's wife is patient enough to explain to us crude folks."

Aunt Fang didn't expect this woman to turn the tables with just a few words. Seeing everyone change sides, she trembled with anger.

She said to Gu Zi, "Are you too self-absorbed that men have thoughts about you? Tian Hai is Su Jing's boyfriend. He probably hasn't thought of such things!"

Some women found Aunt Fang's words reasonable. Though Gu Zi was beautiful, she shouldn't be so defensive against men.

It seemed as if Gu Zi believed she was as beautiful as a celestial being and that all men harbored impure thoughts towards her?

"Little Su's wife is still an unmarried girl and shy. But Tian Hai is already family. You're overthinking it."

"That's right, we're all family. There's no need to be overly cautious. We shouldn't even set dogs on people."

"This makes it difficult for your man. Look, now you've injured Tian Hai. This creates so much trouble!"

Suddenly, it was Gu Zi at fault again. Some felt she had complicated matters.

Gu Zi felt a bit speechless inwardly. However, she wasn't afraid of this small situation. She looked at Aunt Fang and spoke with a suggestive tone.

"I wouldn't be so sensitive towards others, but Tian Hai's different. I don't like him, but it has nothing to do with Su Jing. Aunt Fang, you should be well aware of what kind of things Tian Hai says to women!"

Aunt Fang was momentarily speechless at this remark. "What do you mean?"

"I just wanted to return an item to you since everyone is here today." Gu Zi took out a piece of red cloth with something wrapped inside, but she didn't open it in front of everyone.

Gu Zi didn't want to touch the contents, so she directly handed it to Aunt Fang. However, Aunt Fang didn't take it, unable to recall what she had recently lost.

Aunt Fang, with a cold face, warily said, "Aren't you going to see what it is? Don't think about harming me!"

Upon hearing this, Gu Zi decided to open the red cloth. From it, she pulled out a peach blossom-patterned underwear with white stains.

She didn't want to hold onto it directly, so it was wrapped in red cloth. Suddenly, a strong fishy smell permeated the air.

The experienced women recognized the clumped and granular marks on it as dried semen.

When semen dries like this, it indicates that the man might be in poor health, possibly suffering from low sperm count.

Everyone knew Aunt Fang's husband worked away from home all year. Why would there be semen on her underwear?

Things seemed even more intriguing now. The women discussed, astonished and excited.

Aunt Fang grabbed the red cloth and wrapped it up.

The women in the village followed the custom and would embroider their names on their undergarments. She had no reason to say that it was not hers.

With an unchanging face, Aunt Fang said, "I must have accidentally lost it, surely taken by some man."

Gu Zi coughed lightly, saying, "This item was given to me by someone who found it. They saw Tian Hai sneakily leaving from under the peach tree and dropping this item, seeing your name embroidered on it, they asked me to return it to Tian Hai."

How could Aunt Fang's underwear end up in Tian Hai's hands? Him stealing it and then losing it doesn't make sense.

But if Aunt Fang voluntarily gave it to a man, that would make sense. The crowd looked at Aunt Fang with contemptuous eyes.

What relationship could there be between a woman who gave a man her underwear? Only lovers or spouses would have that kind of relationship.

But what kind of relationship was there between Aunt Fang and Tian Hai? Clearly, they were more than just friends!

All at once, everyone comprehended why Aunt Fang persistently stood up for Tian Hai, claiming Gu Zi barred him from entering her house.

Yet, Aunt Fang was resolute in her denial. "Gu Zi, you're attempting to set me up! You probably had someone steal my belongings, then ask some dirty guy to soil them!"

With just one witness, regardless of who saw it, there was no way to confirm if Tian Hai was the one who discarded the underwear..

...

Chapter 125. Aunt Fang Receives a Beating

In the midst of the chaos, Gu Zi stood her ground without resorting to personal attacks. "Whether or not I've slandered you, you know best."

The undergarment had been found by Aunt Zhang on that very day. She hadn't brought it up when she visited the Su family that night, only deciding to reveal it the next day.

It was when she heard Aunt Fang spreading vicious rumors about how Gu Zi was out to seize the Su family's assets, that Aunt Zhang really couldn't stand it anymore. She couldn't stand seeing such a woman continue to be arrogant.

With resolve, she handed the undergarment to Gu Zi and recounted how she found it.

Gu Zi had initially intended to return the item to her privately, intending to expose Tian Hai's true colors to Su Jing. However, since the other party had taken the initiative to come forward and fabricate stories outside the Su household, Gu Zi had no qualms about shaming her in public.

"Hmph! No matter what you say, it's all your own fabrication! You're just trying to frame me!" Aunt Fang pointed her finger at Gu Zi, cursing.

Two of the women who were good friends with Aunt Fang had sneaked away. They were also good friends with Tian Hai, so they did not dare to stay any longer to avoid getting into trouble.

Other women were familiar with Aunt Fang's character. This incident was precisely in line with her capabilities; she had slept with many men both inside and outside the village.

They just hadn't expected Tian Hai to be this kind of person. No wonder Gu Zi refused to let him in. She was beautiful and clever, and she was just safeguarding her reputation. How could someone like Aunt Fang compare?

But why was Su Jing still so reluctant to part ways with that man? With Su Shen's business acumen, why was Su Jing acting so foolishly?

While everyone was contemplating this, Su Jing unexpectedly burst into the crowd from some direction, grabbing Aunt Fang by her hair and pulling her backward.

Before Aunt Fang could react, she was thrown to the ground by Su Jing, who then sat on her waist and delivered several slaps to her face.

"You shameless woman! Daring to seduce my man! If I don't smash your face today, I won't be surnamed Su" With every word, more handprints appeared on Aunt Fang's face, and blood trickled from her lips.

Seeing Su Jing's intimidating demeanor, the onlookers dared not intervene.

Even Gu Zi was momentarily stunned by Su Jing's actions. She hadn't expected the Su family members to be so violent.

Gu Zi briefly checked on Su Le before stepping outside again. By then, Aunt Fang had been dragged around by Su Jing for a while, covered in blood and mud, looking utterly disheveled.

Jin Long rushed over and restrained Su Jing. "Do you want to end up in jail over some man? That's enough!"

Originally heading to the hospital, Su Jing learned about Tian Hai and Aunt Fang's affair on the way. She even found a red ribbon from Aunt Fang's possession, seemingly torn from a woman's undergarment.

Su Jing was infuriated. She kicked Tian Hai several times in anguish before instructing the driver to stop the car.

After alighting, she ran back, seemingly losing control. Jin Long, understanding her intentions, directed the driver to take the injured to the hospital first, then followed Su Jing back.

After Su Jing was restrained, she threw the red ribbon onto Aunt Fang. "Take your rotten cloth strip! I'll slap you every time I see you from now on!"

Finally noticing, the spectators realized Aunt Fang's undergarment was indeed missing a red ribbon.

Aunt Fang scuttled away amidst the crowd's reproach, her clothes torn, her face swollen, her dirty hair dampened with the women's saliva.

Returning home in a rush, she didn't anticipate her partner, who hadn't been away for even a month, waiting inside with a menacing look.

Aunt Fang didn't like her partner; she found him ugly and unworthy of her. However, due to poverty, she had married him for financial reasons. Avoiding intimacy with him, she often cited their future happiness to send him off to work in distant places, while she entertained herself with any man she fancied.

Without a word, the man kicked her in the stomach, sending her flying. He proceeded to grab her hair, slamming her head onto the ground, causing blood to gush out. "You despicable woman! I've toiled and sweated to earn money for you, and you dare to run around with other men? I'll kill you!"

Meanwhile, at the Su family household, Gu Zi held Le Le in her arms on one side, while Jin Long and Su Jing sat on the other.

Su Jing was the first to speak up. "About the fruit incident, I'll admit that it was a misunderstanding on my part. However, I'll still keep an eye on you. Don't think you can take anything from our Su family!"

Gu Zi smiled faintly and replied, "Then let's consider this matter settled. Su Jing, you'll always be Su Shen's younger sister. Don't think too much and ruin it yourself.."

...

Chapter 126. Financial Power

"I certainly won't allow you to monopolize the Su family!" Su Jing raised her chin and stood up, beckoning Jin Long to leave with her.

Jin Long said, "Sister-in-law, she's just that kind of brainless person. You don't have to bother with her," before following suit and leaving.

Gu Zi naturally paid no heed to what Su Jing said. After the two left, she started preparing dinner.

While she was cooking, Su Bing came in right after two dishes were done. The next three dishes were under his supervision, with Gu Zi offering guidance.

When it was time for dinner, Su Shen hadn't returned home yet, so Gu Zi and the three children went ahead and ate first. This was because Su Shen had previously mentioned that they didn't need to wait for him if he hadn't returned by mealtime.

After dinner, Gu Zi and the children watched TV in the living room, snacked on treats, and had some herbal jelly.

When Su Shen returned, Gu Zi was feeling a bit sleepy and was about to take Lele upstairs to sleep.

"Have you eaten?" she asked, sitting on the sofa and looking up at him. Her feet were on the sofa, but when she was about to get off, she did not see her slippers.

"I've eaten. I have something to tell you," Su Shen said, picking up Gu Zi's light green plastic slippers. He walked over, squatted down beside her, and Gu Zi's face grew slightly warm.

Was he going to help her put on her shoes? The mature man actually knew how to be romantic!

However, she felt a bit embarrassed and said, "Su Shen, I can manage it myself. "

But Su Shen insisted on doing it this way, firmly holding her ankle. In a deep voice, he said, "You're my girlfriend. Don't be polite with me."

He gently slipped the slipper onto her foot, and his gaze involuntarily scanned her fair and tender foot, a hint of subtle desire flickering in his eyes.

This woman was about to marry him; he would tightly hold onto her and never let her slip away.

Her ankle felt warm under his grasp. "Alright, let's go upstairs."

"Okay." He released her foot, stood up with his tall figure, and Gu Zi looked at him. Under the lamplight, his mature and handsome face became more charming.

Her eyes narrowed slightly, feeling a bit dizzy. She unexpectedly remembered the scene from her dream, where he loomed over her like a fierce black wolf...

A faint smile curved on Su Shen's lips. He bent down, picked Su Le up and headed upstairs.

Gu Zi tapped her face lightly, then followed, instructing Su Bing and Su Bing to turn off the TV and go to bed early.

After the two entered Gu Zi's room, Su Shen placed Su Le on the bed and said, "I need to get something."

"This is originally your room, you can take whatever you need," Gu Zi replied.

What Su Shen wanted was on top of the wardrobe, but with his height and long arms, he easily reached it.

He retrieved a seemingly ordinary wooden box secured with a small copper lock. Su Shen handed the key and the wooden box to Gu Zi. "I need to manage some affairs related to the pig farm. Sometimes I might not have the time, so I'll leave the household finances to you."

Gu Zi liked money and had mentioned that she admired men with financial capabilities.

Su Shen had learned quite a bit of theory during his free time. In love, one must cater to the other's preferences, while marriage required mutual trust.

Regardless of their current relationship as lovers or future spouses, Su Shen believed that he should entrust the household finances to her entirely. He was willing to have complete trust in her.

Gu Zi initially thought it was just a small gift, but after hearing him, she realized his intention: he wanted to hand over the household's financial control to her!

"Are you sure?" Gu Zi's pupils dilated. After all, they hadn't even registered their marriage yet.

Su Shen nodded firmly, "Sure. You have the right to manage the money and belongings inside."

Curious, Gu Zi examined the box and asked, "Can I take a look at what's inside?"

Su Shen used the key to open the small copper lock. Seeing what was inside, Gu Zi's mouth formed a perfect 'O' shape.

Inside lay a passbook and approximately half a box of gold necklaces! Leaving aside how much money was in the passbook, if the gold were sold, it wouldn't be a small sum!

Gu Zi picked up the passbook, a red-colored book with the words "Current Savings Passbook, People's Bank" written on it.

So, in this era, there was already a savings deposit service in the People's Bank. Each transaction inside was handwritten.

After checking the balance, Gu Zi realized that Su Shen was indeed a wealthy man! He was even wealthier than what outsiders knew.

She confirmed again, "You're handling control of all these to me? Aren't you worried that I might lose it?"

After all, without an ID card, taking a passbook to withdraw money was easy. That posed quite a substantial risk to Su Shen.

Su Shen shook his head, "I'm not worried. I believe you have the ability to manage it properly. And even if something goes wrong, I'm willing to share the responsibility with you.."

...