Chapter 142. Fortunately, He Has a Hidden Illness

Su Shen turned to see the disappointed looks in the two children's eyes, finally confirming that last night was no misconception—he was being avoided.

He initially thought that Gu Zi's place in the children's hearts had merely shifted, but it had reached a point where it was irreplaceable.

It appeared that whether he was present or not, Gu Zi always devoted herself to them wholeheartedly.

Sincere care begets the earnest reliance and support of the children.

During breakfast, Su Shen explained, "She went back to the Lin family because our wedding banquet is approaching, and she wants to spend time with her family."

The two children lifted their heads, not expecting their father to explain these things to them.

Su Li's eyebrows lifted in excitement. "So Stepmom isn't angry because you're so cold, and she's not leaving us, right?"

Uncle Jin Long had mentioned that Dad had a reserved temperament and usually had trouble getting along with women, so it was normal for his relationships not to go smoothly.

Yesterday, he thought Uncle Jin Long's words were coming true again and worried a lot, leading to his current outburst.

Su Shen was speechless. Was he that cold? It seemed that he had to be more enthusiastic and proactive toward Gu Zi.

Su Bing broke out in a cold sweat from worrying about his brother's emotional intelligence.

However, knowing that Dad and Stepmom didn't have a quarrel, his suspended anxiety also dissipated.

He said to his brother, "Finish your meal, you're getting confused from the slight cold."

Su Shen figured it out; they were afraid Gu Zi might leave. Indeed, not only were they afraid, he was afraid of losing her too.

He felt he couldn't wait for Gu Zi to return on her own. He wanted to go find her.

But he couldn't rush things; after all, they were intimate yesterday. Perhaps Gu zi had slipped away due to shyness.

After much consideration, he spoke up, "How about the day after tomorrow,Saturday? We go find her together?"

At these words, Su Li nodded eagerly, and though Su Bing didn't say much, he noticeably quickened his pace of eating noodles.

After finishing his meal, Su Bing started cleaning up. Su Shen was busy at the pig farm and didn't have time to prepare lunch for them.

He said, "Here's money for you. Buy lunch at school."

Su Bing replied, "Dad, we don't need it. I've learned to cook. Stepmom taught me. I'll prepare lunch myself. If you're busy in the evening, you don't need to rush back. I can cook."

Su Shen nodded, a look of contentment in his eyes, and replied, "Alright." He turned and left.

In the Little Lin Village, at the Lin family's house.

Gu Zi woke up early and made potato pancakes and pork congee with century egg for her family.

Li Hua looked at the exquisite breakfast on the table and praised, "Sis, you're so capable! But let me do it in the future. When you come back home, there's no reason for you to do anything. A woman visiting her family should be cared for by her family."

Li Hua thought that the current Gu Zi was so much better than the previous Lin Miao in every aspect.

"I woke up too early. I saw that there were ingredients in the kitchen, so I made something. Try it." Gu Zi said, picking up a piece of potato pancake for Li Hua.

At this moment, Mr. and Mrs. Lin and Lin Cheng also came over. They all praised Gu Zi' s cooking skills.

Gu Zi hadn't slept well last night; every time she closed her eyes, she'd see scenes of her and Su Shen being intimate.

She even vividly remembered the man's scorching touch. She knew she was getting addicted to Su Shen.

Gu Zi woke up very early today, noticing the slight swelling on her lips had subsided.

She recalled that when she arrived at the Lin family's house yesterday, everyone had looked at her with strange gazes. They had joked, "I was worried that they had quarreled. However, it seems that their relationship is very good!"

She only realized this morning that everyone was teasing her about her strange lips. She was instantly embarrassed and angry.

Su Shen had unexpectedly exerted so much force. Thankfully, he had an underlying issue; otherwise, she might not have been able to get out of bed yesterday.

She did not dare to think about it anymore. She had to say something to divert her attention.

"Brother, how do you feel about the socializing for work?" she asked Lin Cheng.

Lin Cheng paused in his meal of lean meat congee, appearing a tad uneasy when his sister directed a question at him. He set down his chopsticks, taking a moment before speaking. "It's not as challenging as I thought, but doing physical labor doesn't seem as..."

He scratched his head, briefly at a loss for words to articulate his thoughts.

"Do you perhaps mean socializing tires you out while rough work only demands physical strength?" Gu Zi suggested..

...

Chapter 143. Buying Dowry Items

Lin Cheng nodded repeatedly, his cheeks slightly flushed. "That's exactly it. Xiao Hua also mentioned to me that everything has an adaptation process; we don't want to embarrass you."

Starting out might be tough, but Lin Cheng was willing to adapt to changes for the sake of his family.

Gu Zi found her elder brother quite adorable. She encouraged, "Brother, you've got this. But if you feel overwhelmed by anything, make sure to communicate with Su Shen promptly."

Lin Cheng was about to speak when Lin Hun barged in, his eyes lighting up upon seeing Gu Zi. "Wow, the lady boss is such a beauty!"

Gu Zi nodded in acknowledgment, greeting him with a simple "Hello."

Lin Hun showered her with compliments, calling her a true swan. He remembered Lin Miao as somewhat pretty, but she paled in comparison!

Li Hua, witnessing Lin Hun sitting close to her husband and munching on his food, felt quite upset. Did Lin Hun have a vendetta against her? First, he wanted to snatch Lin Cheng from her, now he was trying to take him away again!

She pulled Lin Cheng closer, shooing Lin Hun away. "Could you stop trailing behind Ah Cheng?"

Lin Hun, thick-skinned as ever, grinned back. "Oh, Li Hua sister-in-law, I'm just here for some free food. I'm not trying to steal your husband."

Gu Zi was amused by Lin Hun's antics but didn't laugh. Instead, she busied herself, feeding food to Su Le in her arms.

Mrs. Lin said to Gu Zi, "Since you're back, it's perfect. We were thinking of getting some dowry items for you. Let's go together today."

Although they were rural folks and their financial situation was just getting a bit stable, marriage was a lifelong affair that warranted some attention to details.

They had initially planned to use the bride price to prepare the dowry for their daughter, but unfortunately, the money had disappeared.

However, now that Su Shen didn't ask for repayment, the money saved to repay the debt could be used to buy dowry items for their daughter.

Gu Zi was momentarily stunned upon hearing this. She hadn't expected this family to think this far ahead for her. Her eyes turned misty.

However, she felt that the Su family had everything they needed, and Su Shen had mentioned he would prepare the dowry; there was no need to burden them further.

She said, "Mom, Dad, your thoughts mean the world to me. Su Shen mentioned he'd take care of the dowry."

Her father added, "Daughter, listen to your mother. Although we don't have much, we also want to contribute."

Lin Cheng chimed in, "Gu Zi, please don't refuse. The more dowry, the better."

Lin Hun, with his mouth full of potato cake, mumbled, "Hmm, I'll come along too, Lady Boss. Me and Lin, we'll be your laborers!"

With everyone insisting, Gu Zi had no reason to decline. After finishing breakfast, she went into town with the Lin family. Mr. Lin stayed behind to watch the house and do some farming.

In town, they split up and quickly purchased the required items. Two dark red leather suitcases for the dowry, two yellow towels with red flower patterns, a red thermos, a pair of red "Double Happiness" porcelain cups, a pair of "Double Happiness" basins, a basin stand, and an exquisite makeup mirror in a red case.

The most celebratory items were undoubtedly the "Double Happiness" series, adorned with peonies and butterflies. The most eye-catching element was the "Double Happiness" mark.

It seemed they weren't wrong. It felt really different for her family to prepare the dowry items for her.

Mrs. Lin and Li Hua calculated the remaining money in their hands, as if they were afraid that they would not be able to use up all the money.

Li Hua said, "Mom, we still need to buy a pair of dragon and phoenix flower candles!"

From ancient times till now, lighting candles adorned with dragon, phoenix, and floral patterns on the wedding night was an essential ritual. It symbolized auspicious blessings for the marriage. In the eyes of the older generation, only after lighting the dragon and phoenix flower candles could a couple be considered officially married.

Mrs. Lin said, "I almost forgot. Ah Cheng and Lin Hun, you both wait here for us."

Then she brought her daughter and daughter-in-law to the red and white wedding shop in town. With the load Lin Cheng and Lin Hun had, it was indeed a wise choice for them not to join, saving them some effort.

The red and white wedding shop specialized in selling items for weddings and funerals. Gu Zi looked at the various dragon and phoenix flower candles displayed by the shop owner, finding the carvings exquisite.

It was evident that people in the past pursued a sense of ceremony just as much as those who claimed to be modern and civilized nowadays. Their aesthetics were truly exceptional.

The shop owner was summoned elsewhere, leaving the store clerk behind. On catching sight of Mrs. Lin and Li Hua's clothing, the clerk seemed to perceive them as rural folks. There was not much enthusiasm on her face..

...