Chapter 89: Disdain

Chapter 89: Chapter 89: Disdain

"You said it. He had such a good wife and still treated her that way. Let’s see if the next one he marries is even half as good. Such a shame, for a wonderful girl like her. If only she were my daughter-in-law, how wonderful that would be." An old woman suddenly appeared next to the neighbor.

"Your younger son’s kids are already running all over the place, but your eldest isn’t married yet, is he? This is perfect," the neighbor teased.

"Get out of here. My eldest son has no intention of getting married yet, and how could we, his parents, force him? I meant that I wish my son could also marry a wife who’s as capable and devoted to her family... Don’t you go twisting my words."

"Oh, so you’re not in a hurry now? Heh, I wonder who it was begging everyone and anyone to set your son up on a date," the neighbor called her out.

"It’s my business, and I’ll do as I please! I’ll be anxious when I feel like it and I won’t when I don’t. It’s none of your concern, is it?" The old woman turned away in a huff and left, refusing to speak with her any further.

’So what if my eldest son is a bit old and still unmarried? So what if our family’s circumstances aren’t the best? At the end of the day, no matter what his situation is, at least it would be his first marriage. How could he possibly be matched with a divorced woman who’s already had a child? If they were going to be a pair, it should have been back when she was still unmarried, still a young, innocent maiden. That would’ve been more like it.’

"She doesn’t even consider her own son’s situation, yet she’s still so picky. Even if you and your son took a liking to that girl, it’s not like she’d necessarily look twice at your family," the neighbor muttered, shaking her head at the old woman’s retreating back. "Sigh. This world is just so harsh on women. When you meet a lousy man, life is hard whether you divorce him or not."

But it wasn’t her business to begin with. After another shake of her head and a sigh, she put the matter out of her mind and slowly started for home.

Gu Jinhua quickly caught up to Gu Lihui. She didn’t know if it was psychological, but after hearing someone mention the heat, she, who hadn’t felt particularly warm before, suddenly found the sun unbearably bright. She raised a hand to shield her forehead. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed someone selling straw hats on the roadside. She hesitated for a moment but ultimately couldn’t bring herself to spend the few extra cents.

"What was there to talk to them about for so long?" Gu Lihui asked, clearly displeased.

"It wasn’t that long. They’re our neighbors; we see them all the time. When someone goes out of their way to greet you, I can’t just ignore them, can I?" Gu Jinhua replied nonchalantly.

"Whatever. I can’t stand those busybodies. They’ve got nothing better to do all day than gossip about everyone’s private lives. And they have such venomous tongues." The displeasure on Gu Lihui’s face was impossible to ignore. Gu Jinhua suddenly understood why her brother had thrown such a tantrum after leaving the hospital, refusing to go home right away. ’So he’s also afraid of people gossiping about his face.’

"We can’t control what other people say. Just don’t listen to them," she said. She sighed inwardly, her heart heavy with worry. ’I wonder if his face will ever go back to how it was.’

"Easy for you to say! Why don’t you try being in my shoes? It’s all that bitch Zhang Minzhen’s fault, and that ungrateful daughter she spawned. I should’ve strangled her the moment she was born. I will make their lives a living hell... She thinks she can divorce me without me taking a pound of flesh? Hah, in her dreams. Even if we do divorce, I’m not giving her that ungrateful daughter. I’ll hang the girl up and beat her three times a day! Let’s see if those two can still smile then!"

Gu Lihui scoffed, blaming Zhang Minzhen and Gu Nuan Nuan for everything he now had to face. He especially resented Gu Nuan Nuan. The thought that the two of them had just left him to his own devices for the past few days fueled his hatred for the mother-daughter pair. His mind filled with images of how he would torment them, and a cold, sinister laugh escaped his lips.

Gu Jinhua froze mid-step, goosebumps crawling all over her skin.

’Her brother had been in the hospital these past few days, and with so many people coming and going, they hadn’t told him everything yet. If he knew that both families had already agreed for him and his wife to get divorced the moment he was discharged, he would surely raise hell. But it would be useless. She remembered what her mother had told her; her brother’s fate was essentially in the hands of the Zhang and Lin Families. His vicious plans would never come to pass. In the end, he would have no choice but to compromise.’

She lowered her head and just kept walking, pretending she hadn’t heard a word Gu Lihui said. ’I’m actually a little scared of him now. Since his face was injured, his temper has become so volatile and strange. He never used to throw or break things, no matter how angry he got, but now... Ugh, never mind. Someone will tell him what’s going on when he gets home. It’s best if I don’t stir up any more trouble.’

Each lost in their own thoughts, the brother and sister walked quickly, covering the forty-minute walk in just over half an hour. Fortunately, it was lunchtime. Under the hot midday sun, not many people were out and about, so the siblings made it home without running into anyone. They unlocked the door and went inside.

By the time they entered, the Gu Family had probably already finished lunch. Gu Wu was sitting on a small stool in a shady spot in the courtyard, smoking a cigarette. When he heard them come in and call out a greeting, he merely shot them a glance and gave a quick nod, saying nothing.

In the main hall, the dining table was a mess, and Ye Rong was cleaning up.

Gu Lihuang and his son were beside her, laughing and joking. Both father and son held empty bowls and plates, clearly helping out. Gu Jinhua sneered at the sight. ’Is she even a woman? So high-maintenance that she needs her husband to keep her company while she clears the table?’

Gu Lihui had no time for such trivial matters. He was focused on one thing: finding Chen Suxiang and demanding answers. When a scan of the room revealed no trace of her, he grew anxious. "Where’s Mom?" he blurted out.

"She said she wasn’t feeling well, so she went to her room to lie down right after lunch." Gu Lihuang was clearly startled to see them. "Big Brother, you’re already discharged?"

Having gotten the answer he needed, Gu Lihui ignored his brother and, with a stony expression, stormed directly into the main bedroom behind the hall--

"What’s wrong with him?" Gu Lihuang was getting annoyed, turning his frustration on Gu Jinhua. "Did someone else piss him off? Why’s he acting like the whole world owes him something?"

Gu Jinhua said, "...I’m thirsty from the walk. I’m going to find some water." She turned to leave. ’There’s definitely going to be a huge fight between my brother and Mom, and I want absolutely no part of it.’

"Wait. While you’re at it, take these dishes to the kitchen and wash them," Gu Lihuang called out, stopping her with a blunt command. "Ye Rong has been doing all this for the past two days. Now that you’re back, you can help out. She’s exhausted, having to look after the kid and do one thing after another."