Chapter 879: No Need to Pretend to Be Kind

Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

The military wives’ understanding of Gu Zi came largely from distant observations and some rumors. They were not very familiar with her personally, but they could clearly distinguish that she was one of their own. If anyone dared to bully her, they would certainly stand up for her and seek justice.

Xiao Ye shared this sentiment. His hand rested on the pistol at his waist as he ominously declared, “Rest assured, ladies, I will not let her in again. If she continues to make a fuss, I will not hesitate to let her taste a bullet, treating it as a crime of disrespecting military families. Perhaps, I might even receive a commendation from the higher-ups.”

Zhang Mei was so frightened that her legs gave way. She had just managed to get up when she fell back to the ground, dumbfounded. Wasn’t Su Shen a retired soldier? How could he still be a regimental commander, and so well-loved at that? Gu Zi was not respected simply because of Gong Zhan, Su Shen’s status was so significant. What was she to do now?

She cursed Gu Zi under her breath. It was all Gu Zi’s fault for not explaining Su Shen’s status in advance. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have made such a fool of herself. This ungrateful adopted daughter, she had wasted eighteen years raising her. When she saw Gu Zi, she would have to interrogate her thoroughly. For now, she needed to find a way to get in.

Slowly, she got up, her face devoid of the arrogance it had held earlier. She pleaded with the guard, “Please, let me in. I only said those unpleasant things earlier because of a misunderstanding. Actually, I am not only Gong Zhan’s mother-in-law, but also your commander Su’s mother-in-law. Gu Zi is my adopted daughter. If you don’t believe me, you can ask her when she returns.”

Xiao Ye pursed his lips, unable to believe what he had just heard. He scornfully retorted, “After the disgraceful words you just uttered, even if you are Madam Gu Zi’s adoptive mother, you must not treat Madam Gu Zi well. No wonder you don’t even know the real identity of Commander Su. Go away; don’t bother saying another word!”

Zhang Mei was still denied entry, her face filled with disappointment. As she looked up, she recognized a familiar face and hurried over, greeting them ingratiatingly, “Relatives, you’re here! I came specifically to see Gong Zhan, and also to help take care of him with you.”

Madam Chen and Gong Xin were surprised and slightly annoyed to see Zhang Mei suddenly appear. They couldn’t understand why she had come. Madam Chen, remembering the cold words Zhang Mei had spoken before, gave her a cold look and said, “You don’t need to pretend to be kind. My daughter and I can take care of Ah Zhan ourselves. You should go back to Guangcheng after your visit.”

She was truly annoyed by Zhang Mei’s persistence. She hadn’t expected that Zhang Mei would be so determined to come all this way. It seemed that Zhang Mei and her daughter had no intention of giving up on this marriage with her son. They were still hoping to win back her Ah Zhan. Alas, she blamed herself for being blind in the past, for inviting such a family of leeches into their lives.

Zhang Mei was far from ready to leave. Thinking of Mo Li, who had accompanied her, she hastily said, “My dear, Gong Zhan is severely injured now and his body is weak. The food in the hospital surely can’t compare to the home-cooked meals. That’s why I brought Mo Li along this time. She’s good at cooking and can help nourish Gong Zhan. This way, he can recover faster.”

Upon hearing this, Madam Chen felt a pang of agreement. The hospital’s cafeteria food was indeed mediocre and didn’t suit their tastes. Gong Zhan was already a picky eater and she suspected he hadn’t enjoyed a good meal since his hospitalization. His complexion was poor and he had lost a lot of weight. She felt heartbroken but she couldn’t cook, and as for Gong Xin, she had never set foot in a kitchen. If they could keep Mo Li, wouldn’t Gong Zhan be in for a treat!

Madam Chen made up her mind on the spot, saying, “If Mo Li is cooking and not you, then let’s have Mo Li stay. As for you, it’s best if you leave. You have plenty of matters to attend to at home.”

With a few words, Madam Chen dismissed Zhang Mei and quickly left with Gong Xin. As for Gong Xin, she didn’t want to waste words on someone like Zhang Mei, so she remained silent throughout, eager to get inside. She found Zhang Mei irritating. Zhang Mei tried to follow them but was stopped by Xiao Ye.

On the outskirts, Gu Zi and her two sons witnessed Madam Chen’s rejection of Zhang Mei. After seeing Madam Chen and Gong Xin enter, Gu Zi quickly led her sons down a shortcut to the hospital’s side entrance, narrowly avoiding Zhang Mei. Su Li didn’t understand his mother’s actions and asked, “Mom, why are you afraid of her? Here, dad is very powerful. We don’t need to be afraid of her.”

The corridor ahead was somewhat narrow, making it difficult to walk hand in hand. Gu Zi let go of her sons’ hands and walked ahead. Just as she was about to explain, she heard Su Bing tell Su Li, “Mom isn’t scared. This is the smart way to avoid unnecessary trouble.”