Chapter 996: There's No Mistress

Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

As soon as the word “Aunt Zhang” left Gu Zi’s lips, the people from the tenement building froze in shock.

Wait a second—didn’t that woman just claim to be Gu Zi’s foster mother, walking around like she could dictate Gu Zi’s every move?

But here Gu Zi was, addressing her with an icy detachment, as if she were nothing more than a stranger.

Just “Aunt Zhang”? Oh no. Had they completely misjudged the situation? The realization dawned on them with all the grace of a collapsing soufflé—this was awkward.

Still, where there’s a crowd, there’s always someone quick with a way to save face. One of the tenement residents hurriedly stepped forward and addressed Gu Zi. “Gu Zi, this lady claimed to be your foster mother, so naturally, we thought she had some say here. But forget about that—let’s not get bogged down. We’ve come sincerely to apologize. Truly, we were in the wrong. We were foolish to run our mouths and misunderstand your family. We’re so sorry—please forgive us.”

Another chimed in quickly, as if afraid the apology might not be enough. “Yes, exactly. And to show how sorry we are, we’ve brought these as tokens of goodwill. Please, you must accept them. Also, about the pork shop… could you speak to Mr. Su and ask him to resume the supply? Life’s tough for us, and without the cheaper meat, every little penny saved makes a big difference. Please, Gu Zi, have some compassion.”

Gu Zi could see their remorse—it wasn’t hard to spot the desperation in their faces. She knew they weren’t worth making an enemy of; this little lesson had been enough. After all, no one willingly fights with their wallets.

With a composed expression, she stepped forward and opened the door. “Fine. Leave the things here, but don’t bother coming inside. As for the pork issue, I’ll talk to Su Shen about it.”

The tenement folks didn’t dare push their luck. For Gu Zi to even accept their gifts and agree to bring it up with Su Shen was already more than they could’ve hoped for. Hastily, they placed their offerings inside the Su family courtyard and left, murmuring their thanks as they filed out.

Meanwhile, Zhang Mei and Lin Miao had been entirely sidelined, watching the entire exchange unfold with increasing displeasure.

Naturally, Zhang Mei wasn’t about to let herself be ignored. She cleared her throat, straightened her posture, and addressed Gu Zi with a patronizing tone. “Is this how you treat your neighbors, Gu Zi? Taking their gifts without even inviting them inside? What kind of upbringing leads to such poor manners? Honestly, we spoiled you too much before—you’ve grown up completely ungrateful.”

Lin Miao jumped in with practiced harmony, her voice laced with false concern. “That’s right, Gu Zi. Mom’s right. You can’t just act on impulse. Everyone’s struggling. If you’ve taken their gifts, you owe them more than just a casual promise. What if Brother-in-law doesn’t agree to resume supplying pork? Won’t that just leave everyone worse off?”

Gu Zi didn’t even bother sparing them a glance. Instead, she turned to the tenement folks and said flatly, “So, what you’re saying is that your apologies aren’t sincere? You’re only here to grovel because you want Su Shen to resume the pork supply. Is that it?”

The tenement residents practically jumped in alarm, shaking their heads vehemently. “No, no, no! That’s not it at all! We truly mean it—we’re genuinely sorry. It’s just… well, since we were coming to apologize anyway, we thought it wouldn’t hurt to ask if you could put in a good word for us. But truly, we’re not demanding anything—just asking for help. It’s entirely our fault to begin with.”

Gu Zi nodded lightly. “Good. As long as that’s the case. Because, let me make this clear—I can only talk to Su Shen about it. Whether or not he forgives you and resumes the supply, that’s entirely his decision. Even as his wife, I have no right to interfere.”

Her words sent a fresh wave of anxiety rippling through the tenement group.

Zhang Mei, however, wasn’t about to let this opportunity slip. She clicked her tongue in irritation and interjected, “What’s all this nonsense about separate decisions? You’re his wife. How is it not just a matter of you saying the word? Why are you making it sound so complicated?”

Gu Zi turned her gaze to Zhang Mei, her tone sharp and unyielding. “Aunt Zhang, that’s an interesting perspective. But let me ask—aren’t you and Uncle Gu still husband and wife? Did that stop him from finding a mistress despite your disapproval? Clearly, marriage doesn’t give anyone the right to control their partner’s every move, does it?”

The color drained from Zhang Mei’s face in an instant. She hadn’t expected Gu Zi to retaliate so brazenly. Worse, how on earth did Gu Zi know about the mistress?

The tenement residents, too, were stunned into silence.

Wasn’t this Zhang woman supposed to be some grand military officer’s wife? And yet her husband had the audacity to have an affair? What a scandal! All this time, they’d assumed she lived some picture-perfect life, but clearly, her family was just as messy as anyone else’s. No wonder Gu Zi didn’t acknowledge these so-called foster parents—how utterly embarrassing.

Afraid that Gu Zi might actually return their gifts, the tenement folks quickly muttered their goodbyes and made a hasty exit, though not without casting a few pitying glances at Zhang Mei on their way out.

Zhang Mei felt the weight of those looks, and fury bubbled beneath her composed exterior. Pity? From these peasants? She’d rather die. But she couldn’t lash out now, not with Gu Zi watching.@@novelbin@@

“Gu Zi!” Zhang Mei barked. “How dare you spread such nonsense! Your foster father did no such thing. We’re perfectly fine—there’s no mistress. Stop spouting lies!”

Gu Zi smirked, unfazed. “Oh? Aunt Zhang, your ability to endure must truly be admirable. Even in the face of betrayal, you’re willing to defend him. You should write a book about it—’How to Love a Cheater.’ I’m sure it would sell.”

Zhang Mei’s face darkened, her composure cracking. “Enough of this nonsense! I said there’s no mistress, and that’s the end of it. Now that the outsiders are gone, let’s take this conversation inside.”