Back to the Past: The Rise of the False Heiress Marrying the True Tycoon

Chapter 892: A Guest from the Gong Family

Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

“I have a son who excels in his studies and another who is skilled in martial arts. Every child has their strengths; it’s just a normal occurrence. Yet, some people can’t help but weave their own conspiracy theories, claiming my son’s grades are bought. If you can, why not buy one for me to see?” Gu Zi shot back, her voice steady.

“A Cui, don’t think everyone is as malicious as you are. To secure a wife for your son—who’s been divorced three times—you’ve resorted to all sorts of tactics, bullying Zhang Yao until she was nearly broken. And now you dare to go around saying I ruined your son’s engagement? Was that even an engagement? It was a blatant attempt to snatch a girl away! You should be ashamed of yourself for spreading rumors about others.”

Although Gu Zi usually kept her distance from these people, living in the area meant she had picked up on the dynamics around her. Her retorts flowed effortlessly, quick and sharp, leaving the onlookers struggling to keep up with her words.

A Cui was taken aback. Though she despised Gu Zi for what had happened with Zhang Yao, she had only dared to gossip behind her back. Facing Gu Zi directly was another matter entirely. Speaking to Huang Fei was merely an attempt to curry favor and gain trust, so she never expected Gu Zi to overhear her remarks.

As Gu Zi’s gaze fell on her, A Cui felt her blood rush to her face, a wave of embarrassment flooding over her. She couldn’t bear to meet Gu Zi’s eyes and wished to escape the situation entirely.

For Huang Fei, this was her first encounter with Gu Zi in person. The woman standing outside the yard was young and beautiful, with long brows and large, expressive eyes. Her figure was slender, and her demeanor exuded elegance.

Gu Zi’s attire was not overly flashy, yet she possessed a casual sophistication, as if the clothes merely accentuated her natural beauty. What a stunning woman!

Huang Fei was momentarily stunned. In such a small place, it was surprising to find someone so extraordinary. She quickly forgot the earlier unpleasantness and felt a strong desire to befriend Gu Zi.

Ignoring Gu Zi’s pointed remarks, she stood up and stepped forward, extending her hand. “You must be a resident here too. Hello, I’m Huang Fei. My husband’s surname is Xu, and we just moved in. From now on, we’re neighbors, and we should get to know each other better!”

Huang Fei believed that her status warranted a warm greeting, expecting Gu Zi to reciprocate her gesture of goodwill. She hadn’t considered that Gu Zi might refuse her.

Gu Zi had no intention of appeasing Huang Fei. She wasn’t so magnanimous as to befriend someone who had disparaged her sons behind her back.

Instead of extending her hand, she gave Huang Fei a cold, dismissive glance. “There’s no need for frequent interactions. I won’t tolerate others speaking ill of my family, and if it happens again, I’ll be sure to voice my thoughts. Well, I won’t disturb your little tea time any longer.”

After finishing her words, Gu Zi turned on her heel without waiting for a response and walked away toward her home.

Outside the Xu residence, Huang Fei’s lips twitched in embarrassment as she withdrew her outstretched hand. The flicker of anger in her eyes vanished almost instantly, replaced by a practiced mask of composure—this was no reason to lose her dignity.

The housekeeper, quick to pick up on the tension, stepped forward to offer her support. “Madam, that woman clearly doesn’t know her place. You shouldn’t take it to heart. It’s all A Cui’s fault for not being careful with her words; she’s brought trouble upon us.”Nôv(el)B\\jnn

A Cui, feeling the heat of the blame, wanted to retort but dared not do so. Instead, she forced a conciliatory tone. “Yes, yes, it’s all my fault for being blind. I apologize, Madam!”

With the housekeeper setting the stage for her, Huang Fei seized the opportunity to appear magnanimous. “If she doesn’t want to befriend me, that’s her choice. Perhaps our previous discussion upset her, but it’s nothing serious. Everyone, don’t feel guilty.”

Meanwhile, in the Su household, Gu Zi’s brief absence had resulted in a new guest arriving—Chief Gong, the father of Gong Zhan. He had come to express his gratitude to Su Shen for saving his son, and now the two were deep in conversation in the study, discussing who knew what.

Gu Zi prepared some tea and snacks to bring to the study. Not wanting to pry, she simply delivered the refreshments and made her way downstairs.

Jin Long, having heard that there was a guest from the Gong family, stood at the bottom of the stairs, craning his neck to catch a glimpse of the happenings above. Upon seeing Gu Zi, he hurriedly asked, “Gu Zi, has Gong Xin returned from the capital? How is she doing?”

Having been busy with various matters in the capital, Jin Long had only crossed paths with Gong Xin a couple of times at the military hospital, each instance interrupted by her mother, Madam Chen.

He had felt too intimidated to approach her, fearing that Madam Chen might look down on him.