Chapter 199: Hate Turning Into Fear
Translator: _Min_
Just as Gu Zhi finished her prayer, figures emerged, and one from each side grabbed her arms.
Opening her eyes in panic, Gu Zhi struggled, shouting, “Who are you? Why are you capturing me? Someone help! Help… Mmm…”
She was dragged into the villa and thrown onto the floor.
Hearing the commotion, Gu Dai snapped back to reality from her work. She glanced at Gu Zhi and instructed Wu Zhen, “Wu Zhen, please take the bodyguards and leave us.”
Worried, Wu Zhen responded, looking at Gu Zhi warily, “Miss, perhaps I should stay with you. In case anything happens, I can protect you immediately.”
Gu Dai gently shook her head, replying, “No need, Uncle Wu. I can handle myself. Besides, you’ll only be outside. If anything goes wrong, I’ll just call you.”
Still concerned but seeing the determination in Gu Dai’s eyes, Wu Zhen reluctantly agreed, “Alright.”
Gu Zhi, looking paler upon recognizing Gu Dai, still fixed a fierce gaze upon her.
Unfazed by Gu Zhi’s glare, Gu Dai leaned back in the couch, calmly asking, “You bribed Wei Ling to spread those rumors about me, didn’t you?”
Gu Zhi trembled slightly, her fear escalating. Suddenly, she remembered her aunt, Gu Si!
That day when her father disregarded her, locking her outside, she had tearfully confided in her aunt about Gu Dai’s actions against her.
On the phone, her aunt reassured her, telling her not to be afraid, promising to support her. Even if things went south, she’d arrange for help.
Gu Zhi was confident that her aunt wasn’t deceiving her. Ever since childhood, she’d heard tales of her formidable aunt thriving overseas.
Moreover, she was well aware that even Gu Ming listened to Aunt Gu Si. So, she believed her aunt would undoubtedly be able to handle Gu Dai. There was no reason for her to be afraid now.
With this thought, Gu Zhi’s demeanor changed. Staring defiantly at Gu Dai, she declared with newfound confidence, “Yes, I ordered Wei Ling to do it!”
She continued, her voice firm, “Besides, what did I say that was untrue? During the three years you disappeared, wandering alone, are you telling me you never engaged with anyone?”
Gu Dai’s eyes grew cold upon hearing Gu Zhi’s words, as they touched upon a part of her past she wished to forget—her marriage.
Feeling an overwhelming sense of anger and embarrassment at being intimidated by Gu Dai, Gu Zhi’s emotions took over.
Turning to face Gu Dai, she lunged, trying to bite her.
But before she could get close, Gu Dai lifted her leg and kicked Gu Zhi away.
Thrown onto the floor, Gu Zhi was stunned, pain burning through her entire body.
Walking over, Gu Dai crouched down next to her. In a chilling voice, she said, “I’ve been very nice to you before. But if you’re not satisfied with that mercy, then don’t blame me for what comes next.”
She signaled for the guards to enter, instructing, “Take Gu Zhi to the small chamber in the basement. Ensure she cleans it thoroughly overnight and organizes it well.”
Gu Dai continued, a hint of mockery in her voice, “Of course, if you don’t clean it properly, it’s no issue. After all, you’ll be living there. As long as you can tolerate the filth and disorder, it’s fine.”
The color drained from Gu Zhi’s face as she processed Gu Dai’s instructions.
Having lived in the Gu family mansion for three years, she knew exactly what that small chamber in the basement was like.
It had been unoccupied for years, with only a basic bed in its confines. Dust covered every surface, and countless bugs thrived in its corners.
The mere thought of that place sent shivers down Gu Zhi’s spine.
As she looked at Gu Dai, all traces of animosity vanished from her eyes, replaced by pure terror. She began to plead, “No, please don’t make me stay there! I was wrong for orchestrating that gossip about you. Please forgive me this once. I promise not to do it again, Gu Dai…”
Gu Dai watched as the guards dragged a sobbing Gu Zhi away. Only when her cries faded did she turn her attention back to the room.
Settling back onto the couch, she lowered her gaze, her voice barely above a whisper, “Uncle Wu, am 1 being too cruel?”
Wu Zhen immediately responded, “Miss, you are not cruel. It was Gu Zhi who provoked you. Had she not acted first, you would have never retaliated..”