Xu Nianhua was reluctant to follow the Gu Family to South City, but he couldn’t withstand the persuasion of his brother and sister-in-law, Xu Qinghe and Ji Ying.
"Nianhua, we are happy that you remember us. The Gu Family sincerely wants to recognize you as their own. Even if you don’t want to return to the Gu Family, it’s only right to visit them. They’ve come to our village time and again all for your sake," they argued.
"The incident back then was just an accident. They lost you and have been searching for you all these years. You should go and see for yourself. Otherwise, people will say that we don’t know how to raise children, that we want to use you to gain favors from the Gu Family."
The grave and earnest words from Ji Ying made Xu Nianhua feel a complex mix of emotions. His parents feared he might find himself in a difficult position and wanted him to have a better life. They had loved him all his life; he shouldn’t make his mother worry.
Xu Nianhua suggested that he visit South City with his elder brother. His reasoning was simple: with his brother there, he would feel more at ease in South City. Besides, his brother had been dejected for two years due to Zhou He’s affair, and a trip to South City could be a good distraction.
When the Gu Family saw that Xu Nianhua agreed to go to South City, and that Xu Nianji would accompany him, they had no objections.
It was only after Xu Nianhua and his siblings arrived in South City that they realized the wealth displayed by the Gu Family in their village was just the tip of the iceberg.
The Gu Family lived in a two-story western-style house and even had a car. They arranged two adjacent rooms for the siblings.
The Gu Family members took them around the bustling South City, shopping for clothes without restraint, even though Xu Nianhua and Xu Nianji repeatedly refused. The Gu Family insisted on buying, saying it was compensation for the lack of affection over the past twenty years.
During meals, they ate exotic delicacies. Having grown up on simple fare, they felt exceedingly uncomfortable sitting with the Gu Family. After two days, Xu Nianhua wanted to leave. However, at that moment, Xu Nianji had an accident.
Gu Mingzhu claimed it was to introduce them to her acquaintances, but Xu Nianji ended up drinking a lot. Eventually, he was found in bed with one of Gu Mingzhu’s friends.
That friend insisted on accusing Xu Nianji of forcing himself on her. Clutching the only blanket, facing everyone’s accusations, he felt helpless and desperate. If he were to be convicted, not only would his reputation be destroyed, but his parents would suffer because of him if the villagers found out about the incident.
Would his parents still be able to hold their heads up in the village?
Yet, he couldn’t remember what had happened the day before.
Xu Nianhua was still unmarried. Her elder brother had been very upset the day before and had drunk too much, leading to an accident. Even though she believed in her brother, the evident marks on the girl’s body, the bloodstains on the bed, and her crying words all sent Xu Nianhua into a panic.
Xu Nianji, upon learning that she was unmarried too, offered to take responsibility.
But the other party wasn’t interested in Xu Nianji at all.
Just then, Gu Hai stepped in and resolved the matter, not only saving his elder brother’s dignity but also facilitating a match.
Originally indifferent towards the Gu Family, Xu Nianhua, because of this incident, became very grateful and no longer felt the aversion she once had.
The scene shifted to Xu Nianji’s body soaked and decaying, with Xu Nianhua crying heartbreakingly.