Chapter 145: Lin Miao’s Lie
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Gu Zi’s words were somewhat vague, but Mrs. Lin managed to grasp their meaning.
Lin Miao had claimed that MO Li was going through a tough time post-breakup, and she wished to support her for a few days.
However, Lin Miao’s behavior at MO Li’s place was suspicious—leaving early and returning late. MO Li herself denied ever experiencing heartbreak, indicating that Lin Miao’s motive might have been to establish an alibi.
Moreover, Lin Miao was flaunting lavish spending and showing off large sums of cash, adding to the suspicion.
Mrs. Lin’s hands trembled as she processed these thoughts. The more she contemplated, the more hollow her gaze became.
“Gu Zi, I don’t doubt you, but how could it be Lin Miao?” Her voice trembled with disbelief.
For the Lin family, Lin Miao was a cherished and loved member. Despite knowing Lin Miao was not biologically related and had a penchant for pretense, she couldn’t fathom her committing such an act of theft. Everyone had their flaws, but this accusation seemed beyond belief.
She couldn’t accept the idea that Lin Miao would steal from the family that had cared for her. It would mean not only dirtying her hands but also betraying the kindness and trust the Lin family had shown her.
“Mom, I’m sorry for distressing you. But what I’m about to say might be disappointing,” Gu Zi said gently, holding Mrs. Lin’s hand, trying to console her.
Understanding the Lin family’s kindness made Gu Zi more determined not to let deception prevail.
Li Hua’s usually warm expression turned cold. She addressed Mrs. Lin, “Mom, I’ve been wanting to say this for a while. I believe Lin Miao is ungrateful. Why are you still protecting her now?”
Li Hua had an easy-going personality and never liked to care about doing more for others.
Li Hua was typically easy-going but harbored resentment due to several incidents involving Lin Miao. Despite her forgiving nature, she couldn’t ignore the perceived ingratitude.
She had refrained from voicing her grievances earlier to maintain family harmony, given how much Lin Miao had been favored, especially by Lin Cheng. But now, she felt it was time to stop covering for a potential thief, despite the conflict it might cause within the family.
Mrs. Lin glanced at Li Hua and felt a pang of guilt. She understood Li Hua’s temperament and realized that for her to voice such concerns, she must have endured more than she should have.
In their family, whether it was Lin Cheng or Li Hua, they tended to give in to Lin Miao due to her being the younger sister.
Addressing Li Hua and Gu Zi, she said, “Give me a little time to process, Xiao Hua. After all, I raised Lin Miao myself. Little Zi, there’s no need to apologize. Speak your mind.”
Gu Zi nodded. “According to Lin Miao, the Lin family absconded with the money and needed me, their biological daughter, to marry someone in their place in the countryside. Until now, my adoptive parents still believe you took the money.”
Both Mrs. Lin and Li Hua were stunned, taking a while to regain their composure.
Li Hua explained, “How could we do that? When we discovered the mix-up between you and Lin Miao, we decided Lin Miao’s engagement with Su Shen couldn’t proceed. We intended to return the gift money.”
The concept of a substitute marriage had never crossed their minds. They were perplexed by Lin Miao’s claims.
Mrs. Lin nodded in disappointment at Lin Miao’s deceit and concern for Gu Zi’s marriage.
“Didn’t you say that the Gu family asked you to marry Su Shen? Then did you marry Su Shen willingly? Daughter, you have to tell the truth. As long as you’re not married yet, it’s not too late!”
“Mom, don’t worry. I married Su Shen willingly,” Gu Zi assured softly. “But it was indeed Lin Miao who said I wanted to marry into the countryside. To cut ties with me, the Gu family also wanted me to marry Su Shen.”
Mrs. Lin felt relief knowing Gu Zi’s willingness.
“Why didn’t you inform me of this earlier? Why did Lin Miao lie?” she sighed.
Gu Zi explained, “I sensed your concern for Lin Miao. I didn’t want to make you sad, thinking it was unnecessary. From our first meeting, I realized you weren’t the people Lin Miao described.”
During the initial encounter, there was no hint of the missing gift money. Despite her suspicions of Lin Miao, Gu Zi didn’t dare jump to conclusions.
Now, things were different. Gu Zi felt the need to seek the assistance of the Public Security Bureau for an investigation.
“Mrs. Lin, would you come with me to the police station?” she asked.
Initially hesitant, Mrs. Lin was swayed when Li Hua reminded her, “Remember, Mom, I told you someone saw Lin Miao return on the day the money vanished.
You can’t hesitate now.”
“No,” Mrs. Lin replied. “I was just upset. Of course, I’m willing to go to the police station..”