Chapter 62: Gu Zi t s Suspicion
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
After Gu Zi talked to Lin Cheng, she learned that the gift money had mysteriously vanished. If this was their reason for not returning the money, it seemed too ridiculous to believe.
Lin Cheng, however, assured them, “We’re doing our best to earn the money, and we’ll definitely return it to Mr. Su.”
“We’re here for another matter,” Su Shen interjected. “Let’s put the betrothal gift aside for now.”
Gu Zi remained silent and studied Lin Cheng. He had clean skin, a pleasant appearance, and seemed quite honest and endearing.
Gu Zi remembered the character background from the original book. Lin Cheng was 25 years old, married but childless. He was dedicated and loyal to his wife, Li Hua, who hailed from the same village. A man of such character didn’t seem like a liar.
Looking at the Lin family’s present state, it didn’t make sense for them to lie. If they truly took the 3,000 yuan, wouldn’t it have been more straightforward for them to run away?
She glanced at Su Shen, a little perplexed. If it wasn’t the betrothal gift, then what was the issue?
Su Shen didn’t say a word and smiled knowingly.
Just then, there was a commotion outside. Li Hua had fetched the two elders of the Lin family from the fields.
Gu Zi gazed towards the entrance and saw an elderly couple shuffling in. They looked frail, with wrinkled faces, white hair, and slightly hunched backs. Their walk was accompanied by coughs, and they didn’t seem to be in the best of health.
Gu Zi remembered that the original owner’s parents and Gu Shan were the same age, both around fifty.
Gu Shan was in his prime, while the original owner’s parents appeared to be frail and aged, evoking a sense of sympathy.
Upon closer inspection, it was evident that the man had excellent natural features. He was tall with broad shoulders and a handsome face, though the hardships of life had taken a toll on his appearance.
The woman, on the other hand, seemed kind-hearted. Despite her age, it wasn’t hard to see that her features were finely delicate, strikingly similar to the original owner.
Could such an elderly couple truly pocket the gift money?
Gu Zi recalled the details from the original story. The Lin family consisted of five members: Mr. Lin, Mrs. Lin, Lin Cheng, Li Hua, and Lin Miao.
The Lin family’s financial difficulties stemmed from a reason.
In their youth, Mr. and Mrs. Lin had some savings, leading a stable life. However, Mrs. Lin fell seriously ill, and Mr. Lin depleted all their savings to afford her medical treatment.
Subsequently, Mrs. Lin’s health never fully recovered. She had to take medication for recovery, making heavy work unfeasible.
Mr. Lin toiled tirelessly for an extended period and suffered from chronic heart disease due to lack of sleep. His condition prevented him from securing work in the city, driving the family into deeper poverty.
Nonetheless, they persevered in raising two children.
In an effort to ensure that Lin Miao had the opportunity for a good education, the eldest son, Lin Cheng, left school at the age of ten to contribute to the household. Subsequently, he and his wife bore the responsibility of providing for the family, seemingly perpetuating the cycle of hard work and dedication mat naa Deen estaonsnea DY cnelr parents.
From this analysis, it was clear that the Lin family did not discriminate between sons and daughters, and they were evidently doting parents, particularly towards Lin Miao.
Given this context, it seemed highly unlikely that they would retain her gift money for themselves.
If the Lin family wasn’t responsible, then who could have taken the money?
Logically speaking, it was not easy to find something lost in the city because the city was big and there were many people moving around. It was not easy to find money that had been stolen.
However, there were only a few families in Little Lin Village, and they all knew each other well. Under such circumstances, they could at least have an idea of how much money they had lost.
Gu Zi shared her doubts with Su Shen. “Wouldn’t it be possible to track the money by contacting the police immediately after losing it?”
Mr. Lin handed Su Shen a crumpled wad of cash, saying softly, “This is the 128 yuan we had saved. Please accept it first.” He avoided eye contact and appeared genuinely remorseful.
“We’ll make up for the rest of the money,” Mrs. Lin added tearfully. “Lin Cheng and his wife will return to work as soon as possible.”
Even in dire straits, people would not lack ambition. Having lived for so many years, she understood this principle well.
Su Shen placed the money on the rickety wooden table and retrieved several large red gift boxes from the side. “I apologize for any misunderstanding. These are nutritional supplements and Chinese medicine that Gu Zi and I brought for you.”
He handed the boxes to Lin Cheng, then brought Gu Zi forward and introduced her. “This is Gu Zi, your daughter..”