Chapter 679: Slamming the Door and Leaving
Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
On this day of rest, the married couple found themselves in a cycle of argument and respite. As soon as one bout of bickering ended, another would begin. At this moment, Zhang Mei started up again, her voice filled with bitter resentment. “It’s laughable, really. What can your leader offer you besides a promise of promotion? Is there any substance to his words?”
She continued, her words laced with sarcasm. “You’re a public servant, a minor official, yet any rural businessman that Gu Zi marries would be more capable and wealthier than you. They live in villas in the village and now they’ve even brought Gu Zi back to the city. Just wait and see, our family will become the laughingstock of the town.”
Zhang Mei understood her husband’s resentment. He was upset that the position had been given to her relatives, and it was eating him up inside.
This realization only served to fuel Zhang Mei’s frustration. She had been married to Gu Shan for many years and had even borne him a daughter. She had worked hard and suffered much, yet he still cared about whether their daughter carried his surname or hers. It was truly outrageous!
Gu Shan’s temper flared at her complaints. He retorted coldly, “Your views are typical of a narrow-minded woman. The leader’s promise is a glimpse of the future, a beacon of hope. What do you know?”
He then turned his ire towards her relatives, especially her elder brother. “What kind of man is he? I remember how eager he was to distance himself when Lin Miao got into trouble. It’s been months, and he hasn’t shown any concern for you. He avoided our house during the New Year’s visit, but now that there’s a benefit, he’s eager to claim it. What kind of elder brother is that?”
Gu Shan’s anger grew as he spoke. He had indeed admired the progress Zhang Mei’s elder brother had made and thought he could be of help.
But on second thought, such opportunistic relatives would surely abandon him at the first sign of trouble. He couldn’t rely on them. It would be better to use the two positions to curry favor with his leader.
After the incident with Lin Miao, he had seen the true colors of Zhang Mei’s family. They were fair-weather relatives, quick to abandon him in times of trouble. They would even kick him when he was down.
He regretted ever agreeing to help Zhang Mei’s family when they first got married. He had never refused them, and this was the result.
Upon hearing Gu Shan criticize her family, Zhang Mei began to berate his relatives. “At least my family has some hope. Unlike yours, your relatives are not only incompetent but also kick a man when he’s down. Just go back to your village and listen to the gossip.
“Any relative of yours who could lend money only did so in hopes of gaining more in return. When Lin Miao’s incident happened, they came to the courtyard demanding repayment. You lost face because of your poor relatives during the New Year. And you dare to criticize my family?
“My family may not have helped, but at least they didn’t add to the chaos. That’s enough. You really thought I wouldn’t say anything, didn’t you?”
Zhang Mei’s words came out like rapid-fire, leaving Gu Shan no chance to retort. His face turned ashen with anger, and he stormed out of the house, slamming the door behind him.
Gu Shan found a quiet spot to smoke for a while before renting a car and heading out of the city. Despite their argument, he still had to make a trip to Little Lin Village to find out Gu Zi’s address.
However, not far from the city, Gu Shan noticed a woman sitting by the roadside. She appeared to be in her late twenties, with a full figure and a lonely silhouette. She seemed to be resting after a long walk. He instinctively stopped the car. The woman heard the car and slowly stood up, casting a glance at the vehicle.
Gu Shan approached the woman and took a moment to observe her. She was dressed modestly in a cotton jacket, black pants, and cotton shoes. Her long hair fell over one shoulder, cascading down her ample chest. He couldn’t help but take a second look before asking, “Miss, why are you alone here? Has something happened?”
The woman’s eyes were red, as if she had been crying. Her longing gaze at the car quickly masked her sorrow. She replied, “I’m a pitiful woman. My fiancé has thrown me out. He doesn’t want me anymore. I have no money and can only walk home. But my home is in Daqing Village, a long way from here. Sir, could you please give me a lift?”