Chapter 692: A Little Kindness
Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Upon hearing these words, Zhang Mei’s brother was at a loss for words, his gaze shifting towards Gu Shan.
At that moment, Gu Shan’s face was a mask of discomfort. The repeated instances of his own words coming back to haunt him were indeed hard to bear. For a moment, he felt as if his chest was blocked, his discomfort evident in his grim expression.
However, seeing Zhang Mei’s brother and considering the importance of the matter at hand, he suppressed his anger. “Gu Zi, it seems you still hold a grudge against us,” he began. “You must understand, we too were distressed at the time. We now realize that sending you off to the countryside alone was not the most appropriate decision. We will rectify our mistakes in the future.
“But the kindness we’ve shown in raising you cannot be erased with a few words. Now that you’re back in the city, you should make an effort to socialize more, to avoid becoming the subject of gossip.
“Moreover, if you think about it, your uncle’s words are not without merit. If you help your uncle’s family with these two spots, there will surely come a time when he can assist you in return.”
Zhang Mei’s brother nodded in agreement, turning to Gu Zi with a placating look. “Yes, Gu Zi, your two stepsons are from the countryside after all. There are other schools in the city they could attend. Can’t you do your uncle this favor?”
Gu Zi watched the two men, her eyes flickering with surprise. She hadn’t expected Gu Shan to keep his temper in check this time.
She decided to change her approach in declining their request. Turning to Zhang Mei’s brother, she said with a smile, “You make a valid point. However, it’s not that I’m unwilling to help, but the two children have already taken the entrance exam. If we were to switch candidates, we would have to wait for the exam results.
“The results should be out by tomorrow afternoon. As you’ve said, the two children will likely struggle to keep up.
“When that time comes, Uncle, you can bring your two grandsons over. They can take a test at the school. I’m sure they’ll easily outperform my children. That way, this matter will be settled, and as their mother, I can give my sons a proper explanation.”
Zhang Mei’s brother was overjoyed. Was this her way of agreeing? “So, if they take the test at the school tomorrow afternoon, my two grandsons will be able to enroll in the First Bilingual Primary School?”
Gu Shan’s face finally relaxed a bit, a triumphant smile playing on his lips. “That’s the right way to think about it. After all, we’re still family!”
Gu Zi nodded, her smile not quite reaching her eyes. “I don’t foresee any major issues. The exam questions were manageable for my two children, and they were quite calm after finishing. The questions can’t be that difficult. Are you worried your grandsons won’t be able to solve them?
“As long as their final scores are higher than my children’s, I believe the school would be more than willing to give the spots to your grandsons.”
Upon hearing this, Zhang Mei’s brother confidently replied, “Alright, it’s settled then. I’ll bring them to the school for the exam tomorrow afternoon.”
He thought to himself how considerate Gu Zi was. This way, when his family received the two spots, they could claim that his grandsons had earned them through their own merit. What a boost to their reputation!
As for the task of ensuring his grandsons scored higher than the two children, he didn’t give it a second thought. After all, those two children were from the countryside. How high could their academic level be?
Seeing that the matter was settled, Gu Shan finally relaxed, a smile gracing his face. He had no intention of staying for the modest lunch. Rising from his seat, he bid his farewell. “It’s getting late. Now that we’ve settled the matter, your uncle and I will take our leave.”
Gu Zi tried to persuade them to stay. “Why don’t you stay for a meal before you go? It may not be a feast, but it’s wholesome food. I’m grateful for your visit, and I didn’t have anything to offer you. I would feel bad inviting you to share a simple cornmeal with me. I’m really happy that you came to see me today. Why don’t you stay for a meal before you go?”
At Gu Zi’s words, a flicker of embarrassment crossed the faces of the two men, each harboring their own thoughts.
Gu Shan thought Gu Zi was too naive. His words about them being family were merely pleasantries, yet she had taken them to heart. She was even happy about it. They had come to ask for her help without bringing any gifts. Wouldn’t she realize in the future that she didn’t need to receive gifts in return for her help?
The so-called uncle, on the other hand, was regretful. If he had known how easily Gu Zi could be persuaded, he wouldn’t have bothered giving gifts to the Gu family. It would have been better to approach Gu Zi directly!
Both men were cunning, and Gu Shan easily read Zhang Mei’s brother’s thoughts.
Feeling guilty towards Gu Zi, he took out a red envelope that Zhang Mei’s brother had given him as a bribe. Handing it to Gu Zi, he said, “This is a small token of appreciation from your uncle and me. It contains two hundred yuan. Consider it a housewarming gift. Use it to improve your living conditions. Don’t always be so hard on yourself.”