Chapter 191: 123 Repaying Kindness (Second Update)
The man left immediately after sending Xiao Jingkong home, before Gu Jiao even had a chance to thank him.
Gu Jiao asked Xiao Jingkong about the incident and, upon learning that he had recklessly risked himself to save a chicken, felt he shouldn’t have done so.
However, Gu Jiao did not rush to criticize.
With a deep frown, Xiao Jingkong asked, “Big brother said I shouldn’t have done it. Jiaojiao, do you also think I was wrong?”
Gu Jiao asked him back, “What do you think?”
Straightening his chest, Xiao Jingkong defended, “I think I did the right thing! If I were in danger, Jiaojiao would also rush in to save me without thinking!”
Well, even an idiom came out all of a sudden.
Gu Jiao advised, “But, have you ever considered that maybe Xiaoqi didn’t need your help?”
“Huh?” Xiao Jingkong was perplexed.
Gu Jiao patiently clarified, “Xiaoqi is very nimble and small, the horseshoe would hardly trample it, but it could easily trample you.”
Suddenly, Xiao Jingkong realized something: he was less clever than a chicken!
He secretly vowed to practice more diligently, to become very nimble and protect his chicken!
A few days later, Lord Gu and his company also arrived in the Capital City.
An arduous journey of more than a month had taken a toll on the three. Gu Jinyu, unused to such uncomfortable rides, felt as if his entire body was aching.
The Yao Family’s lady had no complaints, as she was grateful for riding in this carriage. She would have rather endured the hardship than to have Jiaojiao or Yanyan suffer.
“It must have been tough on you.” She took Gu Jinyu’s hand, guiltily apologizing.
With a tender voice, Gu Jinyu addressed, “I’m fine. My little brother couldn’t have tolerated such jostling. I’m glad you reserved the carriage for my sister and brother.”
The Yao Family’s lady patted Gu Jinyu’s hand, “Always you are the understanding one.”
Lord Gu helped the lady and Gu Jinyu off the carriage.
The household servants were pleased to see Lord Gu and Gu Jinyu, but taken aback by the lady accompanying them.
She had lived in the Villa for ten years without once returning home. The young gatekeepers didn’t even recognize her.
With a cold voice, Lord Gu demanded, “What are you standing there stunned for? Aren’t you going to pay your respects to the mistress?”
The servants looked at each other, then stammered out their greeting: “Greetings, milady?”
Did the lord secretly keep a woman outside?
The Yao Family’s lady was past the age of being embarrassed over such minor slights, especially since she had been taking antidepressants prescribed by Jiaojiao for the past six months, which had kept her mood and physical condition in good shape.
Lord Gu escorted the lady and Gu Jinyu into the house.
The news was quickly conveyed to Lady Gu at Songhe Court.
After more than half a year’s absence from her son, Lady Gu was anxious to see him and ordered someone to call for Lord Gu immediately to see her at the Songhe Court.
Initially, Lord Gu intended to take the lady to pay their respects the following day, but since his mother had called him, he had to change course to Songhe Court.
Lady Gu eagerly anticipated a reunion with her son, but was momentarily frozen upon seeing the Yao family’s lady beside him.
“Why did she come back?” Lady Gu asked, without warmth in her voice.
The question made Gu Jinyu feel embarrassed for his mother.
“Mother!” Lord Gu gave Lady Gu a look, indicating that she should not shame the lady.
The Yao family’s lady dutifully greeted, “Greetings, mother.”
Gu Jinyu also paid his respect: “Greetings, grandmother.”
Lady Gu, who had been fond of Gu Jinyu, began to bear some resentment towards him now that the Yao family’s lady was present.
The Yao lady’s presence suggested that Gu Yan, who used to live with her in the Villa, was not with them. To Lady Gu’s surprise, she had not thought of asking about his whereabouts.
To smooth the situation, Lord Gu claimed, “Mother, I’m exhausted from the journey. I will return tomorrow to pay my respects.”
Since he didn’t mention the lady or Gu Jinyu being tired, but instead said he was tired, how could Lady Gu refuse her own son the rest he needed?
This showcases why Lady Gu wasn’t keen on the Yao lady. It wasn’t just a matter of her unsuitable background but more so of her son’s changed behavior whenever she was around — being dismissive of everyone.
Pretending not to understand his mother’s displeasure, Lord Gu cheerfully said, “I’ll be going now,” and escorted the lady and Gu Jinyu out of Songhe Court.
Just as they crossed the threshold, they unexpectedly ran into a finely dressed, jewelry-laden woman.
The woman took one look at the three of them, and a flicker of surprise crossed her eyes. Quickly, she bent down to pay her respects, “Lord! Madam! Miss!”