BXBX NOVEL Chapter 44 - 44: Not to Be Offended
“We’re not worried.” Gu Shan’s face flushed red.
He loathed the notion of producing the household register for Gu Zi, who had not only bullied his biological daughter, but had also earned herself the money and secure herself a favor from Gong Xin.
Changing his approach, Gu Shan turned to Gong Xin and stated politely, “Indeed, Gu Zi is rather inexperienced. Considering the bond between our two families, there’s no need for financial transactions regarding your job.” He shot Gu Zi a subtle signal, urging her to remain silent.
Gu Zi stood there obediently, observing that Gong Xin’s mood was already deteriorating.
“Uncle Gu, are you saying that I should take Gu Zi’s job for free?” Gong Xin raised an eyebrow, her tone bearing an edge.
Was she such a petty person?
It was as if they were implying that she was high and mighty, so Gu Zi should come and suck up to her.
Wouldn’t that be bullying?
Seeing that Gong Xin’s tone was awry, Gu Shan swiftly clarified, “No, we intended for you to take it directly.”
Gong Xin smiled, “Thank you for your generosity, Uncle Gu. Nevertheless, I believe you’re aware of the fierce competition that transpired when Gu Zi initially secured the job. She rightfully earned some compensation for transferring the job to me.”
Gong Xin’s meaning was clear.
Gu Zi had acquired the job through her own merit, so she was entitled to remuneration.
Gu Shan reluctantly concurred, “Xin Xin, you’re so magnanimous.”
His previous tactic having failed, he altered his approach. “The household register is currently not at home. Some days ago, my mother borrowed it for a specific task. She should be returning it soon. When that happens, we’ll deliver it to you. What do you think of that?”
Zhang Mei swiftly concurred, “Yes, there’s no rush. Let Gu Zi sign over the job to you today. When the household register returns, I’ll ask Miaomiao to deliver it to you. You two can settle the matter together.”
On the surface, they presented their actions as a matter of convenience for Gu Zi, sparing her the tedium of traversing between the city and countryside. Yet, beneath this facade, their objective was to position her as a tool, ensuring the favor ultimately benefited Lin Miao.
Lin Miao approached Gong Xin and said, “Xin Xin, I initially intended to give the job to you anyway. I didn’t anticipate that my sister would exchange the job for money. It seems life in the countryside is truly arduous.”
Gong Xin took a step back, not wanting to be touched by Lin Miao.
“I find it fair to purchase the job with money. I don’t think Gu Zi is doing anything wrong,” she remarked, now comprehending that Lin Miao was two-faced.
Gong Xin hadn’t anticipated Gu Shan’s overt bias towards Lin Miao. To prevent Gu Zi from obtaining money from the job’s sale, he had resorted to deceit.
She had seen it yesterday. Gu Shan had brought Lin Miao to the local recruitment office to register her as a new recruit.
This process necessitated presenting the household register of the primary family, and the document was currently in Gu Shan’s possession.
However, they insisted that the household register was not at home, so she could not say anything.
Gong Xin gazed at Gu Zi, stating, “Since the household register isn’t currently available, we can address it on another day. I’ll have my brother collect you from the countryside, sparing you the inconvenience.”
Following this statement, Gong Xin took Gu Zi’s arm, preparing to depart.
This time, Lin Miao grew frantic. She glanced tearfully at Gu Shan, insisting,
“Daddy, please. Help me.”
There was no way she could allow Gu Zi and Gong Zhan to foster a closer relationship!
Zhang Mei implored Gu Zi to remain, exclaiming, “Gu Zi, you’ve finally returned, and it would be a shame not to spend time with Mom and Dad.”
Then, she regarded the child in Gu Zi’s arms. “Caring for your family is quite a challenge now. Your sister wishes to assist you. Give her the opportunity.”
Her meaning was clear: On account of our upbringing, grant this favor to Lin Miao.
Gu Zi smiled and replied gently, “I can never forget your kindness in raising me. Nonetheless, there’s a great deal to attend to presently. Rest assured, when I return next time, I’ll spend time with Mom, Dad, and Lin Miao.”
Having said that, she prepared to leave with Gong Xin.
Lin Miao was presented with a multiple-choice question: Should she retain the household register or provide Gu Zi and Gong Zhan the opportunity to grow closer?
Unable to contain herself, Lin Miao cried out, “Have you forgotten? GrandlT returned the household register yesterday.”
Of course, Lin Miao selected the option that secured her engagement.
Gu Shan smacked his forehead, addressing Zhang Mei, “I’m old and scatterbrained. Go fetch it quickly.”
Zhang Mei, still disinclined to make the effort, reluctantly went to retrieve document, recognizing that her daughter’s engagement was on the line. After obtaining the household register, Gu Zi was tugged away by Gong Xin
Descending the stairs, Gong Xin clutched her belly, laughing heartily. “Did see that? Lin Miao was practically gnashing her teeth in anger. Haha.”
Gu Zi glanced at the household register in her hand and smiled wryly. “My parents weren’t looking any better either. To acquire this household registe had to become the unfilial daughter of the Gu family.”
Gong Xin abruptly ceased laughing and regarded Gu Zi with sympathy. Gu 1 situation within the Gu family was incredibly delicate.
Gong Xin patted her chest, pledging, “Don’t worry.. I’ll look out for you in tk city from now on!”