Gu Xingzhao noticed that, despite any inner turmoil Lu Xingyan might have felt, his expression remained calm and composed. This pleased her—aside from his health issues, where else could one find such a perfect person?

After reading the letter, Lu Xingyan silently put the bamboo tube into the cloth pouch that the ancestor had provided, securing it close to his body. He understood the importance of this item; in case of another life-threatening situation like before, this might be the very thing that saves their lives. The fact that the ancestor entrusted it to him signified a great deal of trust.

Although he had initially thought this responsibility would go to his nephew, given that the boy was always carrying out tasks for his father and the ancestor.

Lu Xingyan’s gaze drifted over to his nephew, who was standing not far away.

“Brother, just give me a piece!” Lu Youtang pleaded, practically drooling as she watched her older brother hoard the chocolate.

With one hand on his sister’s forehead, Lu Xingyao quickly stuffed the chocolate into his mouth, speaking through a full mouth, “Grandfather said you’re getting chubby. If you eat this, you’ll definitely get scolded. As your brother, I’ll take the blame for you!”

Lu Youtang was so furious at her brother’s self-righteous, “I’m doing this for your own good” attitude that she wanted to hit him.

Watching this scene, Lu Xingyan was silent for a moment. It seemed he now understood why the ancestor chose him instead of his nephew.

The ancestor had said that the bamboo tube should only be used in times of danger and must not be shown to anyone unless absolutely necessary.

Knowing his nephew’s reverence for the ancestor, Lu Xingyan suspected that before he even finished reading the letter, the whole Lu family would know that he had once again received the ancestor’s favor and what exactly he had been given.

The next morning, Gu Xingzhao woke up early, tidied herself up, and opened the supermarket for business.

Morning customers were abundant, and while they bought their items, many engaged her in small talk.

“Xiao Gu, I heard your dad came to see you with his wife and kids recently?” Auntie Yang from the neighboring street was full of gossip. After paying, she lingered, pressing Gu Xingzhao for details.

It was common knowledge around town that Gu Chengzhang had shown up looking for Gu Xingzhao that day, and it had been a hot topic for days.

Gu Xingzhao smiled, “Auntie Yang, you must be joking. I don’t have a dad. He died over a decade ago.”

Her tone was calm, leaving Auntie Yang momentarily stunned. With an awkward laugh, she took her things and left.

As soon as she stepped out of the supermarket, she rushed over to her group of friends, who were chatting nearby.

“You won’t believe what Xiao Gu said when I asked her about her dad!” Auntie Yang exclaimed.

The other women perked up with curiosity. “What did she say?”

“She said she doesn’t have a dad—said he died over ten years ago!” Auntie Yang squinted, clearly relishing the shock on their faces.

A collective gasp erupted. “Oh my!”

“He’s still alive and kicking, yet she’s cursing her own father?”

“Even though Gu Chengzhang isn’t much of a father, he’s still her blood. How could she say that?”

“She must really hold a grudge against him. After all, when Old Man Gu was in the hospital, she didn’t even visit. And I bet he didn’t give her any money after that.”

“That can’t be true. I heard Gu Chengzhang did pay child support and even tried to take her in, but she refused.”

Auntie Yang nodded vigorously, “That’s what I heard too!”

It was hard to tell what was true, which was why she’d asked Xiao Gu about it today.

“No matter what, he’s still her father. How could she curse him like that? Such resentment—this girl’s going to have a hard time getting married with an attitude like that.”

“Exactly! A girl who holds grudges like that—no way would I let my son marry someone like her. She’s clearly not filial.” 

One of the women complimented Auntie Yang, “Your clothes, your son bought them, right? I heard they’re designer, really expensive—thousands of yuan. I’m so envious!”

Auntie Yang sighed, “What’s there to envy? His father and I even scolded him for wasting money. We’re getting old—we don’t need designer clothes. What would really make us happy is if he’d just settle down, get married, and give us a grandchild!”

Just then, a bucket of water mixed with flour splashed onto the ground, soaking everyone, especially Auntie Yang, whose expensive designer clothes were now drenched.

Auntie Yang was livid, glaring at the culprit, Auntie Wang, who still held the bucket in her hand. “Wang Ruohua, are you out of your mind?!”

The other women were also angry, chiming in, “You soaked all of us! Are you trying to cause trouble?”

Auntie Wang scoffed, “Oh, so you know what it’s like to have someone purposely cause you trouble? I thought all you did was gossip about other people’s business!”

Auntie Yang was fuming. She had been so careful with her expensive clothes, even when washing them, and now they were ruined. She pointed at Auntie Wang, yelling, “My son bought these designer clothes! You better pay for them, Wang Ruohua!”

Auntie Wang found it amusing. “I’m pouring water outside my own shop. You’re the ones standing around gossiping, getting in the way of my business. And now you want money?”

Auntie Yang’s face turned dark. “If you don’t pay up today, I’m not leaving!”

Let’s see how Auntie Wang planned to run her business now!

Auntie Wang set the bucket down, hands on her hips, completely unafraid. “Fine! Let’s go to the police station and get the surveillance footage. We’ll see what the police have to say!”

Auntie Yang was about to retort but was pulled back by the others. No one wanted to get involved with the police.

“Forget it, let’s just leave. No point arguing with someone like her.”

Auntie Yang was furious. How could they just drop it when her clothes were ruined?

One of the women whispered, “Don’t forget, most of the police are on good terms with Xiao Gu.”

“Yeah, and my daughter’s going to start working at the station after the New Year…”

Especially Chief Lu, Old Man Gu’s apprentice, who treated Gu Xingzhao like his own daughter. If the surveillance footage showed they had been bad-mouthing Xiao Gu, who knows what kind of trouble that could cause?

Auntie Yang’s son might have a good job in the city, but their kids were still trying to make a living in town. They couldn’t afford to offend anyone and decided to let it go, chalking it up to bad luck.

Watching them retreat, Auntie Yang seethed inside.

Seeing Auntie Wang’s smug face, she sneered, “Wang Ruohua, my son has a great job in the city, earning tens of thousands a year. What do you have? Just this rundown shop selling dumplings? With a mother like you, your son won’t amount to much!”

“Remember, today I’m choosing not to stoop to your level!”

As she turned to leave, Auntie Wang picked up the remaining half-bucket of water and splashed it all over her. Whoosh!

Auntie Yang was soaked to the bone.

“Oh, I’d never dare compare with your precious son, raised by five older sisters to make only tens of thousands a year!”

Auntie Wang’s voice was loud, and everyone in the supermarket heard it. They rushed out to see what was going on, including Gu Xingzhao, who saw Auntie Wang holding the bucket, mocking the drenched Auntie Yang:

“Everyone in town knows your son drained his five sisters dry just to buy a tiny apartment in the city. He’s an ugly duckling who still dreams of getting married!”

“What girl would be blind enough to marry into your family?”

Gu Xingzhao stood frozen at the entrance. Who knew Auntie Wang had such a sharp tongue?