Chapter 20: A Noble Person

◎ Encountering the powerful figure who rose to fame in her past life ◎

When Gui Xiwen returned home, Zhang Dongling warmly rushed over to greet him.

“Yo, first day back from work, huh? Is the job at the Forestry Bureau really as easy as they say? What did you do all day today?”

Zhang Dongling rattled off a string of questions, but Gui Xiwen simply listened quietly without responding.

She wasn’t upset, though. After asking her fill, she quickly bustled about to get dinner ready.

At the dinner table, the five of them sat around together, just like always.

Gui Xiwen held his chopsticks, dazedly poking at his rice. He glanced down at Gu Ying beside him and spoke, “Our department is currently promoting a tree-planting campaign. It’s being held over at Wuning Field, and the bureau is encouraging everyone to mobilize their families. Do you all have time this weekend?”

As soon as she heard this, Zhang Dongling eagerly voiced her support, “Yes, yes, yes, I’m free. We’re all free. If it’s an initiative your department is pushing, of course our whole family should go to support you.”

As soon as she finished speaking, Gui Xiwu pouted in protest, “I’m still a kid—I can’t plant trees. I don’t want to go.”

Zhang Dongling smacked Gui Xiwu on the forehead and glared at him, “You’re the one who needs to plant trees the most. Look at your size—you’re fatter than all of us. You need the exercise.”

After that, she seemed to think of something and turned to Gu Ying, “Oh right, Xiaoying, with your health, tree-planting probably won’t work for you. But you should still come with us—just to cheer Xiwen on, okay?”

Given how far Zhang Dongling had taken it, Gu Ying couldn’t very well refuse. She pressed her lips together and nodded. “Okay.”

Seeing that everyone was now on the same page, Zhang Dongling, pleased, announced another matter: “Your aunt is coming over for dinner tomorrow.”

Gui Xiwu, being a straightforward child, immediately asked, “Why?”

Gui Xiwen also put down his chopsticks and looked at Zhang Dongling with a puzzled expression.

Her face suddenly turned cold, clearly displeased. The atmosphere at the table sank.

Across from them, Gu Ying, who had been quietly eating, glanced uneasily at Gui Xiangrong and said softly, “Is tomorrow Dad’s birthday?”

When Zhang Dongling heard this, she was so angry she gave each of her sons a hard knock on the head.

Gui Xiwu clutched his forehead and howled, “Mom, that was way too hard!”

Zhang Dongling snorted, “Hah, that was me going easy. What’s the use of raising you two? You can’t even remember your own dad’s birthday. Look at Xiaoying—she’s only been here a short while, and she already figured it out. You two blockheads! I’ve made it so obvious, and you still didn’t get it!”

Gui Xiwu didn’t dare say another word. He just turned his head to the side and shot Gu Ying a resentful look.

Gu Ying ignored it and calmly continued eating.

She then asked gently, “Mom, you should’ve told me earlier. Since tomorrow is Dad’s birthday, I won’t have time to prepare a gift now.”

Zhang Dongling, both moved and frustrated, said, “Ah, we’re all family—what’s this talk about gifts? The thought alone is enough. Not like certain others who can’t even remember the date!”

Gui Xiwen quietly listened, not saying a word.

Gui Xiwu saw that his older brother wasn’t speaking, so he didn’t dare either. He just shot Gu Ying another resentful glance.

Hmph. Always pretending to be the good one.

Gu Ying acted like she didn’t notice and calmly ate her meal.

The next day after work, Gui Caihong pedaled her bicycle toward the Gui home.

Today was her older brother Gui Xiangrong’s real birthday. His official ID listed a different date, so every year, he had two birthdays.

On his actual birthday, the family just had a quiet meal together. But the fake birthday was much livelier—people who normally had nothing to do with them would take the chance to send gifts.

Gui Xiangrong was exhausted from dealing with all those fake relationships, so he never expected Gui Caihong to bring gifts on his real birthday. So when she rode over empty-handed, she felt no pressure at all.

As she neared the residential compound, Gui Caihong slowed her pedaling and got off, pushing her bike toward the entrance.

Before entering, she noticed a familiar pair standing by the newsstand near the gate.

It was Ming Xue and Zhang Kuo, browsing that evening’s newspaper.

Ming Xue wasn’t the type to care about newspapers, but Zhang Kuo always had to read them. Morning paper, evening paper, lunchtime paper—if he hadn’t read it, he had to buy a copy to take home.

Stacks of old newspapers filled their home. Ming Xue used them to line tables and had gathered a whole pile she wanted to sell off as scrap, but Zhang Kuo refused. He insisted on keeping them all.

They had even quarreled over it—something rare for them. Zhang Kuo refused to back down, so in the end, Ming Xue gave in, agreeing to keep the papers, while making him promise to follow up on their housing application.

Once their newlywed home was assigned, they’d have their own space. After that, she wouldn’t bother fighting over how much space the newspapers took.

Standing at the newsstand, Ming Xue was clearly bored. She wasn’t interested in the paper at all and was about to urge Zhang Kuo to hurry up when her eyes caught a bold headline.

The title called on people to enthusiastically take part in the weekend’s tree-planting campaign.

Ming Xue’s mind stirred—wasn’t it said that Gui Xiwen had recently started working at the Forestry Bureau? Was this event organized by his workplace?

Driven by impulse, Ming Xue snatched the paper from Zhang Kuo’s hands and carefully read the article. Several notable figures were mentioned—semi-famous individuals. The report clearly aimed to use their influence to encourage more people to participate in the tree-planting campaign.

Mingxue read through the whole article, her eyes lingering on one particular name for a long time.

Wei Zhenhua?

Why did that name sound so familiar?

Mingxue closed her eyes and thought carefully. She was certain she had heard that name somewhere before.

Suddenly, her eyes flew open, her heart racing.

She remembered—she had heard that name in her previous life!

After Zhang Kuo rose to success in her past life, everyone in the courtyard spontaneously treated him as their collective pride. All of his deeds were widely spread, and Mingxue had heard nearly every version of Zhang Kuo’s rise to power. In all those versions, without exception, the name Wei Zhenhua appeared.

Wei Zhenhua was a great benefactor in Zhang Kuo’s journey to success, the one who led him into the business world, and the starting point of his fortune.

Mingxue couldn’t suppress her excitement. Her entire body began to tremble violently.

Just after Zhang Kuo paid the bill and turned around, he saw Mingxue trembling. He immediately grabbed her arms tightly and asked with concern, “What’s wrong?”

Mingxue slowly lifted her eyes and looked at him steadily. With firm determination, she said, “Let’s go participate in the tree-planting activity at Wuning Field this weekend.”

Zhang Kuo slowly let go of her arms. He was satisfied with Mingxue in many ways, and she had always taken good care of him after their marriage. But there was one thing he didn’t like—sometimes, when Mingxue spoke, her tone carried an absolute certainty.

On the surface, it sounded like she was discussing something, but her tone left no room for disagreement. If anyone tried to offer a different opinion, she would likely get upset.

Zhang Kuo avoided Mingxue’s gaze and said, “I’m usually very tired from work. On weekends, I just want to rest.”

“I know you’re busy and tired during the week. That’s why we’ll just go for a little while, plant a few trees, and come right back. After all, we’re just volunteers—there’s no set quota,” Mingxue suggested.

Zhang Kuo turned to look at her, confused. “If that’s the case, why go at all?”

If it was just to plant a few trees, why go through all the trouble? Neither would they get proper rest, nor seriously plant trees—it was a lose-lose situation, not a wise decision.

Zhang Kuo didn’t really agree with it.

But Mingxue was still full of enthusiasm. “We’re answering the country’s call, aren’t we? Afforestation is so beneficial for society and the people. It’s good for us to do our part, even if just a little.”

Her moral high-ground stance left Zhang Kuo with no way to argue. His gaze cooled as he took the newspaper back from Mingxue and casually brought up an unrelated comment: “If I remember correctly, doesn’t Gui Xiwen work at the Forestry Bureau?”

The hardest words to bear are often not direct insults but those laced with hidden meaning.

Mingxue stomped her foot in anger. She couldn’t tolerate Zhang Kuo’s unjust suspicion. She couldn’t believe he was actually accusing and doubting her!

“Zhang Kuo, explain yourself! What do you mean by that? Why bring that up?” she demanded harshly.

Zhang Kuo calmly folded the newspaper and tucked it under his arm. “Don’t overthink it. I was just asking casually.”

Mingxue was certain he wasn’t just asking casually. His words were clearly laced with a deep, hidden malice. But Zhang Kuo maintained an innocent and composed expression, offering no obvious flaw for her to seize upon.

Mingxue felt a bit crazy. Usually, she loved Zhang Kuo’s calm and steady demeanor. But now she realized that when this calmness was directed at her, it was just as unbearable.

Her heart was filled with grievance and frustration.

She had been thinking of what was best for Zhang Kuo. She wanted to create an opportunity for him. Not only did he not appreciate it, he even provoked her with his words!

People often forget to maintain composure when angry. Mingxue usually came across as well-mannered and polite, but at this moment, she didn’t care that they were standing in the middle of the road—she was ready to start a fight.

But Zhang Kuo seemed to know precisely when she was about to lose control. Sensing that she was reaching her limit, he stepped forward, gently embraced her shoulders, and patted her back softly to soothe her. “Okay, I’ll go. Don’t be mad anymore, okay?”

“But I do want to clarify something—I really didn’t mean anything else. I trust you. So next time we mention Gui Xiwen, could you not get so worked up? If you keep reacting this strongly, I can’t help but wonder if you still care about him.”

Mingxue angrily shoved him away. “I don’t!”

Zhang Kuo didn’t step back. Instead, he reached out, gently brushed away the tears at the corners of her eyes, and said softly, “If that’s true, then don’t assume I have bad intentions either, alright?”

Plop—a tear silently slipped from her eye.

Through blurry eyes, Mingxue looked at the gentle man in front of her and was overcome with guilt. Had she really wronged Zhang Kuo just now? Was her reaction to the name Gui Xiwen too extreme?

She leaned into Zhang Kuo’s hand and nodded emotionally. “Okay.”

As she tilted her head slightly, she caught a glimpse of someone near the entrance of the compound—a woman pushing a bicycle. It was Gui Caihong.

She quickly wiped her tears and pulled Zhang Kuo toward the compound.

“What’s wrong?” Zhang Kuo asked.

“Come on, let’s go. I don’t want to run into that person,” Mingxue replied without turning back.

Hearing this, Zhang Kuo looked behind and saw Gui Caihong, Gui Xiwen’s aunt, pushing her bicycle toward the courtyard.

“You’re trying to avoid Gui Xiwen’s aunt?” Zhang Kuo asked aloud.

Mingxue froze. She had just been misunderstood by Zhang Kuo earlier, and now she was anxiously avoiding Gui Xiwen’s aunt. Afraid of being misunderstood again, she explained, “Back when I broke off the engagement with Gui Xiwen, the Gui family didn’t say anything nasty, but his aunt came to our house and scolded my parents.”

“My parents kept apologizing the whole time, completely cowed, but his aunt showed no mercy. She acted so righteously and just wouldn’t let it go. She even yelled at me. I was really shaken by her attitude. It left such a deep impression that now I get goosebumps whenever I see her.”

Zhang Kuo turned back when he heard that and gave Gui Caihong a deep look.

Gui Caihong was behind, pushing her bicycle. When she saw Ming Xue and Zhang Kuo, the married couple up ahead, spotting her and hurrying into the compound as if they had seen a ghost, she couldn’t help but find it amusing.

Looks like Ming Xue still remembered the day she came to their house and cursed them out.

Hmph, Ming Xue should remember it well!

Gui Caihong felt inexplicably pleased. She quickened her pace toward the Gui house and parked her bicycle at the door.

When she entered, Gui Xiangrong and Gui Xiwen hadn’t returned yet, and no one knew where Gui Xiwu had run off to. Inside the house, only Zhang Dongling and Gu Ying were preparing ingredients for dinner.

Gui Caihong wasn’t an outsider, so she went over to help while asking, “Who’s cooking today? Sis-in-law, are you doing the whole thing?”

Zhang Dongling replied proudly, “Of course. I’m the head chef of this house.”

Gui Caihong raised her eyebrows. “Oh? Really? Isn’t Gu Ying’s brother a chef at the factory canteen? Doesn’t that mean Gu Ying should have decent skills too?”

Gu Ying’s eyes flickered and she was just about to respond when Gui Caihong continued, “It’s big brother’s birthday today. As the daughter-in-law, Gu Ying, shouldn’t you personally cook a few dishes to show your sincerity?”

Gu Ying’s eyes darkened slightly, and the words at her lips were swallowed back. She instead said calmly, “Auntie is right. I should cook a few dishes myself for Dad to show my sincerity.”

She pointed to the foie gras and green peas in front of her. “I’ll make these two dishes then. Mom, remember to let me do the cooking later.”

Zhang Dongling poked her head out of the kitchen and smiled, “Sure, those two dishes will be yours.”

Gu Ying nodded and continued preparing the ingredients. As she looked away, she caught the triumphant look still lingering on Gui Caihong’s face.

“Auntie, what’s got you in such a good mood?” Gu Ying asked directly.

Gui Caihong stared at the person in front of her and gave a bold, shameless grin. “You want to know? Alright, I’ll tell you. I ran into Ming Xue earlier. The moment she saw me, she fled like a mouse seeing a cat. Do you know why?”

“She was the one who called off her engagement to Xiwen back then, and I gave their whole family a good scolding. Now when she sees me, she’s scared. Serves her right! Whoever does guilty things should be ready to face the consequences. You get what I mean, Gu Ying?”

Gu Ying nodded cooperatively, her face calm. “I understand. That’s why I never do guilty things.”

Gui Caihong: “……”

Does Gu Ying really not get the underlying meaning, or is she pretending?

Gui Caihong stared hard at Gu Ying and sneered, “Only the guilty know what they’ve done. I just want to say, if someone gets caught doing something shady like Ming Xue did, they’ll also end up running from me like a scared mouse.”

After speaking, she let her gaze linger over Gu Ying’s face.

She had never believed that Gu Ying’s marriage to Gui Xiwen was just his act of frustration. Gu Ying must’ve had a hand in it too—just that she covered her tracks so well that no one could find proof.

Gu Ying seemed to consider her words seriously, then nodded and smiled. “Oh, so Ming Xue was born in the year of the Rat? Not me—I’m a Dog.”

Gui Caihong’s face changed, and she let out a cold snort.

So Gu Ying’s pretty smart. Not just clever, but tough too—daring to fight back with veiled threats.

Zhang Dongling, hearing the strange conversation from the kitchen, asked, “What’s all this talk about rats and dogs? You guys chatting about zodiac signs?”

Gu Ying smiled and replied, “Yes, Auntie was telling me about the Chinese zodiac.”

Zhang Dongling believed her and waved her over. “Alright, that’s enough chatting. Didn’t you say you wanted to cook? The two dishes you picked—go make them now.”

“Okay.” Gu Ying stood up and walked to the kitchen.

Gui Caihong stood up as well. “Sis-in-law, need me to help in the kitchen?”

“No, no, it’s already crowded enough in there,” Zhang Dongling waved her off. “Caihong, how about you go over to Aunt Wu’s next door and look for Xiwu? Get him back for dinner. Who knows where that boy’s gone off to. If he’s not at Aunt Wu’s, then search around the compound a bit.”

Since Zhang Dongling had asked, Gui Caihong couldn’t refuse. She got up and left. “Alright, I’ll go bring Xiwu back.”

Zhang Dongling watched her go, then turned back toward the kitchen—only to see Gu Ying standing motionless in front of the stove, not making a single move.

“What’s wrong?” Zhang Dongling asked, puzzled. “Why aren’t you cooking? I’ve already prepped the scallions, ginger, and garlic for you—just use them.”

Gu Ying rubbed her hands nervously and said apologetically, “Mom, actually, I…”

Seeing Gu Ying hesitate like that, Zhang Dongling immediately understood. With a knowing look, she smiled and said, “You don’t know how to cook at all, do you? Just now, your aunt was talking like that and you couldn’t say no, so you agreed just to save face?”

Gu Ying didn’t deny it and mumbled, “Auntie asked me to show some sincerity to Dad. I really couldn’t say no…”

“It’s fine, it’s fine,” Zhang Dongling patted her shoulder generously. “It’s no big deal. Your aunt put you on the spot, and I get why you couldn’t refuse. Since you can’t cook, I’ll do it for you. Later, we’ll just say you made them. That way you’ve shown your sincerity as a daughter-in-law, and your aunt won’t find any fault.”

Gu Ying’s eyes brimmed with tears, and she stepped forward to hug Zhang Dongling. “Mom, you’re so good to me!”

Zhang Dongling patted her back with a smile. “Come on now, it’s nothing. Just cooking two dishes for you. No big deal.”

Gu Ying buried her head in Zhang Dongling’s shoulder and said nothing for a long time.

By the time Gui Caihong came back with Gui Xiwu, the dinner was already ready. Gui Xiangrong and Gui Xiwen had both returned from work too.

Zhang Dongling waited until everyone was present and had the table set before calling everyone to eat.

The group gathered around the table, cheerful and lively. With delicious dishes laid out, the atmosphere was full of warmth and life.

“There are no outsiders here, everyone relax and eat,” Zhang Dongling said, then picked up her chopsticks and helped herself to food before the birthday celebrant could even move.