Chapter 680: Today’s Kindness
Chapter 680: Today’s Kindness
Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Upon hearing that the woman hailed from Daqing Village, Gu Shan was relieved. His destination, Little Lin Village, was just beyond Daqing. He found it hard to refuse the plea of such a young woman, especially given her pitiful state. She had just been cast out by her fiancé, her eyes red from crying.
Gu Shan looked at her, alone and helpless on the broken road outside the city. What if she encountered danger? If he didn’t assist her, if he didn’t offer her a ride home, could he still call himself a man?
He couldn’t help but feel fortunate that Zhang Mei, a woman who always seemed to be in the way, was not present. With a gentlemanly air, he invited the young woman into his car. As she expressed her gratitude, bowing and thanking him profusely, Gu Shan’s vanity was greatly satisfied. He felt like a hero. If he hadn’t appeared today, what would have become of this girl?
What he didn’t know was that while the woman appeared pitiful, her mind was far from it. The moment she saw his car earlier, she had begun to calculate.
Although she had indeed been cast out by her fiancé, Chang Sheng, and had truly cried, she knew she had to find a way out for herself. As she rested by the road, pondering her future, she hadn’t expected a solution to present itself so readily.
She observed that the man was well-dressed. His shoes were a bit worn, but they seemed to be a brand-name pair, something the villagers could hardly afford with a year’s income. He had come from the city, driving a small car, clearly a man of status. He was older, perhaps even older than Chang Sheng, but that didn’t matter.
She was looking for a man who could provide her with a stable life. She believed this man was of higher status than Chang Sheng. Previously, because of a dispute over a braised pork recipe, she had been tricked by Su Jing, leading to a significant setback. Chang Sheng had called her a jinx, unfit to marry. Despite her pleas, Chang Sheng and his mother refused to let her back into their home.
This time, she had come with hope, intending to plead with them one last time. If they still refused, she would find another way. However, the shameless mother and son not only drove her out but also demanded half of the red envelope money they had given her over the years. The ten yuan she had brought with her was gone in an instant. She was angry, resentful, and helpless. Without money for a ride, she had no choice but to walk back to the village.
But now, an opportunity had presented itself. A high-quality man was right in front of her, and she knew she had to seize it. She noticed that the man seemed to have a soft spot for weak and pitiful women. So, not long after getting in the car, she seized the opportunity to introduce herself.
In a soft and pitiful tone, she said, “Sir, you are a good man. Judging by your attire, you must come from a wealthy family. I’m sorry to trouble you today. In the future, if there’s a need, I will definitely repay your kindness. My name is Li Li, from Daqing Village. May I ask your name?”
Upon hearing this, Gu Shan couldn’t help but smile. This woman was not only young but also knew how to speak. She was much better than the nagging old woman at home. He cleared his throat and responded in a pretentious manner, “Li Li, I’m not from a wealthy family. I just live in the military compound and hold a minor position.
“My surname is Gu. You don’t need to repay me. I’m just passing by. Seeing a young girl stranded outside, I thought I’d give you a lift. Today, I’m mainly going to Little Lin Village, your neighboring village, to find someone. You know the Lin family in Little Lin Village, right?”
Upon hearing that he lived in the military compound, Li Li’s heart leapt with joy. When he mentioned the Lin family, she shyly glanced at the man beside her and suddenly remembered something.
She then said with a hint of surprise, “You must be Mr. Gu, Lin Miao’s biological father. I remember now. When you visited our village before, everyone saw you. I saw you too. You were so impressive, arriving in a white sedan with a driver. It was a scene straight out of a movie!”
Gu Shan laughed even more heartily and immediately responded, “That car you mentioned, I replaced it before the New Year. It was too old, and the performance wasn’t good. As for the driver, I came alone today because I’m handling personal matters.”
Although the car was rented, he didn’t mention it. As a man, he valued his face. A little white lie wouldn’t hurt, and it was certainly better than being laughed at.
Sure enough, as soon as he finished speaking, the woman looked at him with even more admiration. Gu Shan felt incredibly pleased. This also prompted him to open up and show concern for the woman.
“You’re such an understanding and gentle girl. How could your fiancé not want you? Young people these days are not like us in our time. They’re so irresponsible.”