Back to the Past: The Rise of the False Heiress Marrying the True Tycoon Chapter 996: There's No Mistress

Chapter 996: There’s No Mistress

Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

As soon as the word “Aunt Zhang” left Gu Zi’s lips, the people from the tenent building froze in shock.

Wait a second—didn’t that woman just claim to be Gu Zi’s foster mother, walking around like she could dictate Gu Zi’s every move?

But here Gu Zi was, addressing her with an icy detachnt, as if she were nothing more than a stranger.

Just “Aunt Zhang”? Oh no. Had they completely misjudged the situation? The realization dawned on them with all the grace of a collapsing soufflé—this was awkward.

Still, where there’s a crowd, there’s always soone quick with a way to save face. One of the tenent residents hurriedly stepped forward and addressed Gu Zi. “Gu Zi, this lady claid to be your foster mother, so naturally, we thought she had so say here. But forget about that—let’s not get bogged down. We’ve co sincerely to apologize. Truly, we were in the wrong. We were foolish to run our mouths and misunderstand your family. We’re so sorry—please forgive us.”

Another chid in quickly, as if afraid the apology might not be enough. “Yes, exactly. And to show how sorry we are, we’ve brought these as tokens of goodwill. Please, you must accept them. Also, about the pork shop… could you speak to Mr. Su and ask him to resu the supply? Life’s tough for us, and without the cheaper at, every little penny saved makes a big difference. Please, Gu Zi, have so compassion.”

Gu Zi could see their remorse—it wasn’t hard to spot the desperation in their faces. She knew they weren’t worth making an enemy of; this little lesson had been enough. After all, no one willingly fights with their wallets.

With a composed expression, she stepped forward and opened the door. “Fine. Leave the things here, but don’t bother coming inside. As for the pork issue, I’ll talk to Su Shen about it.”

The tenent folks didn’t dare push their luck. For Gu Zi to even accept their gifts and agree to bring it up with Su Shen was already more than they could’ve hoped for. Hastily, they placed their offerings inside the Su family courtyard and left, murmuring their thanks as they filed out.

anwhile, Zhang i and Lin Miao had been entirely sidelined, watching the entire exchange unfold with increasing displeasure.

Naturally, Zhang i wasn’t about to let herself be ignored. She cleared her throat, straightened her posture, and addressed Gu Zi with a patronizing tone. “Is this how you treat your neighbors, Gu Zi? Taking their gifts without even inviting them inside? What kind of upbringing leads to such poor manners? Honestly, we spoiled you too much before—you’ve grown up completely ungrateful.”

Lin Miao jumped in with practiced harmony, her voice laced with false concern. “That’s right, Gu Zi. Mom’s right. You can’t just act on impulse. Everyone’s struggling. If you’ve taken their gifts, you owe them more than just a casual promise. What if Brother-in-law doesn’t agree to resu supplying pork? Won’t that just leave everyone worse off?”

Gu Zi didn’t even bother sparing them a glance. Instead, she turned to the tenent folks and said flatly, “So, what you’re saying is that your apologies aren’t sincere? You’re only here to grovel because you want Su Shen to resu the pork supply. Is that it?”

The tenent residents practically jumped in alarm, shaking their heads vehently. “No, no, no! That’s not it at all! We truly an it—we’re genuinely sorry. It’s just… well, since we were coming to apologize anyway, we thought it wouldn’t hurt to ask if you could put in a good word for us. But truly, we’re not demanding anything—just asking for help. It’s entirely our fault to begin with.”

Gu Zi nodded lightly. “Good. As long as that’s the case. Because, let make this clear—I can only talk to Su Shen about it. Whether or not he forgives you and resus the supply, that’s entirely his decision. Even as his wife, I have no right to interfere.”

Her words sent a fresh wave of anxiety rippling through the tenent group.

Zhang i, however, wasn’t about to let this opportunity slip. She clicked her tongue in irritation and interjected, “What’s all this nonsense about separate decisions? You’re his wife. How is it not just a matter of you saying the word? Why are you making it sound so complicated?”

Gu Zi turned her gaze to Zhang i, her tone sharp and unyielding. “Aunt Zhang, that’s an interesting perspective. But let ask—aren’t you and Uncle Gu still husband and wife? Did that stop him from finding a mistress despite your disapproval? Clearly, marriage doesn’t give anyone the right to control their partner’s every move, does it?”

The color drained from Zhang i’s face in an instant. She hadn’t expected Gu Zi to retaliate so brazenly. Worse, how on earth did Gu Zi know about the mistress?

The tenent residents, too, were stunned into silence.

Wasn’t this Zhang woman supposed to be so grand military officer’s wife? And yet her husband had the audacity to have an affair? What a scandal! All this ti, they’d assud she lived so picture-perfect life, but clearly, her family was just as ssy as anyone else’s. No wonder Gu Zi didn’t acknowledge these so-called foster parents—how utterly embarrassing.

Afraid that Gu Zi might actually return their gifts, the tenent folks quickly muttered their goodbyes and made a hasty exit, though not without casting a few pitying glances at Zhang i on their way out.

Zhang i felt the weight of those looks, and fury bubbled beneath her composed exterior. Pity? From these peasants? She’d rather die. But she couldn’t lash out now, not with Gu Zi watching.

“Gu Zi!” Zhang i barked. “How dare you spread such nonsense! Your foster father did no such thing. We’re perfectly fine—there’s no mistress. Stop spouting lies!”

Gu Zi smirked, unfazed. “Oh? Aunt Zhang, your ability to endure must truly be admirable. Even in the face of betrayal, you’re willing to defend him. You should write a book about it—’How to Love a Cheater.’ I’m sure it would sell.”

Zhang i’s face darkened, her composure cracking. “Enough of this nonsense! I said there’s no mistress, and that’s the end of it. Now that the outsiders are gone, let’s take this conversation inside.”