Chapter 475: Dignity
Chapter 475: Dignity
If her braised pork was only slightly better than the city’s offerings, the city dwellers would not bother to travel all the way to her shop. However, given that her dish was significantly superior, she was confident they would come for the taste.
Gu Zi’s tasting promotion ended quickly. The delicious braised pork was so popular that anyone who tried it would bring others to taste it. Within half an hour, a large box of braised pork was completely devoured. She began to pack up, preparing to head home.
Just as she turned around, she saw two middle-aged people approaching her. The man was in front, followed by the woman – Gu Shan and Zhang Mei.
Whenever she went out for promotion, Gu Zi would deliberately dress simply, even wearing a hat to shield herself from the sun and wind. She did this to conceal her beauty, lest it distract people from the delicious food she was promoting.
This was not Gu Zi being arrogant or boastful. If she didn’t hide her appearance, it would be difficult to achieve the promotional effect she desired. It might even be counterproductive.
However, she didn’t expect that despite her low-key attire, she would still run into acquaintances and be recognized.
Gu Shan stopped in front of her cart, and Zhang Mei stepped forward. After a few glances, she confirmed, “Gu Zi, it really is you. Why are you setting up a stall and becoming a self-employed worker?”
Gu Zi responded calmly, “Uncle Gu, Aunt Zhang, hello. Yes, I’m out here promoting braised pork. Unfortunately, the tasting is over. Otherwise, you could have tried it. Please come to the town and support our business.”
Zhang Mei scoffed, “We didn’t come to support your business, nor to taste your food. We just wanted to remind you that you’re now Su Shen’s wife. How can you expose yourself like this? People will say we, the Gu family, didn’t educate you well. Lin Miao is still in jail, what kind of karma is this?”
Gu Zi found this amusing. What did Lin Miao’s disgrace in jail have to do with her running a business? Such feudal thinking was unacceptable.
Then Gu Shan also spoke, “Exactly, go home immediately. Don’t come here to promote your business anymore. The people who come and go here are all colleagues from our unit. If you don’t care about saving face, I do.”
Upon hearing their words, Gu Zi was not one to hold back. With a cold, mocking laugh, she retorted, “Does the Gu family still have any dignity left? I thought after Lin Miao’s imprisonment, the Gu family lost all its face in the courtyard.”
She paused, allowing her words to sink in before continuing, “Besides, we have all returned to our respective families. Have you forgotten? It was you who sent me to Daqing Village. Even if I lose face now, it’s not the Gu family’s face that I’m losing, is it?”
Gu Zi’s words left the couple, Gu Shan, speechless. After all, they were the ones who had wronged Gu Zi first. They were the ones who had abandoned her. What right did they have to judge her actions now?
Seeing them silenced, Gu Zi packed her things and prepared to leave. Before she left, she said, “If you think being a self-employed person is disgraceful, then you two better stop talking to me.” With that, she pushed her cart and left without looking back.
Upon reaching the station, Gu Zi bought a ticket and boarded the bus. She arrived home before twelve o’clock.
As soon as she entered the house, she saw Su Li sprawled lazily on the sofa, not moving an inch. Looking further in, she saw Su Bing rolling out dumpling wrappers while making dumplings.
The dumpling wrappers that Su Bing rolled out were not perfectly round, but as long as they could be wrapped, it was fine.
As for Su Li, Gu Zi laughed when she looked at him again. She walked over and asked, “What happened? You haven’t even finished half of the filling, and your ambition is already worn out?”
Hearing his mother’s voice, Su Li sat up abruptly, “Mom, you’re back. You should make the dumplings. I’ve already told my brother that I’ll wash the dishes later. Making dumplings is too much work!”
Gu Zi ruffled his hair, finding his laziness rather endearing, “Alright, I won’t force you.”
Gu Zi washed her hands and joined Su Bing in making dumplings. Gu Zi was quick, she could make two dumplings in the time it took Su Bing to make one, including rolling out her own wrappers.
Before long, the sound of Shi Tou’s voice echoed from the doorway. It must have been Su Li who opened the door for him, “Fairy Auntie, Fairy Auntie, we’re having dumplings at our house today. They’re filled with pork. My grandma asked me to bring some for you to taste…”
He walked over to Gu Zi and handed her a bowl containing eight large dumplings. Gu Zi took one and tasted it, then said to Shi Tou, “It’s delicious, Shi Tou. Wait a moment, we’re also having dumplings at our house today. They’re filled with taro and pork. You should try them too.”