Back to the Past: The Rise of the False Heiress Marrying the True Tycoon - Chapter 778
Chapter 778: Mom Is Beautiful and Kind
Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
“My mom is not as you describe,” Su Bing said, his voice laced with a defensive edge. “She encourages us to read, to broaden our minds. She believes that knowledge cannot stunt a person’s growth. Only a lack of proper nutrition can do that. If a child doesn’t eat well, doesn’t consume enough meat, they won’t grow tall. Your child, for instance, seems rather short. He’s thin, pale, and looks malnourished. Perhaps you’ve been too busy gossiping to care for his dietary needs. You should focus on your own child first.”
Two women stood nearby, a small boy in tow. The boy bore a striking resemblance to one of the women, making it clear that they were mother and son.
As Su Bing finished his speech, the face of the boy’s mother twisted in anger. “How dare you say my son is malnourished? You ungrateful brat! I was trying to help you, to make your stepmother treat you better, and you don’t even thank me!”
Initially, the others were taken aback by Su Bing’s retort. Su Bing, usually quiet and reserved, rarely spoke up about such trivial matters. However, the topic had touched on his mother, Gu Zi, and crossed a line. Not only did he confront the woman, but he also hit the nail on the head. Indeed, the woman’s boy did look malnourished, just like Su Li used to.
Su Bing stood her ground. “My mother may be a stepmother, but she’s a good one, even better than a biological mother. Your son’s malnutrition is a fact. Do you know how I can tell? Because before my stepmother married my father, my siblings and I were indeed abused and malnourished. We looked just like your son.”
Su Li, too, was angry. He chimed in, backing up his brother in defending their mother. “That’s right. Before our mother came to our home, our little sister couldn’t even speak. But after our mother arrived, she spent every day teaching our sister to talk and even took her to see a doctor. Now, our sister can say many things. Our mother is wonderful, and we won’t allow you to speak ill of her. It’s us, her children, who insist on helping her with chores, not because she treats us poorly.”
Seeing her two sons defending her so passionately, Gu Zi couldn’t help but feel pleased. She was also impressed by Su Bing’s sharp tongue. The usually quiet boy proved to be reliable in crucial moments, much like a certain older man she knew.
With that thought, she couldn’t help but wonder when the letter she had sent out that morning would reach the older man’s hands.
Gu Zi addressed the two children, “Su Bing, Su Li, pay no heed to this woman. She can’t even take care of her own child, and only spews irrational gossip. Don’t bother with her. Ma’am, perhaps you should take your son to the hospital for a check-up when you have the time. I may be a stepmother, but it seems I’m doing a better job than you, the biological mother of your son.”
By this point, the bystanders had grasped the situation. It was clear to anyone with eyes that the two boys were fiercely protective of their young stepmother. This could only be the result of genuine affection from her, which had touched the hearts of these two half-grown children who had suffered so much.
Consequently, the crowd began to point fingers at the two women who had been gossiping earlier, especially the one with the child, who became the subject of everyone’s conversation.
“Actually, the older boy has a point,” one bystander commented. “Her child does look thin and underfed. If she can afford to shop here, she must be able to feed her child properly. How can she have the audacity to criticize others when her own child is in such a state?”
“Can you believe there are people like this in the world?” another chimed in. “It’s clear that the stepmother treats the children well, and they are sensible enough to help her carry things. Yet, in their mouths, the children are pitiful, and the stepmother is accused of mistreating her stepchildren. It’s ridiculous. It seems some people can’t handle prosperity.”
“Indeed,” another agreed. “If this is how stepmothers are viewed, who among us women would dare to marry a divorced man with children? Such prejudice is unacceptable. Some people’s thinking is still stuck in the past. It’s frightening…”
Seeing the two women nearly drowned in criticism, Gu Zi felt they deserved it. She led her group toward the parking area.
Once they were in the car, she noticed that Su Bing was still upset and tried to comfort him, “Are you still angry? You must believe that people can see the truth. Didn’t those uncles and aunties just praise me for my beauty and kindness?”
As Grandma Gao watched the scene unfold, her heart ached for the three Su children. How difficult their lives must have been before Gu Zi joined their family!
“Su Bing,” she said, “your mother is right. You must trust in the judgment of the masses. You’ve already defended your mother’s honor, and the public has given their verdict. Don’t let this incident affect your mood.”
In the past, Grandma Gao had noticed that the three children were exceptionally good to Gu Zi, their stepmother. They were extraordinarily dependent on her and obedient to her. She had thought it was because Gu Zi had a strong personal charm that won the love of everyone, young and old.
