Back to the Past: The Rise of the False Heiress Marrying the True Tycoon - Chapter 810

Chapter 810: Not Just Feeling Guilty

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Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

With a sense of caution, Zhang Yao opened the door, only to find Aunt Cui standing there once again. However, her demeanor had changed drastically from her previous domineering attitude. Now, she was all smiles, holding an apple in her hand. It was the first time Zhang Yao had seen her with such a friendly facade, which was quite a novelty. “Aunt Cui, what brings you here again?” she asked.

Aunt Cui polished the apple on her sleeve, carefully hiding the slightly rotten part in her palm. She extended the apple towards Zhang Yao, saying, “Take this apple for your mother. Don’t be shy with Aunt Cui. By the way, Zhang Yao, how did you come to know the influential person from earlier?”

Zhang Yao did not accept the apple. She had already noticed that it was nearly spoiled. It was a sad truth that when people were poor and weak, they would seek help but could not afford to offer anything valuable in return. She had seen this scenario too many times. However, the main issue was not the spoiled apple, but the fact that Aunt Cui was a person of ill repute. Zhang Yao did not wish to associate with her more than necessary.

She declined politely, “No need, my mother can’t eat cold food. You can take it back. As for the influential person from earlier, I met her while working part-time. She came to ask me about a local remedy.”

Zhang Yao did not mention her job, nor was she worried about Aunt Cui overhearing anything from her earlier conversation. The apartment building was filled with people, and the noise was constant. From the chatter of children to the quarrels of adults, the scolding of an old woman nursing her sick husband, the boasting of men, the gossip of women, and the clatter of pots and pans, the cacophony was endless.

Even if Aunt Cui lived next door, it would be difficult for her to hear the conversation clearly. Moreover, if she had heard everything, there would be no need for her to come and ask. Instead, she would have already started plotting to snatch the good job offered by the influential person.

Aunt Cui, quick-witted as she was, took back the apple with a laugh and took a big bite. However, she did not leave. As she continued to eat, juice splattering from her mouth, she pressed on, “Zhang Yao, you seem to be evasive. Many of us have worked part-time there, but we’ve never seen any influential people coming to ask about local remedies. If you have some special connections, you should share them with your neighbors.”

She was not a fool. The people living there were either rich or influential, and every household had several maids and workers. If it was just for a local remedy, would it be worth it for the master of the house to make a personal visit?

Moreover, the influential lady’s demeanor earlier clearly indicated that she was backing Zhang Yao. This cunning girl must have found some special connection and was still pretending. Aunt Cui was determined to find out.

Zhang Yao was no fool. The sudden reappearance of Aunt Cui, coupled with her drastic change in attitude, made it clear that she was fishing for information.

Zhang Yao knew that Aunt Cui wouldn’t back down until she got what she wanted. A sudden idea sprang to her mind; if she played her cards right, perhaps she and her mother could have an easier life.

Zhang Yao felt a pang of guilt, but as she glanced back at her mother lying sick on the bed, she decided to speak. “There’s not much to tell, really. The lady’s husband has a younger brother, in his thirties, still unmarried. He’s known for his temper, and he’s quite crude. Even ladies of his own social standing refuse to marry him…”

As Zhang Yao spoke, she found herself struggling to continue the fabrication. However, Aunt Cui’s eyes lit up, and she quickly interjected, “So, they want you to serve this brother of her husband, to bear his child perhaps? My goodness, Zhang Yao, you’ve been quite sneaky, securing such a good future for yourself.

“My son doesn’t deserve you. Being a concubine in a wealthy family is indeed better than being a wife in an ordinary one. I regret not using my youth and beauty to find a rich man to follow, even if it meant not marrying…”

Aunt Cui’s words seemed endless, but Zhang Yao’s thoughts were numb. So, was this the fate of the poor? She responded to Aunt Cui with a laugh, a laugh that was both a response and a mockery. It was a cruel joke that the poor were always the ones to make life difficult for the poor.

…

The next day, as agreed, Zhang Yao arrived. Gu Zi spotted her as soon as she left the apartment complex. For some reason, she sensed a hint of guilt in Zhang Yao’s eyes. However, she said nothing and hailed a taxi to take them to the shop.

Gu Zi’s main intention was to show Zhang Yao the place, the layout, and the space. As for what the employees needed to do, she waited for her to ask. “This is where you’ll be working. We’re opening in a week, and it’ll be busy on the opening day. Zhang Yao, are you listening to me?”

Gu Zi was now more certain than ever. Zhang Yao was not just feeling guilty; her mind was clearly not on the shop. Her last question was asked with a hint of sternness.