Chapter 768: His Face Changed
The color drained from Gu Zi’s face. At this moment, her heart ached, a knot of discomfort twisting within her. The hardships endured by Su Li and his two siblings over the years were unimaginable, even for those with the strongest empathy. How wonderful it would be if every child could be treated with kindness.
She paused for a moment, then gently explained to Su Li, “People’s attitudes and behaviors are shaped by their personalities. Every pair of parents is different, and so are their ways of expressing love for their children. Indeed, as you said, Gu Jun’s mother loves him, but Gu Jun also mentioned that his mother has a temper. Su Li, we’ve been together for quite some time now. What kind of person do you think I am?”
Su Li looked at Gu Zi, his eyelashes fluttering a few times before he shook his head. “Mom is not a person with a temper, but she has a strong personality, and she is gentle.”
Gu Zi patted Su Li’s shoulder, her smile broadening as she further explained, “That’s right. So, a person with my personality wouldn’t express love by hitting you. Su Li, do you know? Parents’ scolding and hitting can sometimes cause psychological harm to children, and these wounds are irreparable. Some parents, due to their personalities, find it hard to change their ways.
“I know because I was once a child too. I remember how sad I was every time my parents hit or scolded me. I don’t want you to feel the same way I did. Do you understand? I don’t want to treat you the way my parents hurt me.”
Su Li, who had been pouting, shifted his focus when he heard his mother talk about her painful childhood. His heart ached for her. “Mom, you’re so wonderful. Why would they hit you? It’s wrong to hit people, even if they are your parents. It’s not right for them to hit you!”
Gu Zi laughed, tears welling up in her eyes. The parents she spoke of were from her past life. The pain she had hidden deep within her heart for years seemed to have been completely healed in this moment when she shared it with Su Li. She opened her arms, ready to embrace her son. “So, Su Li, do you still think that I don’t love you?”
Su Li also opened his arms and threw himself into his mother’s embrace. The worried look on his face vanished completely in that moment. “Mom, I’m sorry. I was too foolish.”
Upon hearing the commotion outside, Gu Zi straightened up, her surroundings bustling with activity. She gently patted her second son’s shoulder, her voice carrying a hint of concern. “It seems more of your classmates have arrived. Why don’t you go out and help me greet them? Your brother is alone out there and I’m afraid he might be overwhelmed. Although Gao Ming is here to help, remember, he’s a guest today too.”
After hugging his mother, Su Li’s face flushed a deep shade of red, a sudden wave of embarrassment washing over him. He nodded at his mother’s words and dashed outside.
As soon as he stepped out, he bumped into Su Bing, who was conversing with Jiang Nuan in the living room. He rushed over, positioning himself between the two. “Brother, you’re not busy at all. You’re just entertaining Jiang Nuan.”
Jiang Nuan was taken aback, not expecting Su Li to suddenly appear in front of her. She was so startled that she nearly jumped.
Su Bing’s expression shifted slightly, a hint of annoyance flashing across his face. He pulled his younger brother away, turning back to Jiang Nuan to say, “I’ll take my brother to greet the other classmates. You can sit here for a while. My mother is in the kitchen. She was excited to hear you were coming yesterday.”
Su Bing hadn’t intended to say these words, but when Jiang Nuan arrived, she mentioned she wasn’t feeling well. Despite this, she didn’t want to miss the gathering, so she had forced herself to come. Su Bing had immediately ushered her into the living room to rest. Now, he was taking his brother away, not wanting him to disturb her.
Jiang Nuan’s heart rate, which had spiked due to the surprise, finally began to slow. After the Su brothers left, she went to find Gu Zi in the kitchen. Gu Zi turned around and her face lit up with joy upon seeing her. “Nuannuan, it really is you. It’s been so long. How have you been?”
Jiang Nuan was embraced by Gu Zi, whom she hadn’t seen in a long time. She didn’t feel uncomfortable at all. Instead, she found herself missing the floral scent that Gu Zi always carried. “Aunt Gu Zi, I’m doing well. I’m studying at the same school as Su Bing now.”
Gu Zi replied, “Su Bing told me yesterday. I’m very happy, and even happier that you could come today. After all, you were the flower girl at your Uncle Su and my wedding. But you don’t seem quite yourself today, and your voice sounds weak. What’s wrong, dear? Tell me about it.”