Chapter 816: Don’t Give Anything Away

Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

Gu Zi remained silent, indeed waiting for an explanation.

After a moment, Su Bing spoke up, “Mom, I’ve actually seen those problems before. They were in the books you bought for me, the ones you said I should read when I reach sixth grade. I finished them ahead of time, and I’ve done all the exercises in them.”

Having said this, Su Bing lowered his gaze, aware that he had been disobedient.

His contrite demeanor was evident.

How could Gu Zi possibly be angry with him? She shook her head and laughed, “Never mind, I know you love reading. I can understand why you couldn’t resist finishing all the books. But from now on, you really need to spend more time resting, okay?”

Seeing that his mother wasn’t angry, Su Bing quickly nodded obediently. He then brought up the matter that Mi Le had asked him to consider, “Mom, what do you think? Should I be a soldier like Dad, protecting our country, or should I join the youth research team and contribute to the nation’s scientific endeavors?”

Gu Zi thought about the words she had just heard and gently ruffled his hair. The little boy had grown up quite a bit, no longer the awkward child she had first met. On the contrary, he had become neat, handsome, with a cold but noble demeanor that was endearing.

She said, “Su Bing, whether you become a soldier or a researcher, both are worthy choices. But do you believe me? In the future, our motherland will be very prosperous and powerful, and it will maintain a long period of peace. The contributions that a researcher can make to the motherland are no less than those of a soldier. As for how to choose, I hope you can decide for yourself.”

Su Bing naturally believed his mother’s words. His mother was so wise, if she said that the future of their motherland would be a certain way, then it certainly would be, “Mom, I know what to say to Miss Mi now.”

Gu Zi looked ahead and noticed a stall selling sweet melons. She said, “Good, remember to contact her. Let’s go, I’ll buy you something delicious to celebrate. My son is just too wonderful!”

Su Bing shyly took the small cart that Gu Zi pushed towards him and followed her. When he saw the three Hu brothers, he was stunned. They had set up their stall all the way over here, near the Children’s Palace. He must be careful not to give anything away.

Da Hu’s eyes were sharp, catching sight of the boss and quickly receiving the gaze passed to him. In a low voice, he warned Er Hu and Xiao Hu, “Keep your emotions in check, remember, we don’t know the boss.”

Er Hu and Xiao Hu silently accepted the command, but being younger, they felt their acting skills were not up to par. So, they decided to pretend to tidy up the goods at the back.

At this moment, Gu Zi and Su Bing arrived at the stall. Gu Zi squatted down, picked a few melons to examine, and knocked on them. Satisfied, she asked, “Child, how much for these melons?”

Da Hu pulled his gaze away from Su Bing and respectfully replied, “Miss, if you want them, they’re a penny each. Feel free to choose, and you can even try them. Have a taste.”

Da Hu picked the largest one, deftly slicing it with a small knife. Juice flowed out, and he handed a small slice to Gu Zi. Perhaps fearing she would find it distasteful, he wrapped it in a clean piece of paper pulled from his pocket.

Gu Zi was touched, as if she saw the beginnings of Su Bing and Su Li.

However, the rich aroma of the melon was pleasing, and Gu Zi’s mood quickly shifted. She took a bite of the melon, finding it fragrant and sweet. It was indeed a top-quality melon.

She hadn’t expected such good melons from a small stall run by a few youngsters. The taste was familiar, and she casually asked, “Child, pick five for me. Where did you get these melons?”

She observed the three boys. Their skin was sunburnt, their hands rough, and their cheeks waxen yellow. They looked like they had endured hardships. The oldest one was probably only fourteen or fifteen, and the other two seemed no older than twelve. Their clothes were ragged and patched, likely city street children. How did they have access to such good produce?

Moreover, these melons were very similar to those from the slaughterhouse, exceptionally sweet. Some people from the farming households that grew melons near the slaughterhouse also worked there. Every once in a while, they would send some of their homegrown melons via Jin Long. Gu Zi was familiar with the taste, she couldn’t be mistaken.

At this point, Da Hu couldn’t receive instructions from the boss. He couldn’t tell the boss’s mother that it was her son who had instructed them to buy the melons from the farmers to sell. He had provided the capital, and they had provided the labor.

As he picked melons for Gu Zi, Da Hu said, “We got them from the outskirts of the city, Miss. Here are your melons.”

Gu Zi didn’t ask any more questions. She paid and prepared to leave.

Da Hu and his two brothers behind him breathed a sigh of relief, having successfully fooled her. However, the next second, their hearts leapt into their throats again.