Chapter 15: Beauty All to Herself

In truth, Gu Yu himself was uncertain deep down. When Qiao Sisi suddenly proposed to divide the family assets, he seized the opportunity to make it happen. As for what the future held, he hadn’t seriously contemplated it yet. Nevertheless, at present, he was already the head of the Gu family’s main branch that had separated, and he could not afford to falter.

So Gu Yu maintained a dignified and impressive demeanor, telling Lin Jinghua, “Mother, rest assured, since I’ve brought you all out, I will make sure you live a good life.” Then he turned and went to discuss matters with County Chief Chu.

Come to think of it, their success in breaking free from the Gu family’s suffocating grip was not just due to Qiao Sisi’s display of strength. The greatest aid actually came from County Chief Chu. Gu Yu had invited Chu to oversee the situation. Considering his own future, Uncle Gu convinced the old Madam Gu privately to agree to the division.

In truth, Madam Gu had grudgingly consented for the sake of her second son, but she hated it bitterly in her heart. Now she lay in bed, complaining of pains everywhere. In the past, whenever the old lady needed anything, Lin Jinghua was always there to serve her. Now that it was the daughters-in-law of the second and third sons’ turn, they finally understood what a difficult mother-in-law she was.

With the biggest problem resolved, Ji Sisi knew that Gu Yu had extensive connections — even just his relationship with County Chief Chu was beyond ordinary comparison. Thus, her task at this moment was to hold her mother-in-law’s hand and soothe her: “Mom, you have to trust that A-Yu will definitely solve everything.”

Speaking of it, Gu Yu’s two sisters-in-law were quite attractive — fair-skinned, with well-defined features and tall figures. They were just too thin. When the whole family lived together before, they never had enough to eat and were often bullied by members of the second and third branches.

“There’s a vacant house in the courtyard; you can stay there for now,” County Chief Chu said as he approached Lin Jinghua. Chu’s feelings toward the Gu family were complicated. Gu Yu had secretly helped him a lot, enabling him to become the county chief. Years ago, when Chu was in danger, it was Gu Yu who had risked his life to save him.

After Gu Yu died, Chu helplessly watched as his widow and children were tormented by the Gu family. But as a county chief, he couldn’t meddle in others’ family affairs. Now, with Gu Yu determined to break free from those bloodsuckers, Chu was genuinely happy for him.

Some county officials had developed ideological and behavioral problems, and it was Gu Yu who helped Chu investigate and clear the matter, resulting in the dismissal of the culprit and the eviction of his entire family from the courtyard.

Since no new tenants had moved in, Chu decided to let Gu Yu and his family live there temporarily. “This is the most I can help you with; the rest of the path is yours to walk.”

“Uncle Chu, what are you saying? I’m very grateful. Everything’s a mess after moving; once we’re settled, we’ll invite you and auntie over for a visit.”

Though called a vacant house, it was actually a courtyard—not small by any means. The previous occupant had also been a county committee official, but likely left in anger, leaving the courtyard itself fine but the interior in disarray.

Without hesitation, Gu Yu rolled up his sleeves and began tidying up. Ji Sisi watched, somewhat pleased; a man who could get his hands dirty was indeed a good sight. Meanwhile, Lin Jinghua clung to her daughter-in-law’s hand, clearly seeking some support.

“Sisi, I’m sorry you’ve had to deal with this right after your marriage.”

“It’s okay, Mom. The most important thing is that our family lives in harmony and happiness,” Ji Sisi replied with a smile.

To be honest, she didn’t like her mother-in-law’s personality — too weak, too timid. Reading books, Ji Sisi had always thought that after Gu Yu died, the fate of his two siblings and their mother’s weakness were partly to blame.

Now that things had come to this, Ji Sisi didn’t shirk responsibility. From another perspective, since she had virtually cut ties with her own family, having a manageable mother-in-law was definitely not a bad thing. Besides, with the system at her disposal, what was there to worry about?

Just as she thought about the system, her eyes brightened. She noticed a red exclamation mark floating above the messy room she had just entered.

Seeing her daughter-in-law’s expression change, Lin Jinghua thought it was probably just exhaustion from the events of the past day or so. She told Sisi to rest while she and her two children helped Gu Yu clean up the disorderly house.

[Check-in.]

[Ding-dong, congratulations host on successful check-in. You have received one Marrow-Purifying Pill, five cans of malted milk, ten pounds of pork, one pair of pig’s trotters, and ten packs of sanitary napkins.]

Ji Sisi recalled that she had previously obtained a Marrow-Purifying Pill as well.

[System, what is the function of the Marrow-Purifying Pill?]

[The Marrow-Purifying Pill can improve physical constitution, eliminate harmful substances within the body, and stimulate bodily potential. Although it doesn’t open the Ren and Du meridians, it can at least fulfill the aspiration of becoming a martial arts master.]

The martial arts master bit sounded dubious, but improving physical constitution was certainly good. And those sanitary napkins—truly essential items for any woman’s home or travel kit.

While Ji Sisi was distracted, Lin Jinghua had already cleaned the house with the children. Although the courtyard was not as grand as the Gu family’s large mansion, it still had five rooms combined front and back, enough for all of them to live comfortably with separate spaces for the main hall and kitchen.

Looking at the courtyard, Lin Jinghua beamed with joy. “I think this courtyard is really quite nice.”

Though they still had chores to do, she could chat and laugh with the children while working. Unlike before, at the Gu family, where she did the most work, ate the least, and was often scolded.

Ji Sisi agreed, “Spacious and bright. At least this is our own place; living here feels comforting.”

Gu Yu hesitated before asking, “Do you want to buy it?”

Ji Sisi raised an eyebrow. “Do you even have money?”

She didn’t have any now, but Ji Sisi believed in her ability to acquire it soon. As for her current husband, Ji Sisi was indifferent. If Gu Yu and his family were obedient and easy to get along with, she didn’t mind supporting them financially.

Gu Yu only hesitated briefly before saying, “Give me some time. I’ll try to take on more tasks and earn bonuses.”

Ji Sisi smiled but gave no direct answer. According to the book, Gu Yu had died suddenly on his wedding night, and there were few further details. She didn’t actually know what he did in the military.

Ji Sisi didn’t care much. The newlywed husband was still in the evaluation period — if he was qualified, all the better. If not, she could toss him aside; being single and beautiful was a fine choice too.

Just then, some vegetables were delivered from County Chief Chu’s side. Ji Sisi planned to cook personally, to show off her skills to her mother-in-law, husband, younger uncle, and sister-in-law.

When they were driven out of the Gu family, they had truly brought nothing with them. If she hadn’t wanted a clean break, Ji Sisi might have tried to argue more with the old Madam Gu.

As her mother-in-law said, the responsibility for planting vegetables and raising chickens fell on her; why should all that go to those shameless people?