NOVEL NEXT Chapter 817 - 818: A Promise
Chapter 818: A Promise
Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Unable to hesitate any longer, Su Bing revealed the truth to Gu Zi, “Mom, actually, when Su Li told you about Zhou Hua bullying the street vendor boy, something else happened that day. Su Li’s homework book disappeared, and Teacher Zhou deliberately made things difficult for him in class, punishing him by making him stand for a whole period. I made the decision to keep it from you.”
After a pause, he continued, “That day, I lied to Su Li about going back to do the duty, using Zhou Hua’s bullying of the street vendor boy as a cover. I called the police and had Zhou Hua taken away. After she was released, I put a sack over her head, and Da Hu and his two brothers beat her up. Mom, I couldn’t stand by and watch Zhou Hua cause trouble over and over again, so I fought back. Mom, will you still love me?”
As Su Bing asked this question, he already had an answer in his heart. He was certain his mother would think he was a bad person and wouldn’t love him anymore.
Finally, Gu Zi looked at him. At this point, his head was lowered, his lips were tightly drawn, and his mood was low. Gu Zi paused for a moment before asking, “What about those boys?”
Caught off guard, Su Bing was unsure of his mother’s attitude. He nervously replied, “After I helped them, Da Hu and his brothers wanted to follow me. I thought it would be a good idea to find people to do business and make money, just like you, Mom. I thought they were suitable, so I made a deal with them. I would teach them about culture and business, invest some capital, and they would implement it, sharing the profits.”
As he spoke, Su Bing took out a roll of money from his pocket and placed it on the table. Gu Zi glanced at it, noting it was about twenty yuan. She continued to look at him sternly, “What does this mean?”
Su Bing dared not meet his mother’s eyes, fearing he would see disgust in them. He lowered his head and quietly explained, “This is the money I earned from selling snacks and milk pudding. This is my share, Mom. I’ll give it all to you, and I’ll give you everything I earn in the future.”
Even if his mother didn’t love him anymore, he was willing to give her the money. As long as his mother was still around, it wouldn’t be too bad. He was prepared to avoid his mother in the future, so she wouldn’t see his troubles.
Gu Zi held Su Le, her face seemingly emotionless, but her mind was somewhat confused.
Whether it was Su Bing’s scheme against Zhou Hua or his business venture with the boys, it all left Gu Zi momentarily unable to react. It was only now that she understood why Su Bing had suddenly wanted to learn how to make milk pudding.
She looked at the money, silent for a long time. He had taught people to do business, and in just a few days, he had made over twenty yuan in revenue. This was only a part of it, which was more than many people’s monthly salary at that time. He was indeed smart and had a business mind.
She wasn’t surprised or angry. What upset her was that he had kept it from her.
Gu Zi gathered her emotions, her voice softening when she spoke again. However, her words remained formal, carrying a stern undertone. “Su Bing, I will accept the money. You should do as you say, giving me the money you earn in the future. Furthermore, I hope to make an agreement with you. Until you come of age, no matter what you do, do not hide it from those closest to you.”
She paused, allowing her words to sink in before continuing. “Your father, your brother, your sister, and especially me. Your secrecy makes me feel as if you lack trust in me, and in turn, I will lose trust in you. As for those boys, you can associate with them, but you must ensure that you guide them on the right path. If any of them fail to do so, you must immediately cease contact.”
Gu Zi was no longer angry, but the stern expression on her face had not faded. She needed to make it clear to Su Bing that these were not mere words, but expectations he must meet.
What she didn’t mention was that the money he earned from his business dealings would be saved and managed by her until he came of age. She had no intention of pocketing the money, but she felt uneasy leaving it in the hands of a cunning young boy.
Su Bing noticed the change in his mother’s mood and finally dared to look at Gu Zi. He quickly realized that his mother was upset because he had kept secrets from her. As long as he didn’t hide anything from her in the future, she would still love him. He hurriedly responded, “Mom, I will do as you say! I won’t do things like scheming against Zhou Hua anymore, I won’t do bad things.”
As his words fell, the tears that had been welling up in his eyes finally spilled over. He cried. At that moment, he was not a genius student or a cunning antagonist, but a normal child who didn’t want to be abandoned by his mother.
His birth mother didn’t want him, his first stepmother despised him, and now that he had finally found such a good mother, he couldn’t afford to lose her again.