Chapter 435: Harboring Ill Intentions

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

Upon seeing Gu Zi, Mother Lin’s face lit up with a particularly radiant smile.

She brought out a portion of braised meat she had prepared earlier, presenting it to Gu Zi. “Your sister-in-law and I managed to set up the stall,” she began, “I prepared some meat for Aunt Yang at home. Tell her it’s for breakfast, a taste test of sorts. If she likes it, she could help look after the business. Once the shop opens, it would be great if she could help out, especially since she knows the taste and can introduce it well.”

Gu Zi accepted the small portion of meat, subconsciously weighing it in her palm. It was not heavy, probably about an ounce or so. It wasn’t much, but it was enough for a meal.

“Don’t worry, Mom,” she reassured, “I know how to convince Aunt Yang to accept it.” She understood that her mother’s lengthy explanation was merely a reflection of her concern that her good friend might refuse out of pride.

As Gu Zi turned to leave, a smile involuntarily tugged at the corners of her mouth. In that moment, she realized that her decision to help Aunt Yang was the right one. Aunt Yang was a genuinely good person, kind-hearted and respectful. Her current situation was beyond her control.

More importantly, it was heartening to see her mother have a close friend to worry about at her age, someone who was part of her social circle. It was indeed a good thing.

Gu Zi, holding the meat, headed towards the boiler room. She passed through the main hall, took a couple of turns, and arrived. However, as soon as she entered the boiler room, she noticed a burly man standing in front of the hot water barrel, peering inside. Even from behind, he seemed suspicious. Gu Zi instinctively took a step back, hiding behind a pile of goods to see what he was up to.

The man looked around to ensure no one was watching, then pulled out a paper package from his pocket. He opened it and poured its contents into the hot water barrel. A gust of wind blew some of the white powder out.

A sudden chill ran down Gu Zi’s spine, her expression turning serious, her complexion paling.

She could only conclude one thing: this man was up to no good. As for who he was trying to harm, it was quite obvious. After all, Aunt Yang was currently in charge of heating and transporting the water in the boiler room. He was probably trying to sabotage her work and get her fired.

It wasn’t that Gu Zi was overly suspicious, but having lived here for a while, she had a basic understanding of the people. She could make reasonable guesses based on what she knew. Moreover, she had some recollection of this man, who seemed to be called Ah Zhuang.

She had heard from Su Shen before that at this time of the year, they would hire extra help. This job was usually done by Ah Zhuang’s family. This year, however, Aunt Yang was doing it. While nothing was said openly, it was possible that Ah Zhuang was harboring ill intentions behind the scenes.

At that moment, Aunt Yang emerged from the boiler room. Ah Zhuang had already moved a considerable distance away from the hot water bucket, a flicker of guilt flashing across his eyes. However, he quickly composed himself, raising his voice at Aunt Yang as if to mask his unease.

“Aunt Yang, can’t you move any faster?” he bellowed. “Everyone’s just finished their work and is waiting for a hot drink. By the time you dawdle your way over, half of us will have died of thirst. Can’t you do your job?”

“I’ll bring it over right away,” Aunt Yang responded apologetically. “I had to move some things in the boiler room, sorry, so sorry…”

As she spoke, she bent over to pull the cart, preparing to deliver the bucket of hot water to the workers in the hall. Ah Zhuang, standing to the side, made no move to help.

Was it because he was resentful that his family hadn’t managed to accomplish this task, so he didn’t even want to pretend to help?

A chill ran through Gu Zi’s heart. If she hadn’t come today and witnessed this scene, Ah Zhuang’s plan might have actually succeeded. No wonder he seemed so fearless.

Gu Zi took a moment to collect herself and adjust her emotions. She had seen everything, and naturally, she couldn’t let the workers drink the tainted hot water. It was probably laced with laxatives or something similar. Ah Zhuang, with his ill intentions, should experience the consequences of his actions.

She walked in naturally from outside, carrying some items. “Good morning, Aunt Yang,” she greeted. “I brought you something. Ah Zhuang, you’re here

Ah Zhuang clearly hadn’t expected Gu Zi to show up. A flash of panic crossed his eyes, but he didn’t seem to realize that Gu Zi had seen him tampering with the water earlier. He forced a casual response, “Yes, yes, I came to help Aunt Yang with the cart, right, Aunt Yang?” As he spoke, he stepped forward to assist Aunt Yang.

Aunt Yang, however, took a step back in surprise. After all, Ah Zhuang had been nothing but rude to her these past few days. She was genuinely afraid of this young man. His sudden offer to help was clearly just a show for the boss’s wife, and she understood that..