Chapter 967: Apologize

Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

Gu Zi immediately saw through the housekeeper’s thoughts and seized the moment. With her usual disarming smile, she said, “It’s really not a big deal. My sister-in-law here and Mrs. Huang may have had a bit of a misunderstanding earlier, so I brought her over to make amends. And, of course, I made this cheesecake for Mrs. Huang—just a little gesture of goodwill. After all, we’re neighbors, and it’s always better to stay on good terms, isn’t it?”

The housekeeper’s expression softened noticeably.

So they’d come to apologize? That made more sense. Her madam, after all, was a distinguished lady from the capital—how could Gu Zi, of all people, dare to disrespect her? Of course, she couldn’t. And here was the proof: a personal visit and an apology.

The housekeeper also remembered how much her madam had been craving Gu Zi’s cakes. Why, she had even set her pride aside and tried to ask Gu Zi for the recipe.

That venture had ended disastrously, with the madam storming back in a foul mood after being humiliated at the Su household. Naturally, the servants had borne the brunt of her temper ever since. But now that Gu Zi was here, bearing a peace offering, surely the madam’s spirits would improve.

Having calculated all this, the housekeeper’s demeanor became less frosty. “Ah, so you’re here to reconcile with our madam. Very well, wait here. I’ll go and fetch her.”

As soon as the housekeeper turned her back, Su Jing’s irritation boiled over. She delivered an imaginary kick in the air toward the retreating figure and muttered to Gu Zi, “I knew it—like master, like servant. That Huang woman is insufferable, and her housekeeper is just as arrogant.”

Gu Zi gave her a light tug on the arm and a playful grin. “Patience. We’re here to gather information, remember? You don’t want to ruin our chances, do you?”

Su Jing huffed but fell silent, standing obediently by Gu Zi’s side while they waited.

At the staircase landing, the housekeeper, now safely out of sight, quickened her pace to find Huang Fei. She found her in the study, overseeing her son Xu Sheng as he worked through an English listening exercise.

“Madam, Gu Zi is here,” the housekeeper reported eagerly. “She’s brought a cake and her sister-in-law, saying they’ve come to apologize.”

Huang Fei arched a brow, surprise flashing briefly across her face. Gu Zi, apologizing to me?

The idea was novel enough to intrigue her. But then the mention of a sister-in-law made her scoff. “Oh, her little sister-in-law? Please. Isn’t Gu Zi married to some old man who’s much older than her? It’s no wonder her sister-in-law might actually be older than she is.”

The housekeeper seized the opportunity to flatter her mistress. “Exactly! Gu Zi had to marry someone so much older—her fate is set. Not everyone can have a life as blessed as yours, Madam. You and Sir Xu are a perfect match—equally talented and well-bred.”

Huang Fei chuckled, her mood clearly lifted by the compliments. Together, they descended the stairs, their voices echoing with laughter.

The moment Huang Fei saw Gu Zi standing there with the cake, her eyes briefly flickered with interest. The cake was a masterpiece—its creamy, delicate decoration practically begged to be devoured.

But Huang Fei was nothing if not a seasoned player in the art of social pretense. She schooled her features almost immediately, lifting her chin and crossing her arms as she addressed her guests with thinly veiled sarcasm.

“Well, well, if it isn’t you two,” she drawled, her tone as cold as the marble beneath their feet. “Gu Zi, you’ve brought your sister-in-law to apologize? Now, that’s a surprise. But tell me, does she even mean it? From what I saw earlier, she seemed pretty fearless.”

Gu Zi’s smile didn’t waver, but there was a noticeable edge to it now. “Mrs. Huang,” she said, her tone even but firm, “I heard all about what happened earlier. My sister-in-law admits she was wrong to argue with you. But I must clarify—she wasn’t making excuses when she said I’d been out all morning. It’s true.”

She paused, letting her words hang in the air before continuing, “Of course, misunderstandings happen. That’s why I brought her here—to apologize in person. And I made this cake especially for you as a token of goodwill. But if you feel you can’t forgive what happened, we’ll take our leave. Su Jing, let’s go.”

Gu Zi’s words were polite, but they carried an unmistakable undertone of dignity and resolve. She wasn’t about to let Huang Fei trample all over them.

Su Jing, who had been bracing herself to take all the blame if necessary, was momentarily stunned. She’d thought Gu Zi might throw her under the bus for the sake of their mission, but instead, Gu Zi had stood up for her.

In that moment, Su Jing felt a surge of admiration. To have someone as sharp, protective, and composed as Gu Zi on her side—truly, being her family was a privilege.

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