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Chapter 382 - 382: A Ray of Hope for Miao Miao
Chapter 382 - 382: A Ray of Hope for Miao Miao
Chapter 382 - 382: A Ray of Hope for Miao Miao
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Upon returning home, Mrs. Chen and Gong Xin were greeted by the presence of their son, Gong Zhan. Mrs. Chen knew, without a doubt, that her son had been anxiously awaiting her news. Although he had said nothing, she understood that the matter at hand was a matter of the Gong family’s reputation, and he was deeply concerned about the outcome.
For the many years she had been married into the Gong family, had she not always prioritized the family’s honor over her own? If she could salvage the family’s reputation, she was willing to swallow her pride and humble herself, which was why she had sought out Gu Zi.
However, after meeting with Gu Zi, Mrs. Chen had come to a new understanding. She had no intention of intervening any further, nor did she see any reason to plead with anyone. She made her stance clear to her son, stating that she would not consider bailing Lin Miao out. It was time for Lin Miao to take responsibility for her actions.
“The situation with Lin Miao is a result of our family’s poor judgment, and we must bear the consequences,” she told him. “You shouldn’t let this matter trouble you any longer. Focus on your work, do what needs to be done. Especially now, it’s important not to give others any more reasons to criticize you.”
Gong Zhan nodded, his gaze filled with confusion as he looked at his mother. She was not one to easily compromise. Had Gong Xin said something to her? Or had Gu Zi used some trick to change her mind?
Gong Xin noticed the stubble on her brother’s chin that he hadn’t bothered to shave, adding a touch of ruggedness to his handsome face.
Seeing her brother’s somewhat disheveled appearance, Gong Xin felt a pang of sympathy. She didn’t react angrily to his suspicious gaze, but instead asked him softly, “Brother, would you like some water?”
She picked up the teapot, ready to pour him a drink, a peace offering of sorts. She didn’t want to add to Gong Zhan’s worries. She wouldn’t pity Lin Miao enough to help her escape blame, but she also didn’t want to upset Gong Zhan at this time.
Gong Zhan, understanding his sister’s intentions, accepted the cup of water she offered and took a sip without saying a word. Sometimes he found his sister annoying, so much so that he wanted to strangle her, but in crucial moments, she never added to his troubles. Instead, she often made warm gestures that made him feel grateful for her.
However, Gong Zhan still felt frustrated. He had always been a model figure in the family, excellent and untarnished. How could he have a wife in prison? It was unacceptable.
Over the past few days, he had given it a lot of thought. He had considered filing for divorce from Lin Miao, who had tarnished their military marriage. He had the right to apply for a divorce, and he was certain that if he did, it would be granted.
But they had only just gotten married. To divorce at the first sign of trouble was not something a respectable family would do, and it was certainly not something he, Gong Zhan, could do.
For the sake of his own reputation and that of the Gong family, Gong Zhan could not consider divorce at this time. Divorcing would only tarnish his reputation further, branding him as heartless and unfaithful.
Gong Zhan believed that the best course of action at the moment was to do everything within his power to prevent Lin Miao from being imprisoned. The crux of the matter, he surmised, lay in Gu Zi’s attitude. Perhaps, he thought, it was time for him to step in and have a conversation with her.
Gong Zhan was confident that if he were to intervene, Gu Zi would surely relent, and Lin Miao’s predicament could still be salvaged. However, he could not bring himself to approach Gu Zi directly, as he felt it would be beneath his dignity. Consequently, Gong Zhan did not take immediate action.
The Gu family, on the other hand, was desperate to keep Lin Miao out of jail. Upon hearing that even Mrs. Chen had failed to persuade Gu Zi, they were as frantic as ants on a hot pan, running hither and thither, but to no avail.
In the end, the Gu couple had no choice but to approach the Gong family.
Swallowing their pride, they implored Gong Zhan to intervene personally. “Miao Miao may have made countless mistakes, but she is your wife now. If you don’t help her, she will truly be left to her own devices. We visited her yesterday, and she said she misses you and worries about your well-being…”
As Zhang Mei spoke, she broke down in tears, painting a pitiful picture. She portrayed Gong Zhan as Lin Miao’s savior, and how could Gong Zhan remain unmoved? Especially since he had been waiting for them to seek his help, this gave him a valid reason to visit Gu Zi in the countryside.
Without further delay, Gong Zhan set off for Daqing Village after lunch, driven by Uncle Yang. This brought some relief to Gu Shan and Zhang Mei.
Zhang Mei felt that while others might fail to persuade Gu Zi, Gong Zhan would surely succeed. In everyone’s memory, Gu Zi had always been obliging towards Gong Zhan. This was good news; it meant that their Miao Miao had a chance!
On the way, Gong Zhan instructed Uncle Yang to drive slowly. He exuded an air of confidence and calmness, as if he were not panicking about the situation at all..