Ending Up with the Female Lead’s Mom - Chapter 9

Gu Zhanci remained silent for a long time.

Su Ming reminded her: “The milk is overflowing.”

Only then did Gu Zhanci stop. She pulled out a tissue to soak up the spilled milk and wiped the tabletop with a wet wipe before casually answering Su Ming’s previous question: “I guessed.”

Gu Zhanci was certainly not going to admit she had seen the girl’s chest.

Su Ming smiled but said nothing. Gu Zhanci didn’t want to dwell on the topic, simply asking: “Do you want me to warm it up for you?”

“No need, I like it at room temperature.” Su Ming lowered her head and took a sip of milk while Gu Zhanci watched her from the side.

Gu Zhanci eventually offered a well-intentioned reminder: “Your neckline is too low. I saw it when you leaned over earlier. The shape is very beautiful. Also, you’re young; there’s no need to focus specifically on these things. Besides, being smaller makes styling clothes easier.”

Teardrop shaped. For a young girl, that size was already quite good.

Gu Zhanci spoke naturally, without a hint of blushing or a racing heart. Her tone was like that of an elder advising a junior not to diet blindly, completely devoid of any suggestive undertones.

“Styling and a large chest aren’t mutually exclusive. Sister, your chest shape is very beautiful too,” Su Ming added. “Don’t worry, I don’t have any improper thoughts; I’m just stating a fact.”

Gu Zhanci: “…”

“And how exactly do you know my shape?”

This conversation was truly veering further and further off course.

Gu Zhanci felt it was inappropriate to talk about this. Fortunately, she wasn’t a man; otherwise, she would feel like she was taking advantage of a young girl—and a girl who was her daughter’s pursuer at that. It would be concrete proof of her “robbing the cradle.”

However, it was perfectly normal for women to discuss such things. Lu Lu often asked her to help check if a bra fit properly. Every time, she could scan her friend expressionlessly and pick out the most suitable style.

But when discussing it with Su Ming, it always felt different, as if they were dancing back and forth on the edge of something taboo.

Gu Zhanci quickly convinced herself: This is all normal. The only abnormal one is Su Ming.

Su Ming said as a matter of course: “I guessed too, obviously. I haven’t seen you. Would you show me?”

Gu Zhanci: “…” Of course not.

Gu Zhanci flatly refused to discuss the topic further.

Su Ming looked at the sky outside and said: “Sister, I want to stay the night at your house. Is that okay?”

Gu Zhanci wasn’t so easy to talk to: “No. I’ll drive you back myself in a bit.”

“Ah, well, I hope it starts pouring rain soon.”

Gu Zhanci: “…”

“If it really rains, I’ll let you stay.”

It was a throwaway comment. But then, the auntie who did the cooking came over: “President Gu, the young lady is still outside. I don’t know if she has an umbrella. The weather report says there will be a rainstorm today.”

Gu Zhanci: “…”

“Call her and ask. Have someone go pick her up.”

Just as the auntie finished notifying Gu Shiyue, thunder and lightning erupted outside, accompanied by gale-force winds. Gu Zhanci kept her face taut. Su Ming knew she was worried about the Female Lead and didn’t speak.

By dinner time, Gu Shiyue finally returned, soaked from head to toe. Water dripped from her as she walked.

Gu Shiyue said: “Mother…”

Her voice came to a screeching halt the moment she saw Su Ming.

Su Ming struck first: “Hi, Junior!”

Gu Shiyue: “…”

Gu Zhanci said: “It’s raining hard. Go change your clothes first.”

Gu Shiyue didn’t go immediately. She said: “I was studying at a nearby library with a classmate. The rain was too sudden, so I brought her back too.”

Gu Zhanci: “…”

She really didn’t understand why Gu Shiyue felt the need to consult her on even this, and with such a restless expression. Did she look that heartless? Was she really the type to refuse a classmate entry during a storm?

Gu Zhanci said: “Then invite them in.”

Gu Shiyue said happily: “Thank you, Mother.”

A pretty girl entered. Her hair was also wet, and her thin clothes clung to her. She said politely: “Hello, Auntie.”

Gu Zhanci said: “Mm.”

Lin Yi saw Su Ming and gave a faint nod.

Su Ming hadn’t expected to run into both the Female Lead and the Second Female Lead during a single visit to Gu Zhanci’s house. She also greeted Lin Yi politely: “Hello, Junior.”

Gu Shiyue said: “We’re going to change first.”

Gu Zhanci repeated: “Mm.”

As Gu Shiyue led Lin Yi upstairs, Su Ming said with a smile: “Your daughter is very afraid of you.”

“She’s always like that. Do I look that scary?” Gu Zhanci was also confused. She just had high standards for Gu Shiyue; she considered herself a very responsible mother.

With a daughter only twelve years younger than herself, she truly didn’t know how to educate her—especially since Gu Shiyue was already eight when she came into her care.

Su Ming spoke the truth: “You’re actually quite scary.”

Gu Zhanci was the typical “neighbor’s parent.” Serious, upright, and solemnity was written all over her face. Even her smiles were faint. If Su Ming’s soul hadn’t already experienced society, she would be afraid of her too.

Gu Zhanci gave off an aura that made guests feel unwelcome.

Su Ming remembered that as a child, she loved going to a female classmate’s house to play. But that classmate’s father was so stern that every time they played with Barbies, she felt as if there were needles at her back. She was so scared she never dared go back. She thought the father hated her, only to find out later that was just his natural personality.

Gu Zhanci knit her brows: “So even you are afraid of me?”

She didn’t know why she cared about Su Ming’s answer.

Su Ming did not disappoint: “I’m not. A daughter-in-law is only afraid of a wicked mother-in-law. We are a harmonious pair. I’m only afraid of you ignoring me.”

Gu Zhanci: “…”

When Gu Shiyue brought Lin Yi back to the living room, their hair had been dried. Lin Yi looked very thin and had a low presence. During dinner, the atmosphere was kept alive entirely by Su Ming.

Gu Zhanci felt as though there was a chasm between her and the younger generation. She wasn’t good at small talk with them, so she simply said: “Make yourselves at home.”

The meal was particularly tense. Su Ming was the most relaxed, acting as if she really were just there for home cooking.

Gu Zhanci felt that as long as she was present, everyone felt uneasy. After finishing, she said: “I have matters to attend to. Shiyue, look after them for me.”

Gu Shiyue straightened her back: “Yes, Mother.”

The moment Gu Zhanci left, the peace was shattered.

Because Lin Yi was present, Gu Shiyue didn’t explode, but her tone was very rude: “What are you doing at my house?”

Su Ming shrugged. “It’s obvious. Didn’t I tell you last time? I’m here for your mom.”

Gu Shiyue sneered: “Su Ming, do you think I believe that nonsense?”

In front of Su Ming, Gu Shiyue had zero self-awareness of being the “School Goddess.” In fact, that title had been bestowed upon her by others simply because she was withdrawn. People called her “aloof” because she didn’t talk to them, and “cold” because she kept her distance. Add her family wealth, and it all became “reasonable,” turning her into a goddess overnight.

Su Ming said airily: “Believe it or not. I don’t care.”

Gu Shiyue: “…”

Su Ming continued: “I don’t like little girls anymore. I prefer mature ‘Big Sisters’ like your mom. Relax, I won’t pester you. Those ‘simp quotes’ from before weren’t written by me anyway. Do I look like a simp?”

Gu Shiyue’s face was cold. This was even worse than Su Ming liking her. But she didn’t believe Su Ming’s lies; she was certain Su Ming had used some trick to get on Gu Zhanci’s good side.

She warned: “You better behave yourself.”

“I’ve always been well-behaved. You’re the one who isn’t, right? I know you and Lin Yi are in an ambiguous phase.”

Su Ming’s choice of words was precise and direct. She knew Gu Shiyue hadn’t confessed to Lin Yi yet; they were in that “more than friends, less than lovers” state.

Gu Shiyue: “…”

Gu Shiyue hurriedly looked at Lin Yi, whose cheeks were slightly flushed. Su Ming kindly reminded her: “She’s catching a cold.”

“Lin Yi, are you okay?” Gu Shiyue asked nervously.

Lin Yi shook her head: “I’m fine. I’ll just take some medicine.”

Lin Yi glanced at Su Ming, who gave her a friendly smile. The Female Lead and Second Female Lead eventually went upstairs to a bedroom. Su Ming, bored, took out her phone.

Su Ming: “Sister, I’m all alone in the living room.”

Su Ming: “If you don’t come out, I’m going to get very lonely.”

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This sticker set was truly useful; Su Ming loved it.

Gu Zhanci replied: “Then stay lonely.”

Su Ming had already changed her WeChat profile picture. It was no longer a funny meme, but a picture of a notebook—and the color scheme was similar to the fountain pen in Gu Zhanci’s profile. A notebook and a fountain pen… they actually looked like a pair.

Gu Zhanci didn’t leave Su Ming hanging for too long. By the time she came out, there was thunder, lightning, and a torrential downpour.

Su Ming was on the phone with Su Yao.

“Baby, don’t come home tonight.”

“Mm, I already told Sister Zhanci.”

Gu Zhanci sat down next to Su Ming and heard Su Yao’s worried voice: “Give her the phone. I need to talk to her.”

Gu Zhanci took the phone. “President Su.”

“President Gu, please take good care of my sister.”

“Don’t worry, I will.”

After hanging up, Gu Zhanci said: “The guest rooms are already prepared. Choose whichever you like. Don’t be formal.”

Su Ming said: “Actually, I really want to sleep with you, Sister. It would make it easier for us to discuss how to get along with teenagers.”

Gu Zhanci was expressionless: “Your experience is useless; I won’t adopt it.”

Su Ming said: “Then we could discuss some adult-oriented questions.”

Gu Zhanci said: “You’ve got the wrong person. I have zero experience.”

“Sister, you actually…” Su Ming feigned surprise. She knew that in order to portray Gu Zhanci as an “Iron Lady,” the original book had given her zero sex life.

Gu Zhanci looked down at her: “Is there a problem?”

Su Ming shook her head: “None.”

“If there’s no problem, go to sleep. Don’t always have those questions in your head. You can experience it for yourself after you start college.”

Seeming to think it over, Gu Zhanci added: “Remember to use protection.”

But Su Ming liked women; protection in that sense wasn’t the issue.

Gu Zhanci added: “Regardless, stay safe.”

When she dealt with Gu Shiyue, she chose to directly block any possibility of danger. With Su Ming, she was negotiating with her to stay away from it.

Su Ming: “…”

Su Ming hadn’t actually expected to crawl into Gu Zhanci’s bed. She chose a guest room at random. She was always sensitive to heat and liked the temperature low. Perhaps because the guest room was smaller, she felt it was stiflingly hot.

She kept turning the AC lower and lower, intending to turn it back up before sleep, but the moment she closed her eyes, she fell fast asleep.

Su Ming didn’t wake up the next morning. Gu Zhanci thought she was just a late sleeper and didn’t think much of it. By the time Gu Shiyue and Lin Yi had both gotten up and breakfast was ready, Su Ming still showed no sign of waking.

The auntie asked: “President Gu, should I go check?”

“No need, I’ll go.”

Gu Zhanci went to Su Ming’s room. She knocked, but there was no response. Frowning, she turned the handle. The temperature in the room was so low she shivered the moment she entered.

The girl on the bed had flushed cheeks. Gu Zhanci hurried over and patted her face: “Su Ming?”

Su Ming barely opened her eyes: “Female Lead’s Mom?”

Gu Zhanci thought she was talking nonsense and reached out to feel her forehead. It was burning hot. Meanwhile, the AC was set to 18°C. Gu Zhanci hadn’t been this angry in a long time. She said irritably: “Are you treating my house like a morgue?”

But Su Ming gave her no reaction.

Gu Zhanci: “…”

She had no choice but to reach out and lift Su Ming. The girl was wearing only a thin nightgown; everywhere she touched was scorching. Gu Zhanci felt like she was holding a furnace.

“Mother, she…” Gu Shiyue pointed at Su Ming.

Gu Zhanci said expressionlessly: “Get her to the hospital.”

As soon as Su Yao heard Su Ming had a high fever, she rushed over. She and Gu Zhanci were already fated rivals, and not knowing Su Ming’s condition, she had a belly full of anger with nowhere to vent but at Gu Zhanci.

“President Gu, didn’t you say you’d take good care of my sister?”

“How did you ‘care’ for her so much that she ended up in a hospital bed?”

Gu Zhanci: “…”

She rubbed her temples: “President Su, please refrain from using such ambiguous language.”