Back to the Past: The Rise of the False Heiress Marrying the True Tycoon

Chapter 1018: Gu Zi’s Father
Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

In the days that followed, Gu Zi spent her time doing absolutely nothing—a perfect kind of “slacking off,” as she called it. She indulged herself in several days of sheer rest, her mind and body gradually returning to their full strength.

In fact, Gu Zi found herself quite enjoying it, convinced that occasional bouts of idleness were necessary to recharge and press forward with more energy.

Su Shen, however, grew concerned about her sudden shift into complete stillness. She had always been busy, working tirelessly, but now, with the exams behind her, Gu Zi had nothing to occupy her time.

Afraid that she might feel restless, Su Shen pondered for a while, before recalling a conversation with Jin Long, who had suggested, “Women love to shop. You could take Gu Zi out for a little shopping spree.”

The suggestion made immediate sense to Su Shen. He agreed wholeheartedly with Jin Long, realizing that Gu Zi’s wardrobe was perhaps not as extensive as it could be. So, he drove back home, picked her up, and took her out.

Gu Zi, sitting in the passenger seat, looked at him in confusion. “You suddenly came home to pick me up, but where are we going? Why aren’t the kids coming along?” she asked.

Su Shen started the engine, the car smoothly gliding toward the city center. He glanced at her briefly and said, “I remember that you haven’t bought any new clothes for this summer. Since I have some free time today, I thought I’d take you to pick something out.”

Gu Zi’s eyes brightened with realization. Ah, so her husband wanted to buy her clothes! She nodded, agreeing, “You’re right, I could use some new clothes—and I should also get a little fan for the car, so it’ll be cooler.”

Shopping for clothes—a simple pleasure for most women—was an indulgence that she, of course, couldn’t refuse, especially since Su Shen had gone to the trouble of making it happen.

She also secretly planned to pick out a few things for him. After all, she had already bought him winter clothes, but with the hot weather now, it was time for some fresh summer outfits. She didn’t want him to keep wearing the same old things—it just made him seem too… pitiful.

Her eyes involuntarily drifted to Su Shen, the sunlight streaming through the car window illuminating his face. His skin, tanned and smooth, was now glowing in the soft light. He looked remarkably good—his complexion tight, his physique firm and well-defined. He was the kind of man who exuded a quiet, steady allure, whether you looked at him or touched his skin.

The car pulled up to a parking spot beneath a large department store. Su Shen got out, opened the door for Gu Zi, and together they walked into the store, hand in hand.

Inside, the store was bustling with young people, the women clad in trendy summer attire—floral shirts, sleeveless dresses, leather shorts, and body-hugging skirts.

It was a vibrant scene, full of life, much different from the conservative fashion culture of the countryside where every move was scrutinized. Here, it was all about self-expression—a welcome change from the stifling traditions of old.

Gu Zi couldn’t resist trying on a few sleeveless outfits herself. She modeled a variety of options—off-shoulder, strapless, and halter neck dresses—each more stunning than the last.

With her porcelain skin and enviable figure, she effortlessly stole the spotlight, drawing the attention of everyone in the store. It was as if she were a star in her own right—no spotlight needed, her natural beauty glowing all on its own.

Su Shen, though, was anything but comfortable with all the attention she was receiving. His jealousy stirred, the familiar unease settling into his chest. His thoughts were not exactly charitable, but watching Gu Zi try on the clothes, clearly delighted by the process, gave him some peace.

If she liked something, he didn’t want to stand in her way. Perhaps she was just indulging in a little novelty—buying the clothes now, and then never wearing them again. That was fine too.

As Su Shen tried to calm his emotions, his gaze lifted, only to catch sight of a group of young men across the way, subtly eyeing him and then shifting their focus to Gu Zi. He tensed, a sense of discomfort settling in as the young men, sensing his gaze, made their way toward him.

One of them spoke first, with a slightly nervous but polite smile. “Hey, big brother, we were in the same exam hall as your sister. Can we say hi to her? Just to make a friend, you know?”

Su Shen’s expression darkened immediately, his mood shifting from irritation to something more forbidding. “She’s not my sister,” he said coldly. “And I don’t trust you to be friends with her.”

The group of boys froze, visibly taken aback by his sharp tone and imposing presence. Realizing their mistake, they scrambled to apologize. “S-sorry, sir! We didn’t mean anything bad, we really didn’t. Please don’t be upset.”

With that, they hastily turned away, muttering to each other as they left. “I told you guys you didn’t have the right instincts. That guy must be Gu Zi’s dad, not her brother! We totally messed up!”

“Wait… if that’s her dad, he’s so young! And kind of intimidating. He’s even cooler than Gu Zi herself. Yikes…”

Su Shen’s brow furrowed deeply, his thoughts swirling. Was he really so old? Did he really look like Gu Zi’s father? He couldn’t help but glance at his reflection in the store’s mirror, inspecting his face more closely than he ever had before. Had he really aged that much? Could he really pass for her father?