The two children did not quite comprehend what was going on, but they could tell that their Father was looking grim. They did not dare to disobey, but quietly left with Gu Qingyao.

Mo Beihan brought Gu Qingyao and the two children away.

Now there were only the three of them left in the house – Zhou Ping, Gu Jinlin and Gu Yundong.

Gu Yundong looked at Zhou Ping, his expression frosty. “Carry on. I'm listening.”

Zhou Ping frowned. She did not feel that she had said anything wrong, so she said, “Did I say anything wrong? She was asked to come here to cook and take care of the two children.

“This is the city. It's not like the village where she needs to farm. She eats our food and enjoys the breeze from the electric fan. Isn't it just cooking? Is that very tiring?

“Today, she actually went out the whole day without coming back. The children have gone hungry all day at home. Even though it was late and night was falling, she still did not come back to cook. She's a young girl, but still so immature. Shouldn't I reprimand her?”

Gu Yundong looked at her. “Your leg can't move? You can't even cook two meals?”

Zhou Ping was taken aback!

She immediately looked less self-a.s.sured.

“I… can't you see I'm not better yet? I…”

“Yao Yao has been with us for a month?”

Zhou Ping was startled once more and nodded.

“Recently, she has cooked all the meals in the house. She has provided three meals daily without fail. She also washes all the children's clothes. Besides the few times that Jinlin had time to help her wash them, she has always done the laundry. Look at how clean and tidy the house is. It's much neater and cleaner than before!

“She's Fourth Brother's daughter and our family's little girl. She's a sixteen-year-old girl who has managed to take care of this household so well that no one has any worries. Look at yourself, you're noticeably plumper. What's the matter? What fault can you find with her?

“Why are you so angry just because she went out for a day? Who do you think she is? A servant?”

Zhou Ping looked upset.

“What servant? Do you need to make it sound so ugly? We asked her here to do the housework. She doesn't need to farm while she lives in the city; what's wrong with doing a little housework? She's a young girl but she didn't come back until late at night…”

“Shut up!” Gu Yundong was sitting on the sofa, but when he heard this, he was so furious that he stood up.

“Zhou Ping, let me tell you: I can tolerate anything else, but don't let me hear a single word from you about this matter again. I won't forgive you!”

“I…” Zhou Ping was infuriated. “What did I say? Did I say anything wrong? She clearly…”

“Enough!” Gu Jinlin roared. “Yao Yao is my younger sister. She just went out for a day. Is it appropriate for you, her relative, to speak about a young girl like that? How has she let you down that you want to slander her like that?

“Who is Mo Beihan? The Gu family watched him grow up. They've known each other since they were children. They had dinner before coming back and it was only just getting dark. Is there anything wrong with coming home at this time? How can you criticize Yao Yao like that?”

“I… she…” Zhou Ping was so angry she could not speak.

“Enough!” Gu Yundong bellowed. “Zhou Ping, let me tell you – this girl is very mature. We don't think she has done anything wrong. Also, even if she were really immature and she and Mo Beihan were together inappropriately, she is only a sixteen-year-old child. As her elders, we should guide her and not berate her in front of outsiders.

“She only went out for a day, but you made it sound so ugly. No one else has said anything, but you, her aunt, have begun to spread rumors. Don't you have any regard for me? She's my younger brother's daughter!”