Chapter 121: Chapter 121: A Stark Contrast
After finishing the meal, Gu Peihai eagerly went to wash the dishes.
Gu Wangchao was about to say something but stopped.
Tuanzi, with a smiling face, said, "Wangchao, you’re worried he might break a dish, right?"
"Cough, cough."
"Hehe, Brother Pei Hai can wash dishes, just not very cleanly," she said, rubbing her face.
Previously, the cameraman had filmed them washing dishes, but Gu Wangchao hadn’t been following the livestream closely and missed it.
He only remembered that at home, Gu Peihai would break one dish for every three he washed.
Thankfully, Gu Peihai successfully finished washing.
The three were getting ready to work together.
Gu Peihai pretended to be the head of the household, putting on a stern face, "Firstly, we have run out of grains at home. Our staple food is nearly zero, but there are some vegetables left in the field."
The first task for Room No. 3 was to solve the food shortage.
Therefore, Gu Peihai decided to do some farm work in exchange for rice for lunch. It would be even better if they could get some meat.
"Secondly, the field hasn’t been fully plowed, and the yard isn’t fully tidied. The show team said that if the vegetable patch and yard are well-maintained, there could be rewards."
This task was assigned to Gu Wangchao, who was new here.
As for Tuanzi, her main task remained to take care of the chicks and ducklings. She could also visit the neighbors in the village, and if she could do some small tasks in exchange for food, it would be even better.
Gu Wangchao had no objection to this arrangement.
He came here intending to take good care of his sister... and his brother.
Even if the ingredients were simple, he would try his best to make delicious meals.
The Film Emperor skillfully picked up a straw hat given by a villager, and before leaving, he asked his brother, "Do you know how to till the vegetable field? If not, should I teach you?"
Gu Wangchao showed no expression, "We had gardening classes in elementary school."
Gu Peihai was about to say that they’re not the same, but he quickly recalled how he often skipped gardening classes, feeling guilty.
"Alright, you all work hard, and I’ll bring food back."
He was about to leave when he felt his sleeve being tugged. He looked down to see his little sister staring up at him, puffing her cheeks.
Tuanzi blinked her big eyes.
The two of them gazed at each other.
Gu Peihai: "What’s wrong?"
"Brother Pei Hai, did you forget something?"
The Film Emperor blinked his eyes, looking innocent.
Tuanzi stamped her foot in frustration.
"Let’s talk inside!"
She stormed toward the house, fuming.
Gu Peihai rubbed his head and gestured for the cameraman not to follow them, then went inside as well. As he passed Gu Wangchao, he unexpectedly heard his brother say, "Don’t tease her; if you make her cry, your lunch will be plain water."
Gu Peihai, who indeed planned to tease a bit, was at a loss for words: "..."
Inside the bedroom, Gu Peihai raised both hands, "I’ll speak right away."
Tuanzi, who was brewing her anger, suddenly deflated. Her small chubby paws tapped the bed, "Go ahead."
"I’ve looked into it," Gu Peihai whispered, making sure that the device in the bedroom was off. "Two years ago, after Mrs. Yun’s parents passed away, her husband’s attitude changed."
Yun Xiuxiu’s parents were also opera performers. Even if they only mingled in the Quyi World, they knew quite a few people in the entertainment industry, often bridging connections for Wei Cai. Otherwise, Wei Cai, with his mediocre talents, wouldn’t have been able to become a famous director.
Things became cold after her parents passed away. Only a few nostalgic ones stayed in touch with their family. By then, Wei Cai was already a well-known director, acquainted with many producers, investors, and young beautiful actresses eager to flatter him.
"He changed."
Tuanzi’s eyes widened, "So that’s when he started hitting Sister Lin Ci and them?"
"Probably."
Gu Peihai could find out certain things, but some matters were domestic and couldn’t be thoroughly investigated.
However, he heard that indeed, two years ago, Yun Xiuxiu’s condition began to deteriorate. A colleague unexpectedly complained while drunk, mentioning she had wounds. During private gatherings, it was found Lin Ci also had injuries.
There were discussions in private, but not many who advised seriously.
"I’ve discovered that Mrs. Yun once filed for divorce in court."
If either party refuses to sign the divorce agreement, one has to file for divorce in court.
But soon after, Yun Xiuxiu withdrew the divorce suit and never mentioned divorce again, silently enduring domestic violence.
Tuanzi couldn’t understand.
"She once wanted a divorce, why didn’t she go through with it?"
If she had insisted on divorce back then, she and Lin Ci wouldn’t have to endure family violence for two years.
Gu Peihai rubbed his chin, "Therefore, I suspect Mrs. Yun has some leverage in Wei Cai’s hands."
Though opera performers don’t earn particularly high salaries, it would be entirely feasible for her to support herself and her daughter after a divorce. Moreover, Gu Peihai learned that Yun Xiuxiu usually never mentioned her husband. Colleagues said she was actually a decisive person.
Looking down, he noticed his sister’s little face all scrunched up, "Don’t worry, I’ll test out Mrs. Yun, especially since I accidentally obtained some photos and videos."
Given Wei Cai’s tendency to commit domestic violence against his wife and daughter, he’s certainly open to advances from young actresses.
His extramarital affairs, unlawful dealings in the industry, all these could aid Yun Xiuxiu in successfully obtaining a divorce.
If they provided her with this evidence and she still hesitated, perhaps the leverage in Wei Cai’s hands was even greater.
If that leverage involves crime, then there’s no need to help someone like that.
"And what can Miaomiao do?"
Tuanzi looked up pitifully, "Miaomiao wants to help too."
"You spend more time with Lin Ci," Gu Peihai patted her little face. "You can also gauge her thoughts. She must’ve seen Wei Cai hitting her mother; maybe she’s long hoped for her parents to separate."
Sometimes, the support of a child can solidify the mother’s decision.
Tuanzi nodded earnestly.
The three officially separated to work on their tasks.
Before playing with Lin Ci, Tuanzi was quite diligent in completing her assigned tasks.
Worried that Gu Wangchao wouldn’t adjust well, she ran to the vegetable field to find him, only to see the cool beauty seriously tilling the vegetable field. From awkward to skillful, the furrowed fields were particularly neat.
He even pulled out the eggplant bushes that weren’t blooming anymore and placed them by the back wall to dry for firewood.
A few winter melons were also picked and neatly arranged at the back wall; the vines were all neatly trimmed.
The vegetable field looked particularly empty yet tidy now.
Tuanzi’s mouth dropped open in amazement, "Wangchao, you’re amazing!"
With a straw hat on, Gu Wangchao maintained a cool expression, "It’s nothing."
Tuanzi wasn’t about to miss a chance to flatter him and praised Gu Wangchao lavishly until his ears turned red, then she leisurely left.
She was planning to catch fish at the reservoir.
Upon reaching the reservoir, she was surprised to see a cameraman there. On closer inspection, a stylishly dressed young man was sitting by the bank fishing.
His outfit didn’t look like he was there to fish but rather to pose for a poster.
At this moment, Lin Ci came walking from the other side, "Cousin."
Cousin?
Tuanzi tilted her head, counting on her fingers.
If he’s her cousin, wouldn’t that make this young man Wei Cai’s nephew?
She grinned widely and cheerfully ran over.
The system had a premonition that this young man was in for trouble.