Chapter 969: You’re Not Too Stupid....
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
To gain favour with her third elder brother and regain her freedom, Zhou Nini adopted the role of a double-faced spy, feeding Zhou Hengguang information about her family’s affairs.
She felt a sense of accomplishment in her covert operations, having successfully infiltrated her third brother’s vicinity to keep tabs on him for her family. Now, being dispatched back by her third brother, she saw an opportunity to continue her surveillance on her own family.
It seemed like the perfect strategy, pleasing both sides without stepping on any toes.
“What’s the latest?” Zhou Hengguang inquired, his tone dripping with cynicism.
“It’s about sister-in-law and the Song family,” Zhou Nini responded, aware that Song Zishan was brewing something unsettling even after her return to the capital.
Zhou Hengguang’s smirk hinted at his anticipation. “Seems like Song Zishan still has some tricks up her sleeve.”
“She’s not one to let things over, especially after such a substantial loss,” Zhou Nini remarked, acknowledging the gravity of the situation.
Zhou Hengguang wasn’t surprised by her insight. “You’re not completely clueless.”
“Liang Shuzhen manipulated me. That doesn’t make me foolish,” Zhou Nini defended herself, feeling betrayed by someone she considered a friend. If Liang Shuzhen no longer valued their friendship, she saw no reason to hold back.
“And now, I intend to settle the score,” she declared, her determination evident.
Zhou Hengguang sneered, criticizing her for tarnishing the family’s reputation. “You’ve dragged down the intelligence of the entire Zhou clan. Are you even one of us?”
Zhou Nini fought back tears, stung by his harsh words. Being deemed unworthy of her family cut deep.
“The Zhou family is known for its intellect and grace,” Zhou Hengguang continued, contrasting her shortcomings with the family’s esteemed traits.
Hengguang straightforwardly remarked, “Initially, the dimmest one in our family was Little Aunt, but now with you as a comparison, it’s evident she still has some redeeming qualities. Despite her lack of focus, she has a good grasp of life.”
Unable to bear the humiliation, Zhou Nini silently wept, feeling like an outcast among her accomplished relatives.
The Zhou family members weren’t just known for their intelligence and wit; they boasted a lineup of handsome men and beautiful women.
Yet she didn’t quite fit into either category. Despite being above average in appearance, she couldn’t help but feel like a flaw in the otherwise impeccable Zhou family lineage. In the previous generation, it was Little Aunt who fell short of the family’s beauty standards, but now, it seemed to be her turn.
While diminishing one’s physical attractiveness wasn’t the primary concern, maintaining intellectual prowess was paramount.
With tears brimming in Zhou Nini’s eyes, she couldn’t shake off the feeling of being unwanted.
As Zhou Hengguang continued his scathing remarks, Zhou Nini struggled to maintain her composure, silently lamenting her fate.
“You’re cruel,” Zhou Nini whimpered, her heart heavy with sorrow.
“You’re just realizing that now?” Zhou Hengguang retorted, unmoved by her distress.
“I’ve known for a long time,” Zhou Nini confessed, resigned to her fate. “But each time, you manage to surpass my expectations.”
“Say it again,” he said.
“I won’t say anymore,” she added hastily, recognizing the danger of provoking him further.
With a heavy heart, Zhou Nini continued to relay information to her brother, her spirit dampened by his relentless criticism.
“Don’t be upset, Big Brother. There’s still some news I need to share with you,” she said, nodding towards the nearby swing set as more people filtered out from the living room and their rooms.
With conversations now buzzing around the dining table, it wasn’t an ideal place for their discussion.
So, they retreated to a quiet corner where Zhou Nini resumed her report.
“I’m curious about what Song Zishan said upon returning to the capital. Initially, Uncle and Aunt were hoping to persuade Big Brother to come back through Su Wen. But now Aunt seems to have shifted her focus. Though she hasn’t voiced any dissatisfaction with Su Wen, I have a feeling something’s not right.”
It was a rare instance for Zhou Nini’s sharp mind to pick up on these subtleties, a testament to her astuteness.