Reborn as the Reluctant Saint

[Gu Hanyu has no compassion at all?]

[Yuanyuan already said that, how can Gu Hanyu still bear to display the flowers and make Yuanyuan sad?]

[Gu Hanyu looks gentle, why is she like this?]

Gu Hanyu had a gentle appearance, speaking softly and slowly. Zhang Shuhui had taught her from a young age to be a gentle and quiet lady, not to jump around and shout like others, which would be unseemly and disgrace the Gu Family.

If she didn’t meet Zhang Shuhui’s standards, she would face the ruler, either on her palm or her legs. Zhang Shuhui said that only this way would she remember the lesson and ensure she wouldn’t repeat the mistake.

At this moment, she softly said she wanted to put the flowers in her room, her demeanor gentle, with a slight smile on her face.

But under Zhang Shuhui and Gu Yuanyuan’s gaze, her smile slowly faded into confusion: “Mom, what’s wrong?”

Audience comments:

[She actually has the nerve to ask what’s wrong??]

[Didn’t she feel anything about what Yuanyuan said?]

[Haha, starting to dislike Gu Hanyu.]

[I don’t like Gu Hanyu either. She looks so fake with her lady-like demeanor, unlike Yuanyuan who is lively and lovable.]

Zhang Shuhui, facing Gu Hanyu, lacked the gentle indulgence she had for Gu Yuanyuan. She was used to addressing her elder daughter with a serious expression and commanding tone, saying, “Alright, let Aunt Gui handle the flowers.” She rephrased the disposal.

Gu Yuanyuan said nothing, pouting, quietly taking a sip of Bird’s Nest Soup, the sound of the porcelain spoon clinking against the bowl clear and pleasant.

Gu Hanyu looked at the flowers, showing reluctance: “Mom…”

Zhang Shuhui grew impatient, waving her hand, not wanting to say more: “Alright, no more talking. Yuanyuan is right, flowers are best in the ground, natural beauty is true beauty.”

Gu Yuanyuan explained: “Mom, that’s just my opinion. I know everyone thinks differently, and I understand ‘don’t impose on others what you don’t desire for yourself.’ It’s okay.”

Zhang Shuhui smiled reassuringly at Gu Yuanyuan, but her gaze at Gu Hanyu was more reproachful: What’s there to say? Why don’t you listen?

Audience comments:

[Yuanyuan is so good.]

[Yuanyuan is really understanding.]

[Alright, everyone has different opinions, we can’t force Gu Hanyu, but that doesn’t stop me from disliking her.]

[I don’t like Gu Hanyu either.]

[Dislike Gu Hanyu!]

[This show is so dumb, what’s with the comments?]

[Not watching, dropping it.]

Gu Hanyu asked in confusion: “Yuanyuan, what are you talking about? What ‘don’t impose on others what you don’t desire for yourself’?”

Gu Yuanyuan explained: “I mean if you like the flowers, keep them. I don’t mind, don’t force yourself for me. As long as you like them, it’s fine.”

Gu Hanyu seemed to understand, hesitantly saying: “Yuanyuan, do you really dislike these flowers so much? Not at all?”

Gu Yuanyuan nodded firmly: “It’s not that I don’t like flowers, I do. I just don’t like them being picked for display. I prefer them growing freely in the ground, full of life. I think that’s the most beautiful.”

She smiled, kind and lovely.

Gu Hanyu: “I understand, Yuanyuan is kind-hearted, so you feel sorry for the flowers. I get it, but…”

She looked troubled, paused, then suddenly took Zhang Shuhui’s hand: “Yuanyuan saw, right? Mom arranged these flowers herself. She wanted to put the most beautiful flowers in your and Dad’s rooms, to show her love and care for you, to make you happy. She did it herself, got pricked several times, even bled. I offered to help, but she insisted on doing it herself.”

“I felt so sorry watching her, but it made me feel Mom’s love and care for you.”

Gu Yuanyuan was visibly stunned, looking at Zhang Shuhui. She just felt sorry for the flowers, but now it seemed like she valued the flowers more than her mother?

Zhang Shuhui was also stunned. She didn’t realize it was because of this, nor that her small gesture was noticed by her elder daughter, who felt sorry for her. She had misunderstood Gu Hanyu. At the same time, she felt a bit uncomfortable; no one likes their sentiment being disregarded.

Gu Yuanyuan opened her mouth to explain, fearing Zhang Shuhui’s misunderstanding. But Gu Hanyu didn’t give her the chance, speaking softly yet firmly, “Compared to other things, I don’t want Mom’s sentiment to be wasted, thrown in the trash. So I thought of putting the flowers in my room, so you wouldn’t see them often and feel sad. This way, Mom’s sentiment isn’t wasted, and you won’t be sad. It’s a win-win.”

Gu Hanyu had a classical look, not with big, round, lively eyes. Her eyes were long and narrow, slightly upturned at the corners, now filled with concern and worry, gentle and elegant, but also a bit melancholic.

Zhang Shuhui looked at her hand, then at Gu Hanyu. Roses have many thorns; she indeed got pricked several times. Gu Hanyu offered to help, but she refused, wanting to do something for her younger daughter herself, to make up for the lost years. Later, Gu Hanyu quietly removed the thorns from the roses, probably getting pricked herself. Flower arranging without getting pricked is impossible. She didn’t pay much attention at the time.

But now, Zhang Shuhui was surprised and slightly comforted: “You are thoughtful.”

Gu Yuanyuan quickly said: “I didn’t mean to disregard Mom’s sentiment, I didn’t. Sister, you misunderstood me…”

She looked very anxious, her porcelain-white face flushed, her big eyes no longer smiling, blinking with tears, looking like she was about to cry, “Mom, I didn’t mean to disregard your sentiment. Your hand must hurt a lot, I’m so sorry. I didn’t know you prepared these flowers for me, and you got hurt for me. I didn’t know…”

Seeing her younger daughter about to cry, Zhang Shuhui’s slight discomfort was immediately replaced by heartache, comforting her: “Alright, don’t cry. It’s just a few pricks, nothing visible now. Of course, I know you wouldn’t disregard my sentiment. I know, don’t cry.”

Gu Yuanyuan blinked, and tears fell.

Gu Hanyu watched the mother-daughter scene, put down the scissors, smiled helplessly, and took out a handkerchief to wipe Gu Yuanyuan’s tears, saying: “Yuanyuan, don’t cry. I didn’t misunderstand you. You’re so good, how could you disregard Mom’s sentiment? Of course not. If anyone’s to blame, it’s me for not explaining clearly. I only said Mom prepared them, not that she arranged them herself. You must have thought I did it. It’s my fault.”

What did that mean? Gu Hanyu took the blame, but on closer thought, it wasn’t so. Not disregarding Zhang Shuhui’s sentiment, but hers could be disregarded?

Zhang Shuhui frowned.

Gu Yuanyuan, anxious, cried again: “Sister, I didn’t mean to disregard your sentiment either…”

Gu Hanyu: “Oh dear, my hands are dirty, I didn’t wash them, and now your face is all smudged. Go wash your face, it’s all small matters, don’t worry. If you keep crying, Mom will be heartbroken.”

She smiled gently, like a good sister tolerating an immature sibling, perfectly gentle even when no one else could see, her smile was soft and elegant, serene.

Even Zhang Shuhui was very satisfied with her at this moment.

Gu Hanyu didn’t act foolishly like in her past life, showing a smug and malicious smile in unseen corners. She hid all her claws under her skin.

Audience comments:

[Really? Did I misunderstand Gu Hanyu???]

[Gu Hanyu wants the flowers because she cherishes Mom’s sentiment?]

[It seems Gu Hanyu has a point. The flowers represent Mom’s sentiment. She got pricked so many times, personally preparing flowers to make Yuanyuan happy. If they were thrown away, it would be sad.]

[Gu Hanyu is kind. Yuanyuan, so compassionate, didn’t think of this?]

Some comments began to question Yuanyuan’s “compassion,” while others defended her.

[Yuanyuan didn’t mean to disregard Mom’s sentiment. She just woke up, how would she know Mom got hurt preparing flowers for her? Mom didn’t say either. Yuanyuan just expressed her thoughts, not disregarding Mom’s sentiment.]

[Is Yuanyuan blind? So many flowers on the table, she was watching Mom and Gu Hanyu arrange flowers. How could she not know?]

[Gu Hanyu arranged a different bouquet, not the ones Mom mentioned. How is it the same?]

[Yuanyuan is a bit scatterbrained, it’s normal to miss it. Didn’t she regret it and cry? Can you say she didn’t care about Mom’s sentiment?]

[If Yuanyuan knew Mom arranged the flowers herself, she would cherish them.]

[Yuanyuan is so kind, she wouldn’t do it on purpose.]

[Suddenly realizing Gu Hanyu is really gentle? Though she looks stiff, she’s quite gentle.]

[Where is Gu Hanyu gentle? She’s clearly targeting Yuanyuan, making Mom think Yuanyuan disregards her sentiment. She’s sowing discord!]

[Gu Hanyu looks fake, disgusting.]

[Not interesting, dropping the show.]

Gu Yuanyuan looked at the gentle Gu Hanyu, feeling a sudden chill down her spine, as if something terrifying was watching her, making her shiver.

“Mom, Sister, I’m sorry. I didn’t consider everything, almost disregarding your sentiments…”

Zhang Shuhui felt more guilt and affection for her younger daughter, wanting to make up for lost time: “It’s okay. As long as Yuanyuan is happy, I’ll do anything.”

Gu Yuanyuan was moved by the understanding.

Gu Hanyu said considerately: “Yes, we all know Yuanyuan is so kind, she wouldn’t do it on purpose. Right, Mom?”

Zhang Shuhui nodded: “Yes. Yuanyuan wouldn’t do it on purpose.”

Gu Yuanyuan: “…”

A certain audience member: …This sounds familiar?

Gu Yuanyuan bit her lip, feeling stifled: “Thank you for understanding, Mom and Sister.”

Gu Hanyu said: “We’re family, don’t be formal.”

Zhang Shuhui agreed, holding Gu Hanyu and Gu Yuanyuan’s hands: “You are sisters, you should love each other, understand each other, and take care of each other.”

Gu Yuanyuan immediately said: “I will, I’ll take care of Sister too!”

Gu Hanyu smiled: “I will, don’t worry, Mom.”

She looked at Gu Yuanyuan, her smile even gentler.

In her past life, Gu Hanyu was scolded by Zhang Shuhui over the flowers, labeled as heartless. She felt sad and confused, her dislike for Yuanyuan growing. Breaking family rules led to punishment, but Yuanyuan breaking rules was met with love.

…

That night at the Gu Family’s dinner table.

Gu Zhiguo sat at the head, quietly eating. Zhang Shuhui sat beside him, Gu Hanyu and Gu Yuanyuan on the other side.

The atmosphere was quiet. Yuanyuan, used to chatting and playing on her phone during meals, or talking with her adoptive parents, found it lively.

Having been back for a while, she still wasn’t used to the Gu Family’s quiet meals, trying to liven things up.

She chattered about her past mischief and school fun, things Gu Zhiguo and Zhang Shuhui missed and wanted to know. They were willing to listen, gradually getting used to breaking the no-talking rule at the table.

Now, Yuanyuan was still chattering, Gu Zhiguo’s face gentle, eyes full of love for his younger daughter. Zhang Shuhui was the same, even worried when hearing about Yuanyuan’s playful injuries. She missed too much of her younger daughter’s life and didn’t want to miss more.

Yuanyuan, noticing the silent Gu Hanyu, who barely touched her food, asked: “Sister, are you feeling unwell?”

Gu Hanyu shook her head, gently: “No, I just thought about what you said, that flowers have life. It’s sad to pick them. So I thought, the pork and beef we’re eating, their lives are more vivid. They can run, jump, and feel pain… It’s so sad.”

Yuanyuan: “…”

The braised beef in her mouth instantly lost its flavor, making her feel nauseous.

Zhang Shuhui: “…”

Gu Zhiguo: “…”

Gu Hanyu smiled: “Never mind, I was just saying. Let’s eat.”

Yuanyuan: …How can she eat now?

Audience comments:

[????]