Ding Suzhu held the tea bowl, let out a long sigh, and said, "That useless one caused trouble again, really made a fool of us in front of you..."

Even though Ding Suzhu wasn’t very educated, she still handled social etiquette well. Even in this moment, she didn’t collapse and cry but instead apologized to Gu Tong and Xia Xi first.

Gu Tong waved her hand and said, "It’s nothing, but what about you, are you hurt?"

Ma Zongyu was relentless just now, he hit Ding Suzhu several times, leaving one side of her face red and swollen, looking a bit disheveled.

Xia Xi handed her an ice pack for her face and said, "You aren’t incapable of hitting back, so why not strike him back?"

Watching Ding Suzhu take those slaps from a scumbag for no reason made Xia Xi feel sorry for her.

Moreover, if this happened at home instead of on the street, who knows how much worse it could get.

At this point, Ding Suzhu became somewhat wistful, lowering her eyelids, and said, "I guess I’ve gotten used to it..."

As soon as these four words were out, the atmosphere became somewhat oppressive, or perhaps no one expected Ding Suzhu to say something like that.

Gotten used to it?

Because she was used to it, she endured the beatings without even defending herself, let alone when Ma Zongyu brought a mistress to cause trouble, she endured it, which seemed so unreasonable.

However, Ding Suzhu was born in the countryside, where the environment heavily favored men over women. When she married Ma Zongyu, it was like selling a product, and she didn’t utter a word of defiance.

After marrying, Ma Zongyu did nothing but abuse her with insults and beatings, which Ding Suzhu endured, painfully dragging herself through these years.

Later, when life improved, Ma Zongyu went out fooling around, and Ding Suzhu couldn’t let go of her feelings, so she forced herself to endure again.

From childhood to adulthood, the concepts of male superiority, husband dominance, following one’s husband blindly, and being faithful from start to finish, had long taken deep root in her consciousness. It would be truly a surprise if Ding Suzhu could break these barriers and fiercely fight back.

Therefore, one couldn’t blame the current Ding Suzhu, she had no other options.

Xia Xi felt perplexed about those words.

But Gu Tong understood Ding Suzhu’s meaning and said, "Madame Ding, we haven’t met since the last little gathering, and I haven’t had a chance to ask you, how have things been since then?"

Initially, she didn’t intend to ask, but now it was unavoidable. Ding Suzhu’s mindset was dangerous; if it didn’t change soon, the consequences could be dire.

Ding Suzhu let out a sigh and said, "After going back, I thought for a long time and decided to do what you all suggested. Miss Bai Yingqing was very supportive and sent someone to the company the next day. I struck while the iron was hot and removed Ma Zongyu from his position."

"But just after a day of peace, they stirred up trouble again. Earlier in the shop, Ma Zongyu pulled me out directly, dragged me into an alley, kicking and beating me, while Ding Caiyan fanned the flames beside him..."

"I’ve come to realize they just wish for my death; once I’m gone, they can rationally and legally divide my money openly..."

Her husband and sister want her dead, and there’s nothing sadder in this world.

When Ding Suzhu brought this up, it felt like a sharp pain in her heart, as though someone was digging into her chest with a knife.

However, she didn’t cry or let her emotions collapse but instead turned to Xia Xi and said, "By the way... earlier, you lost a Black Card from the Underground Mall... I..."

"It’s just a card, I have plenty!" Xia Xi quickly interrupted her, saying, "So, Madame Ding, don’t thank me or compensate me. Just answer one question for me."