Chapter 421: The Key to the Secret Chamber

Uncle Er treated us to a meal, and Gu Lan and the others, of course, had no objections—they happily followed him into the coffee shop.

After the opening, people in big cities reacted quickly.

There were never shortages of wealthy, bold individuals.

The coffee shop’s owner was one such person.

As soon as the state encouraged market economy development, he immediately converted his ancestral property into a coffee shop.

He renovated, hired baristas, hired waitstaff… after a flurry of activity, he opened for business.

To be honest, the business was surprisingly good.

The shop was packed with people: well-dressed young men and women sat inside, each with a transparent glass cup before them containing a liquid unfamiliar to the Gu family.

As Gu Yucheng pushed open the glass door, a round-faced girl with a warm smile walked up to him.

“Welcome! Please order at the counter—you may sit anywhere.”

At the ordering counter, the Gu family, clueless about everything, ordered the shop’s signature coffee.

They found empty seats and waited in silence.

Soon, a server came over with a tray, placing the coffee in front of each of them.

The server smiled throughout—neither flatteringly subservient nor haughtily aloof; her demeanor was deeply pleasant.

“Enjoy your drink. If you need anything, just wave and call me—I’ll come right over.”

Gu Yucheng nodded. “Alright, you go ahead.”

Gu Qingzhou looked at his second brother, surprised. “Second Brother, aren’t you nervous? You seem to be adapting perfectly.”

“Nervous about what? We’re not here to drink free coffee—we’re no less than they are, not inferior in any way,” Gu Yucheng said.

Gu Qingzhou gave him a thumbs-up.

Gu Yucheng felt a bit proud—hmm… why had their parents sent him to bring the college students? Precisely because his skin was thick enough.

His father had told him to help build confidence in Alan and the others.

He didn’t understand why confidence needed to be “built”—wasn’t it something everyone already had? But his father had spoken, so he obeyed. Being able to tour Haicheng and even visit the capital? Only a fool would refuse.

“So bitter!!” Gu Zhihang (Tie Dan) scrunched his face, the bitter coffee in his mouth making him want to spit it out—but he couldn’t bring himself to. His copper-toned face wore an expression of agony.

Ahhh, paying money just to suffer.

“Why do they drink so calmly? So bitter, so bitter—I can’t take it anymore,” Gu Zhihang moaned, his tongue coated in bitterness.

Gu Zhili, also known as Li Bao, often ate chocolate with the twins and took to the coffee’s flavor well.

He ordered his with milk and sugar; after a small sip, a white layer of milk foam clung to his lips.

“It’s pretty good. Yi Bao and Heng Bao would probably like it. I wonder if we can take some home—I want to bring some for them.”

Gu Xingye (Bang Bang) didn’t like drinking it, but could tolerate it. “Why take any? Tomorrow, bring them here to drink—it’s fresher here, and they can sit and enjoy the place. This shop’s actually quite warm.”

Gu Zhili thought about it and nodded. “Yeah, I’ve memorized the route. I’ll bring them tomorrow.”

…

Noon.

While eating at the restaurant, Lin Zhao learned that Qingzhou and the others had gone to drink coffee. Only a few months after opening, and coffee shops already existed? Some people really did react fast—no wonder they were rich.

She carefully bit into the skin of the pan-fried bun; the hot broth inside threatened to blister her lips and tongue.

“I’ll try it this afternoon too.”

Lin Zhao blew on the steamed bun she’d picked up with her chopsticks and looked at Gu Chenghuai. “Want to come?”

Gu Chenghuai picked up a bite of food for her and replied gently, “I’ll take you there, then visit an old comrade of mine.”

“Fine, then we’ll each do our own thing.”

Yao Bao sat beside her mother, eating fried fish, her expression sweet and obedient. “Mama, I’ll come with you.”

“Sure. What about Qian Bao?” Lin Zhao asked.

Qian Bao shook his head. “I want to check out the bookstore.”

He was still young; no one would let him wander alone.

Gu Lan volunteered: “I want to check out the bookstore too—I’ll go with Qian Bao.”

One was a girl, the other a child; letting them wander around a strange city was just as worrying.

Gu Qingzhou added: “I’ll go too—I’ll see if there are any books we need and buy a few in advance.”

Gu Xingye: “I’m coming too—I’ve never been to a big-city bookstore before. I’m curious.”

Gu Xinci (Lai Mei), his brother’s shadow, heard he was going to the bookstore and immediately said she wanted to go too.

So that afternoon, they split into several groups, each going their own way.

Lin Zhao and her group stayed in Haicheng for five days total, visiting every place they meant to, leaving behind many photos of their journey.

Notably, until right before leaving, Gu Yucheng never got a chance to speak with Qiao Lao about the villa’s ownership.

They booked their tickets to the capital.

Only then did he panic.

“Chenghuai, what do we do?!”

Having enjoyed themselves these past days, he now remembered his most capable younger brother.

Gu Chenghuai thought for a moment. “I can’t help either—we can’t even meet the man, how can we negotiate? For now, let’s leave it. When we return, ask Father to find a solution. If it still doesn’t work, we’ll buy the house at market price and give it to your parents—they can move to Haicheng. Life here is convenient, the climate is good, perfect for retirement.”

He’d visited Haicheng several times and loved it; what pleased him most was how convenient everything was.

For example, when he went to visit his old comrade, he could just hail a taxi or take a bus—no need to walk far.

Lin Zhao agreed inwardly but didn’t voice it publicly.

Her father-in-law and the Gu brothers’ affairs were their own to decide.

Gu Yucheng’s furrowed brow relaxed.

“That’s the only option!”

He leaned toward buying it—but such a fine house, in Haicheng, must be extremely expensive. How much would the family have to add? Was their savings enough?!

Over the past few years, the Gu brothers had earned a lot; the family lacked coupons, so their earnings were all saved—the numbers on their passbooks were quite impressive.

With money in hand, one felt no panic—that was the main reason Gu Yucheng was now so calm and composed.

The old saying was right: money gives courage to the timid—truly profound wisdom.

Seeing the hour grow late, Lin Zhao and the others didn’t delay—they boarded the train to the capital.

Lin Heling and Song Xi had also planned to go, but Lin Zhao stopped them.

Relocating the graves was a major matter; Lin Heling couldn’t leave until it was done. Without settling this, he couldn’t focus on anything else.

Seeing the determination in his daughter’s eyes, Lin Heling reluctantly agreed.

He told her the location of the small sihe courtyard to be transferred to her, saying she could move in directly—it should be habitable.

Song Xiwei said: “Your father and I will join you after we finish—we’ll try to arrive before your school starts.”

Their children going to university; they felt it would be pitiful if they didn’t see them off.

“I know, Mom and Dad, don’t worry—I’ve traveled many times, and Chenghuai is with me. Nothing will happen,” Lin Zhao said softly, tugging at her mother’s sleeve.

“Don’t be careless,” Song Xiwei said, her worries endless.

In recent years, she and Lin Heling had traveled often—they’d seen countless scams.

After seeing off their daughter and the others, Lin Heling began handling the Lin family’s affairs.

First, he needed to reclaim the Lin family’s properties.

Reclaiming everything was impossible.

Lin Ban Cheng’s reputation hadn’t been false; reclaiming it all would upset too many powerful interests—resistance would be too great.

In the end, only about ten properties were reclaimed, and very few antiques or calligraphy paintings remained…

Uncle De was furious.

“This is too much! If Old Master were still alive… how would they dare!”

“Times have changed. My old face means nothing now—I’ve let the young master suffer.”

Lin Heling held Uncle De’s arm, calm and composed. “It’s fine. I expected this outcome. The Lin family has few members left now; we’ve lost the once-thriving scene of many descendants. Being looked down upon is normal. Don’t worry—once Father and the others return, things might improve… I hope we can still reclaim what’s ours.”

Regardless of anything else, the ancestral home must be reclaimed.

Uncle De agreed: “Regardless of anything else, we must get back the ancestral home.”

He pulled open his collar and took out a strange-looking key, made of wood-like material, strung on a red cord.

“Young Master, this is the key to the ancestral home’s secret chamber. The entrance is in the storage room. With this key, and the one in the young master’s possession, placed together, they can open the Lin family’s secret chamber. Old Master said the things inside can restore the Lin family’s glory.”

Lin Heling carefully stored the key.

“Uncle De, rest assured—the Lin family won’t fall.”

Uncle De had no children; he cared more about the Lin family’s rise and fall than anything else. Hearing the young master’s words, his expression eased.

“I believe you.”

After Old Master Lin’s grave was moved into the Lin family cemetery, Uncle De moved into a house near the cemetery and refused to relocate again.

Lin Heling couldn’t bear to see him live like a hermit, but Uncle De smiled. “I’m old now—I don’t want to move anymore. Staying to guard the graves is the life I want. It’s not hard or tiring. If you still see me as part of the Lin family, don’t try to persuade me.”

What could Lin Heling say?

He arranged for the house near the cemetery to be fully repaired—new doors and windows, custom furniture, clean bedding, and shelves filled with grain… He arranged for someone to check on it every few days, then planned to go to the capital with Song Xiwei.

“If Uncle De doesn’t come, Zhao Zhao will ask.”

Uncle De said: “Little Miss is a thoughtful, kind girl—she’ll understand me.”

Seeing he truly didn’t want to leave, Lin Heling had no choice but to depart alone.

Once seated on the train, he looked at Song Xiwei. “What do you think of us moving to Haicheng?”

“Sure, you know me—I’m fine anywhere I live.” Song Xi shrugged.

She had a domineering personality and was too strong, always earning full work points every day, could hunt wild boars, and wasn’t popular in the village—so she had few close friends and no attachment to her hometown.

“Then let’s move back?” Lin Heling didn’t hesitate, directly asking his wife’s opinion.

“Fine.”

…

Lin Zhao and the others arrived in the capital; more people got off at the station, packed so tightly they could barely breathe.

Fortunately, they got off without incident.

After exiting the station, they flagged a few cabs and headed straight for the Lin family’s small sihe courtyard.

The weather was fine today, a huge sun hanging in the sky, lifting everyone’s spirits.

About forty minutes passed.

Lin Zhao and the others stepped out of the car.

Gu Zhiyu walked ahead, guiding them, checking house numbers as he searched for their courtyard.

When he found it, he spun around sharply, “Mom! Here it is! Our home is here!!”

As he spoke, he knocked on the door.

Lin Zhao hurried after him.

The front door wasn’t locked; it opened with a light push.

Someone was in the courtyard just then.

It was a woman who looked simple and honest.

“You’re from the Lin family, right?” Seeing the people at the door, the woman instinctively straightened up and spoke nervously.

“Yes, you’re the one helping with cleaning? Thank you for your hard work.” Lin Zhao smiled in greeting, glancing around the courtyard. The small sihe was square, with many rooms, a well in the center, recently repaired and looking very clean.

“Not hard at all—I’ve nearly finished.” The woman said, “I came today just to dry the quilts. Since you’re here now, I’ll leave. Here’s the key—take it.”

With that, she hurried away.

The size of this family was overwhelming.

Lin Zhao waved her hand. “Find your own rooms. Go to school in the afternoon.”

“Got it.”

Everyone avoided the best-lit main house and went into their own rooms.

There were too many people to give everyone their own room; several had to share, but the children didn’t mind—instead, they were ecstatic.

Gu Xingci laid out a ground mattress and said, “Zhiyu, Zhihang, since you two joined the military, I haven’t shared a room with you in ages—tonight we’re talking until midnight.”

Gu Xingye looked at his younger brother. “There are other people in the room—don’t disturb them. Eleven o’clock at the latest, no later.”

“...Fine.”

Lin Zhao walked into the main house, her face full of satisfaction, nodding repeatedly. “This house is truly excellent—I’m happy with every single part of it.”

“I just checked the surrounding facilities—everything’s easy to buy. The driver said we’re close to the square—I’m going to watch the flag-raising tomorrow morning!”

Gu Chenghuai put down his luggage. “The flag-raising is very early—you won’t wake up. Wait another day. Your feet are swollen—rest first.”

Knowing her husband cared for her, Lin Zhao didn’t argue. “Alright.”

She sat down, took off her small leather shoes, and her heels burned with pain.

“What if the kids want to see it?” Lin Zhao lifted her eyelids, her eyes hiding unmistakable exhaustion.

“I’ll take them. Don’t worry—rest well.” Gu Chenghuai said, “I’ll go boil some hot water—soak your feet.”

Not long after, he entered the room carrying a footbath.

The water contained herbs to relieve fatigue.

“Where did you get these herbs?”

Gu Chenghuai said, “Fourth brother prepared them.”

“Little brother is so thoughtful.” Lin Zhao’s eyes sparkled.

Gu Chenghuai raised his gaze. “I suggested them.”

“Of course, the best of the best is my husband Gu.” Lin Zhao looked at her husband massaging her feet, leaned down, and kissed his lips.

Gu Chenghuai’s eyes darkened, his black gaze locking onto her with pressure and possessiveness.

“What do you think if I get my hair permed?” Lin Zhao suddenly asked.

She’d seen many girls in Haicheng with permed hair—stylish and modern—and she’d been deeply tempted. That city was truly at the forefront.

Gu Chenghuai flashed back to the explosion-style perms he’d seen before—he couldn’t quite accept it.

He said gently, “You look fine like this.”

Worried he’d dampen her mood, he added, “If you really want to, go ahead.”

No matter how Zhaozhao looked, he wouldn’t laugh.

“I’ll think about it.” Lin Zhao was still torn—her hair was so thick and black, she hated to damage it.

“Mm.”

…

After dusk.

Rested, Lin Zhao and the others went out to visit universities.

Their first stop was Huaqing University.

It had just reopened; people’s suppressed passion for ten years needed release.

Though dusk was falling, the crowds outside hadn’t thinned at all—everywhere were laughing people.

Street vendors lined the road.

The pop of popcorn machines exploded, making children shriek with excitement.

Gu Chenghuai saw his daughter wanted some, stepped forward to buy some, and handed it out to the children.

The older kids grinned widely.

Looking up, they spotted far off the ancient, massive, dignified gate of Huaqing University.

“Look over there!” Gu Zhihang’s loud voice rang out.

He pointed at the huge gate, excitedly saying, “Mom, I want to take a photo at the entrance.”

Aaaahhh, this university was even better than he’d imagined—he loved it, hehehe.