Chapter 429: Afterglow

Wu Sanzhu and Zhao Yuan both knew the situation in Shen Jianjun’s household; they patted his shoulder but said nothing.

Every family has its own hard-to-recite scripture.

Take Wu Sanzhu—he harbored just as much inner suffering.

He lost an arm, couldn’t earn many work points, and his household lived in hardship. His wife couldn’t hold on and ran off with a passing truck driver, leaving behind two sons and a daughter.

Fortunately, his parents pitied him and helped raise the children, allowing him to go out and earn money.

Zhao Yuan was worse off—lame and with little money, no good girl would marry him, and now he remained a bachelor, mocked in the village as a barren household.

Sigh.

Now that they had jobs, all three had hope; their numb faces finally showed some luster.

Gu Zhihang and Gu Zhili lived in Lin Shi’s small Western-style house, where a large white dog with long fur and a beautiful face was kept in the courtyard.

The dog barked a few times.

Tao Tao stepped out, saw it was her husband and two nephews, and her beautiful face lit up with a warm, affectionate smile.

She patted the dog’s head, told it these were family, and greeted the two younger generations: “Zhihang and Zhili, you’re here! Come in—have you eaten? If not, I’ll cook you a few dishes.”

“We’ve eaten,” Gu Zhihang replied.

Lin Shi waved his hand at his wife. “Don’t bother with these two boys—you mind your own business, I’ve got them.”

Tao Tao nodded, told Gu Zhihang and Gu Zhili to make themselves at home, and turned back to the living room.

“Second Uncle, where are Sister Xuan and Sister Zheng?” Gu Zhihang didn’t see Lin Xuan or Lin Zheng.

“They went to the library first thing this morning—every day, busier than I am as factory director,” Lin Shi said with indulgent affection.

“Sister Xuan and Sister Zheng have great ambitions—their dreams are far grander than mine,” Gu Zhihang said admiringly.

He just wanted to earn money—big piles of it—and become a major merchant.

Unlike his two cousins, one dreamed of becoming a great writer and publishing books; the other wanted to be a diplomat and serve the nation abroad.

Lin Shi ruffled the nephew’s hair, taller than himself by several centimeters. “What’s grand or not? You all have things you love and are good at. As long as you don’t do evil, you can do anything—we’ve got your backs.”

“Second Uncle is the best,” Gu Zhihang said warmly.

Lin Shi shook his head and led the nephew to an empty room.

“Zhihang, this is the room I prepared for you—tell me if you need anything. Zhili’s room is next door; same deal—speak up, don’t be shy.”

“Thank you, Second Uncle!” Gu Zhihang said, then rushed to ask: “When can you sign us up? I want to get my driver’s license as soon as possible. I’m going to build a fleet, and without a license, that’s impossible—it’s all Dad’s fault. He keeps saying we’re still too young, and Mom won’t stand up for us—if she had, I’d already be a veteran driver with two years’ experience.”

Two years’ experience made you a veteran driver? What a naive kid.

Lin Shi smiled helplessly.

“You two weren’t adults back then—how could your parents have approved you taking the test? You’re a wild kid; if no one kept an eye on you, you’d run wild.” His tone was indulgent, affectionate.

Meeting his nephew’s pleading eyes, Lin Shi gave an expression of surrender.

“Fine, I’ll sign you up right after this.”

Gu Zhihang’s face lit up instantly. “Second Uncle, when can we get the license?”

“About a month,” Lin Shi said—he had connections, and getting the license wouldn’t take long, especially since both boys already knew how to drive.

Gu Zhihang’s eyes sparkled. “Perfect!”

“Second Uncle, you said you could help me find a seller—when can we go look at the cars?” he asked again.

He remembered perfectly why they’d come: buy a car, buy a car.

Lin Shi said: “I’ve seen those two cars—eighty percent new, legitimate source, no issues, fair price. The seller knows me well—you can go anytime. I’ll take you after I finish what I’m doing, okay?”

“Okay!” Gu Zhihang said immediately.

Thus, the two boys began their journey toward obtaining driver’s licenses.

When they visited Changfeng Daily Chemical Factory, they inevitably ran into Wu Sanzhu and the others; seeing the uncles in their work uniforms, full of energy and vigor, he felt happy and told Lin Zhao and Gu Chenghuai on the phone.

Gu Chenghuai’s eyes stirred.

His comrades had never been greedy—they once wished to protect home and country; after leaving the military, they simply wanted a job to support their families. Now that wish had finally come true, and hearing his son’s account, he was genuinely glad for his old comrades.

So good.

…

Speaking of which.

Lin Zhao and her husband brought Yaobao to meet Qianbao.

The boy wore a white shirt and black pants, his sneakers spotlessly clean; as he walked toward them, a clean, pure aura radiated from him.

His eyes were dark and bright, his expression calm; his slightly long black hair fell messily over his brow, giving him a cool, detached air.

He had an air of high intelligence.

Seeing his family, the boy’s lips curled slightly, his pace quickened, and he walked toward his father, mother, and sister.

“Dad, Mom, Yaobao,” he said, his voice soft and gravelly.

Yaobao dashed into his brother’s arms, beaming like a sunflower. “Brother, Dad, Mom, and I came to see you! When can you come home? I want to play with you!”

“Brother, these are snacks I brought you—I love them, you’ll love them too. All for you. Eat slowly, and when you’re done, tell me, and I’ll buy you more.”

Rarely seeing her older brother, Yaobao always had endless things to say whenever they met.

“Brother, have you grown taller again! You’re so much taller than me now!!”

Qianbao let his sister cling to him and said: “I eat a lot, so I grow fast. Eat more rice—you’ll grow taller than other girls too.”

Lin Zhao winced at Qianbao’s serious use of the term “other girls.”

Was it really okay for a child so young to be this serious?

After the siblings finished talking, Lin Zhao finally joined in.

She asked about his meals, told him to speak up if he needed anything, to take care of his health and not overwork himself… He must keep his work secret, say nothing, only ask about family matters. She told him his second brother had gone to Haicheng to build a fleet; Qianbao said he could invest.

He earned a high salary; earlier, he’d developed a “little device,” and the authorities had awarded him a large bonus—his personal savings were full.

Lin Zhao said: “Alright, I’ll tell your second brother when we get back.”

Qianbao nodded seriously. “Mm.”

He asked about other family members; hearing they were all well, his expression softened.

“Mom, I’ll have leave for the New Year—let’s go home for the holiday.”

He was still young; the organization wouldn’t overwork him—they had to give the nation’s flowers some personal time, let him rest his mind.

Hadn’t his original goal in developing the water heater been to make things easier for his mother?

“Of course,” Lin Zhao smiled. “Your grandparents haven’t seen you in three years—they miss you. They’ll be thrilled if you come home.”

Yaobao was overjoyed. “Brother, really? You’re really coming home for the New Year?”

She pressed against him. “Brother, I haven’t celebrated the New Year with you in so long. You’re not there, and I don’t even enjoy it anymore.”

Qianbao nodded seriously. “It’s true—I’m coming home for the New Year.”

Researchers never had holidays when busy; at first, Qianbao couldn’t adjust—he couldn’t relax during breaks. Only after getting used to it did he feel better.

Gu Chenghuai didn’t compete with his wife and daughter for Qianbao’s attention—he gave Lin Zhao and Yaobao the time to speak with him.

As they left, he finally said to Qianbao: “Take care of yourself. Don’t make your mother worry.”

Before Qianbao could respond, Yaobao rushed in: “I’ll worry too, Brother! If anyone bullies you, come home—you don’t have to stay there!”

“I will,” Qianbao replied to his sister.

“I won’t be bullied,” he emphasized.

…

As they left, Yaobao’s eyes were red, and Lin Zhao’s heart felt heavy.

Gu Chenghuai sighed inwardly.

He said gently: “It’s not even two months until the New Year—you’ll have plenty of time with Qianbao then. Don’t be like this. If Qianbao knew his mother and sister were this upset because of him, he’d feel terrible too.”

Yaobao wiped her eyes. “Dad, I want my brother at home.”

Gu Chenghuai said: “Your eldest brother isn’t home either—why don’t you pester him?”

Yaobao shifted her eyes, stammering, silent.

She’d never admit she was afraid of her brother’s lectures.

Every time he came home, he’d spend an entire hour lecturing her about staying away from “yellow-haired outsiders.” It was exhausting.

Lin Zhao saw what her daughter was thinking and couldn’t help smiling.

Yubao talked too much.

…

Fengshou Team.

After many years, the Gu elders heard news again about their youngest daughter, Gu Xing’er.

It was bad news.

Zhang Aijun, Gu Xing’er’s husband, came to the Gu household and said Gu Xing’er was dying and wanted to see her parents one last time.

The moment they heard this, Gu Fu and Gu Mu’s first reaction was disbelief.

How could it be?

Xing’er was so young—how could she be dying?!

The couple said nothing and followed the unfamiliar son-in-law to the Zhang household.

It was their first time visiting the Zhangs.

The house was tiny; a raised bed filled the living room, piled high with clutter.

The Zhangs weren’t smart, and their hearts were scattered. After reform, they had no ideas to make money, clung stubbornly to their iron rice bowl, looked down on private entrepreneurs, and thus earned nothing.

The Zhang parents were biased, tightly controlling their son Zhang Aijun, leaving Gu Xing’er with little money.

Because Gu Xing’er came from the countryside, had no job, no dowry, and was foolish, and had quarreled with her third brother, the official, Zhang Aijun gained nothing from her; for these reasons, he was unkind to her, and her life was miserable.

After Gu Laotai passed away, Gu Xing’er never returned to her natal home; Gu Ershu sent his son to visit her, but the Zhang family only took things and never sent back even a packet of brown sugar.

Worse still, Gu Xing’er refused to come out and see him.

After several attempts, Gu Ershu lost heart and stopped caring for Gu Xing’er.

Who would have thought she’d be gone?

“What’s going on? Xing’er is barely any age—how could she be nearly gone? How did you take care of your wife?” Gu Ershu frowned, glaring at Zhang Aijun like a demon.

Even if he had given up on Gu Xing’er, she was his own niece; if she suffered, he still had to protect her.

Gu Fu had a moment of daze; hearing his younger brother’s voice, he turned to look at the unfamiliar son-in-law.

His face carried a threatening expression, silently waiting for Zhang Aijun’s explanation.

“She caught a chill, developed a fever, and I went to the clinic to buy medicine—she took it all, and the fever broke at first; but then it came back. My family and I panicked and rushed her to the hospital. The doctor said… we arrived too late, there was nothing they could do. I came straight here to ask Father and Mother to see her—she’s been thinking of her natal family…”

Hearing this, Gu Mu snapped out of her shock.

She rushed forward and slapped Zhang Aijun.

“How did you take care of her? She’s still so young—why didn’t you take her to the hospital sooner? Are you dead?”

Gu Fu held back his wife and said, “Don’t waste time—we must hurry to the county.”

Gu Mu came to her senses. “Where’s Lao Si? Qingzhou, take your father and me to the county.”

The couples from the First and Second households, hearing the news and fearing trouble, followed along.

No matter how deep the grudge, it fades before death.

For Huang Xiulan and Zhao Liuniang, their lives were so good now—they had no heart to hold a grudge against their wayward little sister.

Seeing her off wasn’t out of the question.

Gu Qingzhou drove the tractor, rumbling and clattering toward the county.

It stopped at the clinic’s entrance.

Gu Yucheng leapt off the tractor first and ran toward the ward.

He saw Gu Xing’er, barely clinging to life.

It was real.

She was emaciated, like a flower drained of moisture, withered and frail—a breeze could carry her away.

“...How did you come to this?” Gu Yucheng said in disbelief.

Gu Xing’er heard the voice and forced her eyes open, seeing her second brother’s face—flashbacks of childhood flooded her mind.

She was the only girl among her siblings; her eldest, second, third brothers, and Gu Qingzhou all doted on her, always saving the best food and toys for her.

Her grandmother treated her even better than the brothers did—this unique favoritism made her nurture ever-growing desires… until they spiraled out of control.

Gu Xing’er was selfish and never believed she was at fault.

She only resented.

“Where are Father and Mother?” Gu Xing’er stared toward the door, her cracked lips trembling, “Why aren’t they here? Still angry at me? How heartless they are! Say they won’t recognize me, and they won’t… cough… cough…”

“My fate today—Father, Mother—you’re all to blame! Lin Zhao bears the greatest guilt! If Third Brother hadn’t married her, how could I have ended up like this!? I hate her to death!”

“Everyone says the Gu family is righteous—ha! Where’s the righteousness? Each one more heartless than the next, ignoring their own sister’s life and death—is that righteousness? It’s fake sentiment…!”

Hearing her complaints, Gu Yucheng’s heart turned cold.

Even though Gu Xing’er looked terrible, he couldn’t stop himself from lashing out: “Fake sentiment… I’d laugh. All the money we’ve sent you every year went to the dogs!”

“Gu Xing’er, after all these years, you’ve grown nothing. We shouldn’t have come—this is pure waste of time.”

Enraged, Gu Xing’er suddenly found strength. She sat up, grabbed the cup from beside the bed, and hurled it at Gu Yucheng’s face.

Her eyes, enlarged by emaciation, glared with pure hatred.

“If you don’t want to be here, leave! I don’t want you! Go! All of you—go as far away as you can! Don’t sully my path to rebirth…”

Gu Yucheng covered his ears.

He couldn’t understand where her hatred came from.

She didn’t hate the Zhangs for mistreating her—yet she blamed those who helped her.

Damn it, a thankless wolf is a thankless wolf—it never changes.

Enraged by Gu Yucheng’s attitude, Gu Xing’er gasped for breath; before Gu Fu, Gu Mu, and the others entered, she collapsed onto the bed, her breath slowly fading.

Only then did Gu Yucheng realize—

Gu Xing’er’s earlier energy, her sharp words and curses—were a final flicker before death.

His heart trembled; he felt no clear emotion.

Gu Fu and Gu Mu, the elderly sending off their child, trembled slightly, nearly collapsing.

Gu Yuanshan hurried forward to support his parents.

“Father… Mother…”

Gu Fu waved his hand; in an instant, he looked five years older.

“Get on with what needs doing—give your sister a proper send-off.”

Even though Gu Xing’er was troublesome, unfilial, a thankless wolf—she was still their child, and they had once shared warm memories.

Gu Yucheng lowered his gaze, grateful his parents had arrived late and hadn’t heard Gu Xing’er’s mad ravings.

…

Lin Zhao heard the news from home and sat stunned for a long while.

Was Gu Xing’er really gone?

She asked Gu Chenghuai, “Should we go back?”

Gu Chenghuai’s heart wasn’t made of steel and concrete; after hearing the news, he wasn’t entirely calm. He suppressed the churning waves within him for a long while.

He shook his head. “It’s too far—we won’t make it in time. Send money back.”

In truth, he was angry—knowing Gu Xing’er had never awakened before death, still resenting her parents and family.