Chapter 453: Don

Yaobao sat beside Lin Zhao, straining to listen; seeing her curiosity, Lin Zhao moved the phone slightly toward her.

After listening, the girl’s expression fluctuated wildly.

Her brows furrowed, her face twisted with complex emotion.

What a mess of nonsense.

After finishing the gossip, Lin Zhao and Jin Saozi both hung up with satisfied expressions.

Seeing Yaobao’s odd expression, Lin Zhao couldn’t help smiling, “What’s that look for?”

If she knew the internet memes of the future, she’d recognize Yaobao’s expression as: “Elderly Man on the Subway Staring at His Phone.jpg”

Yaobao pressed her lips together and said, “...You can really do that?”

“What else did you think?” Lin Zhao asked with a smile.

“Marriage is a huge matter—it must be based on real feelings. If you manipulate it, Jiang’s family won’t like her. Why force it?” Yaobao didn’t understand.

Gu Zhihang didn’t approach, but from Lin Zhao’s response he deduced the truth; hearing his sister’s confusion, he said, “What do you think of Lu Baozhen’s position in the Lu household?”

Yaobao wasn’t some naive fairy—she immediately grasped her second brother’s implication.

Right—Lu Baozhen’s father remarried and had two sons with his new wife; Lu Baozhen became an outsider. She had to scheme for herself.

Jiang Rong was the best option she could choose.

Lu Baozhen making a foolish move was understandable.

The truth was indeed this—

Su Yuxian despised Lu Baozhen as a stepdaughter and had long wanted to marry her off to free up space for her own sons; to her, Lu Baozhen was no different from a thorn in her eye.

Only Jiang Rong’s protection kept them from expelling the extra person.

When Su Yuxian learned Jiang’s family had arranged a match for Jiang Rong, she was ecstatic. At home, she mocked Lu Baozhen: “I see you with Jiang Rong every day—your reputation’s ruined. Yet he has no interest in you. I don’t know what you’re after—you’re worthless.”

“You’ve used Jiang Rong to ruin my reputation and made me swallow countless humiliations. Once he marries, I’ll see how bold you still are.”

Lu Baozhen’s face turned instantly pale, her heart aching in waves: “You’re lying! Brother Jiang would never go on a blind date! You just want to see me lose control—this is it! I won’t let you win!”

Su Yuxian: “Hmph. You can fool yourself if you want. Just wait and see.”

With that, she ignored her cunning, ruthless stepdaughter.

The front door slammed shut from outside.

Su Yuxian turned back—Lu Baozhen had already left, leaving only the trembling door.

“Hmph.” She sneered.

It won’t be long before the house gains another empty room.

Extra people should leave this house on their own.

“Mom, what’s for dinner? I’m hungry.”

The door was violently shoved open; a sweat-drenched boy entered, tossed his basketball aside, walked to the sideboard, and guzzled water. The moment he set down the cup, he asked when dinner would be ready.

“Almost ready, almost ready,” Su Yuxian smoothed her mocking expression into a doting smile. “Hungry? Eat some biscuits first—I’ll cook right away.”

Lu’s grandmother died a few years ago, of illness, cared for by villagers until the end.

Lu’s grandfather, lucky man, was still alive, living in the renovated Lu family home in the village, remarried to a widow, living a quiet, comfortable life.

“Got it. Mom, what’s wrong with Big Sister? I called her, she didn’t answer.”

Su Yuxian’s face darkened. “Don’t pay her any mind. Your sister isn’t my daughter—she’s full of scheming. Keep your brother away from her.”

“I didn’t get close. There were too many people downstairs—I just called out to her.” (For the neighbors’ benefit.)

“My son is so smart.”

“If you think I’m smart, give me a yuan—I want to eat dry noodles.” The boy held out his palm.

Su Yuxian stared blankly for a moment, then gave him a yuan.

The boy beamed, humming happily.

Lu Baozhen stepped out of the residential building, her face grim—anyone downstairs could see it.

She had no time for others, hurrying away.

Seeing Lu Baozhen’s state, the onlookers exchanged glances and whispered.

“Did she find out?”

Another said: “Probably. More drama coming. I wonder who’ll win—Aunt Jiang or Baozhen?”

The residents of the military compound learned quickly.

In this “battle,” Lu Baozhen emerged victorious.

After learning Jiang Rong agreed to the blind date, she was overwhelmed by terror and despair.

Lu Baozhen knew if she didn’t act now, once Jiang Rong’s match succeeded, she’d have no chance to regret it—so she schemed to trap Jiang Rong into becoming her fiancé.

Her method was neither clever nor honorable; sensible people knew Jiang Rong had been tricked, yet none spoke up.

Jiang Rong was close to Lu Baozhen—surely he was willing.

Even Song Zhi, who had also moved out of the military compound, thought so.

In the end, Gu Zhihang still attended Jiang Rong’s wedding.

He went with Jin Lixin.

Jiang Rong was delighted he came; his cold face softened slightly.

“I’m glad you came.”

Gu Zhihang smiled. “I happened to be free this period, so I came.”

It was also to honor the feelings of our youth.

Mother brought us four siblings with the army; at first, Jiang Rong willingly accepted us, helping me and my older brother adjust to the new environment—I remember that kindness.

Jiang Rong took Gu Zhihang’s words as modesty, clenched his fist, and lightly bumped his shoulder.

“Thanks, brother,” he said with a smile.

He turned to Jin Lixin. “Thanks for coming despite your busy schedule.”

Gu Zhihang and Jin Lixin were among the top young men in the old military compound, the model students parents constantly urged their children to emulate. They soared higher and higher—meeting them was hard for most.

Jin Lixin adjusted his glasses. “No need to thank me—it’s only right.”

He wasn’t nearsighted; the frames were just there, making his prosthetic eye look like it wore a pretty dress, helping him face the world more calmly.

Jiang Rong, as the groom, had to greet guests. He seated Gu Zhihang and Jin Lixin, then continued greeting others with Lu Baozhen.

Seeing Lu Baozhen’s eyes constantly flick toward Gu Zhihang, Jiang Rong frowned, voice sharp: “What are you staring at?”

Lu Baozhen snapped back to herself. “Nothing—I just noticed... Erzai has changed a lot.”

“Erzai?” Jiang Rong’s gaze sharpened.

Lu Baozhen slapped her own lips. “...I mean Hengbao. Back in the village, he was called Erzai—we all got used to it.”

Jiang Rong smiled at a guest approaching; once the guest left, his face dropped, voice warning: “I don’t care if you’re truly used to it or not—you’re adults now. Don’t provoke him. If you anger him, even I can’t save you.”

He had to admit—he wasn’t as good as Zhihang, let alone Gu Zhiyu. With these two brothers around, he was just ordinary.

Lu Baozhen saw the cold light in Jiang Rong’s eyes, her heart hurt. “Mm.”

Her good mood instantly soured.

When the newlyweds stepped onto the stage, both their smiles were fake.

Jin Lixin told Gu Zhihang: “These two... feel like they’re getting married with a knife at their throats. Why bother?”

“If you were Jiang Rong, what would you do?” Gu Zhihang asked.

“I’d rather go to jail,” Jin Lixin knew Jiang Rong’s situation well—it wasn’t without room for maneuver, since no evidence had been gathered.

Execution was out of the question.

At most, jail.

He’d rather go to jail than marry a woman he didn’t want.

Don’t talk about his future.

A real man doesn’t die just because he loses his state-assigned job.

Gu Zhihang smiled. “Me too.”

The two young men exchanged glances and laughed—no wonder they got along so well; their values aligned.

After the exhausting wedding, Gu Zhihang and Jin Lixin left first, departing with unusual swiftness.

Yaobao arrived home to find her second brother back; she skipped over happily. “Second brother, how was it?”

Gu Zhihang clutched his stomach. “Didn’t eat well, didn’t drink well—suffered. Ask me? I regret going.”

“Ah?” Yaobao’s eyes filled with sympathy.

Qiao Hui, who was mopping the floor, said: “Zhihang’s stomach upset? Want some congee? I’ll cook some for you—good for the stomach.”

Over the years, Qiao Hui had studied cooking intensely; once she only cared about taste, now she focused on nutrition and health.

Gu Zhihang said: “Thanks, Aunt Qiao.”

He mainly wanted something to stimulate his appetite.

Seeing her second brother like this, Yaobao didn’t dare ask further.

Gu Zhihang felt nothing worth mentioning and didn’t bring up the wedding again. He studied his sister and asked: “How are you? Has anyone bullied you at the TV station?”

At this, Yaobao’s bright face lit up with a radiant smile.

“No one bullied me,” she said. “Second brother, did you know? I’ve met so many actors at the station! This afternoon I even saw Third Brother!”

Gu Zhihang said: “What’s so exciting? They’re all just people—two eyes, one nose, one mouth. Gu Zhiyao, you must understand: you love the characters they portray, not the actors themselves. Don’t get drunk on three jin of fake wine and lose your head.”

Hearing this, Yaobao’s excitement was doused like a bucket of cold water.

She gave her second brother a look of silent exasperation.

“I know all that—can’t you wait till I’m done getting worked up before you speak? Annoying, so annoying.”

Gu Zhihang sat there calmly, expression unruffled.

He said shamelessly, “Are those actors better-looking than me? Taller than me? If not for the roles they play, what’s there to like about them?”

Yaobao had no reply.

She silently raised both hands to cover her ears.

Gu Zhihang pulled her hands down. “Look me in the eyes and answer me.”

“Stop it, stop it, Second Brother is such a nuisance.” Yaobao bumped her head against his.

“Little girl, if you can’t tell the difference between who you like, I’ll keep nagging you,” Gu Zhihang threatened.

“Second Brother, you’re so domineering,” Yaobao accused.

“Call it domineering if you want. I don’t care—I just think you’re still young, unable to tell the difference between admiration and romantic attraction. If you mistake your fondness for a character as love for the actor, and bring home some brother-in-law, I’m afraid I won’t be able to hold back my fists.”

Yaobao: “...”

Gu Zhihang tugged at her black hair. “Why so quiet? Tell me about your first day at work—how are your coworkers? How’s the environment...”

Talking about her job, Yaobao perked up, shifting closer to her brother.

“I just started—I’m shadowing the director for now, learning a lot. Everyone seems easy to get along with, and the office is great. Second Brother, you know the whole building belongs to the radio station—each desk is huge, there’s a coffee machine at the front desk, breakfast is provided—eggs, milk, bread, all kinds of stuff...”

“We have all that at our factory—I even give employees housing,” Gu Zhihang said dismissively.

Yaobao: “Second Brother! Don’t be such a buzzkill—I’m actually happy right now!”

“Sorry, I’m just stating facts,” Gu Zhihang said, not a trace of apology on his face.

And indeed, it was just the truth.

“Second Brother, if you keep acting like this, I won’t share anything with you anymore,” Yaobao threatened, her white teeth glinting coldly.

“Fine, fine—I won’t say more. Your job’s great. I’ll drive you to work tomorrow morning,” Gu Zhihang relented, afraid he’d really make his sister explode.

“No need, it’s not far,” Yaobao said.

“Do as I say,” Young Master Gu declared without room for argument.

He was driving her there to tell everyone at the radio station: his sister wouldn’t tolerate being mistreated.

You take advantage of your support system—didn’t he and his father and brothers work so hard precisely so the two women in the family could live comfortably, in wealth and safety, never bullied at will?

“...Alright,” Yaobao nodded obediently.

Lin Zhao finished her afternoon tea and returned home; as she stepped into the hall, she looked up and saw her second brother drinking porridge.

“?” She blinked in confusion. “Didn’t you go to the wedding? Why are you drinking porridge? Didn’t you eat enough?!”

Gu Zhihang ate a bite of pickled vegetable, then a spoonful of porridge—this was a life even immortals wouldn’t trade.

“Don’t mention it. The bride and groom both wore fake smiles—their reluctance practically radiated off them. Who could eat? Li Xin and I barely touched our food before coming back.”

Li Xin went for hotpot—he had a stomachache and planned to come home for some soothing porridge.

“So they were scowling?” Lin Zhao asked curiously.

“They smiled when people were around, scowled when no one was looking—their facial muscles were twitching. I felt bad for Jiang Rong,” Gu Zhihang grumbled.

Lin Zhao: “...”

“What are their plans going forward?”

Gu Zhihang knew his mother would wonder, so he’d already checked: “Jiang Rong works here. Lu Baozhen used to do odd jobs here too, but after marrying into the Jiang family, she won’t work anymore—she’ll take care of the household.”

“She got exactly what she wanted,” Lin Zhao said calmly.

“Yes,” Gu Zhihang agreed. It was a pity for Jiang Rong—but since childhood, he’d always treated Lu Baozhen differently, showering her with unconditional kindness. Surely, marrying her brought him joy.

Jiang Rong: “...”

“I heard from Jin Saozi that Jiang Rong’s mother publicly said she wouldn’t attend the wedding. Did you see her there?” Lin Zhao asked again.

Gu Zhihang thought back. “Didn’t see her. Jiang Auntie didn’t show up, and Lu Uncle didn’t come either.”

Yaobao chimed in, “So Lu Baozhen really isn’t liked by the Jiang family.”

“None of our business. If you meet her, don’t bother with them,” Gu Zhihang patted his sister’s head.

Yaobao brushed off his hand. “I don’t even know her—why would I care?”

Second Brother thought too highly of her.

Lu Baozhen had bullied her before—she’d never be friends with that woman.

“Good girl.”

Yaobao ignored her brother, sat beside Lin Zhao, linked arms with her, and excitedly recounted everything she’d seen and heard at the TV station.