Chapter 456: I Could Never Bear To

Lin Zhao glared at him.

Gu Chenghuai: “...”

“I’ve been busy with work in the military district—where would I have provoked him?” He gripped Lin Zhao’s hand, his expression serious. “Zhaozhao, believe me, I didn’t provoke him. This kid’s framing me—you’ve got to clear my name.”

Lin Zhao was the family’s judge; whoever felt wronged came to her.

Seeing this father, “Gu Zhihang” stared blankly, unable to imagine this was the weary, aged man from his memories.

Now, he was imposing and powerful, radiating the calm confidence of a superior—but before his wife, he was gentle and patient, indulging her temper, playing along with her performance...

In his memories, he had long been the youngest commander in the military district, adorned with countless honors, shining brilliantly.

So this was how his father’s life was meant to be.

For a moment, “Gu Zhihang” felt a strange sense of release.

He suddenly smiled.

Gu Chenghuai said: “Zhaozhao, look at him laughing—he’s the one who tricked me...”

Before he finished, Lin Zhao slapped his shoulder. “In front of the child, don’t curse. What if Ercai picks up bad habits?”

She treated “Gu Zhihang” as the five-year-old boy who’d lost his mother.

“Zhaozhao, aren’t you being too biased?” Gu Chenghuai looked at her. “Today you glared at me because of that kid, and now you hit me. I just came home to eat a bun—I did nothing. I need an explanation.”

“Gu Zhihang” remained silent. This scene filled his hollow heart with flesh and blood—this was what it meant to have parents.

Lin Zhao shoved the man. “Stop acting up. You want an explanation? Fine—I won’t give you one. I favor my Ercai, so what? Do you dare complain?”

Gu Chenghuai’s gaze paused slightly. “Dare not. You’re my commander—I dare not object, not even a hint of one.”

“Gu Zhihang” watched quietly, his lips lifting unconsciously.

“Shit! That’s my dad and mom—get out of my body!”

The figure in his consciousness had awakened, furious, issuing a challenge.

“Gu Zhihang” felt his head heavy.

“Shut up, you’re annoying. I’ll shred you if you don’t.” He threatened.

Gu Zhihang cursed loudly: “Shred me, go ahead, shred me! You’re occupying my body and acting so arrogant—you’re turning heaven and earth upside down!”

The malicious voice spoke again. “What can you do to me?”

After just a few sentences, “Gu Zhihang” felt as if his skull had been drilled through by an electric drill.

He sat up. “I’m tired. I’m going to sleep in my room.”

Lin Zhao noticed his pale face and curled fingers. “Go on... don’t forget to close the window.”

“Mm.”

Once “Gu Zhihang” left, Gu Chenghuai frowned and asked Lin Zhao: “What’s wrong with him?”

He was a firm materialist, unable to imagine things beyond science—but he sensed something strange about his son.

He seemed... like a different person.

“...Nothing. He watched a movie and’s imitating the characters.” Lin Zhao made up a lie.

She knew Zhihang had changed, but she couldn’t explain it. Even if she tried, the man wouldn’t understand. More importantly, mentioning it would force her to bring up the original novel’s plot—

She only needed to know. Gu Chenghuai didn’t need to. If he knew, he’d probably punch himself twice, regretting why he wasn’t beside her and the children, demanding where he’d been, unable to sleep for nights, consumed by agony.

Gu Chenghuai believed Lin Zhao’s lie—Zhihang had done this before.

He shook his head. “Here we go again. His business partners know him like this—how can they sign contracts?”

“It doesn’t stop my son’s business from growing big and thriving,” Lin Zhao retorted.

Gu Chenghuai looked at her. “Zhaozhao, why do I feel you’re especially angry today? Did someone upset you?”

“You. You. You. You upset me.” Lin Zhao pinched his cheeks, pulling slightly, settling old scores.

Where was he when she died? Why were her children left fatherless and motherless, each meeting such tragic ends?!

Even knowing the power of the original plot was unstoppable, Lin Zhao couldn’t help feeling a little resentment.

Gu Chenghuai was baffled but didn’t argue with his wife. He sighed. “Fine, it’s my fault. How do you want me to make it up to you?”

Lin Zhao immediately said: “Find a chance to take me and Ercai to see Qianbao.”

“Missing the little one?” Gu Chenghuai’s gaze was indulgent.

“Yes. Can we go?” Lin Zhao asked. She’d talked with Ercai—he wanted to see Sancai.

“Of course. You asked—how could I say no? I’ll make the arrangements.” Gu Chenghuai said.

Lin Zhao hugged his neck, kissed his cheek, her face glowing with joy. “My man is so capable.”

Gu Chenghuai couldn’t suppress the smile tugging at his lips, but before he could speak, Lin Zhao stood up. “Then hurry up and call.”

“Alright, I’ll call right away.” Gu Chenghuai said immediately.

“Then I’m counting on you.” Lin Zhao didn’t watch him—she walked toward the room, gathered clean clothes, and entered the bathroom.

Gu Chenghuai always did what his wife asked before anyone else. Watching her leave, he picked up the phone and dialed immediately.

After a few words, he achieved his goal smoothly.

When Lin Zhao finished bathing, Gu Chenghuai stepped forward, took the towel from her hands, and dried her hair. “All arranged. We can go the day after tomorrow—Qianbao has time.”

Lin Zhao looked up, her eyes trusting. “Really? That’s great. Will you come with us?”

Gu Chenghuai’s hand paused. A flicker of guilt crossed his eyes. “I can’t go.”

“It’s fine. You’re busy—I know. I’ll drive Ercai myself.” Lin Zhao patted his arm.

Gu Chenghuai’s gaze softened.

“Gu Zhihang” returned to his room, the roaring voices echoing in his ears.

“Get out of my body! Aaaaah! Taking someone else’s body—what kind of skill is that? Come here, let’s fight!”

“Gu Zhihang” lay on the bed, the shouting growing louder. “That’s my bed—don’t lie on my bed!”

“I will. I will.” “Gu Zhihang” shouted back.

“Aaaaaaah!!” Another burst of screaming.

“Noisy.” “Gu Zhihang” growled impatiently.

Gu Zhihang was speechless, full of curses—but since this nuisance shared his parents and ancestors, he couldn’t curse him properly, his face turning red from holding it in.

He took a deep breath. “How long are you going to play this game?”

He had a hunch the other self had a purpose for occupying his body—but he didn’t know how long he’d be trapped. The frustration was unbearable.

“Until I get tired of it.” “Gu Zhihang” answered silently in his mind.

“No matter what shameful past you have, it has nothing to do with my family. Don’t hurt them—especially don’t use my body to hurt them.” Gu Zhihang’s voice was solemn and sincere.

“Gu Zhihang” opened his eyes, looking at the warm, cozy room. His body’s memory told him his mother had arranged it.

Everything he never had, this world’s Gu Ercai had received.

He couldn’t lie to himself—he was jealous. Even hateful. He couldn’t control the greedy desire to claim it all for himself.

“Say something! Don’t stay silent. Promise me—you won’t hurt my family.” Gu Zhihang felt his consciousness dimming, his voice urgent.

But even as his awareness sank again into deep sleep, he received no promised reply.

A long time passed.

The young man on the bed rested his right arm over his eyes, murmuring.

“How could I bear to...”

This world’s Gu Ercai was so easy to fool—seemed sharp, but was far too sentimental. If he hadn’t wanted it, the other couldn’t have seized control of the body. Yet, for some reason, Gu Zhihang had let him have it.

Is living in love really this selfless?

Nothing like him.

His own life had held so little. Without fighting, without seizing, he got nothing. His world knew no yielding—only plunder.

“Gu Zhihang, I truly envy you.”

In the blink of an eye, the day to meet Qianbao arrived.

Yaobao, hearing her mother and second brother were going to see their little brother, couldn’t sit still. She took a day off and insisted on tagging along.

Lin Zhao looked at her with indulgence, saying nothing.

After getting in the car, Yaobao let out a series of “heeheehee” laughs.

“Gu Zhihang” glanced at her through the rearview mirror, a faint smile in his eyes.

“Second brother’s laughing at me!” Yaobao met his gaze, hugged Lin Zhao’s arm, and complained.

“No, your second brother thinks your laugh is pretty.” Lin Zhao gently rubbed her daughter’s forehead.

“Gu Zhihang” nodded. “...Yes.”

The moment he spoke, he released the brake—the car shot forward.

A strong push pressed against their backs.

“Second brother!!!” Yaobao shrieked, voice accusing. “You scared me to death—thank goodness I always buckle up!”

“Gu Zhihang” slowed down, apologetic. “Sorry.”

He hadn’t driven in a long time—his hands were rusty. Besides, he always drove like he was racing death.

“It’s fine. Driving’s like that—careless and you go too fast. Slow down now, watch for pedestrians,” Lin Zhao soothed.

“Gu Zhihang,” an orphan, had endured countless sneers while learning to drive. Being looked down upon was normal. The instructors took his money but didn’t teach properly—they waited for him to fail, then mocked him mercilessly. That smug, pitying look—like he was a fool—had pierced his heart, even when he tried to forget.

Now, hearing his mother’s gentle voice, “Gu Zhihang” felt as if the lonely youth from his past was smiling.

“Understood.” He replied. From then on, he drove smoothly.

Yaobao watched her second brother’s back as he drove, and for a moment, she felt a deep sorrow clinging to him, making her nose sting.

“That’s strange…” she suddenly said.

Lin Zhao looked over. “What’s wrong?”

Yaobao turned back to her second brother—the strange feeling vanished instantly, leaving not even a ripple.

“Nothing, nothing at all. I just had a weird illusion for a second. It’s fine—probably my brain’s foggy from work.”

Lin Zhao rubbed Yaobao’s glossy black hair. “We don’t need your salary. You work because you need social validation, something to fill your time. If you want to work, work. If you don’t, come home. Your father and I have given you enough to live comfortably for life. We raised you this well not so you could suffer. Do you understand?”

“I understand!” Yaobao hadn’t expected her mother to speak so seriously. Her eyes crinkled into crescents as she cooed, “I know, I’ll love myself well. I won’t treat myself badly, Mama.”

“Mm.” Lin Zhao nodded.

She had only this one demand for every child.

In the driver’s seat, Gu Zhihang tightened his grip on the steering wheel unconsciously.

He knew it. He knew it. His mother was the best mother in the world. If only she could’ve raised them, they would’ve been the happiest children.

He had confirmed it.

Gu Zhihang suddenly felt a little at peace.

Soft voices came from behind, and the ice in his eyes thawed a little more.

The drive was smooth.

The car stopped at the gate of the classified facility.

After layers of checks, Lin Zhao and her two children entered a waiting room.

Footsteps approached the door. A young girl came in to serve tea.

“Researcher Gu will be here shortly. Please sit and wait, comrades.”

Yaobao nodded. “Thank you, comrade.”

Not long after.

Familiar footsteps appeared at the door.

“It’s little brother!” Yaobao’s eyes lit up as she rushed forward.

Gu Zhihang stood, turning toward the door, his hand instinctively smoothing his shirt hem.

Lin Zhao saw this and pressed her lips together.

Only now did she realize the deep pain and guilt hidden in Ercai’s eyes.

Of course. In the original novel, Sancai had a tragic fate—kidnapped as a child, dead before he could grow up.

Ercai must have known about these things.

The living carry guilt through their remaining years. How much pain must be in her second child’s heart.

But he’s still just a child.

At the door, the handsome young man was nearly knocked over by his sister’s embrace.

“Yaobao.” Qianbao’s cold, refined features softened into a smile as he naturally ruffled his sister’s hair.

He looked up and saw Lin Zhao and Gu Zhihang.

He greeted them with a smile.

“Mama, Second Brother.”

Gu Zhihang stepped closer, his gaze fixed intently on Qianbao. “Sancai…”

The name nearly stayed between his lips, his voice trembling with barely concealed emotion.

Qianbao frowned, puzzled. “Second Brother, what’s wrong? Why are you looking at me like that?”

Gu Zhihang didn’t look away; his eyes softened further. “Nothing. I just… it’s good to see you grown. You’re so tall now, a respected researcher—exactly as I imagined. It’s good.”

He spoke sincerely. Qianbao’s unease deepened.

“Second Brother…” His brow twitched almost imperceptibly. If Gu Zhihang hadn’t come with Lin Zhao and Yaobao, Qianbao might’ve thought this man was an imposter.

“Mm.” Gu Zhihang answered, calm and unshaken.

Hearing “Second Brother” was so sweet. Even if he were forced to leave right now, he’d be content.

“Second Brother… is acting weird.” Qianbao turned to Lin Zhao.

Before Lin Zhao could speak, Yaobao nodded eagerly, as if she’d found an ally. “Right? Right? I thought so too! Mama said I was imagining things—but look, Little Brother thinks Second Brother’s weird too!”

“Your second brother’s just acting out a movie character. He’s deeply immersed. He’ll return to normal soon.” Lin Zhao gave the same explanation as before.

Qianbao & Yaobao: “...”

Yaobao covered her mouth, stifling a laugh. “Second Brother, you’re how old? Still playing middle school drama? So childish—I almost thought you were possessed!”

Qianbao looked at his sister. “Yaobao, believe in science.”

“I know, I know!”