Chapter 458: He Knows Everything

Gu Zhihang kept staring at Lin Zhao, unwilling to even blink, until… his body suddenly grew light, as if his soul had detached and floated upward, then he lost all consciousness.

Lin Zhao watched him sleep, tears finally spilling over.

She barely remembered the matter at hand.

She quickly wiped her face and pulled a mysterious golden-glowing talisman from her storage ring.

Lin Zhao clasped her hands together, her voice filled with earnestness: “Heaven, please protect this Eternal Luck Talisman—I wish to give it to my son, my recently departed Erzai. May this talisman protect my Erzai, grant him eternal peace, smooth fortune in all things, no matter where in time or space he may be, no matter how far apart we are—I beg you, I beg you.”

The moment she finished speaking, she pricked her fingertip with a needle and carefully wrote three characters on the talisman: Gu Ercai.

As the final downward hook stroke completed—

The talisman suddenly floated upward, circled once in midair, then vanished.

As if dissolved into someone’s body.

Seeing this, Lin Zhao’s expression relaxed—she felt it had succeeded.

Her eyes still fixed on where the luck talisman had disappeared, her eyelids reddened but her face smiling, “Erzai, this is the only thing your mother can do for you. I hope my Erzai gets everything he wishes for.”

This talisman consumed all the points from her lottery wheel; the instant she clicked to redeem it, her long-time golden finger disappeared.

Fortunately, the storage ring remained, and everything inside it was still there.

So such a cheat-like golden finger vanished—was it regrettable?

Not at all.

Lin Zhao didn’t hesitate for a single second before redeeming it.

To a mother, anything that benefits her children is worth trying—even at the cost of everything.

Besides, the rewards from the lottery wheel had never once disappointed her.

Erzai will receive everything he desires—he will.

Even if they lost their mother-son bond, it didn’t matter.

Lin Zhao wished him well—truly, endlessly well.

…

Gu Zhihang’s soul, long encased in ice colder than ten thousand years, was warmed, his drifting thoughts gradually returning—he barely had time to glance at Lin Zhao, whisper “Mama,” then vanished from this space.

Lin Zhao heard that “Mama.”

Her tear-soaked eyes brightened slightly; she cried out, “Erzai, is that you?”

She waited, but no one answered.

Lin Zhao knew their bond had ended, knew he had found a good path—she no longer grieved, her eyes softening with gentle smiles.

With the luck talisman, her Erzai was a blessing magnet—he’d meet only good people, encounter only good fortune, no matter where he was, he’d see only beauty…

That was enough.

Lin Zhao turned away her gaze and pulled the blanket over Gu Zhihang on the bed.

She hoped he wouldn’t remember Erzai’s visit.

The moment the thought passed, the young man sleeping soundly on the bed frowned slightly, then slowly opened his eyes.

Seeing Lin Zhao, he sat up, offering a carefree grin.

“Mama, how did you know I wanted you to tell me a story? Perfect—I opened my eyes and my dream came true,” Gu Zhihang said, his tone light and casual.

Lin Zhao held the corner of the storybook, watching him. “Do you remember how you fell asleep?”

Gu Zhihang looked puzzled. “How I fell asleep? I got tired, came to my room, lay down, and slept—how else would I fall asleep? Mama, that’s a weird question.”

Lin Zhao saw nothing unusual in his expression; she patted the messy tuft on his head and smiled. “What’s weird about it? I just wanted to see if you were still half-asleep. Looks like you’re wide awake.”

“Of course—I don’t have morning grumpiness, and I never oversleep,” Gu Zhihang lifted his chin.

“You four siblings have always been easy to raise—you never gave me a single worry,” Lin Zhao said, eyes lowered, voice still smiling.

“That’s because of Mama’s teaching. Mama, all we are today is because of you—you’re the best mother in the whole world,” Gu Zhihang said, his gaze firm.

“You’re just flattering me,” Lin Zhao teased, smoothing the wrinkled sheets, her gentle eyes fixed on him. “Want another story?”

“Yes!” Gu Zhihang immediately lay flat and pulled the blanket over himself.

Lin Zhao held the book and read aloud, just as before—rhythmic, emotional, full of feeling.

Gu Zhihang’s lips curled up unconsciously.

Soon, the young man’s breathing grew deeper.

Seeing this, Lin Zhao stopped reading, stared at him for half a minute, then rose quietly, stepping slowly away.

The door clicked shut.

The young man on the bed opened his eyes.

He had lied to Lin Zhao.

He remembered everything.

He remembered being replaced by another version of himself, remembered being pushed out, losing control of his body, knew how the other self cried silently for hours after Mama’s hug, after a bowl of milk porridge, knew how terribly the original storyline treated all four siblings, knew Lu Bao and Jiang Rong were the story’s protagonists, treated them as a contrast…

He knew everything.

Gu Zhihang also knew his mother had known even earlier.

How much pain must she have endured, knowing their miserable fate so soon? He dared not imagine.

So when Lin Zhao tested him, Gu Zhihang denied having any memory.

There was one thing Lin Zhao didn’t know—

Gu Zhihang came here because of the original storyline’s Gu Zhiyu.

After he became successful, he donated most of his wealth to charity, all his life giving under Lin Zhao and Gu Zhiqian’s names, the vast majority under his second brother’s name: Gu Zhihang.

So even though Gu Zhihang wasn’t a good man, he still accumulated great merit.

By chance, he gained the chance to bargain with a mysterious entity.

Gu Zhihang didn’t hesitate—he wished to reverse time, to seize control of his mother’s and their fates, free from the so-called plot.

To do so, he was willing to give up his chance at reincarnation.

“Are you certain? You carry great merit—your next life will be perfect. Let the past fade. Why cling?”

Gu Zhihang’s voice was firm: “I’m certain.”

Before the ghostly figure could speak again, he continued: “In that era, resources were scarce—if you could give my mother endless white flour and meat, that would be even better. Take all my merit as you please—I won’t reincarnate, not ever—I only want my family’s fate changed.”

“...Foolish child!”

Gu Zhihang’s face was cold, stubborn.

“I hope you don’t regret it.”

…

This was the cause and effect.

Gu Zhihang thought—if he were himself, he’d make the same choice.

No wonder he was him!

The young man on the bed wiggled his feet, beaming with pride.

Gu Zhihang now knew his own fate in the original storyline.

—A bullet pierced the back of his skull.

Quick, clean, not painful.

Afraid? Not at all.

Gu Zhihang’s experiences, to him, were just a tragic film—its tone steeped in helplessness and sorrow. He felt no true empathy.

Besides, he didn’t think the other man was wrong.

He was obsessive, ruthless—but he killed only despicable human traffickers, never harmed a single good person.

Human traffickers deserved death. The law offered no justice—so Gu Zhihang sought it himself.

Right or wrong, at least he found inner peace.

Human traffickers destroyed countless families, treating children as profit tools—death by a thousand cuts was too lenient. And they killed Qianbao—he was so young when he died.

How could he not hate?

“I hope you get a good reincarnation, Gu Ercai. I’ll take care of our parents,” Gu Zhihang gazed out the window—outside, stars glittered, breathtakingly beautiful; a faint night breeze slipped through the window crack, drifting in as if answering his whisper.

With the new memories in his mind, Gu Zhihang learned of merit’s existence—and as his business grew, he devoted himself to charity.

First, he planned to fund education.

But.

Before that.

What the hell was this new cold-chain logistics in his business portfolio?!?!

Jin Lixin adjusted his glasses, puzzled. “Didn’t you give the order yourself, Boss Gu?”

Gu Zhihang immediately realized—it was that guy’s doing.

“Oh, right—I forgot. Cold-chain logistics has huge potential. Entering the market now is perfect. An excellent investment.”

Jin Lixin relaxed, smiling. “We’re pushing ahead full speed, Boss Gu. Rest assured.”

To give Hengbao a capable assistant, Jin Lixin had spent time under Lin Fu’s wing, accompanied him to Hong Kong several times. When he returned, he’d transformed—sharp-eyed, polished, exuding that elite aura, efficient and sharp.

“I’ll raise your salary by year-end,” Gu Zhihang was generous with his own people.

Jin Lixin’s smile widened.

He stood even straighter. “Boss Gu, I’d die for you.”

“Get lost—you’re getting too cheeky,” Gu Zhihang shoved him.

After the meeting finalized the next steps for cold-chain logistics, he pinched his brow and walked toward his car.

The driver drove him.

Yes, Young Master Gu now has a car—it was given to him by Lin Zhao, not her own, but a new one she bought.

Young Master Gu’s driver is someone arranged by Gu Chenghuai, one of his men.

His surname is Wang.

He is a battle-hardened veteran, skilled at driving, strong in hand-to-hand combat, quick-witted, and adaptable.

With a man like him accompanying his son, parents can rest easy knowing their child is safe out in the world.

Gu Zhihang leaned back against the seat, relaxing completely.

No wonder “Gu Zhihang” envied and resented him—someone like him had endured little hardship; the rest of his life was sweet. Who wouldn’t envy him?

“I’m taking two days off. Brother Wang, arrange your own time—you don’t need to worry about me,” Gu Zhihang said, remembering his purpose, to the driver.

The man looked helpless.

“Boss, you act like this and I feel like I’m holding hot money with such a high salary,” he joked half-seriously.

“Even bosses need rest, Brother. Take time for your family. If anything comes up, I’ll call you,” Gu Zhihang said warmly, with no pretense of authority.

Brother Wang smiled. “Alright, Changsheng wants to go to the zoo—I’ll take him while I’ve got time.”

Changsheng is his youngest son. When his mother was pregnant, her condition was poor; the baby came out tiny and frail. He named him Changsheng, hoping the child would grow up safe and healthy.

“You should take him. Kids love places like that, and running around will help Changsheng’s health,” Gu Zhihang said.

He was already in his twenties, yet still remembered vividly his first visit to the zoo as a child.

As they spoke, the car entered the Gu household and pulled into the courtyard.

Qiao Hui came forward. “Young Master Gu is back. The Lady is watching TV.”

Gu Zhihang smiled. “Still binge-watching? Why aren’t you watching, Qiao Auntie? Did I interrupt you?”

“No, I just got up to stretch,” Qiao Hui thought to herself: she was a maid; when the masters returned, how could she sit idle? She’d never do such a thing.

Her restraint earned Lin Zhao’s trust and the respect of the rest of the Gu household.

“Oh dear, it’s getting late—I should start cooking. Young Master Gu, tell me what you’d like to eat, and I’ll add it.”

The Gu household had a refrigerator; Qiao Hui bought fresh vegetables and meat every morning and stored them inside, ensuring freshness all day.

“Anything’s fine.”

Brother Wang spoke up. “Boss, I’ll be off then. Call me if anything comes up—I’ll come right away.”

“Alright, thank you for your hard work,” Gu Zhihang nodded.

Hard work? The son of General Gu was so polite.

Brother Wang smiled and left.

Gu Zhihang entered the living room and saw Lin Zhao’s eyes red from watching TV, still wiping her nose with tissue. He twitched his lips.

“Mom…”

“Don’t talk. Let me finish this episode,” Lin Zhao didn’t even turn around.

Gu Zhihang wanted to say TV was fictional, but feared getting hit, so he sat quietly and waited for the drama to end.

When the ending theme finished, Lin Zhao sipped tea, then looked at her son. “Why are you back? Did you finish your business?”

“Finished. I’m staying a few days,” Gu Zhihang replied.

Looking at her red eyes, he couldn’t help saying: “Mom, TV dramas are fake. Don’t get so emotionally invested—you’ve got red eyes. When Dad comes back, he’ll think we’ve been upsetting you.”

Lin Zhao chuckled awkwardly, cleared her throat. “I’ve already explained to your father—he won’t misunderstand you again. Don’t worry about it.”

How could you watch TV without feeling emotion? If you don’t feel emotion, why watch at all?

Gu Zhihang grimaced. “Whenever Dad sees anything about you, all his noble dignity vanishes—he lashes out at anyone. Who dares provoke him?”

Lin Zhao handed him a cup of tea. “Drink. Stop complaining. Look at you, so pitiful.”

“….”

Gu Zhihang sheepishly skipped over the self-inflicted humiliation topic.

He brought up why he’d returned.

“Mom, I want to do something good.”

Lin Zhao looked up. “Huh? What do you mean? Charity work?”

“Mm-hmm,” Gu Zhihang nodded, cradling the delicate teacup.

“Why the sudden idea?” Lin Zhao watched his reaction closely.

Gu Zhihang’s expression was calm, his smile casual and unrestrained. “It’s not sudden. I’ve wanted to since I went to Hongcheng. It’s a Lin family tradition. Even though I bear the Gu surname, I’m half a Lin too—I must uphold the Lin family’s values.”

Lin Zhao agreed. “That’s good. What kind of project?”

“First, build a school,” Gu Zhihang said.

Lin Zhao had never known want, but she knew many children couldn’t even afford school.

“Excellent. Education is the hope of the nation, the foundation of the state. Starting with schools is thoughtful.” She praised him.

“Do you need me to do anything?” Lin Zhao looked at her son eagerly.

“Not yet. We’ll see later,” Gu Zhihang didn’t want his mother involved now. Starting anything was hard—too many early tasks. If she got exhausted, he’d be the one to suffer.

He’d let her join once everything was settled.

She’d get some sense of accomplishment.

“Alright. If you need me, don’t hesitate to ask,” Lin Zhao said.

She added, “Charity is good, but you must find a trustworthy person to manage it. Accounts must be open and transparent—that’s vital. Pay attention.”

Gu Zhihang never needed help managing people—he naturally understood and won over hearts. It was a gift.

“Don’t worry, Mom. If I run into problems, I’ll go to the Lin family for advice. I won’t blindly bang my head against a wall,” he added.

“Smart. Your little brain works fast—good, good,” Lin Zhao praised. The commercial ended, and the second episode began. She told her son to wash fruit for her, eyes glued to the screen, not missing even the opening theme.

Gu Zhihang: “…”