Chapter 459: My Intuition Tells Me He

Gu Zhihang was forced to sit on the sofa watching TV drama with his mother.

The tangled loves and hates made him frown deeply, his face twisted in agony.

Seeing his sister return, his face lit up. “Yaobao, you keep Mom company while I take a shower.”

The moment he finished speaking, he leapt off the sofa, stretched out his long legs, and hurried toward his room.

So terrifying!

A thousand times worse than dealing with an idiot business partner.

Yaobao’s head sprouted a little question mark. She put her bag down casually and sat beside Lin Zhao, shoulder to shoulder with her mother, glued to the drama.

“Aaah! I missed the last episode!” She went frantic, ruffling her long hair, her elegant, top-tier beauty persona vanished.

“It’s fine, fine—there’s a replay. Watch it then. If you can’t wait, I’ll find a way to get you a tape.” Lin Zhao shoved a large grape into Yaobao’s mouth, silencing her.

“...Fine.” Yaobao silently cursed the coworker who made her work overtime into oblivion.

So infuriating.

Making someone work overtime deserves to be struck by lightning.

“Your second brother doesn’t know how good he has it. Watching TV with me is torture for him—he’s got nails on his butt, squirming nonstop, so annoying. If you’d come home sooner, he wouldn’t even get a seat.” Lin Zhao complained to her daughter about her son’s lack of common ground.

“Exactly! Mom and I are the best pair ever—I’ll do anything you want!” Yaobao linked arms with her mother, resting her head on Lin Zhao’s shoulder, voice dripping with coquettish affection.

“Daughters are the best.” Lin Zhao fed her another strawberry.

Gu Zhihang, emerging from the fridge with a cold drink: “...”

What’s so great about those stupid TV dramas?! Everyone’s brains are broken—is this really entertaining?!

Utterly baffled and deeply shaken.

The mother and daughter cuddled together watching TV, ignoring Gu Zhihang, who seethed with silent complaints.

Gu Zhihang scowled and stomped away with heavier steps.

Once his figure vanished, Lin Zhao and Yaobao exchanged a glance—and burst into laughter, two identical faces beaming.

“Second brother is so childish,” Yaobao whispered.

“Yes, a total child,” Lin Zhao agreed. “But outside, your second brother is calm and reliable. I’ve entrusted him with tasks—he always delivers perfectly. He’s just like your father.”

Yaobao had grown up watching her parents’ relationship. In her small heart, their quiet, enduring love was what she admired and longed for.

She cupped her cheeks. “Mom, when I grow up, I want to marry a husband just like Dad—never bringing his bad moods home, always listening to everything you say.”

Yaobao would never forget that winter. Her mother suddenly said she craved braised pork from Nanjie. Her father said nothing, then rode his bicycle for hours to buy the last few portions left at that shop.

Her mother had smiled, eyes crinkling like crescent moons, saying, “What a bother—I just mentioned it offhand. Are you cold? Go warm yourself by the fire...” But her eyes sparkled with happiness. Yaobao still remembered it clearly, years later.

“Your father is good—he’s one of the few decent men. Your grandfather is good too, and your maternal grandfather is wonderful. You’ll find someone like them too,” Lin Zhao said, looking at her daughter. “I accept if you stay single. I won’t let you settle or suffer. Do you understand?”

Yaobao hugged her mother’s waist, resting her head on her shoulder. “I understand, Mom. You’re the best.”

“That’s all it takes to be the best?” Lin Zhao stroked her daughter’s smooth hair, eyes smiling.

“No, you’re the absolute best—the very best!” Yaobao had always told Lin Zhao everything, no matter how childish or absurd. Lin Zhao listened patiently, never giving unsolicited advice. She made efforts to understand her children’s inner worlds—their bond was strong.

“But why all of a sudden talk about marriage? Is there someone?” Lin Zhao asked, smiling.

“...No. I just saw how my coworker’s marriage is, and it made me think.” Yaobao’s cheeks flushed slightly, but she spoke seriously.

“Hmm?” Lin Zhao’s tone was puzzled.

“My coworker has such a great job, yet her in-laws bully her—she gets scolded for buying a dress. It’s terrifying.”

Yaobao didn’t naively believe all marriages were as harmonious as her parents’. She thought: if you choose to form a family, both sides must respect and cherish each other. She hadn’t expected real marriage to be so cruel.

“Why fear it? You’ve got parents who shield you and three older brothers—no one can mistreat you,” Lin Zhao said gently. “We’re watching. We won’t let you suffer. The world has good people and bad. Flaws in character aren’t fatal—no one’s perfect. But keep away from those with ill intent. They’re dangerous.”

Some people’s malice comes from nowhere. They do disgusting things for no reason, without benefit, using clumsy methods—but still, it’s revolting.

Yaobao listened obediently, nodding seriously. “I understand.”

She smiled. “My social circle is small. You and Dad know everyone I’m friends with. If you say not to befriend someone, I stay far away.”

Lu Bao: “Give me your ID number.”

Lin Zhao tapped her daughter’s nose with her index finger. “You’ll be called a mama’s girl like this.”

“You gave me my shop, my courtyard, my allowance—I’m proud to be a mama’s girl.” Yaobao lifted her delicate chin, radiating unapologetic pride.

She wasn’t the type to take advantage and pretend modesty.

She was coming to realize how much privilege she’d gained by being born to her parents.

Thanks to their powerful support, her and her three siblings had a far higher starting point than peers—even without striving, they’d live comfortably for life, reaching the pinnacle most ordinary children spent decades chasing.

Lin Zhao laughed helplessly.

She herself was a mama’s girl, a papa’s girl—always returning home, no one had the right to mock her.

“If I’m a mama’s girl, then so are my older brothers,” Yaobao muttered.

She knew well: her eldest, second, and third brothers loved going home even more than she did, clinging to their mother.

Lin Zhao: “...”

She changed the subject smoothly. “I wonder when your father will finish his work.”

“I don’t know either,” Yaobao said blankly. “Mom, are you missing Dad?”

“We’re an old married couple—what’s there to miss?”

Yaobao looked unconvinced. “I don’t believe you. Mom definitely misses Dad. He’d be thrilled if he knew.”

“Your father has no time to think of me...”

Just then, a low, amused voice sounded at the door.

“Who says I don’t have time to think of my wife?”

The man strode in with long legs, sat beside Lin Zhao, and wrapped his arms around her. “I’m back.”

“How many days off?” Lin Zhao studied her husband. He’d lost weight; his already stern face now looked colder, sharper.

“Your face is thinner. If you have leave, I’ll make you medicinal soups to restore your strength.”

Gu Chenghuai replied: “Almost done. I can stay home for three days.”

“Only three days... better than nothing.” Lin Zhao’s mind filled with over a dozen medicinal soup recipes—she planned to simmer nourishing broths for Gu Chenghuai.

He wasn’t young anymore. If he didn’t take care, he’d soon be drained.

Of course, she dared not say this aloud—she knew he’d go mad if she did.

“Shall I go with you to Haicheng?” Gu Chenghuai asked.

“You only have three days—most will be spent traveling. Rest well. If I want to go, Zhihang will take me,” Lin Zhao said softly.

Gu Chenghuai felt guilty.

He spoke gently: “Once this phase ends, I’ll take you to Haicheng and stay a few days.”

“Alright,” Lin Zhao replied softly.

She understood—he was busy with important matters.

She’d signed up for dance and painting classes.

She took painting to learn systematically. She could draw—her work had spirit—but lacked formal training. She needed to fill the gap.

As for dance, she’d started to support her friend Su Jingqiu’s career. But as she kept dancing, she noticed her flexibility improved and sweating felt good—so she stuck with it.

Lin Zhao’s life was rich and fulfilling. She never felt lonely without her husband’s company.

For those with abundant lives, time was always insufficient.

Time slipped by, drawing near National Day.

Rumors of the military parade spread. During this period, many outsiders flooded the capital, and security tightened noticeably.

To avoid trouble, Lin Zhao rarely went out.

Gu Zhihang hadn’t gone to Haicheng for a full month, handling company affairs by phone. At home, he wasn’t idle—he shuttled Yaobao back and forth.

That day, the siblings were on their way home.

Too many people on the streets—driving was inconvenient—so Gu Zhihang cycled to pick her up and drop her off.

“So many people, so lively—it’s like the old market days,” Yaobao clung to her brother’s shirt, watching the crowd.

The best era: people’s clothing radiated fashion, visually striking.

Many girls with curled hair and colorful skirts walked with confidence, smiling brightly, chatting and laughing in groups.

Young men in floral shirts leaned on each other’s shoulders, spotted beautiful girls, and flashed cool poses with one hand in their pockets—only to be loudly teased by their friends.

Yaobao burst out laughing.

“What are you laughing at?” Gu Zhihang turned his head; the bike wobbled, making Yaobao scramble to hug his waist.

“Second brother, you scared me!” Yaobao freed one hand to smack his shoulder. “Focus on riding! Don’t hit anyone!”

"You mean don't let you fall," Gu Zhihang suppressed a grin. "Spoiled brat."

Yaobao: “...”

“Second brother, you’re so annoying,” she snapped.

“You call me good when you need me, then complain when you don’t. Only my own sister dares this—anyone else would’ve been kicked into orbit.” Gu Zhihang sighed dramatically, pedaling hard.

Used to four wheels, two wheels felt like snails—so frustrating.

Yaobao ignored his grumbling, poking his back. “Second brother, do you think Big Brother will be in the parade?”

She meant: would Gu Zhiyu appear in the military formation?

Outside, she couldn’t ask plainly.

“Don’t know,” Gu Zhihang said. He hadn’t seen his brother in a while—he was as elusive as a dragon, busier even than their father. “...My gut tells me he’s there.”

Otherwise, Big Brother wouldn’t have stayed away so long—he must be in closed training.

"If that's the case, that's wonderful!" Yao Bao's face flushed with excitement. "Second brother, will Big Brother appear on TV?"

"No," Gu Zhiyu said firmly. "Every pilot is a national treasure. Training one requires enormous funds and time—they can't show their faces."

The powerful nations still harbor ill intentions; the state can never be too cautious.

"Mm-hmm, better not show up," Yao Bao said.

She swung her legs, smiling. "If I'm lucky enough to be at the scene, and Big Brother passes by me, I'll recognize him at a glance."

"I can recognize him faster," Gu Zhiyu said confidently.

A wide grin spread across his lips. "Don't forget, I came into this world with Big Brother. You could say we share a psychic bond—he appears, and I just lift my head and our eyes meet."

Yao Bao couldn't argue with that.

She suddenly sighed. "Why don't I have that kind of connection with Little Brother?"

"...Could it be... because your IQ gap is too wide?" Gu Zhiyu ventured uncertainly.

"Second brother, are you calling me stupid?" Yao Bao asked calmly.

"You're not stupid—you're just not as brilliant a freak as Qian Bao," Gu Zhiyu said.

"Little Brother's IQ is the ceiling of our family, among the top nationwide. Why compare yourself to him? That's just inviting humiliation. Be good, let's not compare IQ—let's compare eating duck legs. You'll definitely outeat Little Brother."

He tried to comfort his sister, but the comfort had little effect.

Yao Bao: ...? Did she even compare?!

"Second brother, I want to eat duck legs," she licked her lips, eagerly.

Gu Zhiyu wanted to shout, "Ancestors!"

Why didn't she say so earlier?

"I'll buy you some after I drop you off," he said. "Still want it spicy?"

"Mm-hmm, five," Yao Bao beamed.

"No, maximum three," Gu Zhiyu said firmly.

It wasn't that he minded spending money—the duck legs used devil-level chili. Last time Yao Bao devoured five in one go, she nearly ended up in the hospital.

"Three is fine."

Gu Zhiyu dropped Yao Bao off at the door without even stepping inside. He turned the bike around and headed straight to buy her duck legs.

"Second brother, ride slowly on the way, come back early!" Yao Bao called out.

"Got it," Gu Zhiyu said, waving casually over his shoulder.

Yao Bao thought her second brother was incredibly cool.

She skipped inside, her bag slung over her shoulder.

Before she even entered the living room, she heard a familiar, clear voice.

"Big Brother!" Yao Bao ran in, too eager to put down her bag, and threw her arms around the young man's waist.

"Big Brother, I missed you so much! You haven't come home in ages! I was just talking about you with Second Brother on the way."

Gu Zhiyu turned toward the door, seeing no sign of his younger brother. "Where's your second brother? Off gallivanting again?!"

"No, it was me—I wanted duck legs, so Second Brother went to buy them," Yao Bao said, embarrassed.

Gu Zhiyu turned back, his gaze landing on the takeout box on the table.

Yao Bao followed his eyes, widened her eyes in delight. "Big Brother got them for me!!"

"I couldn't come back empty-handed," Gu Zhiyu said. "I know you and Mom love this place's duck legs, so I picked up some on the way."

"Big Brother is the best," Yao Bao chirped, clinging to his arm. Then she remembered Gu Zhiyu still out riding. "Oh no! Second Brother's going to make a wasted trip!"

Gu Zhiyu said, "Wasted? There are plenty of people at home—everyone can have a share. If there's any left, I'll take it to the military district and give it away. It's nothing. As for Lao Er—he's been slacking off on his fist training since Dad and I aren't home. Good chance for him to move around. Otherwise, he won't even be able to block one of my moves."

Yao Bao: "!!!"

She felt one hundred and twenty percent worry and sympathy for Second Brother.

Please, let Second Brother not get beaten too badly by Big Brother.