Chapter 463: Not just a good person who only knows how to do charity

This was precisely the mountain Gu Zhihang intended to visit.

He had heard there was a master on the mountain whose divinations were incredibly accurate, and he wanted to know what would happen to... himself in another world...

"What's wrong?" Lin Zhao sensed a shift in her son's mood and asked curiously.

"Nothing." Gu Zhihang feigned surprise and said, "I heard the temple on the mountain is very efficacious, and I've been planning to go see it."

Lin Zhao smiled, "You believe in this stuff? Didn't you always say you were a materialist and that one should believe in science?"

Gu Zhihang's expression was a bit strange; he hadn't believed in it before, but he couldn't help it when things landed on his own head.

To not believe would make him a fool who couldn't be reasoned with.

"I'm slowly starting to feel that it's better to believe it exists than to believe it doesn't; this is also an ancestral teaching of the Lin family."

Lin Zhao was left between laughter and tears, "My surname is Lin, how come I don't know the Lin family has such an ancestral teaching? You're just spouting nonsense."

"If you don't believe me, go back and ask my grandfather," Gu Zhihang said.

"Alright, I won't argue with you. Let Xiao Wang drive slower; we'll wait for you at home, don't rush," Lin Zhao said softly.

"Got it, Mother."

Wang, sitting in the driver's seat, maintained a calm expression.

When he first heard Gu Zong speak to his family like this, he had been shocked, feeling as if something had shattered, but he only got used to it after a few times.

The smiling tiger Gu Zong, who slaughtered his way through the outside world, was actually someone who loved to joke, laugh, and tease people in front of his family.

This version of Gu Zong felt more real.

When Gu Zhi Yao learned that Gu Zhihang was going to go hiking with them, she was happy at first, but then, thinking of something, her expression slumped slightly.

"Mom, is Second Brother coming back specifically to lecture me?"

Lin Zhao: "Why would he lecture you? What mistake did you make? Even if you did make a mistake, your father and I are at home; it's not his place as a brother to lecture you."

"Lecturing me for being too close to a male colleague," Gu Zhi Yao pouted.

"Do you think you did something wrong?" Lin Zhao asked in return.

"No." Gu Zhi Yao shook her head. She didn't feel she had done anything wrong at all, but thinking of her second brother's kindness and protection toward her, she felt a complex, indescribable emotion in her heart.

"Don't worry, I've talked to your second brother. He's thought it through and won't interfere with you dating," Lin Zhao said, patting the back of her hand soothingly.

"Thank you, Mom." The young girl happily kissed Lin Zhao's cheek.

"What about Dad?" she asked, looking on expectantly.

"Your dad listens to me; if I nod, he won't object."

Yaobao became even more excited, "Mom, I've said it before, you're the pillar of our family!"

"Alright, stop flattering me, go do your work," Lin Zhao said, pushing her away with a finger against her head.

Gu Zhi Yao smiled and went back to her room to pack.

Seeing this, Lin Zhao couldn't sit still either; she got up and went back to her room to pack as well.

Early the next morning, the family of four set out.

They took an express train first, then hailed a taxi to the foot of the mountain after getting off, and finally bought tickets to go up.

Heaven was kind; today was a sunny day with a very blue sky, green mountains and clear waters, and wild flowers in full bloom—the scenery was exceptional.

The air in the mountains was very fresh, giving one a sense of refreshment and joy.

"This place is really nice," Gu Zhi Yao said, her backpack on, full of energy.

Gu Zhihang followed beside her and said, "Don't talk big yet; we haven't even started climbing. Don't cry your eyes out from exhaustion later."

"I won't," Gu Zhi Yao said, unconvinced.

Feeling that this was too absolute, she hesitated for a few seconds and added, "Isn't Second Brother following me? If I get tired, you can help me carry my bag, and then I'll be able to keep walking."

Gu Zhihang: "..."

"If I have to help you carry it anyway, you might as well give it to me now; I'll just treat it as weighted training." He had told Gu Zhi Yao to give him that big backpack earlier; he didn't know how much junk she had packed inside, as it looked bulging.

"No need, I can carry it. If I can't, I'll come ask for your help," Gu Zhi Yao said with a determined look.

"I don't know what you're being so stubborn about..." Gu Zhihang muttered.

Lin Zhao looked at him with an indescribable expression.

"What's wrong? Mom, why are you looking at me like that?!" Gu Zhihang looked completely baffled.

"I think you're like a block of wood," Lin Zhao said calmly. "Your father and I both have high emotional intelligence, and you are sophisticated and worldly in business, so how can you not see that Yaobao is afraid of tiring you out? You're truly hopeless."

After saying this, she shook her head and pulled Gu Chenghuai up the mountain.

Gu Chenghuai was wearing a black tracksuit and a black baseball cap that matched Lin Zhao's, making him look even more handsome and dashing.

He was carrying a large bag; there weren't many of his own things in it, mostly Lin Zhao's.

Lin Zhao had a camera hanging around her neck, looking as relaxed as if she were out for a spring outing.

"If you're tired, just say so; I'll carry you."

Lin Zhao smiled, "Okay, but I probably won't need it."

She practiced dancing for two hours a day, after all, and loved running and jumping, so her stamina was still decent.

Su Jingqiu was indeed her good friend; the classes she arranged for her were ruthless, but the results were significant—the flesh on her body had tightened, and she looked even better in clothes.

Gu Chenghuai asked again, "Are you thirsty?"

"I'm fine. If I'm thirsty, I'll definitely tell you." The smile in Lin Zhao's eyes deepened; this man was always very pragmatic, fearing she would be cold, fearing she would be hot, fearing she would be hungry, fearing she would be thirsty.

"Mm, don't be afraid of trouble. We're out to play, walk slowly," Gu Chenghuai said.

Gu Zhi Yao watched her parents' interaction and covered her mouth to laugh.

Seeing this, Gu Zhihang's eyes flickered rapidly, and he steered the topic toward dating, "A woman marrying is like being reborn; you must keep your eyes wide open. If you marry a piece of trash, the rest of your life will be miserable."

Gu Zhi Yao glanced at him, "It doesn't matter. It's not like I'm being sold to them; if I marry badly, I can just divorce."

"..."

Thinking about divorce before even getting married?

Gu Zhihang fell silent, momentarily speechless.

"... Anyway, keep your eyes open and see clearly; don't be impulsive."

Thinking of the sister in the other world who had a hole in her head, he was very worried, his brow unable to unfurl.

It was as if she had been bewitched; people abused her, yet she still crowded in front of them. Not only that, she did laundry and cooking, worse than a nanny—at least a nanny had a salary, while she had nothing. Oh wait, no, she had the insults and mockery of that couple.

The more he thought about it, the more blocked Gu Zhihang felt in his heart, almost to the point of a myocardial infarction.

Damn it.

If he had known about this, he wouldn't have gone to Jiang Rong and Lu Baozhen's wedding no matter what; it was a waste of the gift money.

Can't think about it.

Thinking about it made him feel even worse, so bad that he wanted to do something that harmed others without benefiting himself.

Better not, lest he activate the so-called halo on those two.

"Second Brother, I know everything you've said. I won't let myself be wronged, don't worry," Gu Zhi Yao said, looking at Gu Zhihang earnestly, promising him.

"Mm, it's best if you can remember that," Gu Zhihang said casually.

Whoever dared to bully his sister, no matter what price they had to pay, that person would have to pay for their actions!

He was not just a good person who only knew how to do charity.

Gu Zhi Yao hadn't exercised much after graduation, and her stamina had dropped significantly. She started panting heavily halfway up the road, sweat streaming down her forehead.

"So tired, so many steps, why are they never-ending?"

Gu Zhihang had long since taken her backpack; otherwise, she would have sat on the ground long ago.

"I told you to move around more usually, but you didn't." Gu Zhihang freed his right hand and gripped his sister's wrist, lending her his strength.

Gu Zhi Yao said: "It's usually fine."

Not using much strength.

Gu Zhihang didn't lecture her anymore, only saying: "After we go back, you'll run with me; I'll call you."

Gu Zhi Yao was full of resistance.

Her second brother knew how to handle her, saying calmly: "You stay in the office every day; if this continues, your arms, stomach, and legs will grow fat, and your face will grow fat too. I heard you'll look fat on camera; will you still be able to move to the front of the screen then?"

Upon hearing this, Gu Zhi Yao subconsciously pinched the soft flesh on her waist; it was indeed fleshy.

"... I'll run." She spat out the two words almost through gritted teeth, "Second Brother, you call me."

"Deal, I'll call you; you can't go back on your word," Gu Zhihang said, setting a precaution in advance.

"Who's going back on their word..."

The siblings argued and bickered as they accelerated their climb.

The temple was at the top of the mountain.

The ancient wooden gate was wide open, and a huge incense burner stood at the entrance, with thick incense burning inside, smoke swirling around.

"Guest, do you need incense?" An elderly grandmother carrying a basket approached, not daring to get too close, a smile on her dark, aged face, saying quite awkwardly.

"Yes, I'll take a pack," Lin Zhao replied.

The grandmother's face showed joy; she carefully took out a pack of incense and handed it to Lin Zhao.

"Thank you," Lin Zhao said with a smile, then said to Gu Zhihang, "Zhihang, pay her."

A bundle of incense sold for two yuan on the mountain; Gu Zhihang gave five yuan, said there was no need for change, and followed his parents and sister.

Lin Zhao used the candle next to the incense burner to light the incense, bowed, and inserted it into the burner.

Her manner was sincere.

Gu Chenghuai was infected by her mood, also bowed, and inserted his incense into the burner.

Gu Zhihang's purpose in coming was to offer incense and find the high monk, so naturally, he followed suit.

Gu Zhi Yao saw all this: "..."

She thought they were here to relax; were they actually here to worship Buddha?

Gu Zhi Yao, who had received higher education and whose heart was entirely scientific, was greatly surprised.

She didn't believe in the existence of gods or Buddhas, but in this environment, she, like her parents and brother, offered incense and silently prayed for the health of her family.

After inserting the incense and realizing what she had just been thinking, Gu Zhi Yao fell silent again.

Toxic.

"Dad, Mom, I want to walk around by myself," Gu Zhihang suddenly said.

He was here to find someone and wanted to try his luck.

"Go ahead, meet at the gate when the time comes," Lin Zhao said.

"Got it." Gu Zhihang rushed into the temple with light steps.

This temple was built against the mountain, covering a large area, with many pilgrims, and people sitting everywhere to recharge their energy.

"Let's go in too," Lin Zhao said, "Yaobao, don't run around, walk with us."

Yaobao was a young lady; in this unfamiliar mountain, it wasn't safe to act alone.

"I wasn't planning to walk by myself," Gu Zhi Yao said, taking off her hat and taking out a handkerchief to wipe the sweat from her forehead.

"Mom, my legs are so sore, can we find a cool place to rest for a while?"

Lin Zhao nodded, "Sure."

Gu Chenghuai scanned the surroundings with eyes sharper than a sniper's and said, "Go over there."

As soon as the tail of his sentence fell, he pulled his wife and daughter toward that shade.

There had been people there, but they got up and left just as they were about to arrive.

Gu Zhi Yao's eyes brightened, her expression admiring, "Dad, how did you know those people were going to leave?"

What kind of skill was this? She wanted to learn it.

Sitting in the car, the person next to her said.

"I could tell," Gu Chenghuai said faintly.

"So amazing!" Gu Zhi Yao's tone was full of worship.

"Want to learn? I'll teach you when we get back."

"I want to learn, I want to learn! Dad, you know, I go out often, and my luck is bad; I can never wait for an empty seat on the bus. If I learn this trick of yours, I'll be able to get a seat," Gu Zhi Yao said happily.

Gu Chenghuai: "..."

He smiled helplessly, "Wouldn't it be more convenient to learn to drive sooner?"

Gu Zhi Yao touched the tip of her nose, "I've learned it all, I just haven't had time to take the test. I'll go take it when we get back."

Lin Zhao took the water Gu Chenghuai handed her, drank a few sips, took off her hat, fanned herself, and said to Gu Zhi Yao: "Put your heart into it. We have a car at home, and it's just sitting there, so you might as well drive it. Once you're proficient, your dad and I will give you one too, just like your second brother's; it just depends on what color you want."

"No need to buy one; if I need a car, can't I just use yours?" Gu Zhi Yao said.

"That's fine too, we'll give you the money," Lin Zhao always treated everyone equally.

She bought a car for the second child, so regardless of whether the first, third, or fourth child wanted one, the money had to be provided.

This was an attitude.

"Okay." Gu Zhi Yao knew her parents' persistence and didn't refuse, accepting it generously.

"Going to receive a huge sum of money again, hehe." She smiled as cutely as a ragdoll cat that had stolen a small dried fish.

"Little money-grubber."

Gu Zhihang accidentally broke into a meditation room.

Looking up, an old monk with a shaved head was sitting on a meditation cushion, fiddling with the Buddhist beads on his wrist.

"Benefactor." He nodded, his eyes as clear as the sky after rain, seeming not surprised by the visitor, and even greeted Gu Zhihang.

It seemed he had found the right person.

Gu Zhihang walked in and sat down on the meditation cushion opposite the old monk.

"You knew I would come?"

The old monk chanted a Buddhist phrase and smiled; this smile had a flavor of universal salvation.

"A noble guest has come to the door, how could this old monk not know?"

Gu Zhihang asked straight to the point: "Then you also know the purpose of my coming? I wonder if I can get what I wish for?"

The old monk smiled and said: "What the benefactor does is beneficial to the country and the people, so naturally, you will get what you wish for."

Gu Zhihang's mouth curled slightly.

It seemed that his plan to accumulate merit for 'Gu Zhihang' was working.

"Thank you, Master, for the clarification."

The old monk chanted another Zen phrase and said: "It is as it should be. I also hope the benefactor does not lose your original heart."

"Thank you, Master, for the words." Gu Zhihang returned the salute.

Finally, he donated five thousand in incense money to the temple and received a string of Buddhist beads before leaving.

Having received a definitive answer, Gu Zhihang's steps became light, as if his whole body had become two pounds lighter.

He was full of energy and wandered around, coincidentally bumping into Lin Zhao and the others in the large temple.

"Dad, Mom, Yaobao, I'm back from wandering!"

Lin Zhao pinched her ear, "Keep your voice down, don't disturb the Buddha."

Upon hearing this, Gu Zhihang laughed out loud, "With so many people coming to beg for this and that every day, it would be a wonder if the Buddha's ears could be quiet. Disturbing him is even better; it just so happens I can get my business done first."

Gu Chenghuai twitched the corner of his mouth, "Your skin is really thick."

Gu Zhihang wore an expression of 'my skin is thick and I'm proud of it.'

"..."

Lin Zhao caught a glimpse of the Buddhist beads in his fingers and asked curiously: "Where did those beads come from?"

"The master in the temple gave them to me," Gu Zhihang feigned heartache, "I donated five thousand in incense money to get them. I donated five thousand, and only got such a string; a loss, a huge loss."

Gu Zhi Yao gave a thumbs up, "Second Brother is truly a big spender."

Gu Zhihang shrugged.

No choice, he found that old bald donkey pleasing to the eye.

Furthermore, his peace of mind was worth much more than five thousand yuan. ===== CHAPTER 464 =====