Chapter 464: Cash Power

“Mom, do you want this prayer beads? I’ll give them to you.” Gu Zhihang wanted to give his mother every good thing he found.

Lin Zhao took the prayer beads; they felt cool to the touch, each bead smooth and round, made of some wood with a faint, pleasant fragrance.

She took Gu Zhihang’s hand and slipped the beads over his wrist. “You traded incense money for these—wear them yourself.”

After he put them on, Lin Zhao held up his hand to admire it. “Looks really nice. It’s your hands that look good—even red strings look good on them.”

Not to mention, these prayer beads go perfectly with the protective red string she’d given him.

Gu Zhihang’s mouth was as sweet as honey. “Mom and Dad are beautiful, so their kid is too.”

“Big brother is so self-absorbed,” Gu Zhiyu giggled, leaning against his arm.

Gu Zhihang poked his sister’s head. “If I said you were ugly, you’d be upset again.”

“I’m not ugly!”

Gu Zhihang gave her the weary look of someone who’d expected exactly this.

No matter what you say, you’re wrong.

“Alright, stop fooling around. Where else do you want to go? Let’s keep exploring while we have time,” Lin Zhao urged the siblings.

“Mom, let’s stay overnight on the mountain and come down after watching the sunrise tomorrow,” Gu Zhihang said.

“We can see the sunrise?” Lin Zhao asked, intrigued.

“Yes, I’ve already checked everything. I’ll take you tomorrow morning,” Gu Zhihang said.

“Big brother, where will we stay?” Gu Zhiyu asked. She didn’t want to sleep on the ground.

“There are guest meditation rooms available.” Don’t ask. Ask and you’ll learn it’s cash power.

“Big brother! You’re amazing! Going out with you is so comfortable!!” Gu Zhiyu praised him with bright eyes.

Gu Zhihang visibly preened.

Of course he was.

He was reliable.

That night they stayed in the temple’s meditation room. The mountain air was cold but clean, the room filled with a soothing fragrance that calmed the mind—very comfortable.

Early the next morning, the sky was still dark.

A knocking came at the door.

“Dad, Mom, wake up. If you don’t hurry, you won’t get a good spot.”

Lin Zhao, half-asleep, couldn’t open her eyes. Her legs ached from climbing—perfect for lying in bed, impossible to get up.

“Can I skip it?” Her clear voice was hoarse, playing dumb.

Gu Chenghuai was already dressed. He normally rose at five for morning practice; it was rare for his son to wake him—strange indeed.

He bent over his sleeping lover, his laugh low. “Saying you’ll give up now? You’ll regret missing it.”

A cool finger brushed near Lin Zhao’s eyelids—icy chill seeped into her bones. A sigh escaped, and finally, she opened her eyes.

“Fine, I’m up.”

Once awake, rising was easier. Lin Zhao sat up, pulled on the wool coat Gu Chenghuai handed her, and curled her fingers.

“It’s cold up here. Down below I was wearing a dress—now it feels like winter again.”

Seeing her cold hands, Gu Chenghuai took them in his own and warmed them, then let her go wash up. He tidied the room, grabbed their luggage, stepped out, and shut the door behind him.

“Ready? Still cold? If you are, put on another layer,” he walked to her, touched her hand, eyes full of concern.

“Not cold. Once we start walking, I’ll warm up.”

“Alright. If you get cold, say so. Don’t catch a cold,” Gu Chenghuai said, still uneasy.

“I know, I know,” Lin Zhao complained he was nagging, grabbed his hand, and hurried after the children who’d already run ahead.

“I brought a camera. I’ll take pictures for you,” she called out.

Gu Zhiyu stopped, turned back with a smile. “I can take pictures for Mom and Dad too.”

“Then thank you, Yaobao,” Lin Zhao replied.

The sunrise atop the mountain was breathtaking—a red sun rose, staining half the sky. Occasionally, birds flew past—a majestic scene.

Many people had come to watch the sunrise. Lin Zhao always found the best angles. Gu Zhiyu stood beside Gu Zhihang, making exaggerated, playful faces—adding many more life photos.

Gu Zhihang watched the constant movement beside him, turned his head, his handsome face showing a touch of resignation. His profile softened in the faint glow, overflowing with indulgence.

“Can you stop fidgeting like a flea?” he said sharply.

Gu Zhiyu froze, incredulous. “...What did you just say?”

“Nothing.” Gu Zhihang chuckled at her expression, pinched the back of her neck, and pulled her away from the photo spot.

Worried she’d cause trouble, he took the camera from Lin Zhao. “Mom, I’ll take pictures of you and Dad.”

Seeing this, the pouting Gu Zhiyu stopped fussing and obediently guarded their luggage.

There were too many people. If something got stolen, it’d be gone for good—the bag held many precious items. Couldn’t afford to lose anything.

After all these years, Gu Zhihang’s photography skills were polished. He raised the camera and snapped away.

No matter how many times he saw his parents standing together, he couldn’t help feeling moved—

He’d never seen anyone more perfectly matched than his mom and dad.

It wasn’t about looks or aura—it was the effortless harmony. They didn’t even need to look at each other; warmth and love already lingered around them.

Many onlookers cast complex glances at the scene.

“Too bad I forgot my camera. What a mistake.”

“A camera really is convenient.”

“Why doesn’t the mountain have a photo service? I’d pay to get pictures taken!”

Hearing this, a man who’d hiked up early with water and food to sell flickered his eyes—this might be a profitable path.

He thought: selling photos would earn far more than selling water or snacks.

That night, after descending, he found a few friends, pooled money, used connections to buy a camera, and went to learn photography skills…

Soon after, a young man with a camera hanging around his neck appeared on the mountain, stopping everyone: “Want a photo? Not expensive. My skills are top-notch—I guarantee you’ll look great. You climbed all this way—don’t you want to leave behind a few pictures?”

Thanks to this business, the young man opened a photo studio at the mountain’s base, hired staff, became a small boss, and lived happily ever after.

That’s a story for later.

Lin Zhao’s family had no idea their casual snapshots had given a promising young man the key to wealth.

After taking photos, the family began descending the mountain.

Lin Zhao was afraid of heights and refused the cable car. Gu Zhihang, bold as ever, wanted to try and pulled Gu Zhiyu along.

“Mom, come with us. I’ll stay with you,” Gu Zhiyu pleaded, clinging.

“You go ahead. I’m too nervous,” Lin Zhao declined.

She truly feared heights. Just thinking of it made her heart race—she wasn’t brave enough to try.

“We’re here with you,” Gu Zhiyu wasn’t insisting on her mother’s company—she just thought walking down was too tiring. Wasn’t it always harder to descend than to climb?

“There are four-person cabins. Let’s ride together,” she pressed.

Lin Zhao wavered.

She looked at Gu Chenghuai.

Her husband was her anchor.

Deep down, she wanted to overcome her fear—after all, flying was truly convenient.

“I’ll go with you. If you want to ride, ride. Don’t be afraid,” Gu Chenghuai soothed gently.

Gu Zhihang spoke seriously, like giving an academic report: “I’ve researched it. Cable cars have very high safety ratings. No need to worry.”

Worst case, you just hang there until rescue comes—you won’t fall.

He didn’t say that last part. It sounded like a scare tactic.

Lin Zhao bit her lip. “Fine. Let’s ride together.”

If she got through this, she might finally be able to fly back to Haicheng—saving tons of time.

Gu Zhiyu gasped. “Really?”

She hadn’t expected to convince her mother.

“Don’t talk more, or I’ll change my mind. I’m still deciding,” Lin Zhao pretended.

But she wouldn’t. She’d made up her mind—rarely did she backtrack.

Gu Zhiyu pulled her hand across her mouth, silent.

Lin Zhao burst out laughing, teasing, “Little rascal.”

“Let’s go. We’ll get hot if we wait,” she pressed down her hat brim and urged them on.

The group walked toward the cable car sign.

Soon, they boarded smoothly.

Before it even moved, Lin Zhao’s heart pounded, palms sweating.

Gu Chenghuai took her hand, felt the damp heat, his gaze startled—he knew his wife was truly terrified. He slid his right arm around her shoulders and pulled her into his chest.

“If you’re scared, close your eyes. It’ll be over soon.”

Soon? Not quite.

Lin Zhao breathed in her husband’s clean scent, her heartbeat slowly calming. “Mm-hmm.”

Feeling the cable car begin to move, her fingers tightened on his coat.

Gu Chenghuai gently patted her back, soothing, watching her every reaction—no attention for the scenery.

“So beautiful!! Riding the cable car is totally different—this feels just like Big Brother’s car racing!” Gu Zhiyu exclaimed.

Lin Zhao lifted her head. “When did Zhihang ever race cars—with you?”

Gu Zhiyu only realized she’d let slip her brother’s secret; a flicker of guilt crossed her eyes, she clapped a hand over her mouth, eyes wide, shaking her head.

I didn’t say anything.

Lin Zhao shifted her gaze to Gu Zhihang.

That light, careless glance made Gu Zhihang feel immense pressure.

“It wasn’t speeding—just a little faster than usual. I only accelerated when the road was empty, just for a moment. The rest of the time, I drove normally.”

“When you drive, you’re not just holding your own life—you’re holding the lives of pedestrians. Don’t be careless, and don’t rely on luck.”

Lin Zhao said no more, following Yaobao’s gaze to the surroundings. They wound through the mountains, the scenery pleasant, the wind brushing their faces, their hearts like kites freed from strings, soaring into the sky.

With the children’s interruption, her tension had largely faded.

Seeing this, Gu Zhiyu winked at her brother and, while Lin Zhao was distracted by the view, leaned her head slightly and whispered softly: “Second brother, you really know how to handle this—but your sacrifice is too great.”

Gu Zhihang crossed his arms and glanced at her. “Sacrifice is fine as long as it works.”

Gu Zhiyu gave a thumbs-up. “It works—big time. Look, even Mom’s not nervous anymore. But… didn’t it hurt your feelings when she scolded you?”

“Why would it hurt? What Mom said makes sense—you do need to be careful when driving.” Gu Zhihang dismissed it.

Gu Zhiyu gave him a complex look, silently huffing inside.

He always says she’s immature, a mama’s girl—but isn’t he the same? Whatever Mom says is right, even digging up his own dark history.

“Gu Zhiyu, are you silently mocking me in your head?” Gu Zhihang narrowed his eyes, studying her, his expression hinting at a growing mischievous plan.

“...No, no way—I’m praising you! Second brother, you’re so filial! I’m going to learn from you!” Gu Zhiyu’s gaze was firm.

“Pfft.” Gu Zhihang didn’t believe her for a second. Could he trust Gu Zhiyu? That girl weighed less than ninety jin—and had over fifty jin of rebelliousness.

Lin Zhao watched the sibling pair. “What are you two whispering about?”

“Just our usual bickering, Mom. Are you less nervous now?” Gu Zhihang smiled.

“Mm. It’s not bad.” Lin Zhao said.

“If you ever want to fly someday, just tell me—I’ll go with you.” Gu Zhihang said.

“I can too!” Gu Zhiyu chimed in.

“What do you have to do with it? You’re a TV station employee who sold your soul—how can you compare to my freedom as a boss?” Gu Zhihang teased his sister, then turned to Lin Zhao. “Mom, I have free time. Whenever you want to fly, just call me.”

Gu Zhiyu fumed. “Hmph! Your old phone never gets signal—how can you rely on that? Better to count on me.”

“We’re in the mountains now, but my big phone works fine down in town—at least it’s easy to reach someone.” Gu Zhihang said. Of course, it had downsides: it was heavy and took up space.

Gu Zhiyu opened her mouth to reply, but Gu Chenghuai cut her off. “You two don’t need to argue. My wife is flying for the first time—I’m the one who’ll accompany her. Stop fighting over useless things.”

Gu Zhihang: “...”

Gu Zhiyu: “...Then I’ll be second!”

The family descended the mountain, laughing and chatting.

Taking the cable car was faster than walking, and they happened to arrive just in time for lunch.

They drove into the city, found an authentic local restaurant, ate, then hurried to the bus station.

There was no airport here—otherwise they could’ve seized the moment and flown back.

Gu Zhihang and Gu Zhiyu both thought it a pity.

Fortunately, for these optimistic siblings, as long as they were with their parents, the mode of transportation didn’t matter.

The four didn’t know that as soon as they got in the car, Gu Zhiqian returned home.

Seeing the locked door, he looked surprised, unlocked it with his key, washed up, then remembered to call Gu Zhihang on his big phone.

Gu Zhihang, seeing a call from home, was surprised.

He pressed the answer button.

“Second brother.”

Hearing that voice, Gu Zhihang froze for several seconds.

Then, realization struck, his voice filled with delight: “Qianbao?”

Gu Zhiqian’s expression was resigned, his cool voice tinged with mild reproach. “Why are you calling me by my nickname again?”

“You’re home?” Gu Zhihang ignored the complaint and asked instead.

“Yes, I’m home. Where did you all go? No one was here.”

For some reason, Gu Zhihang sensed grievance in those words, and a wave of tenderness for his younger brother surged in his chest.

He hurried to say: “We went hiking—we’re on our way back now. When did you get home?”

Gu Zhiqian answered, “Just a little while ago.”

Worried his brother would be lonely at home, Gu Zhihang said: “Turn on the TV, watch something. Go out for dinner tonight. We’ll be home tomorrow morning.”

“Got it.” Gu Zhiqian turned on the TV.

Hearing the TV’s sound, Gu Zhihang’s brow relaxed.

Lin Zhao said: “Zhihang, hand me the phone—I want to speak to Qianbao.”

Gu Zhihang reluctantly passed over the phone.

“Qianbao.” Lin Zhao smiled, calling out to her long-absent younger son.

“Mom.” Gu Zhiqian’s eyes brightened slightly. “Mom, did you have fun hiking?”

“Of course we did. Too bad you weren’t there—if you’d come, your father and I would’ve been even happier.” Lin Zhao’s eyes flickered with longing.

She hadn’t seen her younger son in half a year.

Hearing her words, Gu Zhiqian’s heart softened and ached. He bit his lip, hiding his complex emotions, and spoke in a calm tone: “Dad went too?”

“Yes. He had time off. Next time you’re free, we’ll go again—it’s quite interesting.” Lin Zhao’s voice was gentle.

“Alright.”

Lin Zhao didn’t monopolize the phone. After a few minutes, she handed the big phone to Gu Chenghuai, who asked a few questions about his younger son’s well-being. Then the phone passed to Yaobao.

Yaobao was thrilled, excitedly telling her little brother everything that had happened at home—every detail, no matter how small. To avoid disturbing the others in the car, she huddled in the corner, half-covering her mouth, speaking in a hushed voice.

Their conversation eventually reached the point where the big phone ran out of battery.

Gu Zhihang: “...”