Chapter 466: You Know Already?

Gu Zhiqian stayed home for three days, read every book in the hidden compartment, then left with Lin Zhao for Haicheng.

They took a plane.

Gu Chenghuai was naturally there too, and Gu Zhihang came along; but Yaobao had work to attend to and couldn’t leave for now.

She pouted like an IV bag and even wanted to take leave, but the opportunity she’d long dreamed of was right before her—Lin Zhao persuaded her there’d be another chance, and finally Yaobao reluctantly gave up.

For the first time, she felt her job was unpleasant.

Without freedom, even TV station work lost its appeal.

Gu Zhiqian spent four days with the elder Gu couple, then four more at Lin’s home; his half-month vacation ended, and he had to return to his post.

He said someone would come pick him up, refusing Lin Zhao’s offer to see him off.

Lin Zhao didn’t insist—she knew every time she saw the children off, Qianbao’s heart filled with deep guilt.

Not deliberately seeing him off, treating it as an ordinary parting, was better.

“Take care of yourself at the base, don’t delay if you get sick, eat on time, don’t make me worry.”

Gu Zhiqian nodded, listening carefully to every word Lin Zhao said.

“I’ve remembered. Mom, you and Dad take care of yourselves too.”

He turned to Gu Zhihang. “Second brother, I’m counting on you to look after Mom and Dad.”

Gu Zhihang punched him on the shoulder. “Like I need you to tell me! Focus on your work, don’t worry about home. Mom and Dad have me—I’m getting the only-child treatment here. You and Big Brother just don’t get jealous.”

“Jealous? Sure.” Gu Zhiqian said.

Gu Zhihang’s lip twitched. “Don’t make that cold, high-intellect face when you joke—I can’t handle it.”

“Alright.” Gu Zhiqian complied smoothly.

He turned to Gu Chenghuai and Lin Zhao, saluted crisply, and said: “Dad, Mom—if one day you see the name ‘Gu San’ on TV or in the newspaper, it means your son has succeeded…”

Gu Chenghuai patted his son’s shoulder, thoughts swirling, a thousand words reduced to five: “Take care of yourself.”

“Mm.”

Gu Zhiqian didn’t come home for over two years.

Carrying his family’s blessings, he flew higher and farther.

Until this day.

The News Broadcast carried a report, the anchor’s voice vibrant and powerful as she delivered good news to the nation.

“Good evening, viewers. We now interrupt with an important announcement—”

“This afternoon, at a test flight base in southwestern China, our country’s entirely self-developed new fighter jet successfully completed its maiden flight!”

“According to Chief Engineer Gu San, the aircraft overcame multiple technical bottlenecks during development, achieving full autonomy in aerodynamic design, avionics systems, and core materials. This marks a major milestone in China’s aviation industry…”

Hearing “Gu San” from the anchor, Lin Zhao, who was watering flowers, froze. Slowly, she turned toward the TV, confirming she hadn’t misheard—her eyes ignited like stars, suddenly bright. She set down the watering can and strode toward the television.

“Qiao Jie, did the TV just say ‘Gu San’? Did I hear that right?”

Qiao Hui blinked, then hurriedly replied: “You heard right—it’s Gu San. I heard it clearly, Madam. Do you know this engineer named Gu San?”

“I don’t know anyone…” Lin Zhao smiled naturally. “I just heard a surname Gu, and I thought of Qianbao—I wonder how he’s doing, it’s been two years with no word.”

Qiao Hui soothed her: “Gu Zhiqian joined a state unit—they’re fed and housed by the state. He’ll be fine.”

She never connected the “Gu San” on TV with Gu Zhiqian. In Qiao Hui’s mind, Gu Zhiqian was still a child; that engineer must be someone fifty or sixty years old.

Lin Zhao gave a casual reply.

Only after the news segment ended did she turn away, still humming a tune.

Seeing her good mood, Qiao Hui smiled.

Military district.

Gu Chenghuai heard the news on the radio, and heard “Gu San.” His dark, calm eyes paused, then his brows lifted slightly, a faint smile touching his features.

He picked up the phone on his left, dialed a string of numbers, went through several transfers, and heard the familiar cool voice on the other end.

“Zhiqian.”

Gu Zhiqian froze. “…Dad?”

“Mm, it’s me.” Gu Chenghuai replied with a smile.

“You know,” Gu Zhiqian said confidently.

“TV and radio are broadcasting it everywhere—everyone in the country knows your name, Gu San. Who wouldn’t? Congratulations to you and your team for overcoming the challenges and succeeding.”

Gu Zhiqian listened to his father’s report-like tone, his eyes softening with amusement.

“Finish your mission and come home soon. Your mother misses you—she talks about you every day.”

“I’m coming back. I’ll be home tomorrow night.” Gu Zhiqian missed his family too—every night, in the quiet hours, he longed for home desperately.

“Dad, don’t tell Mom I’m coming back—I want to surprise her.”

Gu Chenghuai didn’t say yes or no—he changed the subject. “Someone’s looking for me. Gotta go.”

After hanging up, he didn’t think twice—he called home.

Lin Zhao happened to be passing by and picked up the phone. “Hello?”

“Zhaozhao, did you watch the TV?” came the low, hoarse voice.

“I did. I know already. Gu Chenghuai, our son is amazing—I’m so proud I feel like I’ll go mad. I had all this joy with no one to share it with—your call came at the perfect time…”

Gu Chenghuai listened to her joy, his straight lips curving upward. When she finished, he said: “There’s another piece of news that’ll make you even happier.”

He teased lightly.

Lin Zhao’s eyes sparkled with delight. “Is Qianbao coming home?”

“Yes. That kid told me to keep it secret, said he wanted to surprise you. I didn’t listen. You should know sooner—then you could be happy and excited right now. Why wait?”

“Really? Qianbao’s really coming home? When will he get here? I need to tell Zhihang and the others—he hardly ever comes back, we should have a family reunion. What about Big Brother? Can he come?” Lin Zhao burst out with a string of questions.

“If he can’t come, he’ll have to come. I’ll arrange it.”

For Gu Chenghuai to say that meant Gu Zhiyu had no urgent duties and could return.

Lin Zhao beamed. “Then I’m counting on you, dear. Whether my long-held wish comes true depends entirely on you.”

“Leave it to me.”

Gu Chenghuai immediately contacted Gu Zhiyu. “Qianbao’s coming home tomorrow night. Your mother wants a reunion dinner. No problem, right?”

“...No problem,” Gu Zhiyu said instantly. “That kid finally remembers home. He’s been gone for years without a single call or letter—he deserves a good beating.”

But he’d never hurt his little brother—not even a single hair. He worried more than he scolded.

“Just keep bragging,” Gu Chenghuai scoffed. “Enough. Submit your leave request and come home soon.”

“Yes, General Gu!!” Gu Zhiyu answered sharply.

Mao Dan’er was waiting for Gu Zhiyu to eat. Seeing his smile, he asked curiously: “What’s good at home?”

“Qianbao’s coming home. Dad told me to come back for a reunion dinner. You coming? You haven’t seen Qianbao in a long time.” Gu Zhiyu bumped shoulders with his friend.

They’d gone to the same university and had been inseparable ever since—closer than brothers.

“It’s your family reunion. I shouldn’t intrude,” Mao Dan’er said.

Someday…

His eyes flickered. He glanced at his friend, then fell silent, words stuck in his throat.

“Fine. We’ll get together another day, okay?” Gu Zhiyu didn’t notice Mao Dan’er’s complicated emotions.

“Mm.”

“Best bro!” Gu Zhiyu threw an arm around Mao Dan’er’s shoulders and winked. “Let’s go request leave together?”

“Let’s go.”

Two tall, spirited young men strode off into the sunlight.

Gu Yaobao also learned that Gu Zhiqian was coming home soon.

Her dark, clear eyes suddenly filled with tears, her whites reddening instantly. She looked at Lin Zhao uncertainly.

“Mom—is this true?”

Lin Zhao walked over and hugged her, voice gentle. “It’s true. Your little brother’s on his way—he’ll be home tomorrow night.”

The fabric over her chest suddenly grew damp and sticky.

“That’s wonderful,” Gu Yaobao cried with joy. “I missed my little brother so much! He’s so cruel—two years without coming home, no calls, no letters. I was almost hating him…”

Lin Zhao rubbed the top of Yaobao’s head, saying nothing.

After venting her frustration, Yaobao suddenly looked up. “Mom, let’s go to the supermarket. Let’s buy some dishes he likes—he must miss home cooking. We should prepare extra tomorrow…”

“Not mad at your little brother anymore?” Lin Zhao teased. “You big crybaby—my clothes are soaked.”

Gu Yaobao blushed, pulled out a tissue, and wiped the damp spot on Lin Zhao’s clothes.

“Mom.” She dragged out the word.

“Alright, alright, stop. You’re embarrassed now.” Lin Zhao said.

“Don’t worry—I’ve prepared everything. He’ll get all his favorite dishes.”

Gu Yaobao smiled.

“Your big brother will also take leave and come home. We’ll have a reunion dinner—I’ve been waiting for this meal for so long.” Lin Zhao delivered the good news.

Gu Yaobao grew even happier, her eyes curling into crescents as she hugged Lin Zhao’s arm. “Mom, I’m so happy! I haven’t been this happy in ages!!”

Lin Zhao looked at her. “Even seeing Mao Dan’er didn’t make you this joyful?”

Gu Yaobao’s breath caught. She froze in shock.

“...Mom? Mom?” she stammered, eyes wide with disbelief. “You—you know?!”

The moment the words left her mouth, her face flushed crimson. She avoided Lin Zhao’s gaze.

“Know what?” Lin Zhao teased with a smile.

When she finally got the girl flustered, Lin Zhao said slowly, “You think I don’t know about you and Cat Egg sneaking around together? Of course I know—I’ve known for a long time.”

“Huh?” Gu Zhiyao looked bewildered. “When did you find out?”

“You think your little schemes can fool me,” Lin Zhao glanced at her. When she first realized, those two young ones had just confirmed their relationship—their awkward, innocent vibe was obvious to anyone who’d been there before.

“Cat Egg is a boy I’ve watched grow up since he was little. He’s a good young man. I fully support your relationship. Stop sneaking around like thieves.”

Gu Zhiyao rubbed her nose, speaking muffledly, “We didn’t mean to hide it—we just… never found the right moment to tell you.”

After all, this was her first romance, rushed into and just as quickly ended.

She dated the male host for only a month before breaking up—the reason was simple: they weren’t on the same path.

Once, they discussed household responsibilities.

He believed housework was one person’s duty—that after marriage, a woman should return home, serve her husband, and bear children for the small family…

At those words, Gu Zhiyao’s smile vanished instantly. Her eyes flickered with complex, even disgusted emotions.

She hated every phrase that said, “Women should do this, shouldn’t do that.”

They’re all raised by the same parents—why should women be inferior to men?

Gu Zhiyao discarded him without hesitation.

She broke up with him on the spot, no waiting until the next day.

He was confused, chased her two miles, demanding to know why.

Gu Zhiyao said, “My parents and my brothers gave me wings, hoping only that I fly upward—freely, without obstruction. But you want to break them, turn me into your possession, make me live by your moods. What right do you have? You’re not worthy of me. We’re not on the same path. Don’t follow me. Don’t make me look down on you.”

After saying that, she walked away cleanly and decisively.

Gu Zhiyao didn’t care at all what the male colleague thought—even when many at the TV station tried to reconcile them, she never regretted it.

If you’re incompatible, you’re incompatible. Gu Zhiyao didn’t need to settle.

Later, when Lin Zhao asked how things went with the male colleague, Gu Zhiyao told her exactly this.

After listening, Lin Zhao’s expression was approving, her eyes filled with satisfaction.

“You did well. No one deserves you settling.”

“No one should make you feel like dust. Stay far from anyone who tries to sacrifice you for their own comfort. Never lie to your heart—your feelings matter most!”

Gu Zhiyao snuggled into Lin Zhao’s arms, smiling softly, and whispered, “Mom, do you know why I had so much courage?”

“Why?”

“Because of you, Dad, my brothers, and everyone at home—your love gave me the courage to say no,” Gu Zhiyao said. “I know if I hurt myself for someone, you’d be sad. I won’t treat myself badly. I’ll love myself the way you’ve loved me.”

Lin Zhao looked up gently. “Mm. In how you handled this, I see a new, independent, shining Gu Zhiyao—I’m truly proud of you.”

“Yao Bao, you’ve truly grown up.”

Gu Zhiyao rubbed her head against Lin Zhao’s shoulder. “I’ve been grown up for a long time—I have a job now.”

Lin Zhao smiled faintly.

The current Yao Bao bore no resemblance to the character in the original novel who went mad for love. She wasn’t a clinging morning glory—she was a white poplar standing straight in the desert, firm on her own, facing the sandstorms alone.

Speaking of which.

Now that her relationship with Cat Egg was exposed, Gu Zhiyao fell silent for a moment, then asked Lin Zhao, “Has Dad found out?”

Lin Zhao answered, “He didn’t know—I told him. You know how close your father and I are. We have no secrets.”

Gu Zhiyao had guessed as much, and wasn’t surprised. She only cared about…

“Did Dad say anything?”

“He has no say. I’m very pleased with Cat Egg as a son-in-law—he won’t dare oppose me,” Lin Zhao said.

“He’s not even a son-in-law yet,” Gu Zhiyao muttered.

“From how things are going, you two will be family soon,” Lin Zhao said coolly.

After all, before dating, Yao Bao would always cry “Mama! Mama!” every holiday, begging to go out with her.

Now, after getting a boyfriend, it became—

“Mom, I’m going out.”

“Mom, I won’t be home for lunch.”

“Mom, I’m busy this weekend—I can’t go back to the military zone with you.”

Mom, I have something to do this weekend, so I can’t go back to the military district with you.

Isn’t that obvious?

Gu Zhiyao touched her cheeks—they were burning hot. She quickly asked, “Have my older and second brothers found out yet?”

Gu Zhiyao touched her face—it was burning hot—and quickly asked, “Have my older and younger brothers found out yet?”