Chapter 470: They Even Brought It to the Table

“What’s going on?” Lin Zhao pressed. “I thought Li Bao’s partner’s family wasn’t open-minded—what happened?”

Gu Zhiyu explained uncertainly, “From Yu’er’s tone, it sounds like her sister-in-law’s been causing trouble, claiming Li Bao’s partner just eats at home, occupies her son’s room, that sort of thing—she’s said some awful things. Li Bao got furious and said, fine, let’s just get married already, so his partner won’t keep suffering in that house.”

But that wasn’t the whole story—later that afternoon, Huang Xiulan called back.

She was furious; even over the phone, the anger came through clearly.

“The girl’s well-educated, good-looking, her parents are decent too—not the kind to favor sons over daughters—and she has a pension. But her sister-in-law? She’s impossible. She’s got two sons, so she walks around with her nose in the air, sneers at her sister-in-law behind her back, and slanders Zhi Li’s reputation!”

“Sister-in-law, you have no idea what she’s saying—it’s so filthy I’m afraid to repeat it and dirty your ears. If not for how long these two have been together and how deep their feelings are, I’d have told them to just call it off.”

Lin Zhao hurried to soothe her: “Sister-in-law, stay calm. Zhi Li and that girl have deep feelings, and they’ve been together for years. That one rotten apple in the family? They barely see her. Just endure it—don’t ruin Zhi Li’s future over this.”

Huang Xiulan sighed. “One rotten apple spoils the whole pot.”

What kind of sister-in-law says her sister-in-law’s been used up, that even marrying a cripple or a blind man would be too good for her?

The words were disgusting.

They’re all women—how can their tongues be so sharp?

“Just ignore her,” Lin Zhao said.

“And don’t hold back—if you need to fight, fight. Otherwise, they’ll think our family’s easy to bully.”

“If it were you, what would you do?”

Lin Zhao thought to herself: both of these sisters-in-law love using this kind of analogy.

She thought a moment, then answered: “I’d have my son warn his future in-laws ahead of time—tell them, I don’t want to see that person at the wedding. Let them sort it out.”

In short, she’d never let herself be mistreated.

Huang Xiulan hesitated. “Won’t that make things worse?”

Lin Zhao was incredulous. “You still want to get along with her?!”

“She’s just a sister-in-law who married in. Is it really that big a deal? If someone respects me a foot, I return it a yard. The one who should be worried is her.”

Huang Xiulan remained troubled. “But… how can it not affect Zhi Li? You know how simple-minded he is—he’s not as sharp as his brother. If he had even half of Zhi Hang’s wit, I wouldn’t worry.”

“Don’t say that. Zhi Li’s fine—his honesty is his strength,” Lin Zhao disagreed. “Zhi Li is wise in simplicity—he’s not stupid at all.”

Thinking of how Zhi Li always bought storefronts as soon as he had money, she smiled. “Zhi Li will live in the capital. That girl’s sister-in-law’s in a second-tier city—they’re far apart. It won’t touch them.”

The worry faded from Huang Xiulan’s brow. “After hearing you say that, I don’t feel so anxious anymore.”

“You shouldn’t have worried in the first place. The kids are grown—they can handle their own affairs. Don’t treat them like children anymore. Learn to rely on them.” Lin Zhao spoke this way. She didn’t know how other families’ children were, but her four kids all loved being needed by her.

“I’ll listen to you.”

Seeing Lin Zhao hang up, Gu Zhiyu smiled warmly. “Mom, you’re so good at comforting people—really persuasive.”

“What persuasion? The kind that’s just nonsense?” Lin Zhao laughed in reply.

“No, it’s not!”

“Then what is it?”

“It’s just that after you speak, I always feel better.”

“...Alright then.”

Zhi Li’s wedding came quickly—before anyone could react, it was here.

As the boy’s own uncle, Gu Chenghuai naturally showed up—and brought a fine gift.

The third branch’s six members drove two cars: the first was the vehicle assigned to General Gu by the military, its license plate terrifyingly prestigious, driven by General Gu’s bodyguard; the second was Gu Zhiqian’s official car, driven by his personal security detail.

The family’s two cars were lent to Zhi Li for the bride’s procession.

The rest of the Gu family also pulled out their best to give Zhi Li face.

He was already an outstanding young man; what the Gu family did was merely adding luster.

Seeing so many fine cars arrive, and every young man in the group handsome and confident, the Han family was stunned.

Especially Han Meng’s sister-in-law—she stared at her sister-in-law in disbelief.

“Your partner’s just a street vendor, right? How could he…”

Han Meng pressed her lips, her gaze cool as she replied softly: “Zhi Li did sell things on the street—but that was back when we were in college. I told you that already. Don’t you remember?”

She knew her sister-in-law looked down on her partner. Every time she mentioned him, the woman scoffed and walked off to her room—as if the words offended her ears…

Since the woman didn’t want to hear, Han Meng wasn’t desperate for attention—she never brought it up again in front of her.

But thanks to her sister-in-law’s “efforts,” the rumor that Han Meng had dated a no-good partner spread through the entire alley.

Han Meng didn’t care what others said—those words couldn’t hurt her.

Hearing her sister-in-law’s casual words, the sister-in-law’s fury surged like a flood, unstoppable.

Someone in the room couldn’t help muttering: “Wasn’t Xiao Meng’s partner supposed to be a pauper? This isn’t a pauper—if he’s poor, then we’re all beggars.”

Those who knew the truth glanced at Han Meng’s sister-in-law, whose face had turned a patchwork of colors, and shook their heads inwardly.

What bad luck for the Han family—to have married in such a daughter-in-law.

Even if Han Meng’s partner truly were awful, this sister-in-law shouldn’t have spread gossip about her sister-in-law.

What good did it do her?

Just then, a commotion erupted outside.

“Mengmeng, I’m here to get you!” came a bright, joyful male voice.

Inside, the bride blushed but called out clearly: “Alright!”

After picking up the bride, the procession headed to the hotel.

Each car, decorated with festive red flowers, rolled down the road—utterly majestic.

Passersby stopped to stare.

One bold soul shouted: “Wedding? So grand! Congratulations to the bride and groom—may you live a hundred years in harmony!”

As the cars paused, Gu Zhihang opened a bag of candy and handed some to the crowd.

“Thanks, brother—take some candy, catch some luck.”

The Gu family’s candy was top quality, in luxurious packaging. The crowd hadn’t expected two kind words to earn them such a big bag of premium candy—they were delighted.

“Bro, you’re generous—thanks!”

Gu Zhihang waved off their thanks and kept handing out candy.

Before driving off, the driver reminded him. Gu Zhihang returned to his seat and closed the window.

Jin Lixin gave him a thumbs-up. “Boss Gu, you’re generous.”

Gu Zhihang pushed away his shoulder. “Stop joking. Help Zhi Li hold the wine later.”

“Of course!” Jin Lixin adjusted his glasses, looking like the only man for the job.

He had a natural tolerance—thousands of cups, never drunk. Perfect for holding wine.

“I’ll give you a bonus at month-end,” Gu Zhihang never let anyone work for free.

“No need!” Jin Lixin said. “Zhi Li’s my brother too. Helping a brother is natural—don’t talk about bonuses, that’s too formal.”

“But…” he added, changing tone, “if Boss Gu feels I’ve worked hard and wants to reward me, I won’t refuse.”

Gu Zhihang didn't bother looking at him or responding, "So much nonsense."

He usually wore flashy shirts; suddenly dressed in a white shirt and black suit, he looked so unnatural, it made you want to laugh just by glancing.

The car arrived at the hotel.

It was a Gu family hotel—luxurious and grand.

The greeting attendants at the entrance were so handsome they drew attention, lighting up the room.

The Han family’s relatives rarely came to hotels; this was their first time in one so fine, and they didn’t know where to put their hands.

All flushed with joy.

They lavished compliments on the Han couple.

“Old Han, your son-in-law is…” The man spoke, eyes full of envy, thumb raised.

Old Han grinned broadly. “They met on their own—been together for years, their feelings are strong.”

All of the Han family were delighted—except Han Meng’s sister-in-law, who kept her head down, feeling bitter.

Unconsciously, resentment toward Han Meng welled up inside her.

If her partner was this wealthy, why didn’t she say so sooner?

Wasn’t it Han Meng who said her partner was a street vendor? She didn’t lie—why were these people laughing at her?

Han Meng must’ve done it on purpose—to make her look foolish.

So cruel.

The woman’s eyes burned with anger, her face long and sour.

No one paid her any attention.

Because the groom’s powerful uncle in uniform had arrived.

“Wait—there’s a guy in military uniform?!!” someone gasped.

“That’s the groom’s uncle in the military—he’s a high-ranking officer. Look at him—he’s so different. His glasses? So sharp—I can’t even meet his gaze, it makes me nervous,” someone who knew whispered.

“Old Han, you kept this hidden! You’ve got a relative like this?”

At this point, it wasn’t envy anymore—it was envy twisted into distorted faces.

Old Han wiped sweat from his brow. “…I didn’t hide it—I just found out too.”

He gritted his teeth. “You little brat—couldn’t even explain properly.”

Han Meng’s mother twisted her husband’s arm. “It’s a happy day—speak properly.”

Just then, the wedding coordinator waved to them. She hurriedly nudged her husband: “They’re waiting for you—go on, hand Mengmeng over to her husband, and ask him to take good care of our daughter.”

“...I know.” Only now did the reality of giving away his daughter sink in—Han Meng’s father’s eyes suddenly grew red.

The moment she saw her daughter, that complex emotion vanished completely.

“Dad, walk slower later—my wedding dress is long, if you walk too fast I’ll trip. Zhi Li hired photographers for the whole ceremony; if I make a fool of myself, it’ll be too embarrassing.”

“I know. Am I that unreliable?” Before Han Meng could answer, her father looked at her. “Your husband has a powerful uncle in government—why didn’t you tell me ahead of time? When relatives asked, I was completely clueless.”

“I told you! I told you long ago.” Han Meng refused to take the blame, retorting as she waited backstage. “When I first started dating Zhi Li, didn’t you grill me about his family? I told you then that his third uncle was a military officer.”

“Was he just an officer?” Her father gritted his teeth. “He’s a commander! Can an officer and a commander be the same?”

“What’s the difference?” Han Meng shrugged. “No matter his rank, he’s still Zhi Li’s third uncle—and he’ll be my third uncle too.”

Han’s father had no reply.

“True.”

The emcee called the bride to the stage. The father and daughter fell silent, donning solemn expressions as they walked step by step onto the platform.

The guests applauded.

Only when he placed his daughter’s hand into her husband’s did Han’s father break down, tears streaming down his face.

“Son-in-law, you must treat my daughter well. Don’t mistreat her. If Dream does anything wrong, send her back—I’ll discipline her myself…”

Gu Zhi Li watched his father-in-law weep uncontrollably and silently handed him a tissue.

He swore with solemn conviction: “I will. You hold me accountable.”

“Ah…”

Watching this scene on stage, Lin Zhao’s expression softened, her eyes filled with smiles.

“How wonderful.”

In the original novel, Xiao Tiechui’s ending was good in some ways, yet not entirely so.

Compared to the others in the Gu family who died or were injured, at least he married and had children, earned a modest salary, and lived a life with no surprises.

Did he harbor regrets? Of course he did. But regrets and dreams alike had been worn smooth by the hardships of life.

Now, Little Li Bao owns a company, many rented storefronts, his own home, and savings that ensure he lacks for nothing.

His smile was so happy, so blissful it made one want to cry.

“...Zhao Zhao?” Gu Chenghuai spoke to his wife. Lin Zhao didn’t respond. He turned to look at her and called again.

“Huh?” Lin Zhao snapped back to attention. “What?”

“I was going to ask you what’s wrong—you didn’t hear me.” Gu Chenghuai said.

“You spoke to me? Say it again. I was distracted.” Lin Zhao said confidently.

Gu Chenghuai chuckled softly. “I asked if you’re envious of Da Sao.”

“Envious of what?” Lin Zhao looked puzzled, then added, “Envious that she’s a mother-in-law?!”

“Yes. Are you envious?” Gu Chenghuai asked again.

“Not at all.” Lin Zhao shook her head quickly. “But this year or next, we might have a son-in-law.”

At this, Gu Chenghuai’s smile vanished instantly, his dark eyes darkening.

He sat up straight, radiating cold detachment, the aura of a superior above all others.

Lin Zhao: Hmph, putting on airs now.

“Avoiding it won’t help.”

Gu Chenghuai: “...”

Watching her beloved husband, Lin Zhao poked his arm, smiling sweetly. “Yaobao said she’ll live at home after marriage.”

Gu Chenghuai looked at her. “Really?”

“Really,” Lin Zhao said. “Mao Dan is busy with work and can’t be with Yaobao every day. He’s afraid she’ll be lonely at home, so he suggested she stay with her parents.”

Ning Laotai passed away years ago. The Ning household now has only the nearly retired Ning Shouzhang and Mao Dan.

The former hasn’t retired yet purely to make things easier for his son.

Ning Shouzhang has an open personality and plans to move to a retirement home after retiring—he doesn’t want to interfere with the young couple’s life.

The retirement home has many like-minded people; it’s far more comfortable than staying at home.

Gu Chenghuai’s face softened with a smile. “Mao Dan is good.”

Lin Zhao looked at him in surprise.

“This is the first time you’ve called him by his nickname since you found out he was dating Yaobao. Before, you just said ‘Ning Xiao’—cold, icy, like you wanted to kill him. If I’d known saying this would win you over, I should’ve mentioned it sooner.”

Gu Chenghuai: “...”