Chapter 471: The Best at Balancing Things

“Should I treat someone who tries to take my daughter with a kind face?” Gu Chenghuai spoke calmly, not feeling he had gone too far—he was merely slightly cold, not even using harsh words; his attitude was already quite good.

“Whatever reaction you have is your freedom,” Lin Zhao shrugged.

Just then, Gu Zhiqian approached with his new bride to offer drinks.

“Mengmeng, this is your third uncle and third aunt,” he introduced to his wife.

Han Meng obediently changed her address, her eyes bright as she gazed at the two elders her husband often spoke of.

Gu Zhiqian then turned to Lin Zhao and her husband: “Third uncle, third aunt, this is my wife, Han Meng.”

“Mengmeng,” Lin Zhao called, echoing her nephew’s term, and praised: “What a beautiful girl.”

She handed a gift to the bride.

“A token for changing your address.”

Han Meng looked at Gu Zhiqian, who nodded; she accepted it and thanked, “Thank you, third aunt.”

The packaging box looked familiar—it seemed to be from a famous foreign jewelry brand, where a single piece cost absurdly high; third aunt’s gift appeared to be a full set.

Han Meng couldn’t deny she was delighted.

“Since you’ve married Zhiqian, you’re family now—no need for formalities,” Lin Zhao waved her hand; she had plenty of good things herself.

Lin Zhao’s relatives always gave her all sorts of fine gifts during holidays.

Her birthday every year was even more so.

Lin Zhao later learned it was Lin Heling’s instruction—he felt his daughter had suffered through her first twenty years, so the whole family must dote on her, bringing every good thing to her doorstep to make her happy.

Lin Heling was the youngest son of Lin Fu and his wife Zhang Yun, naturally favored; after being lost for several years, his parents cherished him even more. His seniority was high, and what he said was treated as gospel by the Lin family.

For years, every time Lin Zhao’s birthday came, people would flood her with gifts—it had become a fixed custom in the Lin household.

What the future held was unclear, but as long as Lin Fu, the family’s anchor, was alive, no one dared defy him.

Given Lin Fu’s current health, living another ten or twenty years was no problem.

Thinking of her grandfather’s elaborate health routines, Lin Zhao marveled inwardly.

The newlyweds left to toast at other tables.

Lin Zhao watched their harmonious figures and smiled faintly.

“Youth is wonderful.”

Gu Chenghuai fell silent for a moment. “You’re young too.”

“I’m over forty—no longer young.” Though not young in age, with her parents and grandparents still healthy, Lin Zhao sometimes still felt like a little girl.

She couldn’t help laughing.

“You’re laughing at yourself,” Gu Chenghuai chuckled.

“What do you mean not young? You look no different from someone in her twenties.” General Gu knew his wife loved her appearance—even a tiny pimple would make her sulky, and whenever she lamented the passage of time, he lavished her with praise.

Lin Zhao preened.

She diligently maintained her skin daily, using the anti-aging product she’d won from a lucky wheel—of course she still looked young.

After toasting, Gu Zhiqian returned to the stage, raised his glass, and thanked the guests for coming.

He also took the chance to promote his brother’s hotel.

Gu Zhihang blinked, then smiled helplessly. “You said I was obsessed with money—I think Gu Zhiqian is the real one.”

Gu Zhiyu glanced at him. “Zhiqian is promoting for you.”

“Fine, I won’t say anything more.”

Jin Lixin burst out laughing.

Gu Zhihang looked at him. “Laugh again and I’ll deduct your bonus.”

The assistant immediately stifled his laughter.

In front of a bonus, he was very pragmatic.

Gu Zhihang felt satisfied.

Gu Zhiyu sat with her partner, heads close, whispering. “Second brother still threatens people with bonus deductions—so mean.”

Ning Xiao squeezed her fingers, lowering his voice. “Speak softer—be careful, Zhihang might hold a grudge.”

Gu Zhiyu shook her partner’s hand softly. “I’m not afraid—I’ve got you. You’ll protect me, right?”

“Of course,” Ning Xiao replied firmly.

“But…” he changed tone, “I’m not officially confirmed yet—I shouldn’t be too bold. What if he starts sabotaging me?”

Gu Zhiyu laughed. “Don’t worry—I’m on your side.”

“Yeah, I’m on your side too.”

The two clingy, childish fools chattered beside them.

Gu Zhiyu heard them clearly, his emotions too complex to describe.

How had his brilliant, heroic comrade turned into this? He couldn’t bear to look.

Onstage, Gu Zhiqian was still speaking.

After introducing and promoting his hotel, he expressed gratitude.

He thanked his grandparents and parents, and especially emphasized his thanks to Lin Zhao, his third aunt.

“...The first time I took a train was with third aunt. The first time I went to Hong Kong was because third aunt invited me. The first time I came to the capital was with third aunt. The first time I drank coffee, the first time I ate cake... many of my life’s firsts were thanks to third aunt. Whatever Zhiyu and Zhihang had, I got too. Today is the day I step into a new stage of life, and I want to thank my third uncle and third aunt for their care.”

His words were sincere, his eyes filled with gratitude.

Lin Zhao and Gu Chenghuai hadn’t expected this—they were both surprised.

“Silly boy, going to all this trouble,” Gu Chenghuai said.

“Yeah, you made me feel all choked up,” Lin Zhao said, her emotions tangled.

That skinny, quiet little boy had grown into a young man with his own family...

Time flew like a dream.

Gu Zhiqian continued: “...Mengmeng always says she feels safe just looking at me. She says my confidence is the most dazzling thing about me. But I want to say my confidence comes from my family—my grandparents’ love, my parents’ openness, and the quiet support of other relatives. My family never demanded I do anything—they only told me, ‘Do what you want. Try it—you won’t know unless you try. Don’t be afraid. If it fails, just come home. There’s always a meal and a bed for you...’”

Here, his voice caught, his eyes already wet.

The older he grew, the more people he met, the more Gu Zhiqian realized how lucky he was to be born into the Gu family, with such relatives.

He was grateful every single moment.

Thunderous applause erupted below.

At this moment, everyone could see the groom’s sincerity.

Gu Zhihang clapped hard, his palms turning red.

“This guy, why’s he suddenly so sentimental? Made my eyes almost leak.”

Gu Zhiyu’s eyes were red too. She glared at him. “Second brother! Your language is so crude! You’re just trying to ruin our meal!”

“So fussy,” Gu Zhihang muttered, watching his increasingly unruly sister.

But he said no more.

At a nearby table, Huang Xiulan couldn’t stop crying.

Zhao Yuan patted her shoulder. “Big sister, today’s a happy day—don’t cry like this. Zhiqian is so thoughtful—you should be happy. I really envy you for having such a son—he’s so considerate. These words warm the heart. My own kids... forget it, I won’t even dream. As long as they don’t scold me, I’m fine.”

Huang Xiulan wiped her tears. “Oh, I suddenly got sentimental—so embarrassing. I don’t know why, but seeing Zhiqian like this reminded me of many years ago... back then we couldn’t even afford enough food. We were hungry, the children were hungry. If it weren’t for third sister-in-law always giving Zhiqian and the others extra meals, they’d never have grown so tall and so spirited.”

“Zhiqian should thank his third aunt,” she said, looking gratefully at Lin Zhao. “Third sister-in-law took Zhiqian out to see the world when he was just a child. Every time he came back, he’d improved greatly. Third sister-in-law, Zhiqian is who he is today because of you—half the credit is yours. My husband and I owe you a drink.”

Huang Xiulan raised her glass, insisting on toasting Lin Zhao.

“Why so serious?” Lin Zhao chided. “He’s family. Zhiqian, Zhiyu, and Zhihang are about the same age—they grew up together. I just gave him a little extra care. I treat all my nephews and nieces the same—they’re all my family. How could I favor one over another?”

“I never said that,” Huang Xiulan beamed. Her most demanding son was marrying today, and she glowed with joy.

“Everyone knows third sister-in-law is the best at balancing things—who in the family doesn’t say their third aunt is wonderful?”

Lin Zhao: That doesn’t sound like a compliment~

Zhao Yuan added: “Exactly! My Yu Yu always brings up third sister-in-law. Her favorite line is: ‘If it were my third aunt, she’d never say that to me. Mom, you’re just biased against me.’”

It was true.

All the Gu children were close to Lin Zhao. They always wanted to share happy moments with her and visited the third household most eagerly during holidays.

This made Huang Xiulan and Zhao Yuan envious.

But they didn’t resent her—they knew Lin Zhao treated the children well.

“Then second sister-in-law, stop nagging Yu Yu. Let her do what she loves,” Lin Zhao advised.

“What she loves?” Zhao Yuan shook her head. “She loves racing. Can I let her? That’s so dangerous. If she gets hurt, what would my husband and I do? No way—not even think about it.”

Lin Zhao understood both sides. She fell silent, unsure what to say.

“If this isn’t something you can allow, then for other things that don’t endanger her safety, second sister-in-law, say fewer ‘can’t’ and ‘don’t’s. Otherwise, how will your child grow close to you?”

She had noticed Yu Yu was unhappy, her brow always clouded, less joyful than the other children, so she wanted to advise Zhao Yuan not to hold her so tightly.

“Yu Yu is in her twenties—she’s a full adult with legal capacity. Second sister-in-law, stop treating her like a child who can’t walk on her own.”

Zhao Yuan froze.

“...Did I really control her too much?” she asked uncertainly.

Before Lin Zhao could answer, Huang Xiulan nodded. “Too much. I’ve noticed Yu Yu’s been gloomy—I think you’ve been too strict.”

Seeing Yu Yu’s state, she also felt pity for the girl.

Second sister-in-law was an excellent mother—no doubt about it—but she really did control her daughter too much.

Yu Yu used to be so lively and charming; these past years, she’d grown increasingly quiet.

“Am I that annoying?” Zhao Yuan asked, eyes wide with worry.

Huang Xiulan rolled her eyes. “What do you think? Would you be happy if someone constantly told you what you couldn’t do?”

“Of course not!” Zhao Liuniang said immediately.

“You know that too?”

Zhao Liuniang also noticed her daughter was speaking less and less to her, and she grew anxious; seizing the chance of their gathering, she turned to her two sisters-in-law for advice.

“What should I do?” Her whole demeanor was agitated. “Yu Yu hardly talks to me anymore—I just don’t know what to do…”

Doesn’t talk at all?

Is it really that bad?!

Lin Zhao grew serious. “Let Yu Yu move out.”

“Move out?” Zhao Liuniang’s face twisted in protest. “Who’ll cook for her? Who’ll wash her clothes? She’s just a girl—what if she runs into danger?”

“Then let her live in the small villa with her father and mother. Don’t go over every day—visit once every half-month or month. Give her some space.” Lin Zhao said.

Huang Xiulan nodded in agreement. “That’s a good idea.”

She looked at Zhao Liuniang. “Second sister-in-law, if you don’t want Yu Yu to drift completely away from you, you really have to let go.”

She and A Lan were close now, wasn’t it because she listened to third sister-in-law and didn’t interfere too much?

Children grow up—they need their own space.

Elders must learn to let go.

Huang Xiulan was glad she had learned.

Zhao Liuniang gritted her teeth. “Fine.”

After the wedding banquet, she immediately told her daughter the news.

Gu Yu’s eyes lit up, her gaze hopeful. “Really?”

Seeing the hopeful smile on her daughter’s face, Zhao Liuniang forced a bitter laugh. What a failure she was as a mother—claiming to love her daughter, yet never understanding her heart.

“Really,” Zhao Liuniang said. “From now on, do whatever you want—but be careful. Don’t make your father and me worry.”

Gu Yu ventured, “What if… I want to form a band?”

“Fine.”

“I want to buy a motorcycle,” Gu Yu continued.

“...Alright,” Zhao Liuniang bit down on the meat in her mouth. “Drive slowly. You must—absolutely must—be careful.”

Gu Yu’s face glowed with delight.

She stared in disbelief at Huang Xiulan and Lin Zhao.

“Auntie Da, Third Auntie, what did you tell Mom? Why does she seem like a different person?”

Lin Zhao rubbed the cool, stylish short hair dyed ash-gray. “Your mother’s love for you has never changed. She was overbearing because she was worried—don’t resent her.”

“I don’t resent her. I know Mom’s doing this for me,” Gu Yu hugged Zhao Liuniang, nuzzling her shoulder like she used to as a child.

She’d never truly resented her—just been unhappy.

Zhao Liuniang, who hadn’t been close to her daughter in so long, nearly burst into tears.

“Enough, that’s too mushy. Get off—I still have to pack your things. You’ll be staying long-term, so you’ll need a lot.”

After just a few seconds of emotion, Zhao Liuniang snapped back to her usual brisk energy.

“I’ll go with Mom.”

Gu Yucheng watched the scene, his frown gone, his steps light as he followed along.

“I’ll drive.”

The second branch had bought a car too—not a sedan, but a delivery vehicle. It could carry people just fine, and Gu Yucheng had gotten his license.

After a full day of bustle, everyone bid farewell and went home.

When the Han family returned, they opened the gift from the new son-in-law and found it was the same phone everyone was talking about on TV.

Thinking of the phone’s price, no one in the family dared touch it.

“Why did he give us a phone? Isn’t this thing hard to get? How did the son-in-law manage to get it…” Han Meng’s mother grinned.

Her eyes flicked to her daughter-in-law, and she felt deeply satisfied.

How could she not know this woman was petty? She’d spread rumors about Meng Meng, she’d been scolded—but it didn’t help. If it weren’t for being the biological mother of her grandson, she’d have pushed her son to divorce her long ago.

Now that the son-in-law had shown off his wealth, this woman’s face was swollen from the slap—just wait and see how she’d talk now.

Old Han said, “When Meng Meng comes back for her visit, let her take the phone home to use herself.”

Han Meng’s sister-in-law’s face changed slightly. She pinched her husband’s arm hard—he hissed in pain.

“Why are you pinching me? You’re thinking about my sister’s stuff again? How greedy can you be? You’ve bullied my sister so much, and now you’re still coveting her things—how can you even have the nerve?!”

Han Meng’s sister-in-law’s face flushed red and white as she erupted. “Who do you think I’m doing this for? Isn’t it all for you—for this family…”

Han Meng’s brother cut her off. “Enough. You’re all foxes who’ve turned into demons—stop acting out some ghost story. I know exactly what kind of person you are. Stop screaming—you’re embarrassing yourself.”

Han Meng’s parents didn’t intervene. They took the phone and went into their room.

“You think… the son-in-law did this on purpose?” Old Han felt something was off, tugging at his wife’s arm.

“...N-no, he couldn’t have.”

Gu Zhili, inside the bridal chamber, sneezed. He’d done his deed and vanished without a trace.

If someone bullied his wife, how could he let them off easy?