[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-reborn-as-a-1960s-mother-i-ll-shield-my-forgotte":3,"chapter-reborn-as-a-1960s-mother-i-ll-shield-my-forgotte-reborn-as-a-1960s-mother-i-ll-shield-my-forgotte-chapter-472":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Reborn as a 1960s Mother: I’ll Shield My Forgotten Children!",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2328167,4552,"Chapter 472: Seeing They Were Living Poorly Made Me Feel at Ease","reborn-as-a-1960s-mother-i-ll-shield-my-forgotte-chapter-472",472,"\u003Cp>Han Meng learned of these matters when she returned to her parents’ home; she showed no emotion and even spoke a few kind words about her husband.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Zhi Li didn’t mean anything else—he just wanted to show filial piety to my parents. Dad said having a phone is convenient, so this one’s black, perfect for you; Zhi Li gave me a white one too, here.” Han Meng displayed her phone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Whoa.” Old Han sucked in a sharp breath. “This… what kind of person did you marry? How did you even get a phone everyone says is impossible to buy even with extra money?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Han Meng smiled calmly. “The genius who created this phone is your son-in-law’s own cousin—his third uncle’s son.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That youngest one? The one who didn’t come but sent a big gift?” Old Han asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, that’s him.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon hearing this, the old Han couple stared blankly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Incredible, incredible—what kind of family did you marry into? Everyone’s so extraordinary! Even your son-in-law’s third uncle’s son has all turned out successful. Truly remarkable.” Old Han sighed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Usually, such families produce at least one wastrel, but the Gu family’s third branch defied convention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Her eldest uncle’s cousin isn’t bad either,” Han Meng said. She had no habit of flattery or belittling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for the younger uncle’s child—he’s still young, but he won’t go astray.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How wonderful. Meng, you must live well with your husband. The Gu family has excellent values; marrying into them will bring you great fortune.” Old Han was finally at ease and urged his daughter to live steadily with her husband.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Han Meng’s sister-in-law glowered, filled with envy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had beauty, eloquence, and was skilled at household chores—how could she be outdone by Han Meng, who was lazy and gluttonous?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Heaven was truly unjust.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Han Meng didn’t know her sister-in-law secretly compared herself to her and looked down on her; otherwise, she’d have been sick to her stomach.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The meal at her parents’ home was delicious—if you ignored the chilling expressions of her sister-in-law.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Outside the alley, Han Meng looked at her tall, upright husband. “You did this on purpose?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What?” Gu Zhiqian feigned confusion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes were clear, his demeanor pure—anything he said made people believe him instinctively.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Han Meng couldn’t tell if he was truly clueless or pretending.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That phone—you did it on purpose, didn’t you? To get back at them for me?” She nudged him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I don’t have that kind of scheming mind. That phone was meant to honor your father.” Gu Zhiqian said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Really? I feel like you’re lying.” Han Meng huffed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“When have I ever lied? I’m an honest man. Honest men don’t lie.” Gu Zhiqian pulled his wife forward with firm steps. “Enough talk—let me take you for Western food.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sure. I heard a new restaurant opened on West Street…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their figures faded into the distance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Yu moved into the small villa and was as delighted as a fish returned to the sea.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She formed a band with several like-minded people.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Mu had met those kids—they wore strange clothes and didn’t look like good children, but their eyes were clear, they didn’t avoid glances, and they treated elders with politeness and respect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They weren’t bad kids.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After seeing the little ones who played with her granddaughter, Gu Mu stopped restricting her, supported her in doing what she loved, and even secretly slipped her money.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Yu was nearly moved to tears. “Nai, I don’t want your money—my brothers are already funding me. We lack nothing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Take it!” Gu Mu shoved the money firmly into her hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Nai～～” Gu Yu’s eyes turned red.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Enough. Be happy. Do what you love.” Gu Mu said. “Just be careful. Don’t come home too late at night, understood?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Understood.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Mu wiped the sweat from her granddaughter’s forehead and sent her off to play—to water the vegetables in the garden.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yes, the elderly couple had planted a vegetable patch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Fu shuffled over, leaning on his cane. “Is Xiao Yu happy?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How could she not be happy, doing what she loves?” Gu Mu smiled. “I haven’t seen Yu Yu this joyful in a long time.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your second daughter-in-law has been too strict with Xiao Yu—she won’t let the girl do this or that. Of course she’d be unhappy. Good thing she listens to advice.” Gu Fu said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Mu chuckled. “Your eldest and third daughter-in-laws both advised her—it must have helped.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Zhiqian married the girlfriend he’d courted for years; the young couple lived separately and enjoyed a harmonious life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They lived in the capital and visited Lin Zhao during holidays. With Gu Zhiqian acting as intermediary, Lin Zhao soon grew close to Han Meng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This day, the couple came again to mooch a meal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They arrived carrying trendy fruit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Third Auntie, I’ve brought Meng Meng again to mooch dinner.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Zhao was painting in her studio and walked out at the sound.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Welcome, welcome! Zhi Hang is on a business trip, and Zhi Yao is busy—you’ve come at the perfect time. With you here, I’ll even eat more.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Zhiqian seized the opportunity. “No problem—I’ll bring Meng Meng to eat with you every day until Zhi Hang returns.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s wonderful,” Lin Zhao smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Third Auntie, you’re painting? Did I disturb you?” Han Meng said apologetically.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Not at all. I was just killing time. Now that you’re here to talk to me, why stay in the studio?” Lin Zhao reassured her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Is Third Uncle still busy?” Gu Zhiqian washed the fruit and brought it to the living room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“When isn’t he busy?” Lin Zhao replied casually, popping a few blueberries into her mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Third Uncle oversees so many people—it’s only natural he’s busy,” Gu Zhiqian said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Remembering the real reason for their visit, he continued: “Third Auntie, I have some good news to tell you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Zhiqian paused dramatically, not rushing to speak, his clear eyes fixed on Lin Zhao, waiting for her to ask.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Zhao played along. “What good news?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My eldest sister is pregnant.” Gu Zhiqian’s tone was light and cheerful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah Lan is pregnant? How many months?” Lin Zhao’s face lit up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Three months already.” Gu Zhiqian was thrilled for his sister, his smile radiant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How’s she feeling?” Lin Zhao asked with concern.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Great. She eats well, sleeps well. Even my mother says she’s never seen a better pregnancy.” Gu Zhiqian said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Good. Tomorrow I’ll send her some pickled vegetables I made.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s perfect! My sister loves your pickled vegetables. Thank you, Third Auntie.” Gu Zhiqian thanked Lin Zhao on behalf of his sister.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No need to thank me—we have plenty.” Lin Zhao said. “If Meng Meng likes them, I’ll send you a few jars too.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Han Meng’s eyes sparkled. “Thank you, Third Auntie.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the couple left, Lin Zhao called Gu Lan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah Lan, I heard from Li Bao that you’re pregnant?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Lan blushed, her voice tinged with shyness. “Yes, Third Auntie already knows? I was just about to call you to share the good news.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“As soon as I heard, I wanted to call and ask how you’re feeling.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing her third aunt’s concern, Gu Lan felt warmth in her chest and smiled. “I’m fine. So far, no symptoms.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Our children know how to care for their mothers. As long as you’re well, I’ll send you something tomorrow—keep an eye out for it.” Lin Zhao said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank you for troubling you, Third Auntie.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What trouble is that?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After hanging up, Lin Zhao gathered Qiao Hui to prepare gifts for Gu Lan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Qiao Jie must have plenty of experience—you helping me makes me feel so much more at ease,” Lin Zhao watched Qiao Hui busy herself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qiao Hui glanced at her. “When Zhi Yao marries, you’ll soon be holding your grandchildren.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...I need to prepare myself mentally.” Lin Zhao thought of Qiao Hui’s noisy nephew and felt a headache coming on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qiao Hui couldn’t help laughing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Once the child is born, you’ll accept it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Zhao: “...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Lan received the grand package from the capital and became the talk of her in-laws’ home, because Lin Zhao’s gifts were comprehensive and of excellent quality.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her in-laws were intellectuals; her husband was the boy she’d met during a mental arithmetic competition in middle school. Neither had expected to meet again—or that they’d eventually fall for each other and become each other’s most important person.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah Lan, Third Auntie sent you your favorite pickled radish—I’ll get some for you, to whet your appetite…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Lan was settled on the sofa like a precious animal. She urged: “Really? You’ve got Third Auntie’s pickled radish? Hurry—I want to eat it!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Coming, coming!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing her daughter-in-law’s appetite, Gu Lan’s in-laws were delighted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Good appetite is best. A pregnant woman eats for two. If Ah Lan eats well, the baby inside will be healthy. Ah Lan, take good care of yourself. Try to have a daughter—it’ll be just like you. We don’t favor boys over girls. We prefer gentle daughters over rowdy sons.” Gu Lan’s mother-in-law said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She and her husband had discussed it: no matter the gender of this child, they planned to transfer the house nearest to Gu Lan’s school to her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Childbirth severely damages a woman’s vital energy. Ah Lan’s willingness to bear their child is draining her own qi—they must show their gratitude.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I can’t guarantee that,” Gu Lan smiled. “Mom, you know my family—my mother, Second Auntie, Third Auntie—all had daughters first. This baby’s unlikely to be a boy.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Lan’s mother-in-law didn’t dampen the mood. “A boy’s fine too. He can take after his father—we’ll raise him well, make him sweet and obedient.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Lan’s father-in-law, a refined university professor, adjusted his glasses and doubted his wife’s words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He thought of his own son as a child—was that ever a gentle disposition?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was practically a little demon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Next spring.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Lan indeed gave birth to a little demon, and the very first second he was thrown into his father’s arms, just as Gu Lan’s husband began to feel a flicker of paternal love, the boy urinated on him and then burst into wailing tears.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The feud between father and son was sealed that day.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The child nicknamed Fatty was born with a fiery temper; if anything went against him, he wailed uncontrollably and showed no respect to anyone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Zhao came to visit and stayed in the ward for half an hour; when she stepped out, her ears were still ringing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their gazes were vacant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She clung to Gu Chenghuai’s arm. “Our grandson has the same temper now—I can’t handle him. I can’t take it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Chenghuai looked at his beloved’s frightened expression and smiled. “Then don’t take him. We’ll hire someone. If one isn’t enough, hire two. We’ll make sure Yaobao is perfectly cared for—no need for you to worry.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Zhao thought that made sense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had little patience and wasn’t good with children.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fortunately, they could hire help.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why do I get the feeling you’re actually looking forward to it?” Lin Zhao studied the man.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No,” Gu Chenghuai denied. “I have no real interest in those tiny things.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Images of having grandchildren flashed in his mind—he found it utterly unacceptable, even unsure how to behave toward the next generation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Maybe,” Lin Zhao said. “It’s just not time yet. Perhaps in two years you’ll start looking forward to it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She thought her husband’s gaze at that little chubby boy was quite affectionate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Who knows?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Next month is Ning Xiao and Gu Zhiyao’s wedding. The third branch of the Gu family is busy; after seeing Gu Lan and her son, they planned to return to the capital to continue preparations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As they left the hospital, two people were arguing nearby.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This is my body—whether I give birth or not is my decision. Given our current situation, this child shouldn’t exist…” The woman yanked her hand away from the man, eyes blazing with anger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man’s expression was restrained, but his eyes betrayed impatience. “Yes, it’s your body—but the child inside you is mine, Jiang Rong’s. I said I want this child, and I won’t allow you to abort him!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You just want to use this child to win over your parents, don’t you? My child isn’t a tool—I won’t let you succeed!” Lu Baozhen’s face twisted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Aren’t I doing this for you? This child is the bridge—it’s the key to mending ties with our families. Are we really going to stay cut off forever? Lu Baozhen, snap out of it!” Jiang Rong tried to reason.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I won’t listen. I don’t want this child—I’m having an abortion!” Lu Baozhen’s tone was firm. Pregnancy would ruin her figure—she refused to give birth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you dare, I’ll divorce you!” Jiang Rong blurted out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For years he’d regretted it—regretted getting too close to Lu Baozhen, being abandoned by his family, ending up with nothing, still just an ordinary clerk in his thirties.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fine, divorce. Give me the house and all the assets—or forget it…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Lu Baozhen!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing the familiar name, Lin Zhao and the others turned to look.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They realized it was truly an old acquaintance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Zhihang, due to his earlier strange physical condition, held complex feelings toward Jiang Rong and Lu Baozhen, and couldn’t help quietly observing the couple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knew they weren’t doing well—nowhere near the triumphant life described in the original novel—and couldn’t help feeling pleased.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, witnessing their public breakdown, every pore of his body relaxed—it was pure bliss.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stood tall and elegant, watching from a moderate distance, dressed in a shirt and suit pants, hair neatly combed, radiating the aura of a social elite.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Rong noticed and turned his head, locking eyes with Gu Zhihang. His expression froze; his fingernails dug into his palm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Zhi… Zhihang…” He forced down his shame and put on a magnanimous face to greet Gu Zhihang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Jiang Rong,” Gu Zhihang nodded, flawless in etiquette.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Didn’t expect to see you here. What a coincidence.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Baozhen smoothed her brown curls with her fingers, stepped forward, and smiled with effortless grace. “Zhihang, it’s been years. May Jiang Rong and I treat you to coffee?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She gazed at Gu Ercai now glowing with success, and regret flooded her like a tide. If she’d known he’d become so accomplished, she should’ve flattered him as a child—perhaps now she’d be his wife, living a life of comfort, not like this…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Zhihang said nothing. He didn’t even look at her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He looked at Jiang Rong. “Jiang Rong, I have matters to attend to and must return to the capital. We’ll get together another time.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that, Gu Zhihang smiled at Jiang Rong and turned toward his car.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He got in and drove off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Baozhen stared at the tailpipe’s exhaust, her regret deepening.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Rong felt his head burning green with rage. “Bitch!” he spat out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The word made Lu Baozhen explode.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The couple, their bond crumbling, stood at the hospital entrance, hurling insults at each other—not like husband and wife, but like sworn enemies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Zhihang, pleased to see them suffering, told the driver to turn up the radio and began humming along.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His Cantonese song was perfectly pronounced; smiling, singing, he was strangely captivating.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Zhiyao’s lip twitched.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’d only gotten away with it because of his naturally beautiful face—if not, he’d just be oily.\u003C\u002Fp>",2557,"2026-06-20T18:59:18.822Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","33199898906d658a47ae2149e0e1bfc194dae3a11a74a01ba28fc07cf5da1dea","reborn-as-a-1960s-mother-i-ll-shield-my-forgotte-chapter-473","reborn-as-a-1960s-mother-i-ll-shield-my-forgotte-chapter-471",480,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Freborn-as-a-1960s-mother-i-ll-shield-my-forgotte-cover.jpg"]