Chapter 473: Dead Man!

After seeing the Gu family at the hospital entrance, Jiang Rong couldn’t help but care about them.

Hearing him ask about the Gu family, Jiang’s wife cast a faint, disappointed glance at her son.

“Why are you asking about this?”

Jiang Rong’s expression was obsessive. “I want to know.”

He spoke slowly, word by word.

Jiang’s wife curled her lips. “Knowing won’t change anything—you’re no longer on the same path. Jiang Rong, ever since you abandoned the path your mother and I laid out for you and insisted on clinging to Lu Baozhen, that bad omen, you lost the right to be compared with Gu Zhiyu and Gu Zhihang.”

“Now you…” she shook her head, her disappointment unmistakable, “don’t even have the weight to be mentioned alongside them. This is your choice—you must accept it.”

After Jiang Rong was ruined, Jiang’s wife and her husband promptly had a second child, and now the younger son demands all their attention; Jiang Rong, the eldest, receives little notice.

“I don’t want to hear this!” Jiang Rong’s tone was rigid. “You know what I want to know!”

Jiang’s wife frowned, realizing she had no choice but to speak. “I heard Gu Zhiyao is getting married—she’s to marry the young master from General Ning’s family.”

“Ning Xiao?” Jiang Rong felt a dull ache in his chest—he couldn’t tell if it was jealousy or something else.

“Yes.” Jiang’s wife sighed with emotion. “Ning Xiao and Gu Zhiyao grew up together, childhood sweethearts, their families perfectly matched—it’s truly a perfect pairing.”

This was a pointed jab at Jiang Rong, mocking him for marrying a wife who brought him no benefit, only dragged him down.

Jiang Rong understood. His face darkened like ink.

Seeing this, Jiang’s wife paused, then fell silent.

She could see Jiang Rong regretted it—but what could she do? There was no medicine for regret. Years had passed; even if he wanted to return to the smooth path they’d planned for him, it was too late.

Jiang Rong knew it too.

He left, hollow-eyed and dazed.

His clothes were wrinkled, like a stray, pitiful chick.

He wandered into a restaurant without realizing it, ordered wine, and drank glass after glass.

Until he lost all reason.

Wine was truly a wonderful thing—after drinking, all troubles vanished.

But.

There was always a time to sober up.

When Jiang Rong sobered, his mind was clearer than ever—he no longer urged Lu Baozhen to keep the child, but turned his focus entirely to Gu Zhiyao.

While drunk, he’d dreamed a dream—a beautiful dream—in which Gu Zhiyao was deeply in love with him.

No matter what he did, she always followed him, quietly caring for him, adoring him against the whole world; even more, because of her, Gu Zhiyu and Gu Zhihang… looked to him alone.

That feeling was truly wonderful.

On the day of Gu Zhiyao’s wedding, Jiang Rong showed up uninvited.

He had no invitation, couldn’t enter the venue—he used his knowledge of the Gu family’s names to convince the staff at the entrance to send someone inside to find Gu Zhihang, saying a guest without an invitation had arrived, but could name the boss.

Gu Zhihang raised an eyebrow. “What’s his name?”

“He says his name is Jiang Rong.”

“Jiang Rong…”

Gu Zhihang had a hunch it was him—and his guess proved correct.

Beside him, Gu Zhiyu spoke up. “Jiang Rong came? Let him in. Why didn’t we send him an invitation?”

Gu Zhihang couldn’t plainly say he couldn’t stand Jiang Rong—that avoiding revenge was already generous.

Considering his elder brother knew nothing and had childhood ties with Jiang Rong, he made up a flimsy excuse.

“Didn’t he marry Lu Baozhen? I feared if we sent him an invitation, he’d bring Lu Baozhen along. You know how scheming she is—what if she pulled some disgraceful stunt at Zhiyao’s wedding?”

Gu Zhiyu thought his younger brother made perfect sense. “You thought very carefully—I misjudged you.”

“It’s fine. I’ll go out and get Jiang Rong. Brother, you handle things here.” Gu Zhihang said, stepping out to greet his “enemy.”

The moment he saw Jiang Rong, he felt a strong sense of dissonance.

What had happened to Jiang Rong? He seemed… changed.

Gu Zhihang narrowed his eyes, pretending not to notice, and walked over with an apologetic expression. “I saw you were in Haicheng and thought it might be troublesome to get leave, so I didn’t invite you. I never expected you to come despite your busy schedule—it makes us seem uncouth… Let me take you out to dinner another day as an apology; I hope you’re not upset.”

What could Jiang Rong say?

He smoothed his suit, hoping to appear dignified, and smiled politely. “I’m not angry. On the contrary, I came uninvited—I hope I didn’t spoil your celebration.”

“How could you?” Gu Zhihang led him inside, speaking casually. “Brother just scolded me hard—he said no matter what, not sending an invitation was rude…”

Jiang Rong smiled. “I understand. We’ve known each other since childhood—I know what kind of people you are. Don’t worry, I won’t take it to heart.”

As he spoke, his eyes scanned everywhere.

Gu Zhihang’s peripheral vision never left Jiang Rong, probing his intent—until he saw Jiang Rong’s gaze fixate on his sister with burning intensity. He could almost confirm: this man had encountered something extraordinary.

He didn’t yet know what, but clearly, Jiang Rong harbored ill intentions toward Zhiyao.

A flash of cold light passed through Gu Zhihang’s eyes.

Jiang Rong better not do anything to upset him—or else…

He already had fire in his heart.

Jiang Rong wasn’t stupid—he knew what day this was. He sat with the other guests, watching the newlyweds on stage, their faces radiant with happiness as they accepted everyone’s blessings.

His heart burned with envy, yet his face wore a smile as he clapped along with everyone else.

Ning Xiao…

Jiang Rong seethed inwardly.

Gu Zhihang occasionally glanced at Jiang Rong, catching glimpses of his resentment, and sneered.

Gu Zhiyu noticed Gu Zhihang was restless and couldn’t help but look at him. “Got hemorrhoids?”

“… ”

“No.” Gu Zhihang looked exasperated. “Brother, don’t curse me.”

“Then sit properly. Stop fidgeting—there are cameras.” Gu Zhiyu reminded him.

Hearing this, Gu Zhihang—ever conscious of his image—immediately sat still.

Gu Zhiyu caught the movement from the corner of his eye and smiled faintly.

Gu Zhiyao’s wedding was grand—many of Gu Chenghuai’s comrades and colleagues attended, the entire Gu family came, and most of the Lin family arrived too…

The hotel buzzed with energy—it was likely the highest-profile wedding the emcee had ever seen.

He even spotted celebrities he’d only ever seen on TV. This wedding would give him stories to tell for life.

Lin Zhao watched from below as Gu Chenghuai placed his daughter’s hand into Ning Xiao’s. In this setting, his emotions remained steady, his face calm as a mountain under pressure.

He took the microphone and said: “Zhiyao is my precious jewel. She has never endured a single injustice at home. I hope she won’t suffer any after marrying you. Otherwise…”

Gu Chenghuai paused, leaving the unpleasant words unsaid, and smiled lightly. “Today is a joyous day. Let’s not speak of anything else. Ning Xiao, Zhiyao—I hope you two will understand and support each other, and live well together.”

This was the simplest wish of a father.

Ning Xiao stood straight, saluted, his expression resolute. “Rest assured, I will love Zhiyao as I protect my country—loyal to her, protect her, never leave her side for life.”

Gu Chenghuai patted his shoulder and stepped down.

Back at his seat, Lin Zhao took his hand and intertwined their fingers.

Their child was flying higher and farther away—but thankfully, they had each other.

Gu Zhiyao had just married, and Ning Xiao had his honeymoon leave. They lived in the marital home provided by General Ning: a newly built high-rise, a spacious open-plan apartment of over three hundred square meters, fully furnished.

With their daughter gone, Lin Zhao felt uneasy. Whenever she cooked something delicious, she’d instinctively call out, “Yaobao!”—only to be met with silence. That hollow feeling of calling out and receiving no reply lingered, leaving her deeply unsettled.

Lin Zhao moved into the military compound.

When Gu Chenghuai returned home from the office and saw his wife, his lips curled upward. “Not used to it?”

He walked over and naturally wrapped his arms around Lin Zhao, his deep voice tinged with amusement. “Now you realize how important I am?”

“Mm, I know,” Lin Zhao leaned her head against his broad shoulder. “You’re very important. With you, I feel safe. You must take care of yourself.”

To Gu Chenghuai, this sounded like his wife doubted him.

He tightened his right arm, lifted Lin Zhao onto his lap, and said seriously: “Doubt anything, but never doubt your husband’s stamina.”

Lin Zhao’s expression turned slightly awkward.

Who said that?

They were an old married couple—no room for shyness.

She pushed away his face as he leaned in to kiss her. “You smell like smoke. Disgusting.”

Gu Chenghuai immediately let go, stepped back, and shrugged off his coat. “Those beasts are smoking again in the office.”

“I’ll wash up.” He hurried toward the bathroom.

Lin Zhao picked up his discarded clothes, tossed them into the washing machine, and soon the machine rumbled to life.

Gu Chenghuai didn’t want Lin Zhao alone—he quickly finished showering and stepped out, still damp.

His short hair, slightly dry, hung loosely—his face looked at least five years younger.

“Hungry?” He sat beside Lin Zhao.

“Not yet,” Lin Zhao said.

“Then eat later,” Gu Chenghuai said.

The military canteen had been upgraded—there was now a small kitchen for officers; anyone could order, just pay.

Lin Zhao caught his implication, remembered the sweet-and-sour pork ribs from last time, and her eyes lit up. “Okay.”

Gu Chenghuai pinched her fingers, watching her smile, his mood lifting. “You’ve been unhappy lately—I’ve felt gloomy too.”

Lin Zhao believed him.

Gu Chenghuai always sensed her moods.

“I’ve settled down, don’t sulk.”

Gu Chenghuai chuckled, “Alright, I’ll listen to you.”

Lin Zhao leaned against his shoulder; the couple savored the rare peace—after so many years of rushing about, such days seemed few.

“Hey, have you noticed something strange about Zhihang and Jiang Rong?”

Gu Chenghuai asked, puzzled, “What’s strange about them?”

“I can’t quite put my finger on it—they’re acting all cryptic and sarcastic. I feel Zhihang has some grievance against Jiang Rong,” Lin Zhao muttered. “Didn’t they get along well as kids?”

She didn’t like her son or the twins getting too close to Jiang Rong, but the two boys seemed to have a good impression of him—they used to play with him quite a bit.

“They’re nearly thirty now. Don’t meddle,” Gu Chenghuai said.

“I’m not trying to meddle. I’m just curious,” Lin Zhao said.

“Should I call and ask?” If his wife wanted to know, of course he’d oblige.

“No, Zhihang’s grown up. He has his own little secrets. Let’s not make the kid resent us,” Lin Zhao added.

What’s meant to be known will come to light eventually.

This time they didn’t ask. Two months later, the couple found out—from Jiang family members.

Jiang’s wife called Lin Zhao and first apologized to her.

Her words left Lin Zhao thoroughly confused.

“What’s Jiang sister-in-law talking about? I don’t understand a word.”

Jiang’s wife looked embarrassed, her tone cautious and humble: “...Jiang Rong has become mentally unstable. He mistook Zhiyao for his wife. He was driven mad by that vile woman, Lu Baozhen. Now he realizes his mistake. For the sake of his childhood friendship with Gu Zhiyu and Gu Zhihang, please forgive him this once.”

“Jiang Rong mistook Zhiyao for his wife?” Lin Zhao frowned, stunned, her voice turning cold. “What did he do?”

Jiang’s wife dared not hide it and spoke honestly: “He... he went to pick Zhiyao up after work...”

She didn’t dare mention how big the scandal had become—or how it damaged Gu Zhiyao’s reputation.

Even without her saying it, Lin Zhao could imagine. “Is Jiang Rong insane? If he’s sick, send him to a psychiatric hospital immediately—don’t let him out to harm others! Who but a madman would do such a thing? My daughter is already married. He attended the wedding. To harass her like this—what enmity does my Zhiyao have with him?”

“Forgive him? Not a chance. I’d be lucky if I didn’t strangle him.”

With that, she slammed the phone down.

Jiang’s wife’s face turned grim.

She snatched up whatever was at hand and hurled it at Jiang Rong.

“Why did you have to pick Gu Zhiyao? Do you think she’s someone you can mess with? You cause trouble and then come crawling to me—my face is ruined because of you! Get out. I never want to see you again.”

Jiang Rong panicked. “Mom, help me! I don’t want to spend my whole life stuck in some backwater village...”

Jiang’s wife shook off his hand, her eyes filled with disappointment. “Everything you have now is your own doing. Don’t blame me or your father. You’ve seen the Gu family’s stance—what can we do? You dared to touch Gu Zhiyao, so you should’ve known this would be your fate. Do what you must. Don’t struggle pointlessly.”

She left without another word.

Jiang Rong clenched his fists, wondering how he’d come to this.

He was meant to be a golden child—everyone fawned over him, admired him—not like now, crawling like a rat in a sewer.

Lu Baozhen had returned to her parents’ home and didn’t yet know.

She was flashy and arrogant, drawing hatred from many—someone always called to tell her.

Lu Baozhen flew into a rage, immediately booked a ticket home, and the moment she arrived, she demanded a divorce.

She was neither too young nor too old; with careful planning, she could marry into a better family.

Jiang Rong knew he had no hope and adamantly refused the divorce.

He grabbed Lu Baozhen’s hand, his eyes wild. “Divorce? Don’t even think about it. Don’t forget—you schemed for this marriage. If you hadn’t manipulated me, would I have married you? You’re not even worthy...”

Lu Baozhen wasn’t meek either. She kicked and bit, struggling fiercely.

The two rolled around in a violent brawl.

Neighbors heard the commotion from next door and shook their heads.

Here we go again.

This fight lasted a long time—until a loud bang echoed, and then silence.

Soon after, someone saw Lu Baozhen, face drenched in blood, sprinting out of the house.

Neighbors shouted for others to come over.

The Jiangs’ door wasn’t locked.

A few pushed open the door and saw Jiang Rong lying in a pool of blood, unconscious.

“Something’s happened!! Someone’s dead! Come quick!”