Chapter 477: May This Joy Last Year After Year

Lin Zhao turned down everyone who came to propose matches for Gu Zhiqian; many people muttered behind her back.

Some straightforward people asked her outright when they met Lin Zhao.

“I heard several people tried to set up matches for Zhiqian, but you turned them all down—so, is he not planning to marry at all?”

Just as this person asked, Lin Zhao revealed her family’s decision, to spare further visits.

It disturbed Zhiqian’s peace.

She could see it negatively affected her son; each time, it left him in a less cheerful mood.

“No blind dates,” Lin Zhao said. “Whether they marry or not is up to them—we as parents won’t push.”

“The eldest won’t marry, the second won’t marry, the third won’t marry either—this… you and Commander Gu are truly open-minded.” The remark carried no sarcasm—it was sincere praise.

Very few people could think so freely.

“As long as the children are happy, others’ gossip doesn’t matter much,” Lin Zhao said calmly.

The speaker wanted to add that rumors were spreading outside—that she was spoiling her sons, letting them remain unmarried at advanced ages, and if this continued, Commander Gu would have no heirs…

Seeing Lin Zhao didn’t care, the speaker dropped it.

Those gossipy women’s chatter truly wasn’t worth addressing.

She could tell those people were envious of Lin Zhao’s good life and accomplished children; now they finally felt they could surpass her through marriage and children, so they were naturally pleased.

These things were harmless, and Lin Zhao didn’t mind—but their constant need for attention was annoying.

Soon, Lin Zhao’s attitude spread, leaving those secretly delighted people feeling stifled.

Gu Zhiyu spotted Han Shuang beneath a tree.

She had jet-black curls, delicate features, round eyes sharply divided between black and white, like a fluffy Ragdoll cat—though occasionally a flash of cunning made her seem like a little fox.

Seeing Gu Zhiyu from afar, Han Shuang’s eyes brightened slightly, her face blooming with joy, her smile radiant as morning clouds.

She walked toward him with her hands behind her back, steps light and quick.

“You’re here.”

Gu Zhiyu nodded, his manner warm and courteous. “Any place in mind?”

Han Shuang met his gaze, her ears burning; she turned her eyes away. “No, I’m easygoing—I don’t know this place well.”

She had initiated this, yet upon seeing him, her limbs went numb; all the words she’d prepared vanished.

She silently cursed herself for being weak.

Gu Zhiyu was tall; Han Shuang only reached his shoulder. When she tilted her head, her crimson ears were exposed to his sight—the young man’s gaze paused slightly, a faint smile rising in his eyes.

Blushing?

This woman had written him a letter, asking if he needed a partner—he’d assumed she wouldn’t be shy.

“Alright, I know a good restaurant—I’ll take you there first for dinner.”

Han Shuang was indeed hungry; she tucked a fallen strand of hair behind her ear and followed his steps, stepping on his shadow.

“Great, I’m hungry too.”

Gu Zhiyu glanced at her. “Waited long?”

“No, not long,” Han Shuang feigned calm, telling a small lie.

She’d woken before dawn, opened her suitcase, tried on clothes, agonized for a long time, finally picked the red dress she wore, then spent two more hours on her makeup. Unable to stay in the hotel, she left early and waited here over an hour.

Gu Zhiyu half-believed her but didn’t call her out.

“If you’re tired, say so—we can find any place to rest.”

Han Shuang took this as concern; her heart melted, and she smiled and nodded. “Alright.”

Her voice was soft, sweet, slightly different from usual.

Gu Zhiyu looked over and spotted a nearby shop; he told Han Shuang to wait, walked over, and bought two bottles of water.

“Drink.”

Han Shuang: “...”

Meanwhile.

Gu Chenghuai received a call from Old Han; the man opened with an accusatory tone.

“Has Gu Zhiyu come home? Is he with my Juanjuan? Tell him to behave himself...”

Gu Chenghuai looked bewildered. “What’s going on? Why are you so angry and coming to scold me? Did my eldest offend you?”

The voice on the other end choked. “Well, no.”

“Then why are you yelling at me?” Gu Chenghuai said. “I’m completely lost.”

Chef Han snorted. “My Juanjuan went to see your eldest. She’s a girl—you must tell Zhiyu not to take advantage of my daughter.”

“They…?” Gu Chenghuai raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

Chef Han felt like he needed oxygen.

He couldn’t admit his daughter had taken the initiative to pursue Gu Zhiyu—where would his dignity be?

Shouldn’t it be the man who lowers his stance?

His marriage-crazed daughter had put him in this awkward position—truly unfilial.

“Cough!”

Chef Han coughed heavily in response.

After opening up, he brought his wife and daughter to the capital and opened a private kitchen; his cooking was excellent, business boomed, and after making money, he invested wisely—his family’s assets were substantial.

His beloved wife now lived the luxurious life she once dreamed of.

She wore fine clothes, traveled by car, had servants cook and clean.

Knowing she loved roses, he had various kinds planted all over the villa he bought.

Gu Chenghuai understood. “So that’s it. No wonder Zhiyu didn’t come home—he’s with Juanjuan.”

I’ll have to tell Zhaozhao—there might be good news at home.

Chef Han refused to speak; if not for his heavier breathing, Gu Chenghuai would’ve thought he’d hung up.

“You seem angry.”

Chef Han grew angrier. “When your daughter Yaobao was swept away by Ning Xiao, were you not angry?”

Gu Chenghuai admitted honestly, “Not angry—just a tightness in my chest.”

“I’m both angry and tight-chested,” Chef Han snapped, gripping his phone so hard he nearly crushed it.

“Then… what do you want me to do? Should I call Zhiyu and tell him to stay away from Juanjuan?” Gu Chenghuai teased his friend, his tone playful.

Chef Han choked.

This guy was truly a black sesame dumpling.

How was he supposed to answer that?

Honestly, Gu Zhiyu was steady, responsible, good-looking, and had an excellent job—he was an ideal son-in-law. Han Shuang being with him was far better than any other match for his peace of mind.

He’d called only because the news had startled him, stirring up unnamed emotions—he just needed an outlet.

“Don’t meddle in the children’s affairs.”

Gu Chenghuai sounded innocent. “I only thought of that because you seemed so angry—otherwise, why would I care?”

“You’re reacting so strongly—should I not mention it then?”

Chef Han caught the teasing tone and hung up in irritation.

He trudged to his wife’s side, feeling wronged.

“Gu Chenghuai is heartless—I can’t argue with him, I’m furious.”

The elegant lady in her home clothes said lightly, “You brought it on yourself. Your daughter pursued Zhiyu—your stance was already lower; anything you say is wrong.”

Chef Han knew his wife was right.

“It’s all Juanjuan’s fault—why can’t she be patient? Why did she have to chase him?”

The woman couldn’t stand hearing her daughter criticized; she frowned slightly. “Juanjuan’s personality is wonderful—she likes someone, so she openly likes them, leaving no regrets. I think she did nothing wrong. Zhiyu is excellent—my daughter has excellent taste.”

A mother-in-law’s view of her son-in-law only grows fonder.

She had long thought: if Han Shuang and Gu Zhiyu became a couple, she’d never have to worry about her daughter again.

Moreover,

She had long noticed Han Shuang’s fondness for Gu Zhiyu.

That fondness had deepened gradually, until it became irreplaceable.

“Wife, which side are you on?” The big, burly boss who could punch a wild boar to death stretched his voice.

“Stop acting silly. I’m neutral.”

Chef Han: “You’re not neutral—you’re clearly on Gu Zhiyu’s side.”

“If you’re dissatisfied with Zhiyu, you want your daughter to date someone you’ve never met?”

At this, Chef Han pictured a frivolous, unsteady, smooth-talking yellow-haired man and quickly shook his head.

“No! I don’t want that!”

“Then stop causing trouble—if you dare upset my daughter, I’ll peel your skin off.”

Chef Han: Wife is terrifying.

After hanging up, Gu Chenghuai turned and told Lin Zhao about it.

Lin Zhao was surprised and delighted.

“Our eldest has a partner? And it’s Juanjuan? Is this real? Who told you?!”

Gu Chenghuai sat beside Lin Zhao and smiled, recounting every detail of Old Han’s angry call.

“You’re so mean—you’re going to make Brother Han sleepless with rage,” Lin Zhao teased with a laugh.

Gu Chenghuai: “Whoever’s son, whoever loves him. My eldest is so accomplished, he has everything he wants—why should he complain? If I don’t stand up for him, I’ll be too angry to sleep. This is ‘let the Daoist friend die, not the poor Taoist.’”

True friends are like this—they tease each other. That’s how they bond.

Lin Zhao said nothing.

She was lost in the shock of her son having a partner.

“I never expected Zhiyu and Juanjuan would have this kind of fate,” Lin Zhao gripped her husband’s arm, her eyes bright with fulfilled joy. “You know, I used to think…”

“I know—you wanted that Han family girl to be your daughter-in-law. I also know you thought that because Han Shuang is stunning, and the two young people look beautiful together.”

Of course, Han Shuang’s character is beyond question—otherwise, no matter how beautiful, Lin Zhao would never have liked her.

“Yes, who knew none of our kids were interested in dating? I just let them be. I never expected Zhiyu would have something going on,” Lin Zhao smiled.

“We don’t know what the future holds yet—they’re still getting to know each other,” Gu Chenghuai said cautiously, afraid that if it didn’t work out… his wife would be disappointed.

Lin Zhao nodded. “I know. Don’t worry—I’ll pretend I don’t know. And you shouldn’t show it either, understood?”

“I know. I just told you.”

Lin Zhao linked arms with Gu Chenghuai and rested her head on his shoulder.

Gu Zhiqian noticed his mother had been in good spirits these past few days. He asked, but got no answer.

The more she didn’t say, the more curious he became.

He even quietly asked Gu Zhihang.

Gu Zhihang, absorbed in his game console, didn’t look up. “What’s there to wonder about? Dad probably got her another gift. If you give her something unusual, she’ll be happy too.”

“...Oh.” Gu Zhiqian still felt it was different.

He stared at his second brother sprawled on the bed, frowning.

He tidied the room quickly, then walked out.

Gu Zhihang spotted the water glass on the table—covered and placed in a specific spot—and couldn’t help laughing.

Mom says he’s obsessive-compulsive. It’s the third son who really is.

Lin Zhao went boating with Gu Zhiqian around the area, rested at home for a day, then boarded a flight to Haicheng the next day.

Gu Chenghuai was with her.

The Gu family was now four generations under one roof. The elder couple were great-grandparents, most of their teeth gone—but thanks to filial children, they’d gotten dentures.

Seeing their little great-grandson, the old couple smiled, revealing their false teeth.

Gu Mu held Gu Zhiqian’s hand, asking after him in every sentence.

Gu Zhiqian answered every question, as thoughtful as could be.

All Gu family members lived in Haicheng, not far from the Western-style mansion. When they heard the third branch had returned, everyone came back.

The mansion was packed—luckily the house was big enough, or it would’ve felt cramped.

The house buzzed with noise; everyone gathered in small groups, playing and laughing.

After a reunion dinner, the other branches went home. Lin Zhao took her husband and children back to the Lin family home.

The Lin family was busy in the front courtyard, lively as ever.

Seeing their little aunt return, everyone froze, then broke into smiles.

“Little Aunt! Little Aunt’s back!” Lin Xibao ran over joyfully, linking arms with Lin Zhao.

“What are you all doing?” Lin Zhao asked curiously.

“We’re about to set off fireworks—perfect timing, Little Aunt,” Lin Zheng smiled. She had short hair, wore a white shirt and black pants, and glasses on her nose—sharp and stylish.

“You’re here too? I thought I’d miss you again this time. You’re always so busy—harder than ever to see you.”

“Little Aunt misses me? I miss you too. I was just planning to go see you with my sister.”

“No need. Let’s spend these few days talking properly.”

The younger Lin family members prepared everything. The elders, including Lin Laoyezi, sat drinking tea, watching the laughing children, their faces full of smiles.

Lin Zhao loved the bustle and helped the nephews and nieces with preparations.

She was senior, so Lin Si and others didn’t dare assign her heavy tasks—only simple ones.

Lin Zhao didn’t mind; she worked enthusiastically.

In this short while, she noticed how much her eldest sons had changed over the years.

Especially Lin Xuan—she’d changed the most.

Once timid, fragile, tinged with quiet world-weariness, seemingly uninterested in everything, she was now radiant—her smiles reached her eyes, laughing and playing with her siblings, free of all shadows, glowing with youthful vitality.

In the original plot, Lin Xuan’s ending was terrible—she died before adulthood, taking her own life in despair. Because of that, Lin Zhao had always cared deeply about Lin Xuan, checking in on her regularly.

She’d heard from her second sister-in-law that Xuanxuan had a boyfriend, a university professor, young but already accomplished, with a gentle, humble nature. Lin Zheng had met him and approved.

Watching Lin Xuan’s faint smile, calm and serene, anyone could feel her inner fullness. Lin Zhao was deeply glad for her niece.

Love is like tending flowers—without the right partner, she never would’ve changed this way.

“It’s about to start! Little Aunt, step back—watch out for sparks!” Lin Xibao pulled Lin Zhao backward.

“Boom, boom, boom—”

Several sounds rang out.

In the darkness, white lights shot upward, then exploded midair—one after another, breathtakingly beautiful.

The Lin family couldn’t sit still—they stood to watch.

Gu Chenghuai came to Lin Zhao’s side, standing shoulder to shoulder with her, looking up.

A hand slipped quietly over, grasping his, soft fingertips brushing the thin calluses on his palm, again and again.

Gu Chenghuai seized her entire hand in his, possessively.

Lin Zhao didn’t move, her eyes filled with smiles.

This was the ending they were meant to have.

“May we have this every year.”

…

(End)

??The main story ends here.

?I originally planned to say a few words, but when I typed “End,” my heart suddenly felt hollow—I didn’t know where to begin.

?This is my first novel to reach two million words. Clumsy? Yes. Effortful? Absolutely.

?There are inevitably regrets and imperfections. Thank you all for your patience, for walking this far with me.

?Through mountains and rivers, may we all be gently treated by time on our own paths. Perhaps next we meet, it will be the beginning of another story.

?Thank you, my treasures—I love you. Until we meet again～～

?(A few extra chapters will follow)