novelraw Chapter 466 "Money Power"
Chapter 466 "Money Power"
Chapter 466 "Money Power"
"Mom, do you want these prayer beads? I'll give them to you." Gu Zhiheng wanted to give his mother all the good things.
Lin Zhao took the prayer beads. They were slightly cool to the touch. Each bead was very round and smooth. She didn't know what kind of wood they were made of, but they had a faint fragrance.
She pulled Gu Zhiheng's hand and slipped the Buddhist prayer beads onto his wrist, saying, "You bought these with your incense money, so wear them yourself."
After putting it on, Lin Zhao held up her son's hand and looked him over. "It looks really good. It's also because your hands are pretty. You look good even with a red ribbon on."
I must say, these Buddhist prayer beads and the protective red rope she gave me match quite well.
Gu Zhiheng's lips were as sweet as honey, "Mom and Dad are good-looking, and their child is good-looking too."
"Second brother is so narcissistic." Gu Zhiyao chuckled and leaned on his arm.
Gu Zhiheng poked his sister's head, "If I say you're not pretty, you're ugly, you'll be unhappy again."
"I'm not ugly."
Gu Zhiheng gave a helpless look, as if to say, "See? I knew it."
Everything you say is wrong.
"Alright, stop fooling around. Where else do you want to go? Let's take advantage of the time we have to wander around some more," Lin Zhao urged the brother and sister.
"Mom, let's stay on the mountain tonight and watch the sunrise tomorrow morning before coming down," Gu Zhiheng said.
"Can we watch the sunrise?" Lin Zhao asked with interest.
"Yes, I've already inquired about it. I'll take you to see it tomorrow morning," Gu Zhiheng said.
"Second brother, where are we going to stay?" Gu Zhiyao asked, not wanting to just sit anywhere.
"There are meditation rooms available for tourists." Don't ask, the answer is simply financial power.
"Second brother! You're amazing! It's so comfortable to be out with you!!" Gu Zhiyao praised her brother with bright eyes.
Gu Zhiheng was clearly pleased with himself.
Of course.
He's reliable.
That night, I stayed in a meditation room in the temple. The temperature was low on the mountain, but the air was fresh, and the room had a wonderful fragrance that calmed my mind and made me feel very comfortable.
It was still dark when I got up early in the morning.
A knocking sound rang out on the door.
"Dad, Mom, it's time to get up, or we won't be able to get a good spot."
Hearing the sound, Lin Zhao was still drowsy and couldn't open her eyes. Her legs were sore after climbing the mountain, and she was perfectly suited to rest in bed. She couldn't get up at all.
"Can I give up?" she asked, her clear voice slightly hoarse, trying to be cheeky.
Gu Chenghuai was already dressed. He usually got up at five o'clock to exercise in the morning, so it was quite strange that his son woke him up.
He leaned down to look at his lover on the bed, his laughter low and deep, "Giving up now would be painful if we missed our chance."
Cool fingers approached Lin Zhao's eyelids, a chilling sensation penetrating to the bone. With a sigh, the person on the bed finally opened their eyes.
"get up."
Getting up felt easier after waking up. Lin Zhao sat up, put on the wool coat that Gu Chenghuai handed her, and clenched her fingers.
"It's cold up in the mountains, but people are still wearing skirts down here. It's like winter again."
Seeing that his wife's hands were cold, Gu Chenghuai took her hands and warmed them in his own palms until they were warm. He then told her to go out and wash up, while he tidied up the room, picked up his luggage, and left the room, closing the door behind him.
"Are you done? Are you still cold? If not, put on another layer." He walked towards Lin Zhao, touched her hand, and looked at her with concern.
"It's not cold, it'll get warm once we start walking around."
"Okay, if you're cold, just say so. Don't catch a cold," Gu Chenghuai said worriedly.
"I know, I know." Lin Zhao found him nagging and grabbed Gu Chenghuai's hand to catch up with the children who had already run off.
"I brought a camera, I'll take pictures of you in a bit," she announced.
Gu Zhiyao stopped, turned around and smiled, "I can also take pictures for my parents."
"Thank you, Yaobao," Lin Zhao replied.
The sunrise at the mountaintop was exceptionally breathtaking. A red sun rose, painting half the sky crimson, with birds occasionally flying by, creating a magnificent scene.
Many people came to watch the sunrise, and Lin Zhao always managed to find a good angle to take pictures. Gu Zhiyao stood next to Gu Zhiheng, making funny and exaggerated poses, and they took quite a few more photos of themselves.
Gu Zhiheng looked at the constantly moving figure beside him, turned his head, and a hint of helplessness appeared on his handsome face. His profile was soft in the light, and his doting and indulgent expression was almost overflowing.
"Can you stop moving around like a flea?" he said sarcastically.
Gu Zhiyao's expression froze, and she asked incredulously, "...What did you say about me?"
"It's nothing." Gu Zhiheng was amused by the expression on her face, pinched his sister's neck, and led her away from the photo spot.
Afraid that Yao Bao would make a fuss, she quickly took the camera from Lin Zhao's hand, "Mom, let me take pictures of you and Dad."
Seeing this, Gu Zhiyao, who was still fuming, stopped making a fuss and obediently guarded the luggage.
There were a lot of people, and if my things were stolen, I wouldn't be able to get them back. There were many valuable items in my bag, so I couldn't lose them.
Over the years, Gu Zhiheng had honed his photography skills and started snapping away with his camera.
No matter how many times he saw his parents standing together, he couldn't help but feel a surge of emotion.
I've never seen anyone more well-matched than his parents.
It's not about looks or temperament, but about an innate understanding between them. They don't even need to look at each other; a sense of warmth and love surrounds them.
Many people around cast complicated glances at this scene.
"It's a pity I forgot to bring my camera; what a blunder."
"Having a camera is so convenient."
"Why isn't there a photo service on the mountain? I'm willing to pay to have my picture taken!"
Upon hearing this, the eyes of a man who had come up the mountain early in the morning to sell water and food gleamed; this might be a way to make money.
He figured that taking photos could earn him much more than selling water or food.
After descending the mountain that evening, I found some friends, raised enough money, used connections to buy a camera, and then went to learn photography techniques...
Soon after, a young man with a camera hanging around his neck appeared on the mountain, asking everyone he met, "Want to take a picture? It's not expensive. My skills are top-notch, I guarantee it will be a good shot. You've come all this way, you should at least have a few photos to remember this place..."
Because of this business, the young man opened a photography studio at the foot of the mountain, hired employees, became a small business owner, and lived a very comfortable life.
This is something.
Lin Zhao's family had no idea that their casual photo-taking had provided a promising young man with a path to wealth.
After taking the photos, the family walked down the mountain.
Lin Zhao was afraid of heights and dared not ride the cable car, but Gu Zhiheng was brave and wanted to try it, so he pulled Yao Bao along to ride with him.
"Mom, come with me, I'll stay with you," Gu Zhiyao said coquettishly, not wanting to be separated from Lin Zhao.
"You guys go ahead, I'm really anxious," Lin Zhao politely declined.
She is genuinely afraid of heights; the thought of them makes her anxious, and she's not very willing to try.
“We’re here.” Gu Zhiyao didn’t necessarily need her mother to accompany her, but she felt that walking down the mountain was too tiring. Isn’t it said that going up a mountain is easy but going down a mountain is hard?
“There are four of us, let’s sit together,” she continued to persuade.
Lin Zhao wavered somewhat.
She looked at Gu Chenghuai.
At this time, her husband was her pillar of support.
Deep down, she still wanted to overcome her fear, after all, traveling by plane is really convenient.
"I'll stay with you. Sit down if you want, don't be afraid," Gu Chenghuai reassured gently.
Gu Zhiheng spoke earnestly, as if giving an academic presentation: "I've looked into it, and the cable car has a very high safety rating, so there's no need to worry too much."
The worst outcome would be that they would be hanging there waiting for rescue, without falling down.
He didn't say that, since it sounded like a threat.
Lin Zhao gritted her teeth and said, "Come on, let's sit together."
If she survives this ordeal, she'll probably be able to fly back to Haicheng, saving her a lot of time.
Gu Zhiyao exclaimed in surprise, "Really?" She hadn't expected to be able to persuade her mother.
"Don't say any more, or I might change my mind and you'll be conflicted," Lin Zhao said deliberately.
In reality, she wouldn't. Once she made up her mind, she rarely went back on her word.
Gu Zhiyao raised her hand and pulled it to her mouth, silencing herself.
Lin Zhao chuckled and playfully scolded, "You little rascal."
"Let's hurry up, it'll get hot soon," she urged, pulling down the brim of her hat.
The group walked toward the sign indicating where the cable car would descend the mountain.
Before long, I was able to sit down smoothly.
Before even starting, Lin Zhao's heart was pounding and his palms were slightly sweaty.
Gu Chenghuai held her hand, feeling its warmth and moisture. His eyes widened slightly, realizing his wife was genuinely nervous. He reached out his right arm, put his arm around her shoulder, and pulled her into his embrace.
"If you're scared, close your eyes, and you'll be there soon."
A while? Not necessarily.
Lin Zhao smelled her husband's refreshing scent, and her heart gradually calmed down. "Mmm."
Feeling the cable car beneath her begin to move, the fingers gripping Gu Chenghuai's clothes tightened involuntarily.
Gu Chenghuai gently patted her back, his movements soothing, constantly watching her reaction, and he couldn't even appreciate the scenery.
"Wow, it's so beautiful!! The view from the cable car is completely different, it feels a bit like my second brother speeding around." Gu Zhiyao exclaimed.
Lin Zhao looked up. "When did Zhiheng start speeding, and with you in tow?"
Gu Zhiyao realized that she had revealed her second brother's secret. A guilty look flashed in her eyes. She covered her mouth, opened her big eyes, and shook her head.
I didn't say anything.
Lin Zhao shifted her gaze to Gu Zhiheng.
Gu Zhiheng felt immense pressure from that nonchalant gaze.
"I wasn't speeding, I was just a little faster than usual. I only sped up when there was no one on the road, and it was only for a short while. Otherwise, my speed was normal."
"When you're driving, you're not only holding your own life in your hands, but also the lives of pedestrians. You can't be careless, and you can't take chances."
Lin Zhao didn't say anything more. Following Yao Bao's gaze, he looked around. They were traveling through the mountains, enjoying the beautiful scenery. The wind was blowing on their faces, and their mood was like a kite breaking free from its restraints and soaring into the sky.
Once the children interrupted her, her nervousness lessened considerably.
Seeing this, Gu Zhiyao winked at her brother, and while Lin Zhao was distracted by the scenery, she quietly turned her head and whispered, "Second brother, you really have a way, but you've made too much of a sacrifice."
Gu Zhiheng crossed his arms and glanced at her, "I'm not afraid of making a big sacrifice, as long as it's useful."
Gu Zhiyao gave a thumbs up, "Useful, very useful. You're not nervous anymore even without seeing Mom. You didn't feel bad after Mom said that, did you?"
"What's there to feel bad about? Mom is right, you really have to be careful when driving." Gu Zhiheng said dismissively.
Gu Zhiyao gave him a complicated look, inwardly scoffing.
She's always said that she's immature and a mama's girl, but isn't she the same? Everything her mother says is right, and her mother even digs up her own embarrassing past.
"Gu Zhiyao, are you secretly mocking me?" Gu Zhiheng narrowed his eyes, his expression inquisitive, as if he were harboring some wicked idea.
"...No, no, I was just praising you. Second brother is so filial. I want to learn from you!" Gu Zhiyao's eyes were firm.
"Tch." Gu Zhiheng didn't believe it at all. How could he believe Gu Zhiyao? This girl weighed less than 90 pounds, but had a rebellious streak of over 50 pounds.
Lin Zhao looked at the brother and sister opposite him and asked, "What are you two whispering about?"
"Just the usual bickering, Mom, aren't you nervous anymore?" Gu Zhiheng said with a smile.
"Hmm, this feels alright," Lin Zhao said.
“If Mom ever wants to take a plane, just let me know, and I’ll go with you,” Gu Zhiheng said.
“Me too!” Gu Zhiyao said eagerly.
"What's it to you? You're just a TV station employee who's sold yourself into servitude. You're nowhere near as free as me, the boss," Gu Zhiheng retorted to his younger sister, then looked at Lin Zhao and said, "Mom, I have flexible hours. Call me whenever you want to sit down."
Gu Zhiyao was furious and retorted, "Hmph, with your old, unreliable phone that never has a signal, how can you expect to get anything out of it? You might as well rely on me."
"This is up in the mountains. My mobile phone is still very useful down here, at least it's very convenient to contact people," Gu Zhiheng said. Of course, it also has disadvantages, namely that it's heavy and takes up a lot of space.
Gu Zhiyao wanted to say something, but Gu Chenghuai interrupted her, "You two don't need to. It's my wife's first time on a plane, so I'll definitely be the one accompanying her. Don't argue about these useless things."
Gu Zhiheng: "..."
Gu Zhiyao: "...Then I'll be the second one!"
The family chatted and laughed as they descended the mountain.
Taking the cable car was faster than walking, and they made it just in time for lunch.
We took a bus to the city center, found an authentic local restaurant, ate, and then headed to the station.
There's no airport here, otherwise I could have taken advantage of the situation and flown back.
Both Gu Zhiheng and Gu Zhiyao felt it was a pity.
Fortunately, for the optimistic brother and sister, as long as they are with their parents, it doesn't matter what mode of transportation they take.
Unbeknownst to the four, Gu Zhiqian had just returned home after they got into the car.
Seeing the locked door, he looked surprised. He unlocked the door with his key, washed up, and then remembered to call Gu Zhiheng, who had a mobile phone.
Gu Zhiheng was quite surprised to see that the call was from home.
I pressed the answer button.
"Second brother."
Upon hearing this, Gu Zhiheng was stunned for a few seconds.
After realizing what was happening, her voice was filled with surprise, "Qianbao?"
Gu Zhiqian looked helpless, his cool voice carrying a hint of resentment, "Why are you calling me by my nickname again?"
"You're home?" Gu Zhiheng ignored the accusation and asked instead.
"Yes, I'm home. Where did you all go? There's no one at home."
For some reason, Gu Zhiheng sensed aggrieved in those words, and a feeling of pity for his younger brother welled up in his heart.
He hurriedly replied, "We went hiking and are on our way back. When will you get home?"
Gu Zhiqian replied, "I just got home not long ago."
Worried that her younger brother would be lonely at home alone, Gu Zhiheng said, "Turn on the TV and watch some TV. We'll go out for dinner tonight and get home tomorrow morning."
"Okay." Gu Zhiqian turned on the TV.
Hearing the television, Gu Zhiheng's brows relaxed.
Lin Zhao said, "Zhiheng, give me the phone, I need to say a few words to Qianbao."
Gu Zhiheng reluctantly handed over the phone.
"Qianbao," Lin Zhao called out with a smile to her youngest son, whom she hadn't seen in a long time, on the other end of the phone.
"Mom," Gu Zhiqian's eyes brightened slightly, "Mom, did you have fun hiking?"
"I'm so happy, it's a pity you're not here. If you were here, your father and I would be even happier." A look of longing flashed in Lin Zhao's eyes.
She hadn't seen her youngest son for almost half a year.
Hearing the words from the other end of the phone, Gu Zhiqian felt a pang of sadness. He pursed his lips, concealing his complex emotions, and asked in a normal tone, "Dad went too?"
“I went, but he happened to have time. We can come again another day when you have time. It’s a really interesting place,” Lin Zhao said softly.
"it is good."
Lin Zhao didn't hogging the phone. She said she would give the mobile phone to Gu Chenghuai. Gu Chenghuai asked a few questions about his youngest son's recent situation, and the mobile phone was passed on to Yaobao.
Yao Bao was overjoyed and excitedly told her brother about everything that had happened at home recently, sharing everything in detail. Afraid of disturbing the other people in the car, she shrank into a corner, half-covering her mouth and lowering her voice.
The conversation turned to the fact that his mobile phone had run out of power.
Gu Zhiheng: "..."
(End of this chapter)