As they were thinking such things, the driver parked the car.
They had already arrived at the villa. Currently, it was just about 12:00 midnight. Christmas was on the verge of passing.
Gu Zuo promptly tossed any other thoughts to the side, and smiled brilliantly at Gongyi Tianheng: “Big brother, Merry Christmas!”
Tianheng returned his own smiling expression: “Ah Zuo, Happy Holidays.”
Now that the mood had warmed up, Gu Zuo felt that everything ahead of them was hopeful and promising, and all the previous panic disappeared. After that, he tugged on Tianheng’s wrist, and walked towards the villa.
Tianheng’s fingers moved slightly. Soon after, they were interlaced with Gu Zuo’s fingers.
Gu Zuo blanked, turning his head to look.
— And met Tianheng’s soft and gentle gaze.
Gu Zuo’s face was burning up.
Tianheng didn’t say anything. He only pulled Gu Zuo along, and walked inside.
Within the villa, Gu Qi was sitting on the sofa alone, watching the television.
The screen was bustling with noise and excitement. However, he still keenly heard the sound of the door opening, and looked over. When he saw that his silly son and Tianheng had come home, he happily waved at them: “Ah, Merry Christmas!”
Gu Zuo and Tianheng similarly returned the greetings.
Following this, Gu Qi discovered that there appeared to be a subtle difference in the pair’s standing positions and movements. In passing, his gaze fell upon the two’s hands, which were clasped together.
Generally speaking, it was normal for men to grab the arms of other men, but holding hands…was certainly ambiguous.
A thought suddenly arose within Gu Qi’s heart. He showed a curious and teasing expression: “Son, was your cherished wish achieved?”
Gu Zuo’s complexion, which had just recovered, turned slightly red again, but he didn’t deny anything. Rather, he nodded his head honestly: “…En.”
Gu Qi looked at Tianheng.
Compared to the past couple of days, the feeling in Tianheng’s smile had become even more refreshing, like a spring breeze flowing across one’s face. His tone was quite formal as well: “Ah Zuo and I have already promised ourselves to each other. I ask that Uncle Gu will allow it.”
Gu Qi had already made preparations in his heart, but his mood was still very complicated.
It was only natural that he was happy that his son’s romance was successful, but when all was said and done, it hadn’t been long since his son was returned to him. In the end, the person who snatched up his son had followed along, and acted so quickly… This old father’s vinegar was rising up again.
Of course, Gu Qi would never tear down the platform of his family’s silly son. Instead, he used a serious tone that was peaceful, optimistic, straightforward, and sensible to ask: “Tianheng, your feelings for Xiao Zuo are sincere, right?”
Tianheng’s expression was upright: “Yes.”
Gu Qi’s gaze flickered: “You’ll do everything in your power to protect him, and you’ll always stand by his side?”
Tianheng nodded his head: “Yes.”
Gu Qi breathed out a sigh: “You’ll also do your best to keep yourself safe so that Xiao Zuo won’t be broken-hearted?”
Gu Zuo’s eyes reddened. At this time, he knew who and what his dad was thinking about.
As before, Tianheng affirmed: “Yes.”
After obtaining several yes responses in a row, Gu Qi finally loosened his heartstrings. His smiling expression had also become clear and bright again: “In that case, I grant you permission. Tianheng, Xiao Zuo, both of you can be a proper couple!”
Tianheng and Gu Zuo exchanged glances. As expected, they solemnly answered:
“Yes.”
“We will, dad.”
Lots of things happened today. Gu Qi understood that the pair had just established their relationship. After firmly asking these questions, he waved at them, and went to his own room.
Gu Zuo watched Gu Qi acting this way, and thought about the sadness that was unconsciously revealed in his dad’s eyes. The decision in his heart became even more clear-cut: “Big brother, once we find father, I must ask whether he has missed dad in these years…”
Tianheng lightly ruffled his hair, and spoke in a warm voice: “Since Uncle Gu and Uncle Zhao grew up together since childhood and formed a family, they probably have an extremely strong understanding of each other. The person who can make Uncle Gu reminisce for so many years definitely won’t let Uncle Gu down. He won’t disappoint you either.”
Gu Zuo silently nodded his head.
Yes, he had been telling himself the same thing the whole time.
However, people always changed. Although the father in his memories was always reliable, took care of their family, and treated dad like he was a precious treasure, so many years had passed. Gu Zuo was worried for his dad.
After all, the one he relied upon back then was dad. In his memories, the one who had the deepest impression was also dad.
However, after being consoled by Tianheng’s words, Gu Zuo had a little more faith in that father, whom he hadn’t seen in a very long time. That’s right. He needed to believe in the father he vaguely remembered, who stood in front to protect them.
Getting a hold of his floating and unstable mood, Gu Zuo went upstairs with Tianheng.
Normally, they would’ve separated in different directions to sleep in their own rooms. However, today was somewhat different — The feelings of the two had been opened up, and their relationship had changed.
As such, what should they do?
Gu Zuo hesitated for a moment.
Before pledging their love, Gu Zuo thought of all sorts of ways to take advantage, but he still didn’t dare to do too much when it came to following his big brother back to the bedroom. And once their relationship was recognized, he suddenly felt bashful — If he mentioned this topic again, wouldn’t it seem like he had ulterior motives?
This truly made him hesitate to move forward.
Right at this time, Tianheng took the initiative to speak. He flashed a smile to Gu Zuo. In those previously deep and pitch-black eyes was a gentle radiance: “Ah Zuo, come here.”
As he spoke, he extended a hand.
Gu Zuo stared at this slender and beautiful hand for a full second.
Soon after, as if the demons and gods were at work, he placed his own hand on top. By the time he reacted, he was already drawn over by Tianheng. They walked into the room that he had only entered a few times in the past.
Tianheng revealed a smiling expression: “Ah Zuo, will you take a bath first, or shall I?”
Gu Zuo felt that he might end up getting steamed by the heat pouring out from his heart tonight. Every time it cooled down, the temperature would be restored again — Was it because big brother was too provocative or because his own thoughts were too wicked? His way of thinking was easily led astray!
But in the end, Gu Zuo still calmed down. With a taut face, his voice was as high-pitched as a mosquito: “Big brother can wash up first.”
Tianheng broke into laugher. He let go of Gu Zuo’s hand, turned around, and went into the bathroom.
Gu Zuo silently sat at the bedside. Following that, he hurriedly scampered away to fetch his own inner and outer sleepwear. When he sat back down, he was overwhelmed by the imaginative thoughts that were running through his mind, and started pacing around the room.
Very quickly, the bathroom door opened.
Tianheng’s revealing bathrobe was undone: “Ah Zuo?”
Gu Zuo’s body stiffened. Little by little, he turned his head to look at Tianheng. His gaze lingered for three seconds — Ah, a beautiful person came out of the bath. And this beautiful person was his!
Shortly thereafter, he grabbed his night clothes, and squeezed into the bathroom like his butt was on fire.
Hot water showered down from above. Gu Zuo faintly shuddered, and swiftly scrubbed himself clean.
Once everything was properly prepared, Gu Zuo put on his sleepwear, and shuffled out of the room one step at a time.
Tianheng was already sitting on the bed, waiting for him.
Gu Zuo walked to the bedside. He stood there without moving.
Tianheng raised his eyes, and peered at Gu Zuo who looked like he didn’t know what to do. He couldn’t help laughing: “Ah Zuo, rest assured. Tonight, I won’t do anything…that crosses the line.”
Gu Zuo reacted a moment later. He understood what was said, and blinked.
After that, Tianheng only saw a blur in front of his eyes. A body that was more petite than his own burrowed under the blankets. This person had completely withdrawn underneath, and even his head was covered! All that he could find was the small section of quilts bulging out by his side, as well as the nearby, warm body with faint trails of steam still clinging to his form.
Tianheng muffled his laughter, but didn’t bother Gu Zuo, who was in the middle of “playing dead”. He waved a hand to turn off the lights, shifted himself under the blankets, and closed his eyes.
Soon after, Tianheng’s arm reached over, scooped up Gu Zuo, and locked him in an embrace. After a second of rigidity, this warm body also relaxed… It made him feel like they were relying on each other, heart and soul.
Once the two made their love official, it would be going too far to say that huge changes took place. It was only because the contract’s upgrade granted them a better understanding of one another, and the atmosphere between the two became even more harmonious. Even if they were sometimes far apart, it seemed that no one could come between them.
Previously, the two believed that they already trusted each other greatly, but after removing the barriers, they discovered that the current trust was more than ten times stronger.
Thus, Gu Zuo’s mood was extremely good. Whenever those Zhang Family children came over to seek Gongyi Tianheng’s guidance, they always felt like they were sitting on pins and needles for some reason. Every time they asked their questions, they would swiftly leave.
If there were any shortcomings, there were probably two. The first was that the system still didn’t have enough energy, and was unresponsive to multiple calls. The second was that, although the situation had already moved to the store-opening phase, there still weren’t any large reactions coming from the Tian Family’s side. Other ancient martial artists also hadn’t revealed themselves.
However, while there were many matters to take care of, one couldn’t act with undue haste. Gu Zuo’s patience was pretty good, and he only consoled his dear dad, set his mind at ease, and waited — Those ancient martial artists definitely wouldn’t turn a blind eye to the effects of the Rejuvenation Pills and Qi Generating Pills.
Sure enough, after four or five days, Gu Zuo’s cellphone received a call from an unfamiliar number.
“Mister Gu? I’m Tian Hang. Does thou still remember me?”
Gu Zuo startled.
Tianheng happened to see this. With his hearing ability, he naturally heard the voice on the phone loud and clear. He wore a slight smile.
On the contrary, Gu Qi revealed an inquiring expression.
Gu Zuo mouthed the words — Tian Family.
Soon after, he spoke up. His voice was calm and collected: “I remember.”
On the other side, Tian Hang said: “Last time, concerning the information related to the Qi Generating Pills, thou said that I could mention it to those close to me…”
Gu Zuo said: “That’s right.”
Tian Hang’s tone seemed to relax somewhat: “Among these people, I have more than a few friends and family who have placed a lot of importance on the Qi Generating Pills. Merely, there aren’t any channels to purchase them. Thus, they have entrusted me to ask how many Qi Generating Pills Mister Gu can sell them.”
Gu Zuo just smiled: “I have toiled for many years, and all of them have been focused on those two types of medicinal pills. The Qi Generating Pill’s ingredients are easier to obtain. As such, so long as they’re people I like, they can buy as much as they spend.”
On the other end of the line, Tian Hang blanked as he listened: “In that case, the criteria that Mister Gu likes are…”
Gu Zuo said: “Actually, there aren’t any specific requirements. It’s just that, if a scheming and underhanded person buys my medicinal pills and uses them to commit crimes, those sins would fall onto my shoulders. Apart from that, if they’re pleasing to my eyes, I’ll sell more. And if they aren’t pleasing to my eyes, I’ll just sell less.”
When Tian Hang listened up to here, he didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.
There weren’t any problems not selling to evildoers. In any case, they were also considered to be walking along the righteous path. They wouldn’t be considered scheming and underhanded. However, being pleasing or not pleasing to Mister Gu’s eyes… What was he supposed to say to that?
However, although Tian Hang didn’t anticipate Gu Zuo having this kind of “requirement”, he also came prepared. Right away, he said: “I won’t hide this from Mister Gu. My Tian Family intends to pull strings and build bridges for this matter. We will hold a small gathering, invite fellow enthusiasts who are interested in the Qi Generating Pills, and get them acquainted with Mister Gu. Is that okay? When that moment comes, to whomever thou wants to sell and however much thou wants to sell, it will all be up to Mister Gu.”
Gu Zuo heard this, and cast his gaze to Tianheng.
Tianheng nodded his head.
Gu Zuo spoke: “At that time, I might bring a few people with me.”
Tian Hang noticed Gu Zuo’s approval, and felt greatly relieved: “So long as Mister Gu is willing, bringing a few people won’t matter. Mister Gu, please rest assured. Someone will deliver the plane tickets. After reaching the airport, someone will come to welcome thee.”
Gu Zuo said: “Since it’s like this, you’ll send four tickets… No, five plane tickets.”
Of course, Tian Hang readily consented. After speaking a few more words, the call was ended.
Once Gu Zuo put away the cellphone, he immediately sat next to Gu Qi, and gave him a great, big hug: “The Tian Family has already responded. This time around, there will be a gathering, and I’m bringing you along… Dad, trust me. After we win over those ancient martial artists with the Qi Generating Pills, father’s whereabouts will definitely be found quickly!”
Gu Qi’s body stiffened. He took a deep breath: “Son, if he can’t be found…”
Gu Zuo decisively said: “We’ll find him! Dad, you have to believe in me. So long as we can find the family that took father away, big brother and I will certainly be able to find his whereabouts. Dad, don’t forget. There’s no place that my psychic power can’t enter. It won’t matter even if that organization had hidden father. It’ll be impossible to escape from my psychic power’s search. Moreover, we can also rely on the organizations of other ancient martial artists to force the situation, and make them hand over father on their own. If — If by any chance something has happened to father…or they aren’t willing to hand him over, with me and big brother here, we definitely won’t let that organization have an easy time!”
Gu Qi’s heartbeat quickened. A blazing radiance burst forth from his eyes. At this moment, he wasn’t as cool-headed as usual. Instead, his emotions were somewhat intense: “Son, I want to know why they took Zhao Ji away, and why they destroyed our lives. I don’t believe that it was for the sake of so-called bloodlines and familial bonds — Zhao Ji was abandoned. For such a large organization, they never came looking for Zhao Ji so many years. Having suddenly found and retrieved him, who knows what they were planning? Zhao Ji, I still don’t know what kind of life he’s living…”
This was the first time Gu Zuo witnessed this type of intense unwillingness appear on his dear dad.
Gu Zuo suddenly understood that dad didn’t only feel pain, and his hatred hadn’t really dissipated over time. Rather, he forcefully suppressed his own powerless indignation and fury. All the while, his hatred was buried at the bottom of his heart, waiting for the right opportunity to break through the ground and germinate —
Just like now.
Gu Zuo vigorously nodded: “Dad, you can rest assured. If they really did anything to father, they’ll certainly pay the price they deserve!”
Gu Qi abruptly slumped back, and covered his eyes with his arms.
Gu Zuo shifted his gaze.
Gu Qi’s sleeves were slowly turning damp.
[Big brother, I have never seen dad grieve like this.]
[Ah Zuo, don’t worry. Uncle Gu is grieving this time, but there won’t be a next time.]
— Soon, the plane tickets that Tian Hang ordered were sent over. The appointed time was the next day.
Because Gu Zuo and Tianheng possessed the Divine Medicine Palace Hall and the spatial bangle, there was nothing that they especially needed to prepare. It was just that, before anything else, they also needed to inform the Zhang Family about this matter.
Zhang Huiguo and Zhang Bohan responded, and came over.
Gu Zuo pushed two plane tickets to them: “Coordinated by last time’s Tian Hang, the ancient martial artists are having a small gathering. I wanted to go with five tickets, and two of them are for your Zhang Family. You guys can think it over. If you want to go together, quickly determine good candidates. Early tomorrow morning, we’ll set off immediately.”
The old and young leaders of the Zhang Family were overjoyed when they heard this.
Currently, their Zhang Family had ten younger generations who were in the middle of practicing martial arts. Once they gained some attainments, they would certainly enter the circles of the ancient martial artists, thereby catapulting the entire Zhang Family into the ranks of the genuinely large aristocratic families.
Hence, the two swiftly exchanged glances, and discussed things.
The decision was made quickly, too — The plane tickets had to be fully utilized. There was no need to hesitate over the selection of the candidates. It was still Zhang Huiguo and Zhang Bohan.
When one thought about it, rather than those Zhang Family members who didn’t understand the whole situation or those younger generations with ordinary strength, it was better to let the Zhang Family Head Zhang Huiguo and the heir Zhang Bohan go together.
Zhang Bohan was the successor. In the future, the Zhang Family would undergo a transformation as great as heaven and earth. Opening these new horizons would be done by him, so he definitely had to go. As for the others, they weren’t as experienced as Zhang Huiguo. They also weren’t as crafty or cunning as him. It was better to take advantage of the fact that Zhang Huiguo could still take action. He would use his expertise, and properly bring Zhang Bohan along.
Gu Zuo had long foreseen this final outcome, and said: “As such, you guys will go back and make preparations. Come over early tomorrow morning.”
The Zhang Family’s grandfather and grandson pair naturally had no objections.
The next day, at dawn, the two leaders of the Zhang Family brought the driver to the villa.
Gu Zuo, Gongyi Tianheng, and Gu Qi got into the car. The group of people quickly headed for the airport indicated by the plane tickets, and boarded the airplane.
What Tian Hang ordered for was the first class cabin. This was considered a type of diligence. However, after they were on the plane, the group was tense and emotionally charged. On the contrary, they didn’t have any feelings of enjoyment.
When an hour passed, they finally reached their destination.
B City was the heart of the nation, and the Tian Family mainly developed here.
A low-profile but luxurious limousine was waiting outside the airport. Tian Hang stood at the car door, braced against the cold winds. After seeing the group of five walking out, he promptly straightened his body, and called out: “Mister Gu, Mister Gongyi, gentlemen.”
For this round, the person in charge was still Gu Zuo. He stepped forward, and said: “Mister Tian, I trust that you have been well since we last met.”
Tian Hang said with a smile: “Thanks to Mister Gu’s great blessing, all has been well.” After he finished saying that, he extended a welcoming hand, “Everyone, please come in.”
The group didn’t give too many conventional greetings, and made their way into the car.
As they travelled, Tian Hang spoke up: “Now, I would like to invite you all to stay at my Tian Family’s household for a few days. The time for the ancient martial artists to gather is 10:00 AM, the day after tomorrow…”
Gu Zuo exchanged some pleasantries with him: “In that case, we’ll have to trouble you.”
Tian Hang laughed and said: “Not at all. Thy very presence brings light to my humble home.”
Afterwards, Tian Hang gave the others an introduction to the Tian Family’s composition.
The members of the Tian Family mainly had a certain amount of authority in the military. Whenever the older generations reached a particular level or rank, they would slowly withdraw, and allow the newer generations to rise up.
At the present time, the previous generation in the Tian Family who held the greatest official post was General Tian. However, the family head wasn’t that general. Rather, it was Tian Hang’s biological older brother, Tian Mu. Tian Hang’s second older brother, Tian He, also served in the military. Currently, that guy was in the special armed forces, but for this occasion, he had similarly returned to participate in this grand event.
Apart from this, the Tian Family’s cadet branches weren’t few. The family tree had winding branches and vibrant leaves, and their offshoots were in great numbers. While those in the main branch served in the military, the cadet branches had many businessmen who provided the main branch with financial support. Although the main branch had more shares in the cadet branches’ businesses, it only received dividends, and didn’t meddle in their affairs. At the same time, the power that the main branch possessed was given to the cadet branches’ businesses to open many convenient doors… Because of this, the Tian Family had enough capital to support the younger generations to practice martial arts.
Of course, the Tian Family wasn’t an ancient martial aristocratic family. It was just that there would be some people from each generation who followed ancient martial artists to learn. However, just because they wanted to practice martial arts didn’t mean that they could apprentice themselves to a master as they pleased. Instead, due to the development of the times and generation after generation of networking, the Tian Family had basically ascertained that, within a certain range, the most stable forces were the School of Fist Intent and the School of the Great Saber.
Merely, in this generation, the Tian Family was connected to the School of Fist Intent through marriage. Consequently, when it came to making friends with the School of the Great Saber, the Tian Family was still twenty percent closer to the School of Fist Intent.
Of course, the Tian Family wasn’t one that forgot favors or lacked gratitude. It didn’t matter that there wasn’t enough Rejuvenation Pills, but Tian Hang quickly told the School of the Great Saber about the existence of Qi Generating Pills. Moreover, he gave one pill as a gift so that the members of the school could see the effects with their own eyes. Just like the School of Fist Intent, it was a testimony to the efficacy of the Qi Generating Pill.
It could be said that, when contacting those ancient martial artists, it was only because the Tian Family’s face wasn’t that big and because the Schools of Fist Intent and the Great Saber vouched for this family, that it could initiate this small gathering — Though, while it was said to be a small gathering, this was just a modest way of speaking. At that time, the number of people who would give face certainly wouldn’t be limited to the scale of a “small gathering”.
As Gu Zuo and the others listened to Tian Hang’s narration, they formed rough sketches of the situation in their minds.
Seeing that they were about to arrive at the Tian Family residence, Tian Hang asked with some anticipation: “Right now, the School of Fist Intent, the School of the Great Saber, and many others have been waiting with the Tian Family. We would like to hold a welcoming reception for Mister Gu and Mister Gongyi. We have also prepared generous gifts. I wonder if Mister Gu is willing to permit some Qi Generating Pills…In terms of the price, Mister Gu will certainly be satisfied.”
Gu Zuo spoke purposefully: “So it’s like this. Since they’re all friendly schools and sects, and your Tian Family has put so much thought into this, I will give you guys some face. Later, you can call them to prepare the money, and I will give them some.”
Upon hearing this, Tian Hang was ecstatic: “Many thanks, Mister Gu!”
Just at this time, they arrived at the Tian Family residence.
Even the Zhang Family, which was far less powerful than the Tian Family, could occupy a large district of villas. As such, the Tian Family was naturally no exception. From the car, one could see throngs of buildings in all directions far into the distance. All of them were unique and ingenious works.
The car drove straight inside. In front of the most eye-catching, enormous villa, there were at least dozens of people who were waiting quietly.
— This amount of face really was more than enough.
T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.
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