Chapter 142: Freedom to Love

In the garden of the Gu family's old residence after dinner, Gu Zhixia and Jun Luan stood before Gu Zhiheng, not daring to move an inch, casting resentful glances his way.

Both of them were adults, yet when it came to dating, they were still strictly monitored and controlled by their family.

"Do you two have nothing to say to me?" Raising his head to look at the nervous pair, Gu Zhiheng wore a peculiar expression in his eyes.

Neither Gu Zhixia nor Jun Luan understood what he meant—whether he was giving approval or rejection—nor did they know what he expected them to say.

"Tell me about your plans! When are you getting married and having children? Where will you live after marriage? How soon do you plan to have kids?"

"Whose surname will the children take? How many do you intend to have? Do you hold any bias towards sons over daughters?"

"I'll go buy a wedding house for you tomorrow, and I'll have all the furnishings and interior preparations sorted out so you can just move right in."

Seeing that they remained silent, Gu Zhiheng began rambling on and on by himself.

Yet judging by his words, he did not harbor the slightest objection. Why had he been keeping such a gloomy face all along, then?

"I'm not opposed to it. I was just asking for your views on this relationship. If you've truly decided to spend the rest of your lives together, as your older brother, it's only natural for me to do something for you." Putting away his stern expression, he smiled at the two of them.

He only hoped that their feelings for this relationship were genuine, that they harbored the intention of going through life together, and that they were prepared for marriage, children, and a lifelong commitment.

"Brother, don't worry. I will stay with Xiaxia for the rest of my life, and no matter what difficulties we encounter, I will never leave her." Jun Luan declared his sincerity directly. His feelings for Gu Zhixia were earnest, and not merely because she was now considered family.

She was the woman he loved, and he wanted to spend a lifetime with her, marrying her and having children—these were the only things he wished to do with her.

"I'm willing, too. But isn't it a bit too early to talk about getting married and having children right now? Shouldn't we consider postponing it?" Gu Zhixia felt that things might be moving a little too fast; after all, she was still a student!

Hearing Gu Zhixia's words, the others burst into laughter. Was this girl a bit too silly and innocent?

"My point is that if you're truly certain about this relationship, I'll prepare all of this in advance. I didn't say I'm forcing you to marry and have kids right this instant." Waving his hand, Gu Zhiheng signaled Gu Zhixia to keep quiet, fearing that if she said any more, Jun Luan might change his mind.

However, knowing that they had committed to each other, he really did need to make preparations in advance. After all, time was running short.

He did not want to miss the wedding of his younger sister and brother, yet he feared he might not even have the opportunity to attend it. All he could do was prepare everything for them beforehand.

Watching the two figures holding hands as they walked away, Gu Zhiheng suddenly grew restless. As he accumulated various emotional bonds, the things he had to worry about steadily increased.

He constantly complained in his heart that there was too little time and too many things he wanted to do, but time always flew by too fast, and he could never keep pace with it.

"In this modern society, romance is free. How could I possibly object? I just wanted to know if they had truly prepared themselves in their hearts to spend a lifetime with each other." Knowing that Fang He was also curious, Gu Zhiheng explained the reason behind his actions.

"I was wondering why a shameless fellow like you suddenly decided to meddle in other people's business. So that's how it is!" Fang He chuckled, preparing to make a run for it.

Unfortunately, Gu Zhiheng did not give him that chance. Since he had dared to curse him in his thoughts, he had to accept his punishment.

Besides, given how many times Fang He had cursed him inwardly, it was hardly unreasonable for him to slap him once!

That piece of blood jade was truly useful; as long as both of them bound it with their blood, the former would instantly know every single thought of the latter.

Only he knew about this secret, and he had only found out after Fang He performed the blood-binding.

"Dating is free. Should we also go out and find a girl to try out what it feels like to be in love?" Remembering something suddenly, Fang He turned around and looked at Gu Zhiheng, asking with a deadpan expression.

"No, the seven emotions and six desires are too complicated, and a woman's heart even more so. It's better to be alone." Gu Zhiheng glanced at Fang He as if looking at a fool, then stood up and walked back to the villa.

How boring. It was better to return to his bedroom, lie down, play on his phone, and finalize the details of Gu Zhixia and Jun Luan's upcoming nuptials.

His eldest sister and brother-in-law would likely register their marriage soon, but there was no need for him to go over; they had invited no one outside the immediate family.

Besides, since he was an ex-boyfriend of sorts, it was probably best not to show up and cause unnecessary trouble.

Back in his bedroom, he picked up his phone and made several phone calls, a process that lasted for hours. No one knew what Gu Zhiheng had done during those hours.

Once everything was properly arranged, Gu Zhiheng felt a sense of complete relief. This was for the best; when the time came for him to leave, he would not be weighed down by too many lingering attachments.

Turning around, he looked out the window. A starry night sky—it was already quite late!

Rising to his feet, he went downstairs, intending to grab a bite to eat, take a shower, change his clothes, and head out.

While everyone else rested peacefully, he would go out to accomplish certain covert tasks. After all, such matters were best handled under the cover of night.

Upon reaching the ground floor, he found that the others had not retired yet. They were sitting in the living room, quietly minding their own business without making a sound.

Walking over to the living room, he scooped up the chubby He Yu and playfully frightened her: "It's already nine o'clock and you're still not sleeping? If Yu'er doesn't go to bed early, she won't grow tall and might even turn ugly!"

Thanks to the Gu family, this child had been eating much better, and her health had recovered remarkably. She no longer possessed the emaciated appearance of the past.

Now