Chapter Fifty-Seven: Returning Tomorrow Afternoon

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Looking at the chaotic scene in the company, Gu Zhiheng wore an expression of utter impatience.

It was indeed his first time here, but even on his first visit, he already had a taste of the open and covert sarcasm, the scheming and deception that thrived among office workers in the big city.

The man at his side was his father’s assistant, a man in his thirties.

“Ninth Master, you can just come straight up next time. The fingerprint lock is set for you.” The assistant wiped a cold sweat from his brow. If he hadn’t rushed down in time, a real mess could have broken out today.

If only he’d known the chairman was visiting, he would have warned those clueless employees not to show their faces.

“No need to call me ‘Chairman.’ I’m not the head of Gu Corporation. Don’t use that title again.” The title of chairman was not one he cared to bear; he didn’t like it much.

To accept it would mean taking on the responsibilities of managing the company, and he preferred freedom. Rather than running a business in the mundane world, he much preferred dealing with all manner of spirits and supernatural beings.

Even if those creatures were cunning and crafty, they were still far more straightforward than city folk.

“The old master is waiting for you in the office. I’ll get back to work—just call if you need anything.” The assistant spoke politely, then left with a stack of documents.

Gu Zhiheng walked to the office door, knocked, and entered when he heard his father's voice.

“Dad, how’s work? No troubles, I hope!” He flopped onto the sofa, exhausted from walking so much that day.

“It’s going well. Steady progress. You don’t need to worry about anything—your old man has it all in hand.” His son was grown now, showing concern for him at last!

“All right, then. I’ll be heading back tomorrow afternoon. I just came by to check on things.” Since he wasn’t needed, he might as well get back to his own business.

That morning, he had done a divination and discovered that those three shameless companions—Mo Han and the others—had actually left without him, setting out on their own.

Their next mission was in Song City, a third-tier city, but still a bustling place.

Though not densely populated, the city was vast and resource-rich, a worthwhile place to visit.

Their target was a female ghost—a hundred-year-old vengeful spirit, on par with Chu Xingran in terms of power.

But this one was fiercer than Chu Xingran, and in recent years had gone completely mad, attacking anyone—human or supernatural—who crossed her path.

They weren’t just going there to claim the ghost’s heart, but to put an end to the local threat once and for all.

Such malevolent spirits were not uncommon there; every February and August, all manner of wandering souls would emerge to wreak havoc.

“Dad, after I leave, keep an eye on things at home. Don’t get so caught up in work.” His mother’s condition really wasn’t suitable for long stays at home.

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“All right, I’ll remember. Take care of yourself out there, and listen to your sister.” The Gu family still had some reservations about Chu Xingran—she was a madwoman, and when she fought, she cared nothing for anyone.

Back then, Chu Xingran had caused the Gu family no end of trouble on Gu Zhiheng’s behalf.

But with her keeping an eye on Gu Zhiheng, Gu Minghui and Qin Anlu felt much more at ease, for they knew Chu Xingran genuinely cared for him.

Gu Minghui said no more. He trusted his son’s judgment, and as a father, he ought to show faith in him.

Since his son would be leaving the next day, it would do no good to try to stop him.

Sooner or later, someone would have to shoulder the Gu family’s burdens, and now that responsibility rested with Gu Zhiheng.

“I’ll just rest here for a while. You go on with your work—don’t mind me. I’m exhausted from all the walking today.” As there were no outsiders in the office, Gu Zhiheng sprawled out and began playing on his phone.

Gu Minghui left him to it and turned back to his own tasks.

With the company and the Gu family entrusted to him, he could not let his son down; he was determined to do his best.

From time to time, he glanced up at his son playing games, and felt that his life had been worthwhile.

It was just a shame his wife and children had suffered so much hardship for it all.

Thankfully, their time of suffering was over, and the family could finally enjoy a normal life.

Time had flown by; it had been twenty-three years since Gu Zhiheng was born, all in the blink of an eye.

In just a few months, it would be Gu Zhiheng’s birthday, his twenty-fourth.

Yet, given how fate was entwined, it seemed likely he would live out his days in solitude.

Only Gu Minghui knew this. The rest of the family, even the elders in the ancestral shrine, were unaware.

The truth was, Gu Zhiheng had been born under the Star of Calamity.

To spare his son a life of endless hardship, Gu Minghui had secretly sought someone to transfer luck to him—the donor being none other than his own eldest daughter.

He knew it was unfair to Gu Zhixin, but there was no alternative; if he did not, one of the two children would surely suffer disaster.

He would rather both children endure some hardship than see one die young—for they were both his flesh and blood, and he could not bear to lose either.

...

That night, after dinner, Gu Zhiheng announced his imminent departure.

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A subtle tension filled the house; even He Yu, who usually clamored to be picked up by Gu Zhiheng, fell silent.

Gu Zhiheng knew his family was reluctant to see him go, but he had no choice.

The taste of parting was bitter indeed, and he was coming to understand more and more about worldly emotions.

Yet, once again faced with the sorrow of farewell, he found himself at a loss.

“I’ll come back to visit when I can. Don’t worry about me—just take good care of yourselves.” He was never good at comforting others and could only urge them to look after themselves.

It was getting late, so Gu Zhiheng encouraged his family members, young and old, to get some rest. Staying up late was a bad habit.

After everyone retired to their rooms, Gu Zhiheng sat alone in the living room for a long while, unable to understand why parting left such a lingering sadness in his heart.

Clearly, there would be other meetings, other chances—so why was it so hard to say goodbye?

Time slipped by as he pondered, but he found no answer and eventually gave up.

He returned to his bedroom to rest, thinking that perhaps, in time, he would come to understand.

In truth, it had been a happy day—whether for the company of family or the anticipation of the journey ahead, everything was a source of joy.

Lying in bed, he thought of many things: of his childhood, of recent events, and realized how little he truly understood.

What were love, desire, and all the emotions and attachments that people spoke of? Why did he not understand them, why did everyone else feel so strongly, and why was he different?

Even the spirits seemed to grasp these things better than he did. Why was it so difficult for him, despite all his efforts?

Gu Zhiheng: “Sister, does your heart ache at parting?”

Gu Zhiheng: “Why do we grow accustomed to things, become dependent, and then find it so hard to let go?”

Gu Zhiheng: “Why can’t I feel what others feel? I’m human too—so why am I different?”

Why—was it simply because he was Gu Zhiheng?

Because of all that had happened in the Gu family, had everything fallen upon his shoulders, and did that mean he was not allowed the emotions of an ordinary person?