Chapter Seventy-One: Jiashi City (5)

The present Gu Zhiheng is nothing like he once was—sometimes, he even resembles Chu Xingran from before. Of course, he lacks Chu Xingran’s boldness to love and hate; Gu Zhiheng is always restrained in whatever he does.

The night breeze was still a little chilly. After wandering around the streets for a while and finding nothing interesting, Gu Zhiheng returned to his hotel. It seemed the next month would be dreadfully dull for him: eating, sleeping, going out for a drink, maybe running into some lovely ladies from time to time. The days would slip by quickly enough.

Jiacheng itself is quite a pleasant place. If not for the annual summer appearance of the red-tailed foxes, it would truly be ideal for retirement. Life here moves at an easy, unhurried pace; everything feels comfortable, free, and leisurely.

Ding—

His phone chimed suddenly in his pocket. Gu Zhiheng wondered who could be messaging him so late. He pulled it out and saw, to his surprise, it was Jun Luan.

Jun Luan: “Big brother, I’m starting work at the company tomorrow. I’m so nervous tonight I can’t sleep.”

Gu Zhiheng: “Don’t overthink it. Get some rest. Make a good impression on your first day.”

Jun Luan: “I won’t bother you anymore. You rest early, take care of yourself.”

Gu Zhiheng: “Enough chatter, go to bed. Good night.”

Just like a child, just like Gu Zhixia, a pair of fools who bombard him with hundreds of messages every day.

Back in his room, he showered and sat for a while on the sofa, pondering what Liu Wen had said, and also thinking about Wu Xiaowen. Given the Wu family’s standing in Jiacheng, other spirits shouldn’t cause trouble on their turf—so why would they allow the red-tailed fox to run amok?

Or perhaps, the red-tailed foxes are so brazen in Jiacheng precisely because they're backed by the Wu family?

These matters are troublesome—not because they’re complicated, but because the relationships behind them are too intricate. He really couldn’t move against the Wu family, not without considering Old Golden Pheasant Wu Song’s face and giving the Wu family some respect.

But if he didn't act and ignored the Wu family, resolving his own issues would be difficult.

If the Wu family truly had bought off the red-tailed foxes, they would surely protect them, which would make things much harder for him.

If only Wu Song, that old fellow, had a phone—he’d have called to ask if it was alright to rough up his family. After all, if someone was getting in his way, Wu Song would surely discipline his kin.

Although the Wu family is now deeply entrenched in the mortal world, no matter how worldly they become, Wu Song remains their ancestor. That is a fact no one in the Wu family would deny.

Thinking along these lines, Gu Zhiheng felt he could act directly, and if necessary, bring out Wu Song’s name. He doubted the Wu family would disregard their own ancestor’s dignity.

He mulled over many things, and once he felt he had sorted out enough, he gradually drifted off to sleep.

Tomorrow, he would visit Jiacheng University and see how many spirits lurked there, and whether they posed any threat to the ordinary students.

The night slowly passed; northern nights are truly quiet. The chill was real, too—the wind raised goosebumps and the temperature difference between morning and evening was stark.

Gu Zhiheng fumbled for his quilt and slept soundly through the night. Since he had dealt with the spirits preceding the red-tailed fox, he would simply wait here, living among mortals for a while.

In the future, when alone, he would be able to quickly blend into the crowd of ordinary people.

Perhaps it was because he was used to hotels, but Gu Zhiheng found the hotel bed exceedingly comfortable—the sheets and covers were just the right softness. He slept longer than usual, not rising until after nine, mostly because he had drunk too much the night before.

Since leaving the ancestral hall, his drinking had increased, and his tolerance, too. But he was accustomed to the numbness brought by alcohol; after a bath, he could sleep anywhere.

At nine in the morning, the sun cast its golden rays. The northern sunrise and sunset were breathtakingly beautiful.

Gu Zhiheng habitually took out his phone, snapped a few photos, and sent them to the family group chat, along with a selfie. He felt the urge to do so, as a daily reassurance of his well-being.

Seeing the message sent successfully, he pocketed his phone, wandered the streets a bit, and found a breakfast shop to enter.

He ordered a basket of soup dumplings, a bowl of soy milk, and a scallion pancake.

At this hour, the breakfast shop was nearly empty. Gu Zhiheng sat and ate slowly, thinking about what he should do next.

Should he go to Jiacheng University now?

Would he run into Wu Xiaowen? Could he ask her about the Wu family’s situation?

He wondered if her family could arrange a phone for Old Golden Pheasant Wu Song, so he could stay in contact with them.

Breakfast took half an hour. Once full, he wandered the streets again—life was so dull.

Drinking so early in the morning felt wrong, and he knew no one locally. Truly, boredom.

He considered visiting Liu Qi to see if he was alright after last night, but remembered he had given him a talisman. That should suffice; best not to disturb him.

Liu Wen was probably still with Liu Qi, unlikely to leave until the matter was resolved.

“Hey, why are you alone on the street?” A sweet female voice; it was Wu Xiaowen.

“So are you—hardly anything strange about it.” Gu Zhiheng grinned roguishly, dodging her outstretched hand.

He didn’t wish for excessive contact with the Wu family, only to know whether they had ties to the red-tailed foxes. The rest didn’t interest him.

He had no interest in romance; it was a waste of time, even though Wu Xiaowen was undeniably beautiful.

But he felt nothing; women held no appeal for him.

“Have you eaten? I’ll take you around our campus,” Wu Xiaowen said naturally, taking his hand and pulling him forward.

Jiacheng University was a bit far—they’d need to drive or take a cab.

“Take my car. I drove over, and I’m a good driver.”

Gu Zhiheng offered no resistance, letting Wu Xiaowen lead him toward the nearby parking lot. After all, he intended to visit Jiacheng University, and if someone was willing to accompany him, he didn’t mind.

Still, since she was a Wu family member, he felt some reservations. They stood on opposite sides, after all; who knew if their intentions were truly benign?

Together, they walked to the parking space. He watched Wu Xiaowen back the car out and, without much thought, got in.

As the saying goes, what must come will come; there’s no escaping it.