Chapter 41: Unbearable Past

**Chapter 41: Unbearable Past

Gu Hongxiao was visibly moved upon hearing the growth statistics. In recent years, they had been studying several internet giants, and it was clear that Manjie's revenue had been steadily increasing. This demonstrated that not only were ACG enthusiasts growing in number, but their purchasing power was also strengthening.

Indeed, many from the 85s and 90s, who were among the first to engage with ACG culture, were now working and had substantial purchasing power. The expansion of ACG culture seemed inevitable.

Any new market presents a huge opportunity. Rather than waiting for an outsider to establish such a company and then investing or acquiring it, Gu Hongxiao considered letting his daughter use the funds to start a venture and later integrate it under Qiandu if it proved successful.

However, before making any decisions, Gu Hongxiao needed to assess the potential and scale of the ACG culture.

He thought for a moment and said, "Alright, I'll have the market research department look into it and see if it's feasible."

Gu Qianli smiled slightly and replied, "Great. I'll leave it to you then."

Gu Hongxiao shook his head with a smile and said, "Let's eat first."

"Sure."

...

Meanwhile, back in the bustling metropolis of Magic City, Lin Pinzhang had returned home after a long time.

The servants helped him put away his briefcase and suit jacket, and he finally relaxed.

"Sir, Young Master is home for the break and mentioned he needs to see you," a servant said.

Lin Pinzhang frowned. "Did he say what it was about? That kid... he didn't get into trouble, did he?"

His face darkened momentarily, but then he recalled the tragic incident involving his brother's family and sighed.

"Ah, well, as long as he's not in serious trouble."

He had come to terms with the fact that as long as Lin Youan didn't cause major issues, that was good enough. Even if he was just a playboy, it was better than the tragedy that had befallen his brother's family.

Years ago, he had seen his brother's strict education produce exceptional children. Especially his eldest nephew, Lin Yintang, who entered Jingfen University at sixteen and earned dual doctorates in computer applications and physics by twenty-three. He was a well-known genius, covered by newspapers and all.

Lin Pinzhang admired him greatly, especially when he compared him to his own son, who struggled at Magic City Polytechnic. But then, the tragic event occurred, resulting in the deaths of three out of four family members and the disappearance of his nephew Lin Yintang.

It seemed that the immense pressure from his brother and sister-in-law had led to the incident...

Sigh... Talent varies from person to person. It's better to accept it.

Lin Pinzhang decided not to burden Lin Youan with too much pressure.

"Call him over," he said, sitting down on the living room sofa.

"Yes, sir."

The servant went to fetch Lin Youan.

When Lin Youan arrived and saw his father, he nervously greeted, "Dad."

"Sit down and tell me what's going on..." Lin Pinzhang sighed and said gently, "You haven't caused any trouble, have you?"

"No," Lin Youan replied as he sat down. "Actually, I wanted to tell you that I might have... run into Tang Ge."

"Tang Ge?"

[translator: sauron]

Lin Pinzhang was taken aback and then asked excitedly, "Are you talking about Yintang?"

Lin Yintang had been missing for over two years. As Lin Pinzhang's nephew, his disappearance had been a significant concern for him.

"Yes... but I'm not sure if it was really him. He looked very much like Tang Ge, but he seemed like a different person."

Lin Youan said, "He looked very similar, and his ID photo was identical to the one I knew of Tang Ge."

"That must be Yintang!" Lin Pinzhang said excitedly.

"But he said his name is Lin Qingshan, not Lin Yintang," Lin Youan said, confused. "His ID also says Lin Qingshan, not Tang Ge's name."

Lin Pinzhang frowned and said, "Could it be that Yintang changed his name after the incident?"

"Is that possible?" Lin Youan asked.

"After the incident, his household registration shows him as the head of the household... So, it's possible for him to change his name and get a new ID," Lin Pinzhang replied, slightly annoyed. "Can't you figure that out?"

"But the most crucial point is that Tang Ge seems like a different person now. I almost thought I had mistaken him for someone else."

Lin Youan said with a wry smile.

"Now... how has Yintang changed?" Lin Pinzhang asked hesitantly.

"He has long hair now, and he doesn't seem as serious as before. He's always smiling and acting rather frivolous. He's not like the Tang Ge I knew," Lin Youan said, now convinced that Lin Qingshan was indeed his cousin Lin Yintang.

Lin Pinzhang sighed, "It seems that the incident caused Yintang significant psychological trauma. He probably changed his name to avoid reminders of the past."

Lin Youan understood, "Yes... after all, no one expected that Liu Ge would..."

"Alright, enough about that. Where is Yintang now? Regardless, we're family, and we need to take care of him."

Lin Pinzhang asked.

"Actually... I didn't ask. But Tang Ge is now quite close to a girl I know," Lin Youan said, resigning himself.

He had previously had some interest in Gu Qianli, as it was natural to admire a refined and elegant woman. But now that he knew his admired cousin also liked Gu Qianli, he decided to give up.

His cousin was always so exceptional that Lin Youan had no confidence to compete.

"Call that girl you know," Lin Pinzhang said directly, "Ask her for Tang Ge's current address."

Lin Youan awkwardly replied, "I don't have her number..."

"But!" Seeing his father's increasingly displeased expression, Lin Youan quickly added, "I have her roommate's number. I can contact her roommate for the contact details and ask about Tang Ge's address!"

---

(End of Chapter)