Chapter 4: Gu Wanzhou’s Quickening Heartbeat

Gu Wanzhou instinctively felt that Li Zhiyan's affection for her was misguided. A young man should be drawn to someone his own age.

Like her daughter, Yu Sisi.

"Of course, I know."

"The term comes from Sigmund Freud, who borrowed from the storyline of Greek playwright Sophocles' myth to create the concept."

Since his rebirth, Li Zhiyan noticed that his memory had sharpened significantly.

Perhaps this was one of the perks of being reborn.

"This myth, Oedipus Rex, tells the tale of Oedipus, who committed two grave sins—patricide and… the other."

As he spoke, a faint blush spread across the face of 41-year-old Gu Wanzhou.

Traditional Chinese culture often shied away from such topics, and as a woman raised in the '60s, Gu Wanzhou held firmly to those traditional values.

Yet, as she looked at Li Zhiyan, her eyes sparkled with a hint of admiration. Though he was young, his knowledge seemed vast. He could articulate the origins, authorship, and context of the Oedipal concept with ease.

"In our culture, such topics are mostly taboo."

"Men who favor older women often face discrimination, even if many secretly prefer mature women. It's something they dare not voice."

Li Zhiyan knew there were plenty of men who felt this way. Otherwise, certain films from Japan wouldn't cater to such a specific genre.

"Discrimination?"

Looking at the young man in front of her, Gu Wanzhou found him increasingly intriguing. He was only eighteen, yet seemed to understand everything.

"Yes, discrimination. Personally, I think it's entirely normal for men to have an Oedipal inclination."

"There's nothing shameful about preferring older women."

"But because our culture has long been male-dominated, only with reform and opening-up has this begun to shift."

"A woman's preference for powerful men, and a man's competitive nature, often drive men to pursue financial success."

"And when it comes to choosing a partner, the competition becomes about whose partner is younger and more beautiful."

"If a man chooses an older partner, society interprets it as a sign of weakness."

As he looked at Gu Wanzhou's elegant face across from him, Li Zhiyan found himself captivated by the charm unique to mature women.

"People often find ways to hide the parts of themselves they find shameful."

"So Oedipal feelings are something most men who like older women keep buried their whole lives. Even if they find an older girlfriend, they keep it a secret, afraid of the ridicule."

What he said made perfect sense to her, and as surprised as she was, it also felt entirely reasonable.

Yet, she had come here to correct his misguided feelings.

How had she ended up getting drawn into his logic instead?

"And so, under the influence of a patriarchal society, the idea of a 'little horse pulling a big cart' is often scorned. I don't believe there's anything wrong with it."

"If society can accept and respect homosexuality, then isn't it only fair to respect this normal, albeit less talked-about, preference for mature women?"

"Aunt Gu, I know you think I have an Oedipal complex. But I don't believe it's wrong or sinful."

"Maybe it's because I'm ordinary, from a single-parent household, lacking affection."

"So perhaps I do have some attachment issues."

Li Zhiyan was open about it; everyone had their own unique attachments. There was nothing to hide from as long as he faced it honestly.

"But my feelings for you aren't rooted in the Oedipus complex."

"I simply like you. I don't think it's wrong or something I shouldn't feel."

With a steady gaze, he looked at the beautiful woman across from him, wondering why he'd been so blind in his previous life to focus on the materialistic Yu Sisi rather than realizing the grace and beauty of Gu Wanzhou.

Back then, his experience was so shallow.

Even if he had liked Gu Wanzhou, he'd likely have only dared to sneak a photo to look at under the covers.

In this life, though, he could see all of Aunt Gu's virtues.

Most young girls were superficial and self-centered, only concerned with themselves. They never considered others' feelings.

But a mature woman like Gu Wanzhou? She was mindful of others' emotions.

The fact that she hadn't outright rejected him but instead brought him here for tea spoke volumes.

Intelligent, graceful, embodying many virtues of her generation.

How could young girls possibly compare?

For a moment, looking at the young man across from her, Gu Wanzhou, who was used to eloquently handling clients in her business, found herself at a loss for words.

She had intended to explain that what he felt was merely an Oedipal complex.

That his attraction was only a passing fantasy fueled by youthful urges.

But she hadn't expected him to dissect the matter from so many angles, even stating his feelings had nothing to do with Oedipus.

She couldn't help but feel astonished. He spoke with clarity, logic, and confidence.

For an eighteen-year-old to reason like this was truly impressive.

And then, she thought back to his mention of a "little horse pulling a big cart."

Somehow, her face began to heat slightly.

"So, Aunt Gu, will you consider being my girlfriend?"

"I want to be with you."

If he could, Li Zhiyan would've loved to share some wisdom with her—like names of historical figures who had overcome odds in romance.

Since his rebirth, he'd felt his hormones surging more strongly than ever, like he was always ready for anything.

Sunlight filtered through the leaves outside the window, casting mottled shadows. A light breeze rustled the green leaves, adding a gentle whisper to the quiet room.

In the play of shadows and light, Li Zhiyan's features appeared surprisingly handsome.

Seeing the serious look in his eyes, his earnest gaze, Gu Wanzhou felt her heart beat a little faster.

Yet, her reason remained intact.

Mature women tended to approach such matters with the lens of life experience, assessing situations carefully.

"Zhiyan, Auntie is already 41, and there's a 23-year age gap between us."

"I could be your mother."

"You should understand that this is simply impossible."

"Besides, society wouldn't accept a relationship like ours."

Li Zhiyan pressed on, "Aunt Gu, please don't turn me down like this. At least give me a chance."

"Even if you're 23 years older than me, I believe that age is just a number."

"It's like what they say in Forrest Gump—life is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you're going to get."

"Some things might not turn out the way we hope."

"But if we don't take a step forward, we'll just keep standing still."

Gu Wanzhou felt a bit dizzy from his words. She realized that unless she outright told him she didn't like him, this farce would never end. But she couldn't bring herself to say such hurtful words to someone young enough to be her son.

At this moment, she felt as if he was leading her along.

How was this kid so persuasive?

And, unexpectedly, she thought of his "little horse pulling a big cart" comment again.

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