Gu Maojie

Biodata

Background

Gu Maojie’s mother, Gu Yana, concealed her wealthy background while pursuing a relationship with Yan Lang. Hao Zhehan deceived her into believing that Yan Lang would marry Hao and that Hao was pregnant with his child. Yana left without telling Yan Lang about her own pregnancy and later died from childbirth complications. Maojie consequently grew up with his maternal uncle and grandfather, unaware of his father’s identity 2 28 89 90.

Although protected by Gu Weichen’s position, Maojie overheard other children calling him unwanted and suggesting that his father had rejected him because he was not a good child. These remarks contributed to his insecurity beneath his unusually mature, withdrawn manner 89 90.

Original Novel’s Storyline

In the original story remembered by Shen Xuanrun, Maojie and Shen Qianxin become childhood sweethearts. Yan Lang dies after being secretly murdered by his older brother, Yan Ming, around the age of thirty-six. Old Master Yan later recognizes Maojie’s resemblance to his younger son and confirms their relationship through a DNA test. After struggling against Yan Ming for control of the company, Maojie establishes City H’s largest business empire 2 28.

Shen Xuanrun’s intervention changes this course by helping Maojie reunite with Yan Lang while his father is still alive 88 89 90.

Appearance

• Solemn expression: Usually expressionless, with tightly furrowed brows that make him resemble a miniature executive 7.
• Formal bearing: Sits straight and keeps his clothing neat, closely resembling Gu Weichen’s manner 88.
• Family resemblance: Yan Lang notices that Maojie’s nose looks somewhat like his own before discovering their relationship 88.
• Occasional pigtails: Allows Shen Qianxin to tie his hair into two little pigtails, despite privately protesting that this is her preference rather than his 50.

Personality

Maojie idolizes Gu Weichen and copies his cold expression and reserved behavior. He dismisses other children as noisy, calls cartoons and games childish, and is highly protective of his dignity. His sharp internal commentary contrasts with his outward composure, particularly when adults embarrass him or misunderstand his preferences 7 24 50 99.

His actions are often kinder than his explanations. He accepts Qianxin’s handmade flower to avoid making her cry, lends her his jacket, and prevents Luo Yanyang from falling, then denies acting out of kindness. He also struggles to refuse his father and paternal grandfather when their disappointment or affection makes him feel guilty 7 49 87 98 99.

Despite his apparent indifference, Maojie deeply wants reassurance that he is loved. He waits up for Gu Weichen to show him a school reward and becomes visibly happier after receiving his uncle’s praise. His guarded manner finally breaks during his reunion with Yan Lang, when he accepts that he was never an unwanted child 8 90.

Story Role / Major Arcs

Kindergarten and Friendship with Shen Qianxin

After returning to China with Gu Weichen, Maojie transfers to Central Kindergarten and becomes Shen Qianxin’s classmate and deskmate. Initially silent and unreceptive, he accepts her handmade paper flower, allowing her to declare them friends. She later introduces him to Luo Yanyang 5 6 7 24.

During the kindergarten camping trip, Maojie recognizes Gu Weichen’s interest in Shen Xuanrun before Qianxin understands it, suggesting that he may soon have an aunt. He nevertheless finds his uncle’s attempts to attract Shen Xuanrun embarrassing 25.

Fever and the “Honorary Big Brother” Proposal

Maojie develops a fever after lending Qianxin his jacket when hers gets wet. To relieve her guilt, he insists that he became ill because he failed to keep his blanket on while sleeping. Gu Weichen supports the excuse, but Qianxin catches him lying 49.

Shen Xuanrun proposes making Maojie Qianxin’s honorary big brother, privately hoping to obstruct their future romance. Gu Weichen intervenes before the proposal goes further. On the journey back to kindergarten, Qianxin then mortifies Maojie by revealing the games he plays with her and the pigtails she ties in his hair 50.

Recognition by Yan Lang

After Maojie’s necklace cord breaks while he helps Luo Yanyang, Shen Xuanrun remembers that its ring is the love token Yan Lang gave Gu Yana. He arranges a dinner and repeatedly tries to expose the necklace. Yan Lang ultimately notices it when Maojie’s collar shifts after the meal 87 88.

Yan Lang recognizes the ring and explains his relationship with Yana. When asked whether he wants a paternity test, Maojie first asks why Yan Lang did not want his mother. After hearing that Yan Lang had searched for her and never knew about the pregnancy, Maojie agrees to testing but chooses to travel to the hospital with Gu Weichen 89.

The test confirms their relationship with a reported result of 99.99%. Maojie initially acts unconcerned, but calls Yan Lang “Dad” and embraces him after his father becomes distressed. Gu Weichen requires Yan Lang to resolve his family’s dangers before taking Maojie to stay with him 90.

Life Between Two Families

Maojie tells Gu Weichen that he will accept his uncle’s decision about where to live. The families eventually arrange for him to spend six months with each household 91 99.

Yan Lang’s enthusiastic attempts at bonding frequently embarrass him. During a picnic, Maojie agrees to play with Ultraman figures to spare his father’s feelings, then deliberately recruits Yan Nana into the game when she enjoys his discomfort 98.

By first grade, Maojie returns to the Gu household with an enormous collection of unwanted toys and clothing from Yan Lang and Old Master Yan. Gu Weichen mistakes his embarrassment for concealed enthusiasm and promises to buy more, refusing to believe Maojie’s protests 99.

Relationships

• Shen Qianxin / Little Xinxin — Deskmate and close friend; his childhood sweetheart in the original storyline. He accommodates her games and hairstyles while insisting that he is merely playing along. Their relatives’ marriage does not trouble him because they are not blood-related 2 50 82.
• Gu Weichen — Maternal uncle, guardian, and childhood role model. Maojie trusts his judgment, seeks his approval, and relies on him during the discovery of his paternity 7 8 89 91.
• Old Master Gu — Maternal grandfather who helps raise him and remains one of his homes after the reunion with Yan Lang 2 91 99.
• Gu Yana — Mother, who died giving birth to him. Maojie questions Yan Lang about her apparent abandonment and later asks what happened to the woman who deceived her 89 90.
• Yan Lang — Biological father. Their reunion answers Maojie’s fear of being unwanted, though Yan Lang’s emotional reactions and excessive gifts often leave him helpless 90 98 99.
• Shen Xuanrun — Qianxin’s older brother and Gu Weichen’s eventual husband. He views Maojie as a future rival for Qianxin’s affection but also engineers his recognition by Yan Lang 50 88 97.
• Luo Yanyang — Classmate introduced by Qianxin. Maojie calls him “Little Chubby Luo,” but later saves him from a fall 24 87.
• Yan Nana — Paternal aunt and frequent teasing opponent. Maojie retaliates when she mocks him or enjoys his embarrassment 98 99.
• Old Master Yan — Paternal grandfather, who dotes on him and adds to the collection of childish gifts Maojie finds difficult to refuse 99.

Notable Items

• Ring necklace — Holds Yan Lang’s love token to Gu Yana; its recognition leads directly to the paternity test. Its cord breaks when Luo Yanyang grabs it during a near-fall 87 89.
• Handmade paper flower — Qianxin’s friendship gift, accepted despite Maojie privately finding it ugly 7.
• School red flower and praise note — Maojie waits for Gu Weichen while clutching his reward. His uncle straightens it and leaves the message, “I saw it. Well done!” 8.
• Ultraman toys, plush figures, and pajamas — Gifts from the Yan household that he does not want but struggles to reject, including an Ultraman Tiga plush as tall as himself 99.

Notable Quotes

“Why... why didn't you want my mom...?” 89

“No, I really don't hate you, Dad.” 90

“If you're ever in danger, as long as it keeps you alive, no matter what you have to do, you must keep yourself alive.” 87