Chapter 310 Merit

That night, Nan Zhiyi was determined not to let Gu Xiao get away with it so easily.

She stood in front of him and reached out to unbutton his loungewear.

Gu Xiao raised an eyebrow slightly and smiled teasingly: "I never thought my wife would be so enthusiastic and proactive one day."

Nan Zhiyi's ears turned even redder, but her hands didn't stop moving. "We've been married for so long, let me see what's wrong?"

Gu Xiao obediently bent down slightly to accommodate her height, making it easier for her to move.

His deep gaze lingered on her face, focused and burning, as if it could draw her into a bottomless sea that held only her.

Nan Zhiyi avoided his overly alluring gaze and focused on the movements of her hands.

One button, two buttons... one by one, the fabric slid open to reveal his chest and muscular waist.

Under the light, on his tanned skin, besides a few faint old marks from long ago, there were indeed a few hideous new scars, as if they had been cut by something sharp. Although they had healed, the pink new flesh was still clearly visible against the surrounding skin.

Fortunately, there were no more serious injuries.

Her fingertips gently brushed over the newly added wounds, carrying a slight tremor of coolness.

Gu Xiao's muscles tensed for a moment, then relaxed, allowing her to touch him.

"Are you relieved now?" He took her wandering hand and placed it on her left chest where her heart was beating; the steady, powerful pulse could be felt through his palm.

Nan Zhiyi raised her eyes and looked at his face as he approached, using the lamplight as a guide.

"Gu Xiao, I'm always worried about you."

She looked into his eyes, as if she wanted to tell him all the torment she had endured over the past few months, and repeated, "Gu Xiao, I'm always so worried about you."

Gu Xiao felt a pang of sorrow in his heart. He pulled her into his arms, his forehead touching hers, their breaths mingling.

“Don’t be afraid. In the future, there should be fewer and fewer missions that require direct frontline combat.” He carefully considered the limits he could reveal and said softly, “This time we were very well prepared, almost like a thunderbolt. In just the first few days, the artillery fire leveled several important hilltop positions on the other side. The deterrent effect was very obvious.”

He didn't go into any more details, but Nan Zhiyi could understand what he was trying to say.

The country won, won decisively, and he returned safely.

That's enough.

She didn't ask any more questions, but hugged him tighter, buried her face in his open, warm chest, and said in a muffled voice, "Mmm. Your safe return is the most important thing."

Gu Xiao pulled her closer, completely encircling her in his embrace. He lowered his head and kissed her forehead, all the unspoken words and surging emotions flowing into this hug.

The two embraced quietly for a moment.

Gu Xiao rubbed his chin against her cheek.

"Honey, this mission will be recognized as a meritorious service by the higher-ups."

Nan Zhiyi moved slightly, but did not exclaim in surprise; she simply pressed herself even closer to him.

Such achievements are built on blood and the edge of a knife; she would rather he didn't...

But she couldn't bring herself to say it, and silently wiped the corner of her eye with her fingertips.

Gu Xiao continued, "The medals and official orders will probably take some time; the post-war debriefing and evaluation of merits and awards all require procedures. There should be a bonus, and I plan to distribute this money to the families of several fallen comrades. The state provides compensation, but this is my heartfelt gesture. Their families will have many expenses in the future."

Nan Zhiyi replied, "Okay, that's what I should do."

She gently patted his back, as if to comfort him or to offer support.

Gu Xiao sighed, "I knew you would support me."

Unwilling to dwell on that heavy feeling any longer, he changed the subject, "I've finished reporting on this mission, and the higher-ups have given me two days off to relax. I'll take you to school tomorrow morning."

"Okay." Nan Zhiyi nodded gently in his arms.

Gu Xiao knew his wife's emotions were fluctuating wildly, and he figured she didn't want to talk anymore, so he carried her back to bed.

He patted her back and said, "Go to sleep. I'll be your personal driver for the next couple of days."

Nan Zhiyi rested her head against his neck, completely enveloped by his breath, and quickly fell asleep.

I slept without any dreams.

The next morning, she was gently awakened by Gu Xiao.

Gu Xiao had already tidied herself up. He rarely had free time, so he personally squeezed toothpaste for her, wrung out a hot towel, and even chose the dress for her to wear today, patiently helping her change.

After going downstairs, Gu Xiao personally went to the kitchen to bring out breakfast and brought it to her.

Nan Zhiyi sat at the dining table, watching his busy figure in the morning light.

He wore a plain white shirt and black trousers. Without the constraints of a military uniform, his broad shoulders and long legs appeared even more striking, making him look elegant and upright.

The morning light streamed through the glass window, casting shadows on his profile and making even his slightly drooping eyelashes clearly visible.

Nan Zhiyi was somewhat lost in thought, feeling a little itchy to try it herself.

Gu Xiao put down the bowl and plate, catching her focused gaze that she hadn't had time to look away from.

He raised an eyebrow slightly: "What? Stunned?"

Nan Zhiyi didn't dodge. She imitated how he usually teased her, slightly raising her chin and replying, "Yes, you are a feast for the eyes. Looking at you, I can eat an extra bowl of rice this morning."

Gu Xiao squeezed her fingers. "Okay, then I'll have to keep an eye on you."

After dinner, Gu Xiao drove her to school.

When they arrived at the gate of Peking University, Nan Zhiyi was about to get out of the car with her bag when Gu Xiao suddenly leaned over and lightly bit her lip. "Come out on time after school, I'll pick you up."

Nan Zhiyi winced in pain and glared at him with a mix of coquettishness and reproach.

Gu Xiao's smile deepened, and he made a move to come closer again, but she nimbly dodged him.

"You scoundrel!" she scoffed, then pushed open the car door and got out.

Nan Zhiyi was in an exceptionally good mood all day, and even when her teacher assigned three papers, she was still all smiles.

This left Shan Xiaoyan and Yang Mei completely puzzled.

When school was over, Nan Zhiyi waved to the two of them, packed up her books and stationery, and walked briskly toward the school gate.

Seeing Gu Xiao leaning against the jeep in the distance, she unconsciously quickened her pace and jogged over.

Gu Xiao stepped forward, took the handbag from her shoulder, and led her to the car.

"It's still early, where would you like to go for a stroll?"

Nan Zhiyi then remembered something and hurriedly said, "I need to go to the courtyard house first. Last time I went there, I left some important reference books there, and I've been so busy these past few days that I forgot to take them."

Gu Xiao nodded and started the car.

Stepping back into the courtyard, Nan Zhiyi looked at the empty space and slapped her forehead: "Look at my memory! I was so focused on getting the books that I almost forgot about the important matter. I was planning to find a knowledgeable craftsman to design this courtyard. Look at it now, it's still bare and lifeless."

Gu Xiao looked around the courtyard.

“That’s easy. I happen to be free tomorrow during the day. I’ll call and ask around to see if any of my friends know any reliable landscaping professionals.”

Upon hearing this, Nan Zhiyi beamed and hugged his neck, then stood on tiptoe and bit his chin in return: "Gu Xiao, you're so sweet!"

Her unintentional little action was like a spark igniting dry tinder.

Gu Xiao's eyes darkened, and his Adam's apple bobbed slightly.

Nan Zhiyi, however, was completely oblivious, still immersed in the excitement of planning the yard, and walked towards the backyard with Gu Xiao's arm in hers.

"Look here, and that abandoned fishpond over there, you can really design those. Xiaoman really likes fish, so we can raise a few..."

She gently shook his hand, her voice filled with longing, "Once it's all set up, we'll put a deck chair under that old locust tree in the backyard. We can sit there in the evening, enjoy the breeze, and read a book. How pleasant that would be..."

Gu Xiao's attention was no longer on the courtyard; his gaze was fixed on her lips.

He suddenly reached out and gently grasped her wrist, which was still gesturing, while his other hand supported the back of her neck. He lowered his head and kissed her.

"Um..." Her unfinished words were cut off.

Gu Xiao's kiss came suddenly and fiercely, lingering and sucking, captivating the soul.

She felt weak all over, her head was spinning, and she could barely stand. Her once neat clothes were now disheveled without her even realizing it.

After an unknown amount of time, Gu Xiao finally released her slightly, panting.

Nan Zhiyi, regaining her composure, punched his chest in embarrassment and anger, "In broad daylight...you pervert!"

Gu Xiao ignored her reproach and, with his arm around her waist, half-carried and half-supported her as they walked towards the main room, his steps quick and steady.

"Weren't you going to get a book? Come on..."

Nan Zhiyi was led away by him, muttering softly, "I...I'm not in a hurry to get it right now..."

Gu Xiao didn't stop walking; he led her straight into the bedroom and closed the door behind him.

Nan Zhiyi belatedly realized his intention and glared at him angrily: "The book isn't in this room... Besides, it's daytime now..."

She felt uneasy under the dark fire in his eyes and subconsciously took two steps back.

Gu Xiao pressed on even closer, deftly unbuttoning his shirt with one hand while holding her tighter in his arms with the other, gazing down at her with burning eyes:

"The book isn't urgent... but I'm in a huge rush..."

Before he finished speaking, he leaned down again, sealing away all her protests with even more fervent passion.

Outside the window, the sky was a clear blue, with a few wisps of clouds drifting lazily by, while inside, the spring sunshine was just right.