Chapter 318 Skilled in Social Interaction

As the two were chatting, Zhou Anping's eyes were filled with longing as he murmured, "I wonder when Qingshan will be able to move uphill again. When that happens, I'll move to a more spacious house with a yard. I'll learn from you, grow some flowers and plants, and clear out a plot of land to grow some vegetables. That's what life should be like."

These words concerned the future of the Meng family, and Nan Zhiyi could not comment casually, so she simply smiled and did not respond.

Just then, the sound of a jeep came from outside the courtyard.

"Fifth Brother is back."

As Nan Zhiyi spoke, she stood up and quickly went out to greet them.

Gu Xiao got out of the driver's seat, followed by Qin Fen and Li Xiaoxuan.

When Gu Xiao saw Nan Zhiyi, he spoke first to explain: "I ran into Lao Qin at the meeting today. He mentioned that it was Xiaoman's birthday today, and he and Xiaoxuan insisted on coming over to join in the fun and add some joy to the child."

Although Nan Zhiyi was surprised, she immediately put on a warm smile: "Minister Qin, Comrade Li, welcome, welcome! Please come in, it's an honor to have you here."

She stepped aside to let the guest pass.

Li Xiaoxuan wore a brightly colored shirt today, which made her look even more neat and cheerful.

She stepped forward, took Nan Zhiyi's hand affectionately, and spoke to her as gently as a spring breeze.

"Sister-in-law, please don't be so polite! Just call me Xiaoxuan from now on, and you can just call my husband Lao Qin, it'll sound more friendly!"

She speaks a little fast, but it doesn't feel offensive; instead, it gives off a natural sense of familiarity.

Before Nan Zhiyi could respond, Li Xiaoxuan had already taken a beautifully packaged large box from Qin Fen and handed it over with a smile: "Sister-in-law, I brought a small gift for the birthday girl. See if Xiaoman likes it."

The box looked expensive, with colorful and uniquely designed plastic building block patterns printed on it, like something you'd buy from a Friendship Store.

Nan Zhiyi looked at Gu Xiao, who nodded slightly.

Nan Zhiyi then accepted the gift and said to Li Xiaoxuan, "Xiaoxuan, you've gone to too much trouble..."

"It's nothing, sister-in-law, don't be so polite." Li Xiaoxuan took Nan Zhiyi's arm and walked naturally into the yard. "Where's the birthday boy? Take me to see him!"

Nan Zhiyi, being held by her arm, turned back and glanced at Gu Xiao again.

Gu Xiao and Qin Fen were walking side by side behind, talking in hushed tones. Sensing her gaze, Gu Xiao looked up and gave her a reassuring look.

Nan Zhiyi also relaxed.

Upon entering the courtyard, Nan Zhiyi introduced Zhou Anping and Li Xiaoxuan to each other: "Anping, this is Minister Qin Fen's wife, Comrade Li Xiaoxuan. Xiaoxuan, this is Zhou Anping, my childhood friend, who now works in the cultural troupe."

Li Xiaoxuan warmly extended her hand to Zhou Anping with a bright smile: "Comrade Anping, hello! No wonder you have such a good temperament, so you're from the cultural troupe. It's great to meet you today."

As she spoke, she turned to Nan Zhiyi and said, "Sister-in-law, I should have come to visit you more often. Look at you, you look like someone from a painting, and your sisters are all so beautiful. I'm so glad I came today!"

Zhou Anping was a little embarrassed by her praise. He reached out and shook her hand gently, responding in a generous manner: "Comrade Xiaoxuan, you flatter me. You are the one who is truly spirited. Your arrival has made our courtyard even brighter."

Nan Zhiyi was amused by Li Xiaoxuan's words and gently patted her arm: "You're so sweet-talking. Anping is a dancer, so her figure and temperament are naturally good. I'm just an ordinary person, so I can't accept such praise from you."

Gu Xiao and Qin Fen entered the courtyard. He saw that Nan Zhiyi was still holding a box, so he reached out and took it from her. He then called to the others, "Don't stand in the courtyard. Come in and sit down. Have some tea."

Everyone then laughed and moved into the living room.

As the hostess, Nan Zhiyi hurriedly went to make tea.

Gu Xiao briefly introduced Zhou Anping, Meng Qingshan, Qin Fen, and Li Xiaoxuan to each other.

Although Qin Fen was a cadre, he was very approachable in private, and with Gu Xiao's connection to him, the group quickly started chatting.

When Nan Zhiyi brought out the tea, she saw Li Xiaoxuan helping Xiaoman unpack her new toys. She felt grateful for Li Xiaoxuan's thoughtfulness and then went to the kitchen for a quick look.

"Sister Zhang, is there enough food? We have two extra guests."

"I've prepared plenty of food, enough for two more guests. I also steamed an extra fish and added some garlic greens. It'll be ready soon."

"Sister Zhang is so thoughtful."

Nan Zhiyi turned around and went to the cupboard to find a set of white porcelain plates with blue rims, intending to use them when cutting the cake later to make it look more formal.

At dinner time, the restaurant was brightly lit, and the tables were laden with a sumptuous feast.

The table was full of young people, and with Qin Fen and his wife being so adept at social interaction, the atmosphere was very harmonious.

After the meal, Sister Zhang neatly cleared away the dishes, and Nan Zhiyi placed the beautiful cream and fruit cake in the center of the table. Gu Xiao lit three small colored candles.

"Wow!" Xiaoman exclaimed in surprise when she saw the cake.

Zhou Anping suggested with a smile, "Come on, let's sing a birthday song for Xiaoman."

Li Xiaoxuan was the first to clap in response, and the others followed suit, clapping and singing along.

Nan Zhiyi looked at her son tenderly. Xiaoman was a little shy, but also incredibly excited.

After singing, he puffed out his cheeks and blew out three colorful candles in one breath, winning a round of applause. His little face was flushed.

Gu Xiao took the cake knife. "Honey, I'll cut it. You help me divide it into plates."

He divided the cake into even pieces, and Nan Zhiyi took each piece on a porcelain plate, first handing it to the birthday boy, and then to the guests in turn.