Chapter 334 Scenic Spots

While having breakfast, Nan Zhiyi specifically asked her sister-in-law and two nephews, "Today we're going out for a stroll, where would you most like to visit? The Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, or the Summer Palace?"

As soon as she finished speaking, Gu Yong and Gu Meng said in unison, "Fifth Aunt, we want to climb the Great Wall!"

The young man is full of energy; it seems he intends to put into practice the saying, "He who has not climbed the Great Wall is no true man."

Nan Zhiyi readily agreed: "Great! The Great Wall is worth a visit. Let's bring our cameras and take lots of photos to remember it by!"

Li Xiuqin glared at her two sons, "You two rascals, you really have no manners! You come here and immediately pick the farthest and most tiring place! Aren't you afraid of tiring out your fifth aunt!"

“Sister-in-law, what’s the big deal! Let the kids go if they want to. Climbing the Great Wall is a good way to stretch their muscles. It’s settled then. We’ll set off when Xiao Liu arrives. Let’s finish breakfast quickly and tidy up a bit.”

After dinner, Nan Zhiyi went back to her room and changed herself and Xiaoman into comfortable clothes for easy movement.

She found two more sun hats, put one on herself, and handed the other to her sister-in-law: "Sister-in-law, the sun is strong today, please wear this to shield yourself from the sun."

Sister Zhang prepared several military water bottles, filled them with cooled boiled water, and wrapped some snacks, eggs, and other simple food in oil paper.

"Sister-in-law, take this to eat on the way."

Just as Nan Zhiyi was about to reach out to take it, Li Xiuqin snatched it first and stuffed it into Gu Yong's arms, instructing, "Xiao Yong, the task of logistical support is now yours and your brother's! Carry the water, get the food, and take good care of your brother!"

Gu Yong and Gu Meng straightened their backs and said in loud voices, "We guarantee to complete the mission!"

With their fifth uncle away, the two boys were noticeably more relaxed in front of their fifth aunt, who always spoke softly.

Nan Zhiyi encouraged them, "Okay, then you two will have to work hard today! At noon, Aunt Wu will take you to find a good restaurant to treat you."

The eldest sister-in-law and her two nephews took the excited Xiaoman to the yard to wait for the car.

Nan Zhiyi went into the kitchen and said a few words to Sister Zhang: "We won't be back until before dinner. There's nothing to do at home during the day, so you can go home and rest too."

Sister Zhang was a little worried: "Sister-in-law, climbing the Great Wall isn't easy. It's so hot, and the road is long. Xiaoman is so young; it'll be tiring and sunny for him. I'm worried he won't be able to handle it. Maybe... we shouldn't take him? I'll stay home and watch him..."

Nan Zhiyi looked out the window and saw Xiaoman holding Gu Yong's hand with one hand and Gu Meng's hand with the other, her little face full of excitement.

“Sister Zhang, I understand your intentions. I see he's in a great mood, so let him go along. Don't worry, I know what I'm doing. If he gets tired halfway, I'll have him wait in the car or in a shady spot while Xiao Li continues shopping with your sister-in-law and the others. He won't push himself too hard.”

Sister Zhang could only nod: "Alright, please be careful and make sure Xiaoman doesn't get heatstroke."

She watched Xiaoman grow from such a tiny little thing to now being able to run and jump. He's well-behaved and sensible, and she's truly afraid he'll suffer even the slightest bit.

She saw the group off as they got into the jeep that Xiao Liu had driven, and watched the car drive away before letting out a soft sigh.

Over the next few days, Nan Zhiyi, along with her sister-in-law Li Xiuqin and two nephews, and driven by Xiao Liu, visited all the famous tourist attractions in Beijing.

The majestic Great Wall, the vast Temple of Heaven, the beautiful Summer Palace... I took many photos at each of these places.

She also extended her hospitality to the best of her ability, not only taking them to tourist attractions, but also to Donglaishun for hot pot, Quanjude for Peking duck, and even to several famous time-honored restaurants to sample Beijing cuisine.

Fortunately, with Xiao Liu as a capable helper, and with the boundless energy of Gu Yong and Gu Meng, who were both teenagers, Nan Zhiyi was able to save a lot of effort by taking turns carrying Xiao Man and carrying things along the way.

Xiaoman was carried on her brothers' shoulders and held in their arms in turn, enjoying the view and playing happily. Her little face was flushed with excitement all day long.

However, the high-intensity walking trip was still a considerable burden for someone like Nan Zhiyi who doesn't usually exercise.

She persevered entirely on her sense of responsibility to her family and her strong will.

After a few days, she felt as if her legs were filled with lead, especially her calves, which were sore, swollen, and extremely stiff.

When Gu Xiao returned home that evening, he saw Nan Zhiyi leaning against the sofa, her brows slightly furrowed, her hands kneading her calves.

Gu Xiao walked over in a few steps, sat down next to her, placed her two calves on his knees, and slowly pressed along the meridians of her calves with his large hands. He had a very good grasp of the pressure in his hands, not too light to be ineffective, and not too heavy to make her feel uncomfortable.

"I told you not to push yourself so hard. Just showing up with me would have been enough. Why do you have to go to every single place?"

Nan Zhiyi leaned against him and muttered softly, "It's rare for my sister-in-law and the others to come, so we have to let them have a good time..."

Gu Xiao felt both heartache and amusement as he watched her furrow her brows slightly and inhale softly from the pain.

"Just bear with it a little longer. Your muscles are so stiff they're practically lumps. If you don't massage them, it'll be even more uncomfortable tomorrow. Let me give you a good relaxation."

She protested, "Gu Xiao... press it gently!"

Gu Xiao's hands didn't stop moving. "Now you know it hurts? Where were you before? I told you to do what you can. It won't help if you go easy on it now. If you don't massage it properly, you won't be able to walk for the next few days. Just bear with it a little longer, honey."

He could feel her calf muscles trembling slightly under his hands.

Nan Zhiyi was in so much pain that she had no choice but to reach out and grab his forearm, using her fingertips to help alleviate some of the discomfort in his leg.

After massaging for a while, Gu Xiao felt that the muscles in her legs were not so stiff anymore, so he slowed down the pressure and changed to a gentle stroking.

He looked at Nan Zhiyi, who was sprawled on the sofa with a look of utter despair, and said, "Take a good rest at home tomorrow?"

Nan Zhiyi said weakly, "Well... we've seen most of the famous places in Beijing. I'll rest at home tomorrow and pack up. I should take Gu Yong to school to register the day after tomorrow. My sister-in-law also said she'll go back the day after tomorrow. She's busy with work there, and Gu Meng has to go back to school."

When the topic of school came up, she suddenly remembered something important and struggled to sit up: "Shouldn't we register Xiaoman for kindergarten? When should we go?"

Gu Xiao helped her sit on his lap. "If you're in a hurry, we can go tomorrow. This is the registration period for the government-run kindergarten and the June 1st Kindergarten."

Nan Zhiyi perked up and wrapped her arms around his neck: "Then shall we go together tomorrow?"

Although she knew Gu Xiao was busy with work, she still hoped that he could be by her side at this important moment concerning their child's schooling.

Gu Xiao nodded, "Okay, I'm off tomorrow, I'll go with you."

Nan Zhiyi beamed with joy.

She gently nudged him and urged, "Then go take a shower! You're all sweaty."

"What a heartless person! Used it and then threw it away? Doesn't your leg hurt anymore?"

"Thank goodness, go quickly, I'll wait for you to come back."

When Gu Xiao finished showering, Nan Zhiyi was wearing a nightgown, leaning against the headboard, casually flipping through a magazine, clearly waiting for him.

Seeing him come over, she nestled into his arms and said in a soft voice, "Gu Xiao, you're so good to me."

Gu Xiao liked her unexpected coquettishness, so he pulled her into his arms and asked with a soft laugh, "Oh? What's so good about it?"

"Anywhere is fine, hehe..."

This illogical approval made Gu Xiao's expression even more relaxed.

"My wife is doing very well too."

The two embraced and leaned against the headboard, talking about meaningless but sweet nothings that made their hearts flutter.

It wasn't until late at night that Nan Zhiyi finally held his hand and fell into a deep sleep.