Chapter 365 Troubles

Gu Xiao looked at his wife with some apology.

"Every department is doing year-end summaries, and I need to finish my work in the next few days, so I probably won't have a large chunk of time. I'll have Xiao Liu drive you there. You can bring Sister Zhang and Xiao Man along, go shopping and buy whatever you like, just be careful."

Nan Zhiyi nodded understandingly and reached out to touch his stubble-covered chin: "I know, busy man. Then I'll call Gu Yan, my eldest brother and sister-in-law, my second brother and sister-in-law, my third sister... to ask if they're coming home for the New Year this year, so I can buy gifts according to the number of people."

Gu Xiao's eyes turned cold for a moment, but he quickly returned to normal.

He took Nan Zhiyi's hand and held it in his arms. "Wife, don't ask your second brother. His whole family has been transferred to the Northwest. They're busy with work there and won't be coming back for the New Year this year. You don't need to prepare anything for them."

Nan Zhiyi sensed something unusual, but he didn't say much, and she didn't press him further, nodding readily, "Okay then. How about I buy some local specialties and holiday gifts and send them to them? It's always a token of my appreciation."

"You don't need to worry about that, I'll take care of it. Just buy some things for Dad and Gu Yan as a token of your appreciation."

"Okay, I'll do as you say."

Nan Zhiyi thought to herself, as long as she said that Xiaoman picked out the gift for Commander Gu, he would definitely like it.

As for what gift to prepare for Gu Yan, Nan Zhiyi was somewhat at a loss.

This kid has a discerning eye and is particular about everything from clothing and food to housing and transportation. Although I send him packages every now and then, he really doesn't lack anything.

She leaned against Gu Xiao's chest, when suddenly a brilliant idea struck her.

"Hey, what do you think... how about getting Gu Yan and Wen Jing a matching watch or a matching scarf? Their relationship is stable, so that would be a pretty good gift, right?"

Gu Xiao was silent for a moment before carefully speaking, "Couple's items... let's forget about it for now. I felt... Gu Yan acted a little strange when he came back last time."

Nan Zhiyi sat up straight and looked up at him: "Strange? What's strange about it? I don't see it."

Gu Xiao felt helpless. His wife was sometimes like a "little block of wood" when it came to relationships; he didn't want to go into details, lest he cause unnecessary trouble.

"...Maybe I'm overthinking it. Why don't you call him first and ask about his plans for the New Year? What if he's too busy with business to come? Then you can decide what to buy for him."

Nan Zhiyi gave a doubtful "Oh," snuggled into his arms, and traced the shallow indentation of his abdominal muscles with her fingers, lost in thought.

The next day, just before noon, when she estimated that Gu Yan had arrived at the office, Nan Zhiyi dialed his number.

The call connected, and Gu Yan's slightly lazy voice came through: "Hello? Who is this?...Zhiyi? Why are you calling all of a sudden? Is something wrong?"

Nan Zhiyi held the receiver, a smile unconsciously spreading across her face: "It's nothing serious, just asking how your plans are for the New Year? Are you going home?"

"Yes, I have to go back. Dad has just recovered, so I definitely need to go back. I should be able to get to Jian'an around the 28th or 29th of the twelfth lunar month."

Nan Zhiyi was very happy and quickly called Xiaoman over: "Xiaoman, come here quickly and say something to your uncle, tell him you miss him!"

Xiaoman ran over obediently, stood on tiptoe, and shouted into the receiver, "Uncle! Xiaoman misses you!"

The uncle and nephew chatted warmly on the phone for a while.

Nan Zhiyi then picked up the receiver again and asked, "Are you going back alone, or are you taking Wenjing with you? I'd like to prepare rooms for you in advance."

On the other end of the phone, Gu Yan seemed to sigh softly, "She's busy at the end of the year and can't get away. Besides, she always has to spend the New Year with her family. This year... I'll be going back alone."

Nan Zhiyi opened her mouth, wanting to ask something more, but felt that it was difficult to explain over the phone, and finally only said: "...Okay then, we'll wait for you at home."

"Yeah, I'll bring you some fresh stuff too..."

"Your work is important, and we don't need anything, so don't bother us."

"No trouble at all. I'll have my men prepare it. I can just take it with me on the way back anyway."

Nan Zhiyi knew that Gu Yan was somewhat similar to Gu Xiao in his stubbornness when it came to these kinds of things; he was a man of his word. So she could only repeatedly remind him, "Don't spend too much."

Gu Yan gave a perfunctory "uh-huh" on the other end of the line, and then hung up.

Hearing the busy tone from the receiver, Gu Yan's smile faded.

He raised his hand to rub his temples and pressed the intercom button: "Chen Jun, come in for a moment."

Soon, a young man wearing a floral shirt and with slicked-back hair pushed open the door and came in. "Boss, what's up?"

Gu Yan leaned back in her executive chair and carefully explained the preparations for the New Year to him: "...Besides the usual New Year's gifts, find a young girl to accompany you and pick out some...things that women like, things that are nice. Also, pick out some novel and interesting toys for children."

Upon hearing this, Chen Jun's face immediately fell, and he complained, "No, boss! You want me to go shopping after work? I'd rather go to a bar with you and drink! Going shopping with girls is such a hassle!"

Gu Yan ignored his wailing and threw her wallet into his arms: "Here, extra budget. Here you go, and the female colleague who came with you, buy something you like for each of you too, consider it overtime pay."

Chen Jun's expression changed instantly, and he deftly stuffed his wallet into his pocket: "Wow! Boss is generous! Don't worry, you'll be satisfied!"

He patted his chest and asked, "Then I'll drive out after work, do you want me to take you home first?"

Gu Yan waved his hand, his gaze already turned to the window: "No need, I'll go back myself."

Chen Jun wisely refrained from asking any further questions, humming an off-key Cantonese song as he walked briskly out of the office.

Gu Yan raised his hand to look at his watch; there was still some time before he got off work.

Since I don't have any social engagements today, perhaps... I can go see... Ruan Wenjing again.

Our last meeting ended badly, and some things should be made clear.

He stood up, walked to the window, and looked down at the bustling traffic on the street below, the chaotic honking of car horns assaulting his ears.

Going to her was an attempt to salvage the relationship, or... to give this increasingly strained relationship a definite end? He himself wasn't quite sure.

He straightened his shirt collar, picked up his jacket draped over the back of the chair, and decided to leave early.