Chapter 407 Summer Heat

Zhou Xingzhi drove to the Gu family's courtyard early in the morning. Zhang Yueran flew out of the house and rushed straight into his arms, making no attempt to hide her joy.

Nan Zhiyi watched this scene through the screen door, and couldn't help but shake her head and chuckle, realizing that she was no different.

She turned to look at Gu Zhao, who was still eating breakfast diligently: "Xiaoman, hurry up and eat, your uncle has arrived."

Gu Zhao obediently swallowed a big mouthful of egg with a "whoosh," and Nan Zhiyi quickly handed him the milk, saying, "Silly son, there's no need to be in such a hurry."

She got up to check her luggage. She was only staying one night and would return the next evening. She didn't have much stuff: a small rattan suitcase with a change of clothes and a canvas shoulder bag with a water bottle, handkerchief, and other personal items.

After Gu Zhao finished eating, the group got into Zhou Xingzhi's car and headed towards Chengde.

As the car drove out of the city, the scenery outside the window gradually changed from buildings and streets to open fields, and the greenery of summer rushed towards us.

Before they even arrived at their destination, Zhang Yueran excitedly told Gu Zhaole, "It's so cool here!"

Upon arrival at their destination, Qin Fen's arranged accommodation was indeed as he had described: the Chengde Hotel, one of the best in the area. Rows of red-roofed buildings were nestled among ancient trees, creating a tranquil environment that immediately kept the summer heat at bay.

As soon as Nan Zhiyi got out of the car, she saw Qin Fen and Li Xiaoxuan already standing at the door. To her slight surprise, Lin Weila, whom she had only met once, and her husband, Director Huang, were also with her.

Almost simultaneously, Meng Qingshan's car arrived, and Zhou Anping got out with the two children.

Nan Zhiyi waved to the couple, "Anping, Qingshan!"

Zhou Anping also waved to her.

The group of adults exchanged pleasantries.

"Director Huang, Comrade Lin, it's nice to see you again." Nan Zhiyi greeted Director Huang and his wife.

Lin Weila smiled, said little, and kept her gaze fixed on the treetops in the distance.

Director Huang was more enthusiastic. "Comrade Huaiwei, I heard from Lao Qin that your new book is coming out. Could I get a signed copy?"

Nan Zhiyi blushed a little, "Director Huang, you flatter me too much. If you are interested, I will definitely deliver it to you personally."

Director Huang smiled and nodded: "That's perfect. My Vera and Xiaoxuan are also longtime friends. I'll have Vera call you two to arrange a time for everyone to get together at our house."

Nan Zhiyi replied, "Definitely, definitely."

Li Xiaoxuan greeted everyone and returned, taking Nan Zhiyi's arm. Seeing Lin Weila's absent-minded look, she felt a little annoyed.

"Zhiyi, Vera, Director Huang, what are you talking about?"

"Director Huang said that Comrade Lin will invite us to their home for a get-together later..." Nan Zhiyi replied softly.

Li Xiaoxuan's lips twitched down for a moment, then she said, "Okay, let's go together then."

The children had already spontaneously gathered together.

Director Huang and Lin Weila's daughter, Huang Yanan, was about seven or eight years old and the oldest among the children. She was talking to Gu Zhao.

At that moment, a waitress in a white uniform came over carrying a key tray with wooden tags attached.

"Hello comrades, the rooms are ready. Let me take you to settle in."

Qin Fen clapped his hands and called to everyone, "Let's go to our rooms with the staff to put our luggage away and settle in. We'll meet back here in fifteen minutes to go to the restaurant for lunch."

He had clearly already made arrangements, and continued, "After our lunch break, we'll first go to Puning Temple so the children can see the Thousand-Handed and Thousand-Eyed Guanyin. When it's cooler in the evening, we'll go boating on the lake. There's also an open-air hot spring pool behind the guesthouse, filled with mountain spring water; we can soak there in the evening..."

The waiters began distributing keys.

The adults took the keys, greeted each other, picked up their luggage, and followed the waiter to their assigned rooms.

Nan Zhiyi and Li Xiaoxuan's rooms are next to each other, while Zhang Yueran and Zhou Xingzhi are arranged on the other side. Although they are engaged, they are not married yet. Qin Fen thoughtfully arranged for Zhang Yueran and Nan Zhiyi to be in the same suite, so that they can take care of each other and it would be convenient for her to look after Xiaoman.

Zhou Xingzhi lived alone in the single room next door.

Li Xiaoxuan linked arms with Nan Zhiyi and walked forward, her face expressionless, but she muttered under her breath, "Old Qin is so annoying. He just told me this morning that he invited Director Huang... and said he forgot to tell me. Forgot my foot!"

She hasn't had a proper conversation with Lin Weila in a long time, and seeing her makes her feel a bit annoyed.

Nan Zhiyi gently patted the back of her hand: "It'll be more lively with more people. If you don't want to socialize, then come play with me and the kids."

“Of course,” Li Xiaoxuan immediately replied, “I’ll follow you.”

The two then entered the suite assigned to Nan Zhiyi and the other two.

This is a two-bedroom, one-living room apartment with a dark red carpet. The living room is furnished with a dark green velvet sofa and dark wood furniture.

The living room features a huge glass window overlooking lush green mountains, with a clear stream meandering through the valley, and the Hammer Peak of the Summer Palace visible in the distance.

"This view is wonderful." Nan Zhiyi opened the window, and a mountain breeze immediately rushed in, carrying the fresh scent of grass and trees.

The faint sound of children's laughter could be heard from the other end of the corridor.

"They're having fun, which saves us some trouble."

Li Xiaoxuan breathed a sigh of relief. "Let's go to the hot springs together tonight to relax. Did you bring your swimsuit?"

Nan Zhiyi let out a soft "Ah," a little annoyed: "I completely forgot about that."

"I knew you might forget! I specifically asked Lao Qin, and he said the guesthouse's service department sells them. Although they don't have many styles, they're enough for emergencies. When we go, I'll go with you to pick one out."

"OK."

As the two were talking, Zhang Yueran rushed in with a flushed face, trying to hide her luggage.

Nan Zhiyi didn't press her for why she looked like that, but only told her about the hot spring and the swimsuit.

Zhang Yueran smoothed the stray hairs at her temples and whispered, "I didn't bring any either, sis. Shall we go buy some together?"

"Okay, I'll go ask Lao Qin where the service department is. You guys pack your luggage first." Li Xiaoxuan picked up her bag and went to the next room.