Chapter 429 Barrier

Nan Zhiyi looked at Gu Xiao in the mirror. He was dressed in a crisp military uniform, his epaulets solemn, and his eyes deep-set.

"Gu Xiao, you look especially handsome in your military uniform."

Her gaze lingered on his taut waist and broad shoulders. "Every time I see you like this, I can't take my eyes off you."

Gu Xiao's Adam's apple bobbed slightly as he stared at her in the mirror. He was about to speak when she reached out and covered his mouth.

Nan Zhiyi had already guessed what he was going to say.

"Let's go, we're going to be late." Her eyes sparkled.

Helpless, Gu Xiao grasped her wrist and lowered his head to place a light kiss on her palm.

The woolen fabric of his military uniform brushed against her arm, and this solemn gesture became intimate because of the warmth of his lips.

Nan Zhiyi blushed, secretly marveling that after all these years, she was still moved by his appearance.

"We've been married for so long, and I'm still captivated by you."

Gu Xiao chuckled and adjusted the way she was holding his arm to make their steps more coordinated: "Meng Qingshan and Zhou Anping should be here later, so you'll have some company."

"I'll stay with you. I can also be by myself. Don't worry, it's not like I can't socialize."

"Okay, whatever you say."

The two walked out of the lounge hand in hand.

Inside the long corridor, the lights flickered, and the sounds of military boots and high heels mingled.

At the corner, Gu Xiao stopped and straightened the clasp of her pearl necklace.

"Honey, don't push yourself." He was still worried about his wife and reminded her again, "Tell me if you feel unwell."

"Okay, I got it, Minister Gu~" Nan Zhiyi drawled, pinching his arm with her fingertips.

As they approached the banquet hall, he glanced at her one last time, as if to make sure she was all right.

The waiter pushed open the carved wooden door, and a burst of noise and warm light rushed in.

The crystal chandelier illuminated the banquet hall as bright as day, the officers' epaulets and stars shimmering under the light, and the silk dresses of the women rustling softly. The air was filled with the aroma of wine and cigarettes, and laughter and conversation rose and fell amidst the clinking of glasses.

Gu Xiao placed his hand firmly on Nan Zhiyi's waist and whispered in her ear, "The one on the left is Deputy Commander Zhang, and next to him is his wife. The white-haired Political Commissar Li in front is the one who was just promoted to Deputy Commander of the Military Region last month."

He led her calmly through the crowd, stopping occasionally to chat with his colleagues.

Whenever someone turned their gaze toward Nan Zhiyi, Gu Xiao would pull her slightly closer to his side, saying, "My love, Nan Zhiyi."

A burly military officer walked towards us, laughing loudly: "Minister Gu! Is this your sister-in-law?"

"Commander Liu." Gu Xiao nodded slightly.

Nan Zhiyi smiled and greeted him, "Commander Liu, hello."

"Old Gu, you've really hidden a treasure here." Commander Liu laughed loudly. "No wonder you always made excuses about having things to do at home when I asked you to drink."

Gu Xiao smiled slightly, picked up the champagne on the waiter's tray and took a small sip: "She's physically weak and can't stand the smell of smoke and alcohol."

Nan Zhiyi smiled softly beside him, her eyes lowered. Her words were cleverly chosen, maintaining the proper decorum while subtly protecting him. When she looked up, she met his gaze, a look that held a tenderness only she understood.

After exchanging pleasantries, Gu Xiao put his arm around Nan Zhiyi and led her to the vicinity of the main table.

"Little Gu is here." An old general with graying temples smiled and waved.

Gu Xiao saluted respectfully, "Greetings, Commander." He then introduced, "This is my wife, Nan Zhiyi."

The old general looked at Nan Zhiyi kindly: "I've long heard that Minister Gu's family has a talented woman. I'm so glad to finally meet her today."

Nan Zhiyi greeted him with a smile.

After meeting with several leaders, Gu Xiao led her towards the food counter, took a glass of orange juice, and handed it to her: "Have something to drink."

Not far away, Meng Qingshan was waving at them. Zhou Anping stood beside him, wearing a light apricot-colored suit, and nodded to Nan Zhiyi.

Gu Xiao asked, "Shall we go over there?"

Nan Zhiyi gently shook her head, tapping her fingertip against the crook of his arm: "You go and talk business first, I'll wait for you here."

He gazed at her for a moment, making sure she didn't mind being alone, before nodding: "I'll be back soon."

Watching his retreating figure as he walked towards his colleagues, Nan Zhiyi slowly sipped her orange juice.

She noticed that many officers' wives were secretly observing her, their eyes filled with curiosity.

A woman in a navy blue suit approached and said, "Mrs. Gu, my daughter really loves your science fiction novels."

There are indeed no secrets under the sun. Nan Zhiyi has never revealed her identity as a writer to outsiders over the years, but these people are incredibly well-informed.

Especially the woman in front of her, Nan Zhiyi remembered that she was the wife of Deputy Commander Zhang, and she usually loved socializing.

Nan Zhiyi responded with a smile, "Mrs. Zhang, you're too kind. If your daughter doesn't mind, I can give her a signed copy..."

"That would be wonderful! She must be overjoyed." Mrs. Zhang's eyes lit up, and she warmly took Nan Zhiyi's hand. "How about this, I'll organize a tea party in a few days, with several ladies we know well. You must come and join us."

Nan Zhiyi ignored whether she was just being polite and nodded with a smile, "Definitely."

Several more ladies joined the conversation, chatting about everyday matters.

Gu's neighbor, Sister Wan, also came over and greeted her familiarly, "Zhiyi, it's great to see you, such a busy person."

"Sister Wan."

Mrs. Zhang asked, "Mrs. Gu, do you know Mrs. Li too?"

Mrs. Li is Sister Wan, and her husband is Vice Minister Li.

Nan Zhiyi said, "Yes, Mrs. Li is our neighbor."

Mrs. Zhang warmly invited Sister Wan and she also attended several tea parties with her.

Nan Zhiyi chatted and joked for a bit, then lowered her head to sip her juice, but her gaze unconsciously followed Gu Xiao.

He was talking with several generals, his profile appearing particularly sharp under the lamplight. As if by telepathy, he suddenly turned to look at her, and nodded slightly across the noisy crowd.

At this moment, Zhou Anping walked over arm in arm with a Mrs. Chen. Nan Zhiyi smiled at her and said, "Anping."

"Understand the meaning."

Zhou Anping smiled in response and joined the ladies' chatter. She had been watching Nan Zhiyi handle the social situation with ease from a short distance away, unlike before when she would be the first to come and ask Nan Zhiyi for company at such occasions.

Time has ultimately changed things; the invisible barrier between them seems to have grown deeper than imagined.

Mrs. Jiang, the wife of Director Li of the General Political Department, suddenly lowered her voice and said, "Quickly look at the door, Commander Luo and Mrs. Luo are here."

The ladies exchanged meaningful glances.

Someone covered their mouth with a handkerchief: "Didn't they say she was pregnant? This isn't..."

"I heard it was an accident that he died." Another voice said with a hint of regret.

Following everyone's gaze, Nan Zhiyi saw Lu Linlang, arm in arm with Luo Jianming, slowly stepping into the banquet hall. Lu Linlang wore an elegantly tailored Western-style dress, her makeup was exquisite, and she was all smiles.

The ladies were still whispering among themselves, their tone a mixture of curiosity and a hint of disdain.

Nan Zhiyi glanced up at Zhou Anping, who was drinking champagne with her eyes downcast.