Chapter 454 Gift

Nan Zhiyi also wanted some peace and quiet.

She pressed her temples and walked over to the pile of holiday gifts.

As the Spring Festival approached, people kept coming to visit my home.

In previous years, there were also gifts, mostly from Gu Xiao's colleagues or former subordinates. The gifts were small, just enough to show the relationship.

This year, however, it's like stirring up a hornet's nest.

The news leaked out of nowhere, and everyone is saying that Gu Xiao might be reassigned after the New Year, and that his position is very important.

As a result, not only did some department heads in the military region headquarters, who didn't usually interact much, send people over, but even several retired senior officers, whose protégés and old friends were all around them, sent their sons, nephews, or people close to them with gifts.

These gifts should not be given lightly or excessively, and certainly not returned directly to offend them.

Gifts piled up in the corner of the living room, like a small mountain.

At night, Gu Xiao returned home and glanced at the living room, his brows furrowed. He was clearly also annoyed by this situation, but being caught up in it, there were some situations he had to deal with.

He put his arm around Nan Zhiyi's waist, sighed softly, and said, "Some courtesy is better left unreturned than returned. Let your son accompany you to a few houses; it'll be easier to talk when the child is there."

Gu Xiao put his arm around his wife and led her back to the bedroom. He then ordered a few restaurants that he had to personally visit, and patted her back reassuringly.

"I'll have Xiao Wang drive you tomorrow, it'll be convenient for you."

Nan Zhiyi hugged him and began to unbutton his shirt. "I know, Chief, don't worry about it. This little thing is no problem for me."

Gu Xiao hummed in agreement and touched her cheek, seemingly to comfort her.

Nan Zhiyi looked up at him. This man had been leaving early and returning late lately, his face was haggard, and his drooping eyelashes showed a hint of weariness.

"Okay, go take a shower. You've been so busy these past few days, get some rest."

She pushed him towards the bathroom.

Gu Xiao used her force to back away, but didn't forget to hold her hand tightly.

"Come with me."

Nan Zhiyi spat at him: "It's almost one o'clock, don't you want to go to work tomorrow?"

Gu Xiao said seriously, "Honey, what are you thinking about? I just wanted you to stand at the door and talk to me. I've been so busy these past few days that I haven't had a proper conversation with you..."

Nan Zhiyi: "......"

Even though he was deliberately hinting at it, she angrily punched his chest, but he grabbed her wrist and dragged her towards the bathroom.

The sound of rushing water filled the air, and through the frosted glass, his blurry figure could be seen.

Nan Zhiyi leaned against the door frame and told him about the gifts that each family would have to give tomorrow.

"I'm thinking of giving Uncle Zhao a rubbing of the Duobao Pagoda Stele in Yan style calligraphy. It's an old rubbing from the Republican era; he should like it."

The sound of water stopped for a moment, and Gu Xiao's voice came through the door, deep and moist: "Mm."

"Uncle Wan's side," Nan Zhiyi continued, "we're sending him some Fenjiu liquor. He's from Shanxi, Zhou Xing sent it last time; it includes some aged Fenjiu raw liquor. Since you don't drink it anyway, it's perfect for gifting..."

Gu Xiao's low laughter came from inside the door, sounding quite satisfied.

Nan Zhiyi could imagine the slight upturn of his lips.

"And there's Political Commissar Sun, I heard he loves playing chess. He has a set of Yunzi chess pieces at home, not the best, but they feel smooth and warm to the touch. He should know something about them."

......

She spoke calmly, as if reciting a list. But each item had been carefully considered, meant to be both touching and not too jarring.

It can't be money, it can't be tickets; the best thing is some "heartfelt sentiment" that money can't buy.

"As for the others, as you said before, send them some cigarettes and alcohol, along with two packs of Zhang Yiyuan's high-quality cigarettes. That would be respectable and not too conspicuous."

The bathroom door was ajar, and hot air rushed out.

Gu Xiao reached out his wet hand, grasped her wrist, and lightly pressed his fingertips on her pulse.

"My wife is truly the most amazing wife in the world. She knows their preferences perfectly."

Nan Zhiyi let him hold her hand and smiled as she praised him, "Yes, yes, it's all thanks to Minister Gu's excellent leadership." She added, "When they come to visit, there's always some small talk. A few casual words, and you can always glean some insights from their conversation..."

Gu Xiao tightened his grip and pulled her further into the room.

The steam covered her face, and Nan Zhiyi squinted, noticing that water droplets still clung to his chest, his shoulders and neck taut and glistening with moisture.

“Come here,” he said.

Nan Zhiyi didn't move, but glared at him: "Gu Xiao, the water's cold."

"Add some more heat."

"I have things to do tomorrow..."

"I miss you so much..." Gu Xiao pulled her inside, and the door closed behind them.

The space suddenly shrank, the air became damp, and it smelled of soap.

His palm rested on her lower back; the soldier's palm was rough, and its warmth seeped through her clothes.

Nan Zhiyi raised her hand and pressed it against his chest, her fingertips touching his warm skin, and she habitually stroked it.

Gu Xiao looked down at her, his fingers rubbing the back of her neck.

"Thank you for all that work."

"It's not hard work." Nan Zhiyi turned her head and saw herself in the mirror. Her cheeks were a little red and her hair was slightly damp from the steam. "It's just moving my lips."

Gu Xiao smiled, his breath brushing against her forehead. "Easy for you to say. My wife's words are more effective than any number of people running themselves ragged."

He didn't say anything more, but lowered his head and kissed her lips.

Nan Zhiyi closed her eyes and heard her own heartbeat, one beat after another, mixed with the sound of flowing water.