Chapter 472 Pipe

Just as he was about to leave, Gu Zhao's gaze was drawn to another glass counter next to him.

Inside, there were some men's items on display: razors, belt buckles, and... several different styles of pipes and several boxes of cigarette filters that looked quite high-end.

He remembered that when his grandfather smoked, sometimes he would use a long pipe, and sometimes he would use a cigarette with a filter.

Perhaps he should buy Grandpa a gift he'd like... Then he thought of his parents...

"Mom," his voice trailed off, "Grandpa gave me so many delicious things and fun toys, and he even gave me lucky money. I... I've never bought anything for Grandpa. And Dad and Mom... I... I've never celebrated you growing up..."

He suddenly realized that he seemed to have missed his parents growing up, and even more so, his grandfather growing up. This strange feeling left him feeling empty inside.

Seeing her son's gloomy face, Nan Zhiyi's heart softened, and she gently put her arm around his little shoulder.

Children's world is so simple; love and giving are the most direct forms of expression.

Gu Zhao has always been considerate and sensitive, a natural worrywart.

She leaned close to his ear and whispered mysteriously, "Comrade Gu Zhao, Mom is going to tell you a big secret."

Gu Zhao was instantly captivated, staring at her intently.

"The gifts you gave to Dad and Mom were given to us when you were very, very young, too young to remember anything. But Dad and Mom liked them so much that they secretly hid them and didn't tell you."

Gu Zhao was skeptical, trying hard to search her memory, but found nothing: "Really? I delivered it? But I have no recollection of it at all..."

Nan Zhiyi suppressed a laugh, her expression incredibly serious: "It really is. It's the most precious and unique gift in the world. But you're still too young now. When you're a little older, Mom and Dad will tell you where it's hidden, okay?"

She temporarily soothed Gu Zhao's current regret with a tempting promise of the future.

Gu Zhao was comforted.

Although he still couldn't remember, his mother spoke with such certainty that he chose to believe her.

The gloom on her face mostly dissipated. "...Alright then."

Nan Zhiyi took his hand again. "Now, Comrade Gu Zhao, are you going to pick out a gift for Grandpa as well?"

Gu Zhao nodded vigorously, perking up: "Yes! I want to buy it for Grandpa!"

He took his mother's hand and walked to the glass counter, pointing with his little finger at the pipes inside: "Mom, look at that! Grandpa seems to have one similar, but this one looks brighter!"

He glanced at the boxed filters next to him, undecided. "Which is better, a pipe or a filter?"

Pipes are slightly more expensive, but more durable and a better way to show your appreciation; filters are consumables and relatively inexpensive.

She gently explained to her son, "Grandpa can use the pipe for a long time, and every time he uses it, he'll probably remember that Xiaoman gave it to him. The filter is gone once it's used up. Which one do you think better represents your feelings?"

Without hesitation, Gu Zhao pointed to a dark brown pipe: "I want this one! So Grandpa can always use it and always remember me!"

He frowned when he saw the price tag, turned around and whispered to Nan Zhiyi, "Mom... I don't think I have enough money in my wallet to buy this... Could you lend me some?"

He remembered to use his own money to buy gifts for his grandfather.

Nan Zhiyi: "Okay. Mom will lend it to you first."

Gu Zhao immediately looked up, her little face full of seriousness: "Thank you, Mom! I'll pay you back as soon as I get home! I promise!"

He emphasized that this is an extremely serious issue of credit.

Nan Zhiyi couldn't help but chuckle, "Yes, Mom understands. Comrade Gu Zhao just wants to use his own money to buy a gift for Grandpa."

Gu Zhao nodded vigorously and smiled, pursing her lips.

Nan Zhiyi asked the salesperson to carefully pack the pipe she had chosen.

The salesperson neatly wrapped the pipe case and handed it to Gu Zhao.

Gu Zhao skipped ahead of her mother, carrying a model car for her uncle in one hand and a pipe for her grandfather in the other, the two brown paper bags swaying back and forth.

Nan Zhiyi followed behind her son with a smile.

Before lunch, the mother and son returned to the Gu family's courtyard.

As soon as he entered the room, Gu Zhao went straight upstairs to the bedroom and hid the two paper bags in the closet.

"Mom, I'll give it to my uncle when I see him tonight."

Nan Zhiyi reminded him, "Tonight, your uncle's fiancée, Aunt Anna, and her family will be coming from the south. Our whole family will be having dinner together at a hotel. Your uncle will definitely be very busy entertaining guests. Don't rush to take out the gift. Wait until you get home tonight, when he has some free time and is alone, then give it to him quietly as a surprise, okay?"

Gu Zhao nodded obediently, "Okay, I understand, Mom. I'll deliver it when Uncle isn't busy."

Adults and children alike changed into presentable clothes and prepared to go out.

Commander Gu looked exceptionally energetic today, wearing a well-fitting Zhongshan suit and with his hair neatly combed.

As arranged by Commander Gu, the welcoming banquet was held in the banquet hall of the military district guesthouse, which was the best and most impressive in Jian'an City.

It's usually not open to the public, so the environment is quiet and the food and service are guaranteed, making it perfect for hosting family banquets.

At six o'clock in the evening, Nan Zhiyi, with one arm around Gu Xiao and the other holding her son's hand, followed behind Commander Gu and Gu Weiguo's family into the banquet hall.

Not long after the Gu family members were seated, Gu Yan accompanied Chen Anna and her family into the house in a large procession. There were quite a few members of the Chen family present, including her parents, elder brother and sister-in-law, elder sister and brother-in-law, as well as several aunts, uncles, and two teenagers, making a total of about ten people.

Commander Gu, supported by his eldest son Gu Weiguo, rose to greet him, exchanging polite words.

The elders on both sides shook hands, exchanged pleasantries, and introduced their family members to each other.

The Chen family members were clearly prepared, speaking Mandarin with an accent as much as possible, occasionally whispering a few words of Cantonese among themselves.

Gu Yan moved among them with ease, introducing people, making introductions, and easing tensions.

After exchanging pleasantries, everyone took their seats.

The dishes were served one after another, more exquisite than a family New Year's Eve dinner, with meticulous plating, meeting the standard standards for official banquets. The taste was not bad, but it always lacked the warmth of home cooking.

During the meal, the adults talked about safety topics such as the weather, the journey, and the local customs of both places, and toasted each other with tea. Since Commander Gu was present, the drinks were just a formality, and the atmosphere was warm but also a bit polite.

As the main character, Gu Yan naturally took on most of the tasks of socializing with the elders and peers of the Chen family.

As the older brother, Gu Xiao also had to cooperate, clinking glasses with Chen's father and the other brothers in the Chen family, and saying a few polite words.

Nan Zhiyi sat quietly next to Gu Xiao, eating her meal in peace, occasionally putting some food that Gu Zhao couldn't reach on his plate.

Gu Zhao was also very well-behaved. Looking at all the unfamiliar adults and children in the banquet hall, her eyes darted around, but she remembered her mother's instructions and didn't make a fuss.

The meal lasted for nearly two hours before finally ending in a pleasant atmosphere.

Commander Gu and his family took their leave.

Gu Yan accompanied the Chen family to the VIP rooms that had been reserved upstairs to rest and settle in.