Chapter 489 Connections

Zhao Liping contributed technology and cash, accounting for 25%. Sister Wenjuan contributed real estate and cash, also accounting for 25%.

Except for Nam Ji-yi, who doesn't participate in the beauty salon's affairs, the other three people all go to take care of the beauty salon.

Li Xiaoxuan held her teacup, her gaze sweeping over her three friends, and said solemnly, "A clear division of rights, responsibilities, and benefits is the foundation for long-term cooperation. We may be sisters, but business is business. Public and private matters must be kept separate, and accounts must be clear. Only then can our friendship be more stable and lasting. We must get this straight from the start. We can't let money cause us any unpleasantness in the future. That would be truly losing more than we gain and damaging our relationship."

Chen Wenjuan and Zhao Liping both stated that even close sisters should keep clear accounts and everything should be done according to the contract and what was agreed upon today.

Nan Zhiyi smiled and nodded in agreement.

The group then discussed the distribution of invitations with great interest for a while, agreeing that in addition to relying on Chen Wenjuan's connections, the three of them would also promote the event appropriately within their own social circles to expand its influence.

The proposal was unanimously approved.

Li Xiaoxuan raised her teacup: "Let's drink tea instead of wine and wish our business, sisterhood, great success!"

"May your business flourish!" Several teacups clinked together lightly, making a crisp sound.

With the main matters settled and it getting late, Nan Zhiyi got up to take her leave.

Li Xiaoxuan pleaded with her to stay for dinner: "It's so late, eat before you go. Qin Fen might not be back tonight, so we sisters can chat some more."

Nan Zhiyi smiled and politely declined: "It really won't work. Xiaoman is the only child in my family, and her father has something to do at his department today. I'm worried about leaving the child home alone."

Li Xiaoxuan couldn't insist on keeping her any longer, so she personally escorted her to the gate.

While Chen Wenjuan and Zhao Liping were still talking inside, Li Xiaoxuan took Nan Zhiyi's arm and whispered affectionately, "Let me tell you, you're still my best friend. You have to understand me..."

Nan Zhiyi smiled and said, "Okay, I know, I'm your best friend too. Alright?"

Li Xiaoxuan was finally satisfied, and then instructed, "Take your time to come up with the invitations and membership cards, no rush. The renovation will take two or three months anyway, and it will take a while for the ventilation to dissipate the smell, so there's plenty of time. Don't work overtime to finish this, or you'll exhaust yourself, and Minister Gu will feel sorry for you, and might even come to me to settle the score."

"Okay, I understand. I know what I'm doing." Nan Zhiyi nodded.

Li Xiaoxuan seemed to suddenly remember something, looked around to make sure no one was watching, and leaned closer mysteriously: "...When can you change your address and stop calling me 'Minister Gu'?" This hinted at the rumors that Gu Xiao might be promoted after the New Year.

Nan Zhiyi only showed just the right amount of helplessness and gently patted her: "Oh dear, I really don't know. You know my husband, he's very tight-lipped about work matters and never says a word more than necessary. I really don't know."

Li Xiaoxuan smiled and tapped her: "I think you're the one who really keeps your mouth shut. Alright, alright, go back now, it gets dark early, be careful on the road." She was just asking out of curiosity, not really trying to find out more.

"Okay, I'll call you back later."

Nan Zhiyi waved to her, turned around and walked to the side of the road to flag down a car. Soon she got a yellow taxi.

As the car drove back to the army compound, the sun had already set, leaving a faint blue hue on the horizon. The outlines of the buildings were blurred, with only a few windows letting in some light, like stars that had lit up early.

Pushing open the door, I saw Sister Zhang in the kitchen: "You're back? This afternoon, Xiaoman brought that little girl named Shen Hong over to play for a while. I made some milk and gave her some snacks. The two kids ate and chatted for a bit before running out to play again. It's getting dark. Should I go out and look for her?"

Nan Zhiyi took off her coat and hung it up. "No rush. He's all grown up now and should know what's important. It's safe in the compound. He'll probably come back on his own when he's had enough fun or is hungry. If he's still not back by the time dinner is ready, I'll go out and check again."

She had a lot of confidence in Gu Zhao; although the child was playful, he still had self-control.

Sister Zhang responded and went back to the kitchen to continue frying and stir-frying. Nan Zhiyi then went upstairs, washed up carefully, and changed into clean clothes.

They could vaguely hear Gu Zhao's distinctive, cheerful voice coming from the courtyard, along with a girl's clear laughter.

She walked to the window, lifted the curtain, and looked outside.

It was already pitch black outside the courtyard, and the streetlights cast a hazy yellow glow on the snow.

Two figures skipped and hopped from the direction of the courtyard gate. Gu Zhao laughed so hard he almost fell over. His joy seemed to penetrate the glass and shine into the room.

The little girl had two braids and wore a red cotton-padded jacket, which was dark red.

Nan Zhiyi hurried downstairs.

"Mom!" Gu Zhao led Shen Hong forward. "Hong Hong, would you like to have dinner at our house tonight?" He thought to himself that his mother was always kind and generous to children, and would definitely agree.

Nan Zhiyi immediately smiled: "Of course! Welcome little Hong T Hong to our home."

She reached out and gently brushed away a snowflake that hadn't melted from Shen Hong's shoulder.

Shen Hong is a bit rounder than when she was in kindergarten. Her apple-like face is red from the cold wind, and the tip of her nose is also a little red, making her look especially adorable.

She was a little embarrassed, her eyelashes lowered slightly, but she couldn't help but secretly glance at Nan Zhiyi, her small hands clutching the hem of her cotton-padded jacket.

"Hello, Auntie, thank you."

Gu Zhao turned to Shen Hong and raised her eyebrows triumphantly: "See? I told you my mom would agree!"

Shen Hong covered her mouth and smiled, then nodded.

Nan Zhiyi helped the two children take off their coats. "Take Honghong to wash her hands and warm them up with hot water. Mom will go get the food."

"Why!"

Gu Zhao responded loudly, her face still flushed with shyness as she walked towards the bathroom, introducing as she ran, "My soap smells like lemon, it's so nice!"

Nan Zhiyi got up and went to the kitchen, where she and Sister Zhang served the food to the table.

Just as the bowls and chopsticks were set out, the two children came out of the bathroom. Gu Zhao pulled Shen Hong to sit down next to his usual spot, acting like a little master of the house.

Nan Zhiyi first served Shen Hong a small bowl of egg drop soup, saying, "Be careful, it's hot."

Shen Hong blinked her long, red eyelashes and gave a sweet smile: "Thank you, Auntie."

She was naturally lively, and having visited the Gu family several times, she had also met Nan Zhiyi a few times. She was just a little reserved about eating at her classmate's house, but seeing Nan Zhiyi's gentle and approachable demeanor, most of that reserve disappeared, and her big eyes regained their liveliness.

"Don't be shy, Honghong. Help yourself to whatever you want to eat." Nan Zhiyi smiled and served Gu Zhao a bowl of soup, placing it in front of her son.

She casually said, "Auntie also has to thank little Honghong. The chocolate you gave Gu Zhao tasted very good and was very sweet."

Shen Hong's face flushed even more. She glanced quickly at Gu Zhao and whispered, "Auntie, I'm glad you and Gu Zhao like it... If you like it, I have some more at home. I'll bring some more next time."