Chapter 491 Real Estate

In the few days since returning to the capital, Nan Zhiyi has hardly had any free time.

Especially after visiting her mentor, Professor Wang, a new reading list and research direction were determined. The pressure of coursework and writing plans, as well as household chores, filled her time completely.

That morning at breakfast, Sister Zhang asked, "Today is the Lantern Festival. I'm planning to make some glutinous rice balls this morning. Is there anything special planned for tonight? Should we prepare more food?"

Nan Zhiyi suddenly realized and glanced at the calendar: "It's already the fifteenth of the first lunar month?"

She thought for a moment, "Then I'll call Yueyue later and ask if she and Zhou Xingzhi are coming over for dinner tonight."

After Zhang Yueran and Zhou Xingzhi returned from Jian'an, they only spoke briefly on the phone once. Zhang Yueran said she was a bit busy. Nan Zhiyi didn't bother them further.

After breakfast, she made a phone call and contacted Zhou Xingzhi. He arranged for her to come to the Gu family's house for dinner that evening.

Nan Zhiyi put down the phone, feeling reassured. She turned to the kitchen and said to Sister Zhang, "Yueyue and her husband are coming over for dinner tonight. Please cook a few more dishes, Sister Zhang. Are you making the glutinous rice balls this morning? I'll help out too."

Sister Zhang readily agreed: "That's perfect. I'll make extra dough this morning, and prepare some with sesame and peanut filling, and some with red bean paste filling, so we can have a lively meal tonight."

Gu Zhao's eyes lit up, and she volunteered, "I'll help! I can learn how to make Yuanxiao (sweet rice balls)!"

Seeing the eagerness on his little face, Nan Zhi couldn't bear to dampen his enthusiasm and said with a smile, "That's perfect, let's try something new this year. Besides the traditional fillings, let's try some new designs, and let your aunt and uncle have a taste tonight."

Gu Zhao started racking her brains for ideas: "We have jam at home! And the chocolate from last time, we can wrap it in! And White Rabbit milk candy... Oh right, the yellow peaches from the fruit cans will also work!"

The little guy is quick-witted; he's already starting to think about which sweets he can use as fillings.

Sister Zhang laughed and said, "Okay, then I'll make less of the traditional fillings and focus on freshness."

morning.

Sister Zhang kneaded the glutinous rice dough, and Nan Zhiyi and Gu Zhao washed their hands and gathered around the cutting board.

They keep the traditional and creative fillings separate to prevent them from getting mixed up during cooking.

Gu Zhao even announced, "I'm going to cook all the dumplings I made myself for my aunt and uncle!"

"That would be great. Your aunt will be very happy."

Nan Zhiyi smiled and agreed.

He used a toothpick to poke small red marks on the oddly shaped glutinous rice balls he made.

As evening fell, Zhang Yueran and Zhou Xingzhi arrived hand in hand. Zhang Yueran wore a long woolen skirt, looking charming and vibrant, while Zhou Xingzhi was still dressed in a well-made Zhongshan suit, exuding elegance.

The two were carrying boxes of pastries and several paper bags.

Nan Zhiyi took the things and said reproachfully, "How many times have I told you, just come for a meal, why bring things? If you do this again, I really won't let you in."

Zhang Yueran said with a grin, "These are all for Xiaoman and my brother-in-law, not for you. So don't be picky!"

Nan Zhiyi pretended to pinch her.

Gu Zhao couldn't contain himself any longer and ran over to Zhang Yueran and Zhou Xingzhi, loudly announcing, "Auntie! Uncle! I made tangyuan for you by hand today! With special fillings!"

Zhang Yueran was very surprised, bent down and pinched his cheek: "Really? Then our Xiaoman is so capable! Auntie must eat a big bowl tonight!"

Zhou Xingzhi smiled gently and patted Gu Zhao on the shoulder, "Come on, I brought the new Flying Chess and Checkers. I'll play with you for a while."

Gu Zhao cheered and followed Zhou Xingzhi to the low table in the corner of the living room to set up the chessboard.

Nan Zhiyi pulled Zhang Yueran up to the study on the second floor.

She took a brown paper file bag from deep inside her desk drawer and handed it to Zhang Yueran.

"Yueyue, this is for you."

Zhang Yueran took it with a puzzled look and pulled out the documents inside.

When she saw what it was, she froze on the spot, blinking repeatedly.

It was a property ownership certificate for a newly built residential complex in Beijing, with a clear address and a considerable area.

Nan Zhiyi explained, "This is a wedding gift for you. When you're free this weekend, I'll take you to transfer the property."

"Sister...this..." Zhang Yueran's voice trembled slightly, the thin sheet of paper in her hand seemed to weigh a ton, "How can this be?"

“Why can’t this be done? You’re my own sister. It’s only right that your older sister sends you a wedding gift.”

Nan Zhiyi pulled the stiff Zhang Yueran to sit on the sofa. "The location of this house is not bad. You can decorate it to your liking and it will be a stable little home. No matter what happens in the future, this will be your support. Even if you don't live here, you can rent it out and it can help you out."

"No, sis, you really can't accept this..." Zhang Yueran finally realized what was happening, shaking her head frantically as she tried to shove the document back, her fingertips stiffening. "This is too valuable... for you and your brother-in-law..."

“Your brother-in-law and I have already discussed it.” Nan Zhiyi held her hand. “Yueyue, I know you and Xingzhi have a good relationship. But that doesn’t conflict with your sister wanting to give you a guarantee.”

Looking at her sister's reddened eyes, she softened her voice even more, "If you really still consider me your older sister, then accept me. I've already asked about the formalities. When you have time, I'll take you to complete them."

Zhang Yueran finally couldn't hold back her tears.

She hugged Nan Zhiyi, buried her face in her shoulder, and sobbed, "Sister...you're so good to me...so good..."

Nan Zhiyi gently patted her back, "Yes, Yueyue is also very good to me."

During the most difficult days after her parents passed away, her younger sister tried every means to cheer her up, clumsily trying to share her grief.

Between sisters, some bonds can no longer be measured by material things.