Chapter 496 Academic Studies

Nan Zhiyi put down her teacup, her expression becoming more serious. Zhang Yueran was simple-minded and academically brilliant, but lacked sensitivity to interpersonal relationships and business risks.

"The best option for you is a safe, long-term investment. Now that the policy allows, private individuals can buy and sell houses. With your money, plus the rent and what Xingzhi gives you, you can slowly save it up and buy a house or small shop in a good location. Even if it's small and old, you can clean it up and rent it out, which will be a stable source of income. Alternatively, you can buy some gold jewelry or gold bars and keep them. These are always hard currency and can preserve their value."

Her tone became even more earnest, "Yueyue, I'm telling you this not just to teach you how to manage money. It's a form of security for yourself, a source of confidence in this marriage."

"I see how good Xingzhi is to you, and I'm completely at ease. But no matter how good he is, that's his intention and his ability. You have your own assets and investments that can generate income; that's your safety net and your support. In the future, if you want to buy something for yourself, want to show your respect to Aunt Feng and Uncle Zhang, or want to do something on your own, you can do it without worrying about anyone else's feelings or feeling guilty. A woman can only truly feel at ease when she can stand on her own two feet, and only then can her marriage be more equal and last longer. Do you understand?"

Zhang Yueran was initially taken aback by these words, but then she slowly came to understand their deeper meaning.

It wasn't that her sister didn't trust Zhou Xingzhi; rather, she was teaching her how to maintain a clear sense of self and independent space even amidst sweet dependence.

She nodded vigorously and said solemnly, "Sister, I understand. You're right. I'll plan the money carefully, I'll listen to you, and I'll look for opportunities to buy some real estate or gold to save. Just think of it as... saving up some security for myself. Anyway, I'm not in a hurry to use it, and it's always a good idea to look at it in the long run."

Nan Zhiyi was pleased: "It's best that you think that way. As for the specifics, you can learn slowly, or you can discuss it with Xingzhi. He has a lot of experience and can help you make the right decisions. But the final decision is up to you."

"Um!"

Zhang Yueran readily agreed.

She picked up her fork again and happily began to devour the rest of the cake, finding the cream even sweeter than before.

Nan Zhiyi slowly and methodically enjoyed the last bit of cake on her plate with a small fork. The taste was acceptable, but she was more enjoying the leisurely moment she had stolen with her sister.

The two sisters chatted for a while longer, their topics ranging from academics and work to amusing anecdotes from everyday life...

As the sun began to set outside the window, Nan Zhiyi beckoned to a waiter and ordered two small cakes to be packed up. "Take them back for Gu Zhao to try, and also get one for Sister Zhang's child."

Zhang Yueran exclaimed, "I want one too! I'll take it back to Zhou Xingzhi!"

Nan Zhiyi couldn't help but laugh again, shaking her head as she paid: "If you take it back, I'm afraid it will be difficult for Zhou Xingzhi."

Zhang Yueran smiled slyly: "It's okay, if he can't finish it, I'll eat it for him! We can't waste food." Her confidence was so strong that no one could argue with her.

The two sisters smiled and said goodbye on the street, then each hailed a taxi and drove off in different directions.

The car drove back to the army compound, just in time for the elementary school to let out.

At the start of the new semester, Gu Zhao took the initiative to suggest that he no longer needed his family to pick him up and drop him off. Instead, he would go to and from school with his classmates from the same compound, chasing and playing along the way, as if it were a chance to get some fresh air.

Nan Zhiyi also respects her child's desire for independence, but occasionally, like today, she will come to wait for him on her way, which is a small surprise.

After the school bell rang, the children poured out of the school gate.

Among the few parents waiting, Nan Zhiyi stood out with her graceful figure and gentle demeanor.

Gu Zhao's face lit up the moment she saw her mother.

He waved vigorously in Nan Zhiyi's direction, turned around and quickly said something to his friend beside him, then ran towards his mother.

"Mom! What brings you here?"

Nan Zhiyi reached out and touched his hair, which was a little messy from the wind. Her son's hair was rather stiff, like Gu Xiao's.

"I just finished meeting your aunt and am heading home. I thought you should be home from school by now. Look, I brought you some snacks." She waved the cardboard box in her hand.

Gu Zhao exclaimed "Wow!", took the box, and sniffed it. "Thank you, Mom! When Dad comes back, I'll eat with him!"

Nan Zhiyi: "Okay. Dad said he'll be home for dinner today. Should we go straight home and wait for him, or play outside for a while?"

"Let's go home first. I have homework to do. My math teacher assigned a challenging problem today, and I want to finish it as soon as possible." Gu Zhao said earnestly, clearly a responsible elementary school student.

Nan Zhiyi felt a pang of sympathy.

Once a child steps into school, it means a long academic journey of ten or twenty years, and playtime will be gradually squeezed out.

She softened her voice and led him home, saying, "You're still young, there's no need to rush your studies. You should enjoy playing when it's time to play."

Gu Zhao looked up, a hint of confusion flashing in her eyes: "Is it okay? But the teacher said that I have to finish my homework on time, study hard, and make progress every day."

The teacher's authority is deeply ingrained in the child's mind.

"The teacher is right, learning is important. But what Mom means is that elementary school courses aren't difficult; you have plenty of time to digest them. Mom wants you to understand that learning is about becoming a better person and understanding more, not just about finishing homework. As long as you take responsibility for your studies and master what you're supposed to, you can use the remaining time to run, jump, read extracurricular books, work on your models, and play with your friends. It'll be the same even in middle and high school. You need to know how to study, but also how to live and play. Mom doesn't want you to become a bookworm who only buries himself in books, understand?"

Gu Zhao blinked as he listened. His mother's words were somewhat different from the teachings he usually heard at school.

He didn't quite understand, but his mother's confident tone made him feel that this might be a valid point, and he silently kept it in mind.

The mother and son returned home, and Gu Zhao went to his room to do his homework.

Nan Zhiyi gave another piece of cake to Sister Zhang, who thanked her repeatedly.

After dinner, Gu Zhao couldn't wait to take out the cake and share it with her father.

Gu Xiao had little interest in sweets, only taking a couple of symbolic bites before giving the rest to his son.

Gu Zhao ate with satisfaction, and remembering what her mother had said that afternoon, she couldn't help but repeat it to her father.

Upon hearing this, Gu Xiao pondered for a moment and said to her son, "What your mother said makes sense. There are many ways to learn and explore the world; books are one, but playing, observing, and hands-on activities are also important forms of learning."

"Studying is one of your main choices and tasks at this stage. Doing it well is your responsibility. Just like Dad is in the army, I have my tasks and responsibilities that I must fulfill. But outside of that, you can and should certainly have your own time to do things you are interested in, to make friends, to exercise, or even just to daydream."

Gu Zhao listened so intently that she forgot to eat the cake in her hand.

He reached out and ruffled his son's hair, with a firmer touch than Nan Zhiyi's, carrying a father's unique rough tenderness: "The key lies in the word 'responsibility.' You have to judge for yourself what it means to be responsible for your studies and for your life."

“Remember,” Gu Xiao concluded, “your parents are standing behind you, supporting you and giving you the courage to try, to choose, and even to make harmless little mistakes. But ultimately, you have to walk your own path, step by step. Your studies are one choice, an important starting point, but they are not everything. Do you understand?”

Gu Zhao listened to his father's words with even greater focus than when he listened to his mother.

His father's words were like drawing a frame for him, a frame containing a territory he had to defend, and a vast world where he could roam freely.

“I remember, Dad! I will take responsibility for myself!” he said loudly, then scooped up the last big bite of cake, stuffed it into his mouth, and puffed out his cheeks.