Chapter 54 Work

The person sitting next to her now is Gu Xiao, the fifth brother she has looked up to and respected since childhood.

He was no longer qualified to do anything for her; even looking at her felt like an overstepping of his bounds.

Zhou Zhengping could only stare intently at the wine glass in front of him, as if it were his only lifeline.

Everyone knew that Zhou Zhengping and Nan Zhiyi were engaged, but when the Nan family had an accident, the Zhou family also broke off the engagement without hesitation.

Now the three of them are at the dinner table together... really...

Sun Guodong declared, raising his glass to Zhao Yaqin and downing the wine in one gulp: "I will definitely follow Fifth Brother's example and treat my wife well in the future."

Zhao Yaqin ignored him and continued smiling at Nan Zhiyi, "Zhiyi, I just transferred here and I'm really bored since I don't know anyone here. Can I come over and talk to you to cheer you up when I have time? We used to jump rope together in the old compound!"

Nan Zhiyi had always liked the cheerful Zhao Yaqin: "Of course, Sister Yaqin. I'm just lazing around at home, and I'm worried about having no one to talk to."

Upon hearing this, Lu Linlang's pent-up jealousy finally found an outlet.

Her voice was neither too loud nor too soft: "Yes, Zhiyi has such a leisurely life now, unlike us, who still have to work night shifts at the hospital and stand on the operating table. Women in the new era have to hold up half the sky with their own hands, right?"

The previously harmonious atmosphere at the dining table turned cold again.

Li Weidong and the others had different expressions.

Who doesn't know about Nan Zhiyi's family background? Finding a job is no easy task.

Even if we take a step back and say that Gu Xiao is in charge of supporting her, it's none of the business of outsiders to criticize him.

Zhao Yaqin scoffed, retorting without hesitation, "Oh, what you're saying. It's true that modern women hold up half the sky, but that doesn't mean they have to do it at work to be considered successful. Zhiyi manages the household perfectly, allowing Fifth Brother to focus on his work without any worries. Isn't that a contribution too? Besides..."

She drew out her words, "Fifth Brother is happy to support him, and his willingness is priceless! Some people are just meddling in other people's business, they're being way too nosy!"

Lu Linlang's face turned red and white as Zhao Yaqin retorted. Just as she was about to retort, Gu Xiao, who had been silent all along, put down his wine glass.

The crisp sound of the bottom of the cup hitting the table wasn't loud, but it made everyone's hearts jump.

Gu Xiao looked up at Lu Linlang for the first time. His gaze was calm and unwavering.

“Zhiyi is my lover. I am willing to support her for the rest of my life and let her live the life she wants. She doesn’t need to prove anything to anyone, including the so-called ‘half the sky’.”

After saying that, he stopped looking at Lu Linlang's deathly pale face and casually started chatting with the others.

Nan Zhiyi felt a warm glow in her heart.

After she finished eating, she put down her chopsticks and sat quietly, her gaze falling on Gu Xiao's hand, which was casually resting on the armrest of the chair.

Its joints are clearly defined, and it is long and strong.

She extended her little finger and gently touched his fingertip.

Gu Xiao didn't move.

She then tentatively reached out and hooked her little finger with his.

He suddenly twisted his wrist, with irresistible force, and wrapped her hand in his palm, their fingers intertwined tightly, leaving no gaps.

He continued talking to Li Weidong with a calm expression.

Nan Zhiyi tried to pull away, but he gripped her even tighter.

The meal ended amidst the mixed thoughts of everyone present.

Gu Xiao took Nan Zhiyi's hand, got up, said goodbye, and left.

Zhou Zhengping sat there, his face ashen, his eyes following the two men's clasped hands until they disappeared at the end of the corridor.

Lu Linlang stared intently at the two departing figures, her nails digging deeply into her palms…

Tall sycamore trees lined the paths of the camp, and moonlight filtered through their branches, casting dappled patterns of light.

The summer night breeze dispelled the tension in the cafeteria.

Gu Xiao held Nan Zhiyi's hand and walked slowly.

She was like a bird released from its cage, her steps light and quick.

She shook their clasped hands and turned to look at him: "I didn't expect that seeing them again today wouldn't seem so scary."

Gu Xiao tightened his grip on her hand: "With me here, no one will dare to gossip about you to your face."

He was well-versed in rules and deterrence; those with complicated thoughts could only suppress them in his presence.

The evening breeze ruffled the stray hairs on her forehead, and she enjoyed this rare moment of peace and tranquility.

What made her feel even more at ease was that Gu Xiao didn't ask a single question about Zhou Zhengping from beginning to end.

Gu Xiao had already seen through her thoughts.

During this time of spending time together, the dependence she showed and the affection in her eyes clearly told him who she had in her heart.

Therefore, he didn't need to ask.

“Gu Xiao,” Nan Zhiyi suddenly remembered Lu Linlang’s words and Zhao Yaqin’s suggestion, “Do you think I should find something to do? I’m a little bored at home.”

Gu Xiao stopped and turned to face her. "Do you want to work?"

Nan Zhiyi thought for a moment and answered honestly, "I want to, but I'm also a little scared. I want to have something to do and meet new friends. I'm scared... scared of causing you trouble."

Gu Xiao raised his hand and gently rubbed her slightly cool cheek with his fingertips.

He was certainly worried about her being bored at home, but he cared even more about her safety and comfort.

He understood her personality and was aware of the current situation. He was worried about letting her do ordinary work outside.

But he couldn't bear to keep her completely locked up at home.

"This isn't urgent. I'll think of a way and see if there's a suitable place. It won't tire you out or cause any trouble. Don't worry, leave it to me."

He had vague ideas, such as a primary school for children of military personnel or a relatively easy clerical position in logistics. These were all within his control, so that she would have something to do and could stay under his watchful eye.

However, it takes time to operate and requires caution.

His promise was reassuring.

Nan Zhiyi smiled and nodded vigorously: "Yes!"

The two walked slowly back along the moonlit path.

Nan Zhiyi chattered on about which dishes were delicious and which were too salty, while Gu Xiao mostly just hummed in agreement, occasionally offering a word or two, his gaze always gently fixed on her.

The evening breeze blew, and the shadows of the trees swayed, casting long shadows of the two people nestled together.

Back at the family compound, Gu Xiao seemed even more intoxicated.

He let go of Nan Zhiyi's hand, walked to the sofa, and lay down on his back, feeling somewhat exhausted.

He casually ripped two buttons off his shirt, revealing his smooth neck and a small patch of collarbone.

His eyes were closed, his cheeks flushed, and his usually cold and hard features appeared much softer under the light, revealing a rare languor.

Slightly tipsy, Gu Xiao was like a beast that had relaxed, lying in quiet slumber.

His brow bone, bridge of his nose, tightly pursed lips, even the slight rise and fall of his chest... every single feature was in line with her aesthetic.

Nan Zhiyi stood to the side, holding a glass of warm water, watching intently.

Gu Xiao suddenly opened his closed eyes, which seemed hazy with intoxication.

He reached out his hand to Nan Zhiyi, his voice low and hoarse: "Wife, come here."