She definitely believed Gu Zhiyuan's words. Since Gu Zhiyuan had spoken, the notification from the Northwest would probably arrive soon.
Traveling far away these days is not as advanced as it is in later generations, where you can simply bring money.
Not only should you bring enough clothes, but also various tickets, food for the road, water, lunch boxes, and the like.
With Gu Zhiyuan by my side, I definitely wouldn't dare use the space. I should just obediently prepare my luggage first.
While pondering what to bring, Xu Ningyan seemed somewhat absent-minded. In Li Jianguo's eyes, it looked like the girl was probably terrified.
If it were a grown man like him going to the military region, he'd be scared too!
But when did this girl get involved with the Northwest Military Region?
Li Jianguo was full of questions, but he couldn't ask them in front of everyone, so he had to hold back for the time being and wait until the evening to ask.
Before evening even arrived, the department store received an official letter from the Northwest Military Region, forwarded by the county's armed forces department. The letter requested that their employee, Comrade Xu Ningyan, go to the Northwest Military Region to assist in an investigation of the orphans of martyrs.
When everyone recalled the fate of Xu Yinlai and Shen Yue'e's family, and looked at this official letter, all sorts of speculations immediately emerged.
However, everyone now knows that Xu Ningyan is actually the child of a martyr.
At this time, martyrs are highly respected.
The children of martyrs naturally also receive preferential treatment.
Previously, they looked down on Xu Ningyan, but now their attitude has completely changed.
The department store leaders, in particular, felt a great sense of pride.
He immediately wrote a letter of introduction for Xu Ningyan and arranged for her to go to the Northwest on official business, with her salary and benefits paid as usual. He even revealed that Xu Ningyan's salary would be increased by one grade at the end of the year.
Hearing that Xu Ningyan was going to the Northwest, everyone spontaneously pooled together a bunch of coupons, mostly nationally valid grain coupons.
After all, in those days, you had to carry food coupons when you went out. Only their department store had the resources to come up with about fifty catties of food coupons, enough for Xu Ningyan to eat for at least a month.
Their supply and marketing department staff travel frequently and are highly experienced.
Several senior colleagues who frequently travel for work shared various tips with Xu Ningyan in the office on how to make their business trips more comfortable.
Xu Ningyan knew that these were all tips shared by several veteran comrades, and they would definitely be very useful.
I immediately pulled out my notebook to take notes, trying not to miss a single keyword.
Putting everything else aside, Xu Ningyan's attitude made the old comrade feel very comfortable. She even privately taught her a few secret tips that she would never share, so that she could quickly integrate into the local area and get along well with the locals when she went to a strange place.
Just as Xu Ningyan's notebook was full of notes, Gu Zhiyuan finally arrived.
The train arrived in the morning. For the past two days, Xu Ningyan has spent her time either listening to the old comrades at the department store learn tips or packing her luggage at home.
She went to the train station to ask Gu Zhiyuan when he would arrive in Jingshan County. Knowing it was this morning, she didn't go to work.
I've cleaned and wiped down Gu Zhiyuan's room over the past few days, aired out the bedding, and let the room ventilate for two days.
This morning I laid out clean sheets and blankets for him that had been washed and dried and smelled of sunshine. As he usually does, I put out his toothbrush, towel, and washbasin in their usual places.
I didn't go to the state-run restaurant for breakfast. After all, dumplings are served on the train and noodles are served upon arrival. Gu Zhiyuan came all the way for me, so I had to make it myself to express my gratitude, right?
The dough had already been kneaded, cut, sprinkled with dry flour, and placed on the cutting board.
The water in the pot was boiling vigorously, and once the person arrived, the noodles could be cooked directly.
The sauce on the side was already stir-fried; the minced meat was fried into a sauce, glistening with oil and smelling delicious, making your mouth water just looking at it.
There were also fresh, washed cucumbers and scallions next to it, already cut into thin strips.
It was just past eight o'clock when there was a knock on the courtyard gate. A familiar voice rang out again after more than a month: "A-Ning, open the door, I'm back!"
The dog that was chasing its tail in the yard pricked up its ears to listen, then wagged its tail and stood guard by the door.
As soon as Xu Ningyan opened the door, she affectionately sidled up to Gu Zhiyuan outside.
Gu Zhiyuan bent down and stroked the dog's head a couple of times, then looked up and smiled slightly at Xu Ningyan.
The morning sunlight shone directly on his face. Although he had just gotten off the train and was a little tired, his handsome features and refined demeanor dazzled Xu Ningyan.
She was momentarily stunned, almost completely mesmerized.
She didn't come to her senses until Gu Zhiyuan waved in front of her.
Her face flushed red instantly, but she forced herself to remain calm: "It's good that we've arrived! Wash up first, I made some noodles with soybean paste, you can eat them after you've washed up."
Gu Zhiyuan nodded obediently, put his luggage inside, washed his hands and face, opened his bag, found a change of clothes, then went to the well to fetch a bucket of water before taking a shower.
Xu Ningyan stopped him and forced him to take a shower. He was given half a bucket of hot water and told to mix it before taking a shower.
Gu Zhiyuan naturally agreed to everything Xu Ningyan said.
I took a quick shower, changed into a military green short-sleeved shirt and pants, and dried my short hair with a towel. I came out smelling of water and soap.
Xu Ningyan had already cooked the noodles. The table in the courtyard was filled with bowls and plates, including fried meat sauce, cucumber strips, chopped green onions, minced garlic, chili oil, and vinegar.
Knowing Gu Zhiyuan's taste, she had already prepared a large bowl for him, with a big spoonful of meat sauce, chili oil, minced garlic, and shredded cucumber.
Gu Zhiyuan sat down, took a bite without waiting, and his eyes narrowed with satisfaction.
He always ate very quickly, finishing his bowl in just a few bites, while Xu Ningyan hadn't even taken two bites of her small bowl.
She hurriedly put down her own bowl, got up to take his bowl, and prepared another bowl of noodles for him.
Gu Zhiyuan refused, then gently placed his hand on Xu Ningyan's shoulder, gesturing for her to sit down: "You don't need to get up, I can do it myself! I'm not a guest!"
As she spoke, she got up and went to the kitchen, where she cooked another large bowl of noodles. She poured on the meat sauce and chili oil, mixed it well, and then ate another bowl in no time.
Xu Ningyan watched as Gu Zhiyuan ate three large bowls in one go before putting down her chopsticks.
She couldn't help but widen her eyes: "Haven't you eaten anything on the way here?"
Gu Zhiyuan smiled wryly. He was thinking that he would soon see Xu Ningyan and be able to eat her cooking, so he had no appetite for the food on the train.
I've been starving until now, and I've finally survived.
After eating and drinking his fill, Gu Zhiyuan neatly cleaned up the dishes.
Seeing his tired face, Xu Ningyan gestured to him, "Alright, you must be exhausted from the train ride, right? Go back to your room and lie down for a while! I just made the sheets and blankets for you this morning."
Gu Zhiyuan didn't stand on ceremony. After entering the room, he lay down on the bed. The familiar surroundings and smells quickly put him into a deep sleep...
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