Chapter 282 Jealousy
On Sunday afternoon, Lin Yuan arrived carrying large bags and packages.
Gu Xiao happened to be resting at home. When he saw the guest arrive, he politely exchanged a few pleasantries with Lin Yuan.
He patted Nan Zhiyi on the shoulder, "You two chat, I'll take Xiaoman out for a walk."
After Nan Zhiyi nodded, Gu Xiao put a thick cotton-padded coat on Xiaoman and led his son to the children's activity area in the courtyard.
Lin Yuan sat down on the sofa, took a sip of the hot tea that Nan Zhiyi handed him, and after catching his breath, he pointed to the several bulging canvas bags and paper bags at his feet and said with a smile, "This is a New Year's gift from the publishing house to the author, a small token of our appreciation."
Inside were two notebooks, a New Year calendar, snacks, and tea.
He then picked up a heavy canvas bag. "These are all letters from readers. The publishing house has already screened them. You can take a look if you're interested."
Finally, pointing to several other bundles of books carefully wrapped in kraft paper, he said, "These are some books published by our publishing house and other publishing houses in the last two years. They cover a variety of topics. You can browse through them in your spare time and perhaps find some new inspiration."
Nan Zhiyi quickly expressed her gratitude: "Editor Lin, you are so thoughtful! I was just thinking of buying some new books to read and figure out the current trends, and you brought them to me right away. You really saved me from my predicament."
Lin Yuan waved his hand and took another sip of tea: "It's nothing, it's nothing."
He took a sample book out of his briefcase and showed it to her. "The cover was specially designed by a master. What do you think?"
Nan Zhiyi took it, quite satisfied. "This cover is quite eye-catching. However, after finishing this book, I struggled with it for several days before I finally had some ideas..."
Lin Yuan's gaze fell on the open notebook beside Nan Zhiyi. "Judging from what you just said, you still have some hesitation about the subject matter of your new book?"
Nan Zhiyi nodded and pushed the notebook over, which contained two story outlines.
"I wrote two rough outlines. One was to continue the previous science fiction background and write a story about interstellar exploration; the other... tried some realistic themes and wrote about the ups and downs of a family in the changing times."
Lin Yuan looked at it carefully for a moment, "Comrade Zhiyi, your science fiction novels have achieved remarkable success and laid a solid foundation of readers. Continuing to write science fiction is naturally a safe choice. Nowadays, the country is advocating 'marching towards science,' and this kind of subject matter is just right."
He put down his notebook and changed the subject, "However, I think it would be better to broaden your horizons and subject matter. The editorial department also hopes to see more diverse aspects of your creative work."
Of course, ultimately, what to write and how to write it is up to you.
Nan Zhiyi hesitated for a moment, "Editor Lin, I'll work on it properly during the winter break."
The two chatted for a while about their creative direction. Lin Yuan didn't say much, since his studies were also important. He just told them to call him anytime if needed.
"Editor Lin, thank you for making this special trip."
After seeing Lin Yuan off, Nan Zhiyi tidied up the things next to the coffee table. Sister Zhang also came over to help, and together they moved the mountain of reader letters and new books into the study.
She randomly picked up a copy of "Letters from Fu Lei's Family," a recently reprinted edition, and sat down on the sofa by the window to read it.
It wasn't until Gu Xiao returned with Xiaoman, and the sound of her son chattering and the man's deep echoes came from the entrance, that she suddenly looked up from between the pages of her book.
Gu Xiao pushed open the study door and saw her curled up in the shadows of dusk, with only the pages of the book gleaming faintly. He reached out and turned on the light switch on the wall.
"Silly wife, you've been watching all afternoon without turning on the light."
The sudden light made Nan Zhiyi squint. She glanced at her watch; it was already past five, but she refused to admit it, saying, "You're exaggerating. I've only been looking for a short while."
Gu Xiao walked over and squeezed down on the sofa next to her. "What book is so captivating to you?"
Nan Zhiyi leaned into his arms and held the book higher so that he could see it clearly.
“From Fu Lei’s Family Letters,” he said, pointing to a line of text. “Look at this sentence: ‘Put aside gains and losses, successes and failures as much as possible, and only strive to do your best so that you have no regrets.’ It’s so well said.”
Gu Xiao's gaze swept over the words, and he put his arm around her shoulder.
“Hmm,” he responded, his voice ringing out above her head, “The principles are the same whether you’re doing academic work, being a person, or even leading troops into battle. You can’t always force the outcome, no matter how hard you try.”
Nan Zhiyi closed the book and said softly, "That's why we should cherish the present and live each day to the fullest."
Just as Gu Xiao's lips touched Nan Zhiyi's cheek, a small figure rushed into the study like a cannonball.
"dad!"
Xiaoman stood in front of the two of them, looking up with her brows furrowed.
He had seen this scene several times, and each time he felt that his mother had been taken away by his father, which made him very dissatisfied.
He squeezed between the two of them, using both his hands and feet, and wrapped his little arms tightly around his mother's neck: "Mommy, kiss me! Kiss me!"
Gu Xiao looked at the little brat who was monopolizing his wife, raised an eyebrow, and reached out to grab his son by the back of his collar: "Gu Zhao, your mother is my wife!"
Nan Zhiyi was both amused and exasperated. She pushed away his outstretched hand and glared at him, saying, "Gu Xiao! Why are you arguing with a child about this..."
She looked down at Xiaoman, whose eyes were red, and gently coaxed her, "Okay, okay, Mommy will kiss Xiaoman."
As she spoke, she cupped her son's chubby cheeks and kissed him several times.
Xiaoman burst into laughter through her tears after being kissed, and proudly hugged her mother tightly, burying her face in the crook of her neck and rubbing against her, while also stealing a glance at her father over her mother's shoulder.
Left out in the cold, Gu Xiao looked at his son's defiant attitude and saw his wife busy coaxing their son, and a sour feeling welled up inside him.
He gritted his teeth, staring at the fluffy little head, "That little rascal..."
The family of three is having a fuss.
Sister Zhang was outside, inviting people to eat.
"It's cold, so I made a special lamb hot pot."
Sister Zhang brought the steaming hot pot of mutton to the table. The milky white broth was bubbling and the aroma was irresistible.
Just as Nan Zhiyi picked up the soup spoon, the phone rang sharply.
Gu Xiao, who was nearby, got up to go and receive it.
He grunted twice, then frowned and turned to look at Nan Zhiyi: "It's Qingshan."
Nan Zhiyi's heart skipped a beat, and she put down her spoon and went over.
Gu Xiao handed her the receiver, and Meng Qingshan's anxious and flustered voice came through: "Anping... Anping is in the hospital, in terrible pain, she says she's going into labor! She... she keeps saying she wants to see you!"
Nan Zhiyi's vision went black for a moment, and she quickly grabbed the cabinet for support. "Which hospital? I'm coming right away!"
After hanging up the phone, her face turned pale, and she turned and walked towards the door.
Gu Xiao grabbed her wrist: "At least eat a few bites first, to fill your stomach."
She dared not think any further, she only wanted to fly to Anping's side immediately.
Seeing her like this, Gu Xiao stopped trying to persuade her and said to Sister Zhang, "Please watch over Xiaoman for a while, we're going out for a bit."
He also picked up his military overcoat, and while putting it on, he put his arm around Nan Zhiyi and walked out.
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