Chapter 303 Letter Paper
During their time in Jian'an, Xiaoman followed her grandfather around like a shadow, and the bond between the two grew rapidly.
Commander Gu doted on his grandson almost to the point of spoiling him, his eyes full of affection. But after careful observation, Nan Zhiyi discovered that her father-in-law was not simply spoiling him.
If Xiaoman makes any inappropriate remarks or actions, Commander Gu will sternly reason with her and never compromise on matters of principle.
This loving yet strict parenting style made Nan Zhiyi admire the old man who had weathered many storms even more, and she felt completely at ease entrusting her son to his grandfather's care.
Before they knew it, the day to return to the capital arrived.
Xiaoman seemed to know she was about to leave her grandfather. She clung to Commander Gu from the moment she woke up, and when it was time to get in the car, she hugged her grandfather's neck tightly and refused to let go.
Commander Gu felt a pang in his heart, reluctant to part with his sweet and affectionate grandson, but the child would eventually have to return to his parents' side.
He sighed inwardly, hugged the little one in his arms even tighter, and watched as Nan Zhiyi and Xiao Li put their luggage into the military green jeep.
Nan Zhiyi originally insisted on traveling light and taking Xiaoman back by train.
Commander Gu was still not at ease and insisted, "Let Xiao Li take you there. It'll be good to have someone to look after you on the way. Don't worry, I'll give Xiao Li a stipend for this business trip so he won't have worked for nothing."
Xiao Li, who was standing next to her, immediately chimed in, "Sister-in-law, please don't be so polite. I will definitely complete the task assigned by the commander!"
Nan Zhiyi couldn't refuse, so she had no choice but to agree.
Seeing this, Commander Gu instructed Wu Ma and Xiao Li to fill the trunk to the brim with food, drinks, supplies, and Xiaoman's new toys and clothes...
Nan Zhiyi said helplessly, "Dad, we have everything we need in Beijing, you..."
"Take them, take them all!" Commander Gu waved his hand dismissively. "What's at home is at home, this is from the grandfather to the grandson!"
After putting the things away, Aunt Wu held Nan Zhiyi's hand, her eyes slightly moist, and gave her many reluctant words of advice.
After Nan Zhiyi got into the car, Commander Gu reluctantly took Xiaoman off his arms and put her in the back seat.
"Xiaoman, Grandpa will miss you."
Xiaoman imitated her grandfather, "Grandpa, Xiaoman misses you too! I'll call you!"
This little guy has seen the world since following his grandfather, and his tongue has become increasingly eloquent.
Commander Gu rubbed his little head vigorously: "Okay! Come home with Mommy now. Next time, Grandpa will come to Beijing to see you."
Nan Zhiyi helped Xiaoman up, and together they waved vigorously at Commander Gu outside the window until they could no longer see his figure. Only then did Xiaoman snuggle into her mother's arms.
"Mom, will Grandpa keep waiting for me?"
"Of course I will." She didn't want to go into too much detail, only promising for now, "Grandpa said that when he comes to the capital, he will definitely come to see you."
Xiaoman seemed to have received confirmation, and her mood improved. She leaned under the seat and watched Xiao Li drive.
They returned home to Beijing without incident.
Sister Zhang had been waiting for a long time. She happily welcomed Xiaoman into the house and helped Nan Zhiyi and Xiao Li carry all the luggage and gifts into the living room, which were piled up almost like a small mountain.
Nan Zhiyi said gratefully to Xiao Li, "Xiao Li, you must be tired from your journey. Please stay for dinner before you go back."
Xiao Li waved his hands repeatedly, "Sister-in-law, please don't be so polite. Bringing you back was the commander's top priority. In addition, the commander also instructed me to deliver some New Year's gifts to several senior leaders in Beijing and to arrange for me to stay at the military region's guesthouse. I won't bother you any longer!"
After he finished speaking, he gave a crisp salute, turned around, and got into the car.
Xiaoman returned to his familiar surroundings and excitedly ran to play with his old toys that he had "reunited with after a long time".
Nan Zhiyi and Sister Zhang then began to sort out the pile of items.
She deliberately tucked the small tin box containing the cash deep inside the bookcase in her study and locked it. She planned to deposit the money in the bank after things settled down for the start of the school term in a few days.
Regarding the gift boxes of pastries, Nan Zhiyi said, "Sister Zhang, could you please pick out a few of the best Jian'an specialty pastries and pack them separately? Send one to Anping; she's been feeling cooped up during her postpartum period, so she should enjoy some hometown flavors to cheer herself up. Pack two or three more for me to take to my close friends at school after the semester starts. And you can take one home for your family to try."
Sister Zhang readily agreed, and her subordinates efficiently began sorting the produce.
"Alright! Then I won't stand on ceremony with you. My little rascals at home will definitely love these time-honored Jian'an pastries."
Nan Zhiyi smiled and said, "Why are you being so polite with me? You manage the house so well, and you take such good care of Xiaoman. I should be thanking you."
She suddenly remembered something and asked, "Sister Zhang, has Sister Zhao gone back to work at the Meng family's house?"
When she called Zhou Anping to wish him a Happy New Year, she heard that Aunt Song had gone to the military region to accompany Uncle Zhou. At that time, she forgot to ask about the situation of the maid, Sister Zhao.
She remembered hearing that Sister Zhao was temporarily unable to help the Meng family because her mother-in-law from the countryside was causing trouble.
Upon hearing this, Sister Zhang launched into a long explanation: "They've gone, they've gone. Their messy accounts have finally been sorted out for now."
She lowered her voice, "You have no idea how difficult Sister Zhao's mother-in-law is! She heard that her daughter-in-law earned money working for a high-ranking official in the city, and she's demanding that Sister Zhao give half of her wages to the elderly couple for their old age, saying it's the proper custom! Good heavens, that's utterly unreasonable! It's really worn Sister Zhao out. Luckily, someone from the Meng family probably spoke up for her, and things calmed down a bit..."
When Nan Zhiyi heard that Sister Zhao had gone back to work, she nodded: "It's good that she's gone back. This way, Anping can have an easier time taking care of the child."
She had no intention of prying into other people's private family matters, and once she learned the answer, she didn't ask any more questions.
Sister Zhang was also sensible. Seeing that the hostess was no longer asking questions, she stopped talking and continued to pack up the fragrant pastries.
In the evening, Nan Zhiyi finally managed to coax Xiaoman, who was tired from playing, to sleep.
She sat down at her desk and wrote a letter specifically for Gu Xiao.
He disappeared without a trace after leaving, and Nan Zhiyi had a bellyful of longing in her heart, which she could only express in letters.
When she picked up her pen, she spoke at length about her daily life, from clothing and food to housing and transportation, expressing a wealth of thoughts from her heart.
The more she wrote, the less neat her handwriting became, revealing a hint of haste and sloppiness.
Nan Zhiyi didn't stop writing until she had filled several pages.
Even if this letter can't be sent, she can show it to Gu Xiao when he comes back, letting him know how she thinks of him during the days and nights he can't see.
She rubbed her slightly sore eyes, checked the time, and realized it was already eleven o'clock. She quickly turned off the bedside lamp, crawled into bed, and hugged her soft, squishy son.
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