Chapter 312 Invitation
The following afternoon, Gu Xiao picked up Nan Zhiyi from school.
He opened the car door for her and said, "Editor Lin called home at noon, wanting to talk to you in person about the progress of the new book."
"I took it upon myself to agree on your behalf, saying you could meet him at the magazine office after school. I wonder... if the commander agrees to my arrangement?"
He spoke in a serious tone, but a hint of mockery lurked at the corner of his mouth.
Nan Zhiyi also put on airs, cleared her throat, adopted a leader's demeanor, and nodded slightly.
"Yes, Comrade Gu Xiao's arrangement is very thoughtful, it's good. Let's do it this way, let's set off."
A smile spread across Gu Xiao's eyes. He freed his right hand, took her hand, and intertwined his fingers with hers.
"Yes, sir. Let's depart now."
When they arrived at the magazine office, Nan Zhiyi got out of the car, while Gu Xiao waited inside.
He rolled down the car window, his gaze occasionally sweeping over the magazine office's entrance.
About an hour later, he saw Nan Zhiyi being escorted out by a smiling Lin Yuan.
Lin Yuan was very friendly and said a few more words at the door before the two waved goodbye.
Gu Xiao got out of the car to greet her, reached out and helped her into the car.
"It seems you two are having a good conversation."
Nan Zhiyi leaned back in her chair, her hand not idle either, secretly hooking his finger.
"Fifth Brother, Editor Lin said the readers' feedback has been very positive, and they're urging for more chapters. The magazine hopes to speed up the serialization process and is also planning to publish it..."
She always spoke frankly with Gu Xiao, but with some worry, she said, "The story is only halfway through; the rest of the structure still needs careful consideration..."
Gu Xiao listened attentively, and only responded after she finished speaking: "No rush. The story is in your mind, write it slowly, at your own pace, don't think about anything else."
His words were simple and straightforward, and Nan Zhiyi turned her head to look at him, feeling a soft warmth in her heart.
"Minister Gu is the best in the world; every word he said resonated with me."
Gu Xiao pinched her chin.
"Our leader really knows how to praise people. I beg the leader to give the order to take me out for a good meal."
Nan Zhiyi's eyes crinkled into a smile. "Come on, I'll take you out to eat!"
The car finally stopped in front of a newly opened restaurant. The storefront wasn't large, but it was bright and clean, with blue curtains hanging around it, giving it a refreshing look.
Gu Xiao chose a quiet spot by the window, ordered several dishes that Nan Zhiyi liked, and also asked for a pot of jasmine tea.
While waiting for the food.
Nan Zhiyi recalled something: "Minister Qin sent an invitation a couple of days ago. He and Comrade Li Xiaoxuan will be getting married on May Day."
He had mentioned before that he was worried you wouldn't be able to make it back before your mission was finished. The invitations have already been delivered to our home; I've put them in the drawer in the entryway.
Gu Xiao was pouring her tea, his movements continuing, he only nodded slightly, "Yes, he mentioned it before. We'll go together then."
Nan Zhiyi took the warm teacup and placed it beside her, then said, "Minister Qin is too kind; he even sent Yueyue a separate invitation."
She looked up at Gu Xiao, frowning. "I thought it was just Li Xiaoxuan saying it casually, but I didn't expect her to actually send an invitation. Do you think it's appropriate for Yueyue to go...?"
“Old Qin is always very thoughtful. Since they've officially sent out invitations, it shows their good intentions. Yueyue helped us out, and Old Qin remembers that favor. Besides,”
He took the opportunity to touch the back of her hand. "It's not a bad thing to let her go out more and meet people. It's better than her burying herself in those experimental parts all day."
That's a reasonable and logical statement.
Nan Zhiyi's slight concern dissipated. "You're right. Then I'll take her with me, so she can share in the joy."
At this moment, the waiter brought out the first dish, which was Nan Zhiyi's favorite sweet and sour pork ribs.
Gu Xiao picked up his chopsticks, took a piece and put it in her bowl, "Eat it while it's hot."
Nan Zhiyi smiled sweetly, "Thank you, Fifth Brother."
The couple discussed over their meal that they would take Xiaoman and Zhang Yueran to Qin Fen's wedding on May Day.
However, when Nan Zhiyi brought this up with Zhang Yueran, Zhang Yueran's eyes widened instantly.
"Huh? Me? Sis, Minister Qin is such a high-ranking official, a bigwig in the Ministry of Education! His wedding must be incredibly grand, with tons of leaders... I'm scared..."
She was very resistant. The last time she went to the Meng family's 100-day celebration, she felt awkward and uncomfortable, with strangers exchanging pleasantries and saying things she couldn't keep up with.
Nan Zhiyi said gently, "Silly girl, what's there to be afraid of? Since Minister Qin specially sent you an invitation, it means he sincerely invited you. It's his kind gesture, and we should appreciate it."
She took Zhang Yueran's hand and patted it gently: "Besides, it won't hurt to see more of the world and meet more people. You'll just follow me and Fifth Brother. You won't have to say much, just greet people and eat with us. With us here, what are you afraid of?"
Zhang Yueran made a face and gave in, "Then... okay then."
"I'll also prepare the gift money for you, so you don't need to worry about it."
"My sister is so thoughtful. I'll come along and get a free meal."
Zhang Yueran breathed a slight sigh of relief, snuggled up to Nan Zhiyi, and hugged her arm affectionately.
Nan Zhiyi tapped her forehead: "You're so pathetic. You're supposed to be giving blessings and sharing in the joy. Alright, stop being so lovey-dovey. Go check your circuit diagram. Didn't you say you have to hand it in tomorrow?"
Zhang Yueran said "Oh" and then quickly returned to the laboratory.
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