Chapter 85 Farewell
Under the light, her profile, glowing softly, complemented the exquisite glass bottle in her hand, creating a scene so beautiful it seemed unreal.
A sudden pang of bitterness welled up in Gu Xiao's heart.
What he gave her was a simple and cramped family compound, and the simple, rustic atmosphere of daily meals.
The things Gu Yan brought back were the exquisite items she had been familiar with since childhood.
He gave her a stable home, but he couldn't give her the glamorous life she had taken for granted.
Nan Zhiyi turned around with a smile, only to meet Gu Xiao's clearly unfocused gaze.
Her heart tightened, and she quickly understood the emotions behind his silence.
She walked over and threw herself into his arms. Gu Xiao instinctively opened his arms to catch her, his arms filled with her warm and soft body.
Nan Zhiyi held up her wrist, which she had just sprayed with perfume, to his nose. "Smell it, does it smell good?"
The delicate fragrance of flowers and fruits lingered in his nostrils. Gu Xiao's Adam's apple bobbed slightly, and he murmured, "It smells good."
Nan Zhiyi was not satisfied with this answer. She cupped his face in her hands, forcing him to look at her.
"Brother, why are you unhappy? What are you thinking about?"
Gu Xiao instinctively tried to avoid her gaze and shook his head in denial.
"nothing."
"You're lying. I can tell."
She rested her face on his shoulder, her fingers gently stroking his chin, her voice softening further:
"Brother, are you being stubborn again? Are you upset that I didn't buy you these nice things? Think about it, where would I be right now if it weren't for you?"
She didn't need his answer; she provided the answer herself.
"I must have been sent to work in some poor mountain village! Every day I had to go to work in the fields before dawn, weeding under the scorching sun! Forget about perfume or new clothes, I was lucky to even have a whole bar of soap to wash my face! My fingernails were full of dirt, and my face was peeling from the sun..."
The scene she described was so real and horrific that Gu Xiao unconsciously tightened his arms around her.
She deliberately dragged out her words, tracing circles on his chest with her fingertips, "And she's incredibly good at taking care of people! Cooking, washing dishes, tidying up—she's got it all figured out! She makes me feel so comfortable..."
"Gu Xiao, I like you so, so much, I'm so, so content! Really! Even if I had to eat chaff and wild vegetables, live in a cold cave for eighteen years, and dig for wild vegetables every day, I would still be willing to be with you..."
Gu Xiao was completely charmed by her, and he couldn't suppress the smile on his face.
"No, I will never let you live that kind of life."
"Hehe, I know, but what about you?...Do you think I have a bad family background, that I'm spoiled and lazy?"
Gu Xiao looked at her seriously, "No, I married you so that you could have a good life."
She smiled sweetly, "So, you're not allowed to think about those things anymore. I'm really happy with you."
"From now on, I will make your life better."
"Of course, I believe you."
Gu Xiao's gaze was deep as he took her hand and gently kissed her palm.
That soft, warm touch felt like a feather brushing against her heart.
Nan Zhiyi blushed and looked at him shyly, her eyes filled with affection, like two pools of spring water, enveloping Gu Xiao completely.
Silence speaks louder than words.
"Zhiyi, wake up..."
Nan Zhiyi was fast asleep when, in her hazy state, she felt someone touching her face.
She opened her eyes groggily; it was still gray outside the window, and dawn had not yet broken.
Gu Xiao, dressed neatly, sat on the edge of the bed.
Why are you up so early?
Gu Xiao gently stroked her cheek with his fingertips, with a hint of reluctance.
"Zhiyi, I have an urgent mission and need to leave immediately."
Nan Zhiyi's sleepiness vanished without a trace.
She grasped his hand that was resting on her cheek.
"How long are you going to be gone?"
"I'm not sure. It might... take a long time. I'll write to you when circumstances allow. I promise."
He couldn't promise anything more.
Nan Zhiyi felt a lump in her throat. She bit her lower lip and forced a smile: "Yes! I'll wait for you to come back. You must... stay safe."
"You need to take good care of yourself too."
Gu Xiao leaned down and planted a deep kiss on her forehead, then rubbed his lips against hers for a moment before standing up abruptly.
"wait for me."
She nodded vigorously, watching him leave…
The door was gently closed, blocking the view.
Nan Zhiyi sat there blankly for a while, then silently shed tears.
The atmosphere was somewhat somber during breakfast.
Nan Zhiyi's eyes were still slightly red, but she had composed herself.
Commander Gu sat in the main seat, unusually not reading the newspaper, his gaze sweeping over Nan Zhiyi's slightly pale face.
He had been married twice and knew all too well how much waiting, worry, and hardship he had to bear alone meant behind the words "military wife."
"It's common for Lao Wu to be on missions, so you need to be mentally prepared."
"Yes, Dad, I will," Nan Zhiyi replied softly.
Commander Gu paused for a moment, then took out a brown paper package from his inner pocket and pushed it in front of Nan Zhiyi.
"Take it, but don't tell Fifth Brother. And don't let that brat Gu Yan know either. Keep it for yourself, as...private funds."
Nan Zhiyi was stunned.
She pinched the corner of the small bag; it was indeed quite thick.
This unexpected and heartfelt gesture warmed her heart, and her nose tingled with emotion.
She looked up at Commander Gu, whose face was unusually kind and approachable, making her feel somewhat flattered.
She smiled slightly and thanked him sincerely.
"Thank you, Dad!"
At this moment, Gu Yan also came downstairs yawning.
He was clearly dressed up today; his hair was slicked back, he wore a brand-new white shirt, crisp khaki trousers, and gleaming leather shoes. He looked very energetic.
He sat down casually, grabbed a steamed bun, and started eating.
Looking at Gu Yan's outfit, Nan Zhiyi sincerely praised him, "Gu Yan, you look very energetic today."
Gu Yan raised his chin: "That's right! As a groomsman for my brother, I can't let him down!"
Commander Gu glanced at his youngest son's overly "glamorous" attire, his eyebrows furrowing as he clearly found it a bit jarring.
He snorted, not looking at Gu Yan again, and said to Nan Zhiyi, "I have to go to a meeting out of town, so I can't see you off tomorrow. I'll have Aunt Wu pack some things for you to take with you when you leave."
After saying that, he strode out the door.
Nan Zhiyi didn't even have a chance to say thank you.
Gu Yan pursed his lips at his father's back, finished his porridge in a few gulps, and said to Nan Zhiyi, "Zhiyi, my brother called me late at night and said he went on a mission and asked me to drive you back to the military camp tomorrow."
Nan Zhiyi nodded, feeling a warmth in her heart.
He's always like that; no matter how fast he leaves, he'll always make sure she's settled in.
"Okay, I'll have to trouble you then."
She urged, "Go quickly, don't miss the auspicious time for the wedding procession."
"Understood!"
Gu Yan waved to Nan Zhiyi and went out with a triumphant air.
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