Chapter 467 Exemplar
Seeing that it was completely dark outside, Nan Zhiyi nudged him: "I'm going downstairs to help. There's a whole family here."
Gu Xiao didn't loosen his arms; they were still wrapped around her waist. "It's not like we're missing out on you."
Nan Zhiyi had already gotten off his lap and was even pulling his hand in return: "Let's go, Minister Gu, let's set a good example."
Gu Xiao then stood up with her help, and the two went downstairs.
The living room was even more lively than before. The TV was on, the children were playing with their new toys in the corner, and the men were gathered on the sofa drinking tea and talking. Gu Xiao glanced around and, not seeing Gu Yan, walked straight toward his father and brother.
Nan Zhiyi turned around and looked around, her gaze landing on the dining table.
Li Xiuqin, Zhang Xiufen, Gu Min, and Wang Juan were sitting around a table with melon seeds and teacups in front of them, talking in hushed tones.
Wang Juan, with her sharp eyes, spotted her first and teased loudly, "Oh, Fifth Sister-in-law, you've finally come down! You and Fifth Brother are hiding upstairs having a heart-to-heart talk, I haven't seen you for ages."
Nan Zhiyi readily replied, "Yes, he's usually so busy at the ministry that he doesn't even have time to rest, and he doesn't get home until late at night. He finally gets a few days off, so he has to make the most of the time to say a few more words."
As she spoke, her gaze drifted towards the kitchen.
Wang Juan reached out and pulled her down: "Sit down quickly, we don't need you. Aunt Wu and Sister He are very efficient. We sisters-in-law can have a chat."
Nan Zhiyi then sat down in the empty chair next to Wang Juan.
Li Xiuqin picked up the teapot and poured her some hot tea: "Have some tea."
Nan Zhiyi took it: "Thank you, sister-in-law."
"Don't mention it," Li Xiuqin said with a smile.
Zhang Xiufen, who was sitting a little further away, kept her head down and her fingers rubbed the rough side of the teacup.
This natural interaction felt like tiny needles pricking Zhang Xiufen's heart, even though she had been silent all along.
She lowered her eyes, staring at the brown tea swirling in her cup, feeling nothing but resentment.
On what grounds?
They are all family-oriented daughters-in-law. The eldest wife is steady and dignified, the fourth wife is feisty but favored, and the fifth wife is even more so... The couple is loving, the man has a bright future, and even the children are smart and clever.
Why is it only the second wife? After so many years of ups and downs, her husband suffered so much when he was exiled to the Northwest. Now that he's been transferred back, he's just sitting on the sidelines at work and can't hold his head up among his brothers.
She herself seemed out of place everywhere, like an unwanted outsider.
Years of resentment and bitterness churned in her chest, threatening to devour her...
But the lessons learned in the Northwest over the years were too profound. Thinking that she would still have to rely on this family in the future, she dared not speak out, much less make a scene.
She could only suppress it, feeling as if a scalding hot stone was stuck in her throat.
Zhang Xiufen picked up her teacup and poured down the now-cold tea. Then, in a hoarse voice, she said, "You guys chat, I have a bit of a headache, I'll go back to my room and lie down for a while."
After saying that, he turned and left the restaurant without looking at anyone.
Nan Zhiyi glanced at Zhang Xiufen's slightly stiff back and hurried footsteps as she left, but didn't even flinch.
The scales in people's hearts are always tilted.
She had long understood, just as she occasionally joked with Gu Xiao, that as long as Gu Xiao held his position, no one in this family would ever truly give her a hard time. A husband's success brings honor to his wife, and human relationships are fickle—such is the way of the world. As for those complicated thoughts and schemes, she couldn't be bothered to bother with them.
Wang Juan curled her lip in the direction Zhang Xiufen left, and scoffed disdainfully, "Who are you trying to scare now? Your own man can't stand up for himself, but you're acting all high and mighty? You even have the nerve to give us attitude."
Upon hearing this, Gu Min, who had been mostly silent, paled slightly, her fingers clutching the hem of her sweater. Wang Juan's words had struck a nerve with her.
Her husband, Zhao Zhigang, had been scheming and maneuvering all these years, relying entirely on his father's influence. Now that his father had retired, he was eager to climb up to Gu Xiao. But Gu Xiao was cold and aloof. At most, Gu Xiao would maintain some politeness out of respect for her father, and he would never be as soft-hearted and supportive as her father.
Zhao Zhigang was still not giving up. He even gritted his teeth and changed the wedding gift he prepared for Gu Yan to something more expensive and eye-catching. But what good did that do?
Gu Yan has a thriving business in the south; what good things hasn't he seen?
Zhao Zhigang always said that while his father was still alive, he should solidify his relationship with Gu Xiao and Gu Yan.
Gu Min advised Zhao Zhigang several times, speaking bluntly: Gu Xiao and Gu Yan only maintain a superficial harmony with the four of them because their father is still alive. Once their father is gone, even Jian'an will hardly come back, let alone take care of them.
But Zhao Zhigang wouldn't listen and insisted on doing things his own way.
Thinking about all this, Gu Min felt as if a huge rock was pressing down on her heart, so heavy that she was almost numb.
Seeing that the atmosphere was not right, Li Xiuqin quickly tried to smooth things over, "Alright, alright, fourth sister-in-law, let's not talk about these things during the New Year."
She turned to Nan Zhiyi, a smile spreading across her face, "By the way, Zhiyi, does the sweater I knitted for Xiaoman fit well?"
Nan Zhiyi smiled and nodded: "It's fine. I rolled up the sleeves a little, and it'll fit perfectly. He can still wear it next year when he grows taller. I washed it in the washing machine last night, and it's drying next to the radiator right now. He can wear it tomorrow."
Li Xiuqin was very satisfied after hearing this, feeling that she had given the right gift.
Wang Juan chimed in, "Oh, you're so skillful, sister-in-law. I'm clumsy; even when I knit a scarf, it's all crooked and uneven. Sister-in-law, when will you make one for my little girl?"
"Hey, I've been working on it for a while now! I've already come up with the pattern, but I've been busy visiting relatives and friends for the New Year these past few days, so I haven't had time to finish the hems for the two cuffs. Don't worry, I'll finish them for you tonight and tomorrow!"
"Really? Then it's a deal!"
Wang Juan happily grabbed a handful of sunflower seeds and stuffed them into Li Xiuqin's hand, "Come on, sister-in-law, you're a hero, have some more!"
"Keep eating! If you keep eating like this, you really won't be able to eat anything for tonight's family reunion dinner."
"It's okay! If you didn't eat well for dinner, I'll cook you some wontons for a midnight snack!"
Li Xiuqin pointed at her and laughed.
Amidst the laughter and chatter, Aunt Wu peeked out from the kitchen and announced that dinner was ready.
Several women got up, cleared the table, set out the bowls and chopsticks, and served the dishes.
In the living room, the men finished their conversation, and Commander Gu, supported by Gu Xiao and Gu Weiguo, walked towards the head of the table. Gu Yan, who had appeared at some point, pulled Gu Zhao to wash his hands.
The spacious living room and dining room are connected, brightly lit, with voices, television sounds, and the clinking of cups and plates all mixed together, and dinner officially begins.
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