Chapter 330 Inventory
When Nan Zhiyi returned to the army compound, the sun was already setting.
Instead of going straight home, she first went to the sewing cooperative located in a corner of the compound's residential area.
Before heading to the magazine office in the afternoon, she made sure to bring the pickup receipt.
At that moment, she took out the note from her handbag and handed it to the old craftsman, saying, "Master, I've come to pick up the bedding I ordered earlier."
The old craftsman adjusted his reading glasses, took the receipt and looked at it. He then got up and took three neatly wrapped packages from the shelf behind him, handing them to her: "These are from Minister Gu's family. They're ready. Please check them."
Nan Zhiyi took the package, opened one of the packages, and glanced at it briefly.
"Thank you, sir. You've gone to so much trouble."
Carrying the new bedding, she walked home along the tree-lined path of the main road in the compound.
The golden rays of the setting sun shone through the gaps in the sycamore tree branches and leaves, casting dappled light on the road.
Faint music drifted from someone's radio, mingling with the aroma of stir-fried chili peppers wafting from someone's kitchen, making Nan Zhiyi feel exceptionally relaxed.
She couldn't help but think of Gu Xiao and Xiao Man. Had he gone home yet? Xiao Man must be waiting for her anxiously... Her steps quickened involuntarily.
As soon as Nan Zhiyi entered the courtyard, Xiaoman and Sister Zhang came out to greet her.
Nan Zhiyi said to Sister Zhang, "The new bedding will be washed briefly in the washing machine tomorrow to remove any dust. Once it's dry, it'll be ready to use."
Sister Zhang took it and replied, "Oh, this is easy, just leave it to me."
She added, "I took those quilts with the new cotton filling out to air them in the sun today, and they've already been put away in the guest room closet. I'll air them out again before the guests arrive..."
As the two were talking, Xiaoman grew impatient and shook his mother's hand, saying, "Mommy! Hold me!"
Looking at her son's chubby little face, Nan Zhiyi completely forgot about Gu Xiao's usual rule that "children should be held less when they get older."
She bent down and picked Xiaoman up tightly, kissing her several times. "Okay, Mommy's hugging you! Mommy's little darling!"
Xiaoman hugged her mother's neck tightly and gave her a big kiss on the cheek, leaving a wet drool mark.
After the mother and son cuddled for a while, Nan Zhiyi carried Xiaoman to the kitchen door and asked, "Sister Zhang, do you need to buy more rice, flour, cooking oil, or other grains?"
Sister Zhang: "I just checked the inventory a couple of days ago. We still have more than half a bag of rice and flour, and enough oil. If you're worried, I can go to the service center tomorrow and buy more to store. I'll also stock up on dried goods that can be stored in the summer, like wood ear mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, and kelp, so they won't spoil easily."
Nan Zhiyi nodded, feeling slightly relieved: "Okay, let's stock up on more, just in case."
As the end of the month approached, Nan Zhiyi's heart tightened.
She was afraid that she might not be attentive enough in any way, making her sister-in-law, who had come from afar, feel uncomfortable or neglected.
She especially thought that since her sister-in-law had come to the capital for the first time, she would definitely not only send Gu Yong to school, but would probably also bring Gu Meng along to broaden his horizons.
A half-grown boy can eat his father out of house and home. With two nephews who can eat a lot, it would be too inconsiderate and impolite to have to buy food at the last minute when the family is short of supplies.
Sure enough, two nights later, she received a call from her sister-in-law, Li Xiuqin.
The eldest sister-in-law said, "Let him go out and see the world. He's always causing trouble at home. If he does that, it will be a real problem for you and fifth brother."
Nan Zhiyi smiled and agreed, "Sister-in-law, what are you saying? There's no trouble or anything like that among family members! It's more lively when Gu Yong and Gu Meng come! We're overjoyed!"
She carefully inquired about the train number and the specific arrival time.
After hanging up the phone, she immediately started walking around the house, carefully checking both guest rooms, touching the beds, and looking at the windows, afraid that something might be wrong.
Then he went to the kitchen and the small storage room and took stock of the inventory inside.
Seeing her looking so tense, Gu Xiao stepped forward, took her wrist, and pulled her into his arms. "Honey, relax. My sister-in-law is family, straightforward and easygoing. Why are you making yourself so nervous?"
Nan Zhiyi leaned against him and shook her head. "It's precisely because my sister-in-law is such a kind person and never holds grudges that we have to be even more considerate and make sure she and the children are comfortable here. We can't let anyone think we're neglecting them."
Gu Xiao stopped trying to persuade him.
"Okay, whatever you say. Prepare however you want."
"I need to buy some new towels, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and soap. I also need to replenish my food and drinks, especially snacks that the kids might like..."
"Okay, you don't need to worry about these things. Food, drinks, rice, flour, cooking oil, and everything else you mentioned, I'll have someone get it for you tomorrow. I guarantee it will all be good."
Gu Xiao hugged her tightly and kissed her. "Leave it to me."
Hearing his assurance, Nan Zhiyi felt completely at ease.
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