Chapter 114 Help
Gu Jianjun laughed heartily: "Dad still remembers it? Okay!"
He led the children and followed Aunt Wu to the small warehouse in the backyard.
Before long, the father and his two sons brought out several bulging cloth bags and large nets.
It contained cured meat, sausages, high-gluten flour, and several packets of candies and pastries that were hard to find at the supply and marketing cooperative. There was quite a lot of stuff inside.
A genuine smile finally appeared on Zhang Xiufen's face; the unpleasantness from before was diluted by these tangible benefits.
"Oh dear, so much stuff, Dad really is..." she said politely, but her hands deftly helped take the things and directed the two children to carry them properly.
The family of four, carrying their belongings, said goodbye to Commander Gu, Gu Xiao, and Nan Zhiyi, and left in a lively and cheerful manner.
Before leaving, Zhang Xiufen turned back to Nan Zhiyi with a smile and said, "Fifth sister-in-law, take good care of yourself!" Her tone was much more sincere than before.
After seeing off the second brother's family, the Gu family's small building fell completely quiet.
Outside the window, the winter night was quiet, with only the occasional sound of the wind brushing past the eaves.
After washing up, Nan Zhiyi lay in her warm bed wearing soft cotton pajamas.
Gu Xiao lay down as well and reached out to pull her into his arms.
Her body was warm and fragrant, pressed tightly against him.
The familiar body temperature and scent instantly ignited the suppressed desires of the day.
He lowered his head and couldn't resist planting a kiss on her smooth forehead.
Next, it touched the tip of her nose, and finally landed on her soft lips.
At first, it was just a small taste, with a gentle reassurance.
But the kiss deepened, becoming hot and possessive, their lips and tongues entwined, sucking in her breath.
Nan Zhiyi felt weak all over and let out a soft sob.
Gu Xiao's breathing became heavy, but his kisses slowed down. He gave her a light peck, then buried his face deep in her neck and let out a sigh.
The air was so viscous it could be drawn into threads.
Nan Zhiyi leaned against him, her cheeks flushed red, but her heart was completely melted.
She knew perfectly well why he had stopped.
Her fingers gently traced the back of his tense neck, her voice barely audible:
"I...I'll help you...okay?"
Even the usually quick-witted Gu Xiao was momentarily stunned.
The little impulse Nan Zhiyi had mustered dissipated. "Fine, forget it then..."
"want!"
His voice was so hoarse it was unrecognizable.
In the dim light, Nan Zhiyi met his eyes, and his gaze was like a hook, making her heart tremble.
A long time passed...
He sighed, pulled her close, and kissed her: "That's enough."
Nan Zhiyi hesitated, "I don't think I've helped enough..."
"Your intention is more important than anything else..." he whispered in her ear, "As long as you're more obedient in bed in the future."
You...you big scoundrel!
Nan Zhiyi was embarrassed and annoyed, so she lay down with her back to him.
He hugged her tightly from behind, "Good wife... go to sleep."
Nan Zhiyi's face was still flushed, but she still placed her hand on his large hand, their fingers intertwined.
A good night's sleep.
Gu Xiao's biological clock is precise; he woke up just as dawn was breaking.
Nan Zhiyi was fast asleep, her cheek pressed against his arm, her breathing shallow and even.
He carefully pulled his arm out, tucked the blanket around her, gazed at her sleeping face for a moment, and then got up, dressed, and went downstairs.
Inside the restaurant, Commander Gu was already seated in the main seat, leisurely sipping his millet porridge.
Aunt Wu had just brought a dish of pickled vegetables and a few steamed buns made from two kinds of flour to the table.
Seeing Gu Xiao come down, Commander Gu didn't even lift his eyelids, stirring the porridge in his bowl with a spoon: "You're awake? It's been a few days since I got back, and I'm so glad to see you..."
Gu Xiao pulled out a chair and sat down. Wu Ma brought him some millet porridge.
"Dad." He picked up a steamed bun and broke it open. "Zhiyi's health is the most important thing." He briefly explained his "disappearance" over the past few days.
Commander Gu snorted and finally looked up at his son. "How's the mission going? I heard it's causing quite a stir?"
Gu Xiao said, "We encountered an unexpected situation during a routine border patrol. The other side crossed the border, and a brief firefight ensued." He omitted the thrilling details and dangers, "We suffered no casualties, repelled the other side, and captured several prisoners. The subsequent intelligence was of great value, so we were commended by our superiors."
Commander Gu listened, a look of satisfaction crossing his face.
"Hmm. It was handled alright. No embarrassment. How many days will you be able to stay this time?"
"I'll be back with the team early the day after tomorrow," Gu Xiao replied.
"Time is tight." Commander Gu nodded, not pressing for further details of the mission, and instead asked, "After the New Year... what are your plans? I heard your division might be making some changes?"
Gu Xiao understood that his father was asking about his future plans.
He pondered for a moment, then said in a steady tone, "It depends on the organization's arrangements. Laying a solid foundation and leading the troops well are fundamental."
That was a flawless answer.
Commander Gu glanced at his son. He knew that Gu Xiao had his own ideas and was capable enough, so he didn't need to say anything more.
Neither father nor son were talkative, so they ate their breakfast in silence.
After a while, Commander Gu spoke again, his tone softening: "Your wife... rest assured and recuperate at home. Aunt Wu is meticulous, and I'm watching over her; nothing will go wrong. You can go back to the army with peace of mind."
"Yes, thank you, Dad," Gu Xiao replied.
The rest of the holiday flew by.
Gu Xiao stayed by Nan Zhiyi's side every step of the way, reading, talking, basking in the sun in the yard, and going out shopping.
Nan Zhiyi's morning sickness has eased somewhat, and her spirits have improved considerably, but the sorrow of impending separation remains hidden in her heart.
The time for my return has come.
After breakfast, Gu Xiao packed his simple luggage.
Nan Zhiyi took out a thick envelope and a small notebook from the depths of the bedside table drawer and stuffed them into Gu Xiao's hand.
Gu Xiao looked inside and saw a thick wad of cash and various tickets in the envelope, along with his allowance book in a small notebook.
He frowned: "No need..."
“Take it with you!” Nan Zhiyi looked up, her eyes stubborn. “You’re out there, and you have a lot of expenses. Whether it’s for socializing or something else you need… it’ll be convenient. I’ll feel at ease if you take it with you.”
She shook his hand, her voice softening, "Please?"
Gu Xiao sighed, carefully putting the envelope and allowance book into the inner pocket of his uniform. "Okay, I'll do as you say."
Nan Zhiyi breathed a sigh of relief and a smile appeared on her face.
She started counting on her fingers: "Look, it's just past New Year's Day... and there are still about twenty days until the Spring Festival. You'll be back soon, right?"
Gu Xiao pulled her into his arms, resting his chin on the top of her head, and promised in a deep voice, "I will definitely come back to be with you during the Spring Festival."
He added softly, "And our children."
Nan Zhiyi's nose tingled, and she hugged him tightly, letting out a muffled "hmm," trying her best to hold back her tears.
Hearing the horn of a jeep coming from downstairs, she insisted on seeing him to the gate of the courtyard.
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