Chapter 507 Business Trip
The warm evening breeze of May drifted in through the open window, gently stirring the curtains.
The bedroom was dimly lit.
Nan Zhiyi bent down in front of the open suitcase, carefully checking the luggage for the meeting in Haishi.
Gu Xiao had already put his son to sleep. He was wearing gray pajamas and leaning against the door frame watching her.
After looking around for a while, she came in, sat down on the edge of the bed, picked up a stack of documents that she had placed next to her, flipped through them, and then put them down again.
He said slowly, "The letter of introduction, train tickets, and meeting schedule are all kept separately in the outside pocket for easy access."
"Yes, the department office has put them all in one file bag."
After a while, Gu Xiao said casually, "Springtime is humid in Haishi, and the temperature difference between day and night is quite large. Remember to bring a jacket so you can wear it when you go out at night."
"I brought it." Nan Zhiyi's hands didn't stop moving.
Gu Xiao tapped his knee lightly with his finger, and after a moment, said, "Once we arrive at the hotel and settle in..."
Nan Zhiyi looked at him, her eyes filled with a gentle smile: "Fifth Brother, are you so worried about me?"
The orange light shone on her smiling eyes, making them appear both gentle and bright.
Gu Xiao reached out and pulled her closer, letting her sit on his lap. He wrapped his arms around her waist, rested his chin gently on her shoulder, and gave a deep "Mmm": "I was just worried about you."
Nan Zhiyi raised her hand to stroke his stiff, short hair, rubbing it back and forth without any politeness: "Don't worry. The school has made very good arrangements for this conference. The other spot is with Teacher Han from the department. She's experienced and reliable, so we can go together. The department office has taken care of the letters of introduction, itinerary, and accommodation arrangements. We've even booked sleeper train tickets. When we arrive, someone from the conference organizing committee will pick us up at the station, and we'll be staying at the guesthouse designated by the conference. Everything is proceeding smoothly. We just need to follow along."
She listed the points one by one, trying to dispel his concerns: "It's just going to attend a few days of meetings, listen to reports, make a speech, and participate in some visits and learning. Then we'll come back."
Gu Xiao listened without letting go, but nuzzled against her neck: "Then... once you get to the hotel and settle in, remember to call me."
“Okay,” Nan Zhiyi raised three fingers as a sign of assurance, “I promise, the first thing I’ll do as soon as I get off the car and into the hotel room is call you to let you know I’m safe.”
"Okay." Gu Xiao relaxed a little, then added, "When you come back, make sure your train number is confirmed and call ahead. Shall I pick you up at the station?"
Nan Zhiyi would never refuse. She leaned in and kissed the corner of his mouth: "Okay, whatever you say. I'll call ahead and trouble you to pick me up at the station."
Seeing that she readily agreed, Gu Xiao's facial features finally softened.
Nan Zhiyi looked at him and tapped his slightly furrowed brow with her finger: "Fifth Brother, you really look like a worried old father now."
Gu Xiao was both amused and annoyed. He gently pulled her closer to him, pretending to bite her ear: "You little ingrate. Who am I doing this for?"
"I know it's for me." Nan Zhiyi smiled and dodged away, then leaned back into his arms and wrapped her arms around his neck. "I know everything. I... will miss you too."
The academic conference in Haishi proceeded as scheduled.
The opening ceremony, speeches by leaders, keynote speeches, and sub-forum discussions... the schedule was packed.
At the end of the meeting, Nan Zhiyi exchanged work addresses and phone numbers with several attendees, agreeing to exchange ideas and discuss matters in the future.
On the night before leaving Haishi, Nan Zhiyi and her teacher Han did not forget to buy some local specialties or fresh products from Haishi.
Back in Beijing, after a short rest, Nan Zhiyi specially selected a few items and took them to Teacher Wang's office.
Teacher Wang joked, "Well done, Zhiyi, this business trip was worthwhile. It seems that in the future, whenever there are any opportunities for the department to go out for meetings or training, you should be given priority. It's good that you can bring back some local flavors for this old man."
Nan Zhiyi brought the items to her office: "If there's an opportunity to learn, I'll definitely seize it."
Teacher Wang took a sip of tea. "How did the meeting go? Did it go smoothly?"
Nan Zhiyi gave a brief report on the meeting, mentioning her remarks and the subsequent exchanges.
Teacher Wang nodded repeatedly: "Good, you've broadened your horizons and made your voice heard, that's progress. You have a solid foundation and creative practice, you're on the right path."
He put down his teacup and tapped his finger lightly on the table: "I've already met with several department heads about your decision to stay at the university after you graduate with your master's degree, and it's basically settled. Once you pass your thesis defense and complete the formalities, we'll arrange for you to supervise a selection of contemporary literary works for first-year undergraduate students..."
"Teacher, thank you! You've thought of everything so thoroughly for me and made so many arrangements in advance..." Nan Zhiyi was deeply moved.
"No need to thank me. The department has seen your abilities and potential. It's only right that we create opportunities for you. Besides, we'll be colleagues in the future. We'll need to learn from each other and make progress together academically."
Hearing the term "colleague" filled Nan Zhiyi with mixed emotions.
"Teacher, in my heart, you will always be my teacher. Even if I am fortunate enough to work in the department in the future, I will still be your student, and there is still so much I need to learn from you."
Professor Wang smiled broadly: "Good, it's good that you have the intention. We can discuss the specific details in more detail when the department officially starts the process in the second half of the year. Right now, the most important thing is to polish your graduation thesis thoroughly, as this is the foundation for your future."
"I understand, teacher. I will do my best."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com