Chapter 259 Trying Something New
That night, Gu Xiao was unusually insatiable.
No matter how much Nan Zhiyi sobbed and resisted, even as she finally broke down in tears, he simply kissed away her tears with even more tenderness yet also firmness, coaxing her softly in her ear, "You don't have school tomorrow...be good...sleep in..."
Nan Zhiyi's memory of how it ultimately ended is somewhat hazy.
All I remember is feeling like I was thrown to the top of a wave, then plunging into the warm seabed, and finally falling asleep in his arms, completely exhausted.
When Nan Zhiyi woke up again, she found herself lying on the bed in the second bedroom, and it was already bright outside the window.
She felt weak all over and didn't want to move for a long time.
The door was gently pushed open, and Gu Xiao walked in carrying a tray with congee, side dishes, and a peeled hard-boiled egg.
He was dressed casually in a white shirt and military trousers, looking refreshed, a stark contrast to her languid and tired appearance.
"woke up?"
He placed the tray on the bedside table, sat down on the edge of the bed, and reached out to stroke her face.
Nan Zhiyi was still annoyed and refused to let him touch her face. She snorted and hid under the covers.
Gu Xiao tried to pull the blanket up, but couldn't budge it. He could only pat her through the blanket, gently coaxing her, "Good wife... I was wrong, I was really wrong, don't keep it to yourself..."
She asked in a muffled voice from under the covers, "Then tell me, what's wrong? How do I fix it?"
Gu Xiao moved closer to her blanket, gently and tenderly promising that he would never do it again, that he would listen to her in the future, and that he would no longer stay up so late... and so on.
Nan Zhiyi listened for a while, then revealed her eyes and asked him, "Where's Xiaoman?"
Gu Xiao breathed a sigh of relief and immediately replied, "I asked Sister Zhang to take him to the children's activity room in the compound to play; it's cool there."
Nan Zhiyi snorted, still clearly resentful, and buried half her face in the thin blanket, not really wanting to pay attention to him.
Worried that she would get sick from being upset, Gu Xiao simply took off his shoes and squeezed onto the bed, pulling her into his arms, blanket and all, and said in an even softer voice, "Good wife, do you still want to sleep? How about... I take you out for a walk today to clear your head? As an apology."
"Where to go... It's so hot, I don't want to move."
"It's cloudy outside today, the sun isn't that strong."
Gu Xiao raised his hand and patted her back lightly. "Let's go somewhere cool. How about the Summer Palace? There are lots of trees and plenty of moisture by Kunming Lake, it's cooler than the city. Or Beihai Park, we can go boating, see the White Pagoda, it's shady there too."
He knew she liked places with water and trees, and these two places fit the bill, plus they were spacious and not crowded.
Nan Zhiyi stirred in his arms, peeking her head out.
She signed autographs for two consecutive days, and her neck and wrists were indeed sore. It would be good for her to get some fresh air.
Just the two of us?
“Just the two of us,” Gu Xiao said confidently, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear with his fingertips. “Let Xiaoman spend the day with Sister Zhang.”
"Then... let's go to the Summer Palace." She finally relented, her voice still languid. "We won't be in the sun while walking along the long corridor."
"good."
When Gu Xiao saw that she agreed, his smile deepened.
"However, I want to lie down for another ten minutes."
"Lie down wherever you like." Gu Xiao hugged her tighter, completely satisfied.
After lunch, Gu Xiao patiently coaxed Xiaoman to sleep before taking Nan Zhiyi and driving to the Summer Palace.
Upon entering the park, Nan Zhiyi and Gu Xiao walked slowly side by side.
A cool breeze swept through the corridor, making people feel refreshed.
The painted decorations on the pillars and beams appeared particularly simple and elegant under the soft light of a cloudy day.
Gu Xiao held the camera, occasionally pointing the lens at Nan Zhiyi.
As she leaned against the pillar, gazing at the lake in a daze, he captured her serene and gentle profile; when she realized she was being photographed and turned to smile at him, he quickly snapped a picture of that radiant moment.
They even set up a tripod to take several photos of the two of them together.
Finally, the two walked to the edge of Kunming Lake and found a stone bench under the shade of a tree to sit down.
The lake is wide and calm, and the reflection of Longevity Hill sways gently in the water.
They nestled together, watching the cruise ship glide slowly across the water, occasionally exchanging a few words in hushed tones.
An afternoon passed by slowly in such a leisurely and tranquil atmosphere, so perfect it seemed unreal.
In the evening, Gu Xiao was going to take her out for Western food.
"Let's try something different."
As he spoke, he turned the steering wheel and drove towards the Old Mosque restaurant on Chang'an Avenue.
The restaurant was brightly lit.
The heavy glass windows subtly separate the exotic atmosphere of the room from the everyday life of the alley outside, creating a world of its own.
After the waiter led them to their seats by the window, Gu Xiao took charge of ordering.
After the waiter left, instead of joking with her as usual, he reached out and placed his palm on her hand, which was resting on the table, and gently took it in his hand.
"Honey, there's something I need to tell you... I have to go on a business trip tomorrow and won't be back for a while."
Nan Zhiyi was slightly taken aback, then patted the back of his hand, "Your work is important. Xiaoman and I will wait for you at home, so don't worry."
Gu Xiao stared at her for a while, and seeing that her expression was normal and she didn't seem to be sad about parting, he silently lowered his eyes.
She leaned closer and softened her voice, "I'll miss you while you're away on your business trip. Of course I'll miss you... I won't be used to you not being home..."
Gu Xiao raised his eyes, his gaze locking onto her, seemingly serious yet casual, and raised an eyebrow: "Really?"
The restaurant's soft lighting fell on him. He was wearing a white shirt with one button undone at the collar, which made him look less aloof and more relaxed and casual.
Nan Zhiyi stared at it, lost in thought.
Her infatuated gaze clearly pleased Gu Xiao, dispelling most of the subtle disappointment he felt.
Just then, the waiter brought over some pre-dinner snacks, and he pushed one towards Nan Zhiyi: "Try this cream chestnut cake, the waiter just recommended it, saying it's a new product."
Nan Zhiyi regained her composure, her face still slightly flushed.
Gu Xiao picked up a fork, cut a small piece of cake, and held it to her lips. Nan Zhiyi opened her mouth and ate it. It was slightly sweet, soft, and creamy.
She squinted her eyes. "Hmm, it's very sweet. Fifth Brother, you should try some too."
Gu Xiao didn't have a sweet tooth, but he used the fork to pick up a little bit and tasted it.
"Not bad," he commented, then looked at her, "If you like, shall we order another one to go?"
Nan Zhiyi nodded, thinking it would be good to take it back for Xiaoman to try. "Okay, let's pack two portions. Give the other portion to Sister Zhang; she also has children at home, so she can try it too."
Gu Xiao naturally went along with her and readily agreed.
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