Chapter 63 Opportunity
The next morning, Gu Xiao got up early as usual.
Nan Zhiyi was awakened by the sound of him getting up, and opened her eyes groggily.
"Did I wake you up? Does your stomach still hurt?" Gu Xiao turned around and sat down on the edge of the bed.
Nan Zhiyi shook her head, "It usually only hurts for a short while."
Gu Xiao leaned down and kissed her lips. "Sleep a little longer. Don't do any work. I'll get lunch and come back."
"Mmm." Nan Zhiyi held his hand, somewhat reluctant to let go.
The bugle sounded again in the distance, and Gu Xiao rubbed her cheek. "I'll be back soon."
He kept his word, returning home early for the next three days and taking meticulous care of her.
He once again brought her the freshly brewed brown sugar ginger tea to her bedside.
Nan Zhiyi couldn't help but glare at him, "Gu Xiao, I'm not in pain anymore! It only hurts a little on the first day! Besides, it's not like my hand is broken, why would I need you to feed me!"
Gu Xiao frowned. What a heartless little thing.
He gestured for her to open her mouth and fed her spoonful by spoonful, saying, "I'm happy to serve you."
Nan Zhiyi finished drinking with a flushed face.
He coaxed her to rinse her mouth before she hid under the covers and pretended to sleep.
Gu Xiao's clingy and considerate nature in private made her heart flutter, giving her an unreal sense of happiness.
Before long, Gu Xiao pulled back the thin blanket, scooped her into his arms, and gently massaged her lower abdomen with his large hand.
The light was dim, and the affection in his eyes and brows warmed her heart through the warmth of his palm.
Nan Zhiyi's nose tingled, and she buried her head in the crook of his neck. "Gu Xiao, I like you so much."
Gu Xiao paused for a moment, then wrapped his arms around her back and held her tightly.
Unexpectedly... she took the initiative to speak...
He stroked her back and kissed her forehead. "I love you so much too." Even more than you...
The darkness concealed Nan Zhiyi's timidity. After mustering her courage to confess her feelings, she nestled in his arms and fell asleep peacefully.
After she got up and finished washing up, Zhao Yaqin rushed over, very excited: "I have good news!"
"Sit down and talk slowly, you're all sweaty." Nan Zhiyi poured her a glass of water.
Zhao Yaqin took the water glass, gulped down a big mouthful, wiped her mouth, and said, "Our propaganda section of the political department is working on a new batch of propaganda posters and wall newspapers. It's a heavy task, and we don't have enough manpower! In particular, we're short of someone who can write and draw!"
"I remember you were an excellent painter! Your handwriting was beautiful too! And you could write articles! That's why I thought of you!"
Nan Zhiyi was somewhat surprised: "Publicity Department? Me... can I handle this?"
She was confident in her calligraphy and painting skills, but considering her social class...
Zhao Yaqin guessed her concerns and waved her hand dismissively.
"Hey! What's the big deal? It's not like I'm a permanent employee, just a temporary helper. I get paid based on my workload! Besides, you have Fifth Brother, who would dare to gossip?"
She patted Nan Zhiyi on the shoulder, "My section chief said about your situation, how about it? Want to give it a try? Two o'clock this afternoon, Propaganda Section, third floor of the Political Department, I'll be waiting for you!"
Nan Zhiyi's heart skipped a beat.
This is indeed an opportunity to utilize my skills, earn some income, and pass the time.
She nodded: "Okay, I'll give it a try. Thank you, Sister Yaqin."
"Don't mention it! Treat me to dinner if this works out!"
Zhao Yaqin was in a hurry to leave, and Nan Zhiyi saw her off at the gate of the courtyard.
Nan Zhiyi felt a surge of joy as she watched her leave.
Braving the summer heat, she ventured into the vegetable garden and picked bell peppers, tender cucumbers, green beans, and a few ripe tomatoes.
Back in the kitchen, she quickly and efficiently kneaded the dough, rolled out the noodles, and boiled water to cook them.
Once the noodles are cooked, quickly rinse them several times with cold boiled water, drain them, and place them in a large bowl.
She quickly stir-fried a chili and egg sauce, smashed cucumber and mixed it with minced garlic and vinegar, blanched and cut green beans into sections, and diced tomatoes and sprinkled them with white sugar.
Finally, drizzle with various sauces, and a bowl of refreshing and appetizing cold noodles is ready.
The red, yellow, green and white colors are so tempting to look at.
She had just set the bowls and chopsticks on the small square table when Gu Xiao walked in, drenched in sweat.
"You're back!" Nan Zhiyi ran up to greet her.
Gu Xiao was taken aback by her unusual excitement, feeling as if his heart had been gently tickled by a feather.
"Mmm," he replied, his gaze fixed on her.
Nan Zhiyi pushed him to the sink to wash his hands and face.
She stood there, holding a clean towel and waiting.
Gu Xiao took the towel and wiped his face, then gently stroked the tip of her nose: "So happy? Did you find a treasure?"
Nan Zhiyi's smile deepened, and she took his slightly damp hand, leading him into the house: "Come in and eat, I made cold noodles!"
The two sat down, and the cold noodles were refreshing and pleasant, dispelling some of the summer heat.
Nan Zhiyi ate in small bites, occasionally stealing a glance at Gu Xiao, seemingly wanting to say something but holding back.
Gu Xiao put down his chopsticks and looked at her leisurely: "Tell me, what made my wife so happy? She hasn't stopped smiling since she came in."
Nan Zhiyi put down her bowl, took a deep breath, and said, "This morning... Sister Yaqin came to see me."
“Zhao Yaqin?” Gu Xiao raised an eyebrow, signaling her to continue.
"Yes! She said... their political department's propaganda section needs a temporary worker who can write and draw, and they'll pay according to the workload. She... she thinks I'm suitable and recommended me. She asked me to go to the propaganda section for an interview at 2 pm this afternoon."
She finished speaking in one breath, looking earnestly at Gu Xiao, "Fifth Brother, please let me finish. I don't necessarily have to go, really! I just think it's an opportunity to have something to do. If you think it's not suitable, or if it will cause any trouble for the Gu family or for you, I absolutely won't go! I'm fine staying at home!"
Gu Xiao understood her desire not to be a mere dependent, and since she was so happy... why spoil her mood?
He reached across the table and gently took her hand.
"Go if you want to."
Nan Zhiyi's eyes widened: "Really? But my background..."
"So what if I'm from a certain background? I've already taken care of your file; no one will bring that up. The propaganda department hires temporary workers to draw posters and write articles; they look for skills, not family background. If you're capable, then go for it. What's the big deal?"
He chuckled softly and squeezed her hand: "With me here, who would dare cause you trouble? The Gu family can protect their own wife so she can earn a living honestly and through her own abilities?"
To him, those idle gossips were utterly insignificant.
Nan Zhiyi's eyes were getting hot.
"Gu Xiao, thank you..."
"Call me brother..."
His ambiguous tone softened her heart, and as her gaze swept over his smiling lips, she felt a pang of unease and wanted to pull her hand away.
"We're eating..."
Gu Xiao refused to let go until she let out a soft cry, at which point he gently pinched her chin.
"I'm going to the Political Department this afternoon anyway, I'll give you a ride there on my way."
"good!"
...
The afternoon sun was blindingly bright. Gu Xiao put a bamboo hat on Nan Zhiyi to shield her from the sun before accompanying her out.
The political department was a two-story Soviet-style red brick building. It was hot, so the windows were wide open, and the sounds of fans and voices could be faintly heard.
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