Chapter 276 The Banquet
Having received his answer, which was not a clear permission but full of possibility, Nan Zhiyi was already satisfied.
Gu Xiao always indulged and satisfied her to the greatest extent possible, within the bounds of principle.
She didn't ask any more questions, but simply hugged him tightly.
"Go to sleep," Gu Xiao patted her back. "We can think about those things later."
Nan Zhiyi obediently hummed in agreement and quickly fell into a deep sleep.
The next day after class at noon, Nan Zhiyi went to the courtyard house.
It's not too far from Kyoto University; you can get there in just a few bus stops. It's a quiet place amidst the hustle and bustle, which is very convenient.
Nan Zhiyi wandered around this space that belonged only to her.
She first pushed open the door to the main room.
The furniture was all in place yesterday, and now it feels even more spacious and well-organized.
She made a special trip to see the side room next to the master bedroom, which had been converted into a modern bathroom with white tiles on the walls and floors.
The heating system and pipes were laid in advance, so there's no need to worry about them freezing in winter.
She then went to check the east and west wing rooms and found that each room was equipped with a small bathroom, showing that they had considered everything very carefully.
Walking into the front yard, it was quite spacious except for the old pomegranate tree and a little space under the porch, which would be perfect for Xiaoman to run and play in the future.
Passing through the moon gate into the back garden, she thought to herself that when spring came, she would definitely ask someone to find a knowledgeable old gardener to design the front and back gardens properly, plant flowers and trees for all four seasons, build a grape trellis, and place stone tables and benches.
After going around in circles, she had a general plan in mind.
There's no need to rush to fill it all up right now. We can start by carefully tidying up the master bedroom, study, and the living room in the middle for entertaining guests.
Gu Xiao said that she could create the space entirely according to her own wishes.
The thought of gradually making it warm and comfortable filled Nan Zhiyi with anticipation.
For the last two months of 1978, Nan Zhiyi worked tirelessly, like a swallow carrying mud, to furnish the courtyard house.
She chose a moon-white soft gauze for the canopy bed curtains, paired with a bluish-gray brocade bed canopy with dark patterns that Gu Xiao had picked out, creating a look that was both light and airy, yet also composed.
In the study, she moved her frequently used books, manuscripts, and other items there one by one, and added a pair of celadon painting jars and a wool rug.
Gu Xiao showed great enthusiasm for this and often accompanied her to shop for things on weekends.
They visited some semi-open shops in Liulichang and private collectors introduced by acquaintances, selecting many antiques and ornaments, which they arranged in a pleasing manner on the display shelves in the study and living room, adding a lot of elegance to the house.
It's already a few days before New Year's Day.
After dinner, the couple played with Xiaoman's new toy train.
Gu Xiao said, "The headquarters is holding a New Year's Eve party as a way to show appreciation and socialize, and they require family members to attend. The Meng family will be there too, why don't you come with me?"
Nan Zhiyi's years in the capital coincided with the end of a special period, when everything was in need of rebuilding.
The headquarters had never held such a large-scale group activity with a social aspect.
Therefore, this New Year's Eve party was not only Nan Zhiyi's first, but also the first collective activity in many years for many young officers in the compound, and even some senior military families.
Nan Zhiyi is not shy by nature. Although she dislikes unnecessary socializing, she will never show any fear in the necessary situations.
She asked, "Fifth Brother, are there any requirements regarding clothing?"
"It's not a formal meeting, just a cultural performance and tea party. Family members just need to dress appropriately and presentably; there are no strict rules. Besides, my wife looks good in anything..."
Nan Zhiyi was helpless. He was such a suck-up to his wife, praising her to the skies no matter what she did.
Soon it was the evening of December 31st. The New Year's Eve party was held in the banquet hall of the headquarters auditorium. The lights were on and the atmosphere was warm.
A huge red banner hung in front, and musical instruments were set up on the stage, indicating that there would be a cultural performance later.
Gu Xiao, dressed in a crisp military uniform, walked calmly into the venue with Nan Zhiyi on his arm.
Today, Nan Zhiyi wore a light red modified long dress with a wool cardigan over it, which was both dignified and not too abrupt. Her black hair was tied up in a bun at the back of her head, and her temperament was gentle and outstanding. As she walked, she attracted a lot of attention.
Her eyes searched through the crowd and soon spotted Zhou Anping, who was being carefully protected by Meng Qingshan.
Zhou Anping's belly was already quite protruding, making him stand out in the crowd.
She had a rosy complexion and was talking to a young woman beside her who was dressed in a navy blue Lenin suit and had a capable demeanor.
Gu Xiao led Nan Zhiyi over to greet them.
"Uncle Meng, Aunt, Qingshan, Anping."
Nan Zhiyi smiled and greeted them, then her gaze fell on Zhou Anping and the unfamiliar woman.
Zhou Anping took Nan Zhiyi's hand and introduced her warmly: "Zhiyi, this is my sister-in-law, Lin Yaru. Sister-in-law, this is my good friend I told you about, Nan Zhiyi, Minister Gu's wife."
Lin Yaru, a cadre with short, ear-length hair, took the initiative to extend her hand to Nan Zhiyi: "I've often heard Anping mention you; you are indeed a handsome and talented person."
"Hello, you flatter me." Nan Zhiyi shook her hand lightly. She chatted with the ladies while glancing around the hall.
There were about twenty or thirty large round tables covered with white tablecloths in the hall, with tea, melon seeds and fruit plates already set on them.
In the center of each table stands a small, elegant nameplate, which lists the name and position of the person primarily assigned to that table.
Seeing Gu Xiaozheng talking with Meng Qingshan and several other officers, Nan Zhiyi asked Zhou Anping about her recent prenatal check-up. Zhou Anping responded softly.
As the two chatted, they saw Lu Linlang, arm in arm with Luo Jianming, slowly walk in through the entrance not far away.
Lu Linlang was clearly dressed up carefully today.
She wore a maroon modified cheongsam, her hair was permed into fashionable curls, her makeup was appropriate, and her lip color echoed the cheongsam. She looked radiant and stood out in stark contrast to the many simply dressed military dependents present.
Although Luo Jianming, who was beside her, did not have many intimate conversations with Lu Linlang, allowing her to hold his arm was already a silent declaration.
Nan Zhiyi's gaze lingered there for only a moment before she looked away.
However, Zhou Anping's expression suddenly turned very ugly the moment he saw Lu Linlang.
This woman is still in the capital?
“She…” Zhou Anping practically squeezed out the word through clenched teeth.
Nan Zhiyi immediately gripped her hand tightly and whispered quickly, "Anping! Calm down, you're heavily pregnant..."
At this moment, Lu Linlang seemed to feel the cold gazes directed at her. She turned her head, her eyes briefly meeting Zhou Anping's. Then, as if nothing had happened, she took Luo Jianming's arm and greeted the officers around her.
Zhou Anping took a deep breath and forced himself to look away from T.
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