Chapter 224 Playing Cards
Her brother has called home and her a few times this year, only saying that he is doing well, but refusing to come home. She and her mother have become somewhat numb to her brother's situation, and just hope that he is doing well.
But Dad was still angry. If Dad knew where my brother was, he would definitely break his legs and then tie him up and take him home.
Dad insisted that my brother must return to the government system...
Thinking of all the troubles at home, she forced a smile: "Oh, I see. You startled me. I thought you'd seen my brother somewhere before."
Nan Zhiyi felt a strange sensation; she noticed the tension Gu Yan had shown just moments before.
She glanced at Gu Xiao instinctively, but he was carefully adjusting his position, with Xiao Man sleeping soundly in his arms.
"Fifth Brother, take Xiaoman upstairs to sleep first."
She then turned to the others, saying, "Don't stand at the door, let's sit on the sofa, play cards, and chat."
Gu Xiao nodded to her, then carried his son and tiptoed upstairs.
Nan Zhiyi and Sister Zhang quickly brewed a pot of strong tea, and then brought out peanuts, melon seeds and some Beijing-style snacks, placing them on the tea table.
The game was quickly organized.
Gu Yan, Meng Qingshan, Zhou Anping, and Ruan Wenjing made up the four of them, and they played the then-popular game "Upgrading".
Nan Zhiyi sat to the side watching, occasionally glancing at Gu Yan and Ruan Wenjing.
She suspected that Gu Yan, in the south, might have not only met Zhou Zhengping, but they might even have had some connection. And perhaps Ruan Wenjing got to know Gu Yan through Zhou Zhengping? Otherwise, why would she react so naturally and familiarly to the name Zhou Zhengping?
Nan Zhiyi watched the card game downstairs for a while.
Gu Yan, Meng Qingshan, Zhou Anping, and Ruan Wenjing, the four young men, were fighting fiercely, shouting and yelling, creating a very lively atmosphere.
She smiled, turned around, and tiptoed upstairs.
The bedroom was quiet, and my son was fast asleep in his crib.
Gu Xiao leaned back on the sofa by the window, one arm resting on the armrest, his large hand supporting his forehead, his eyes closed, a look of weariness on his brow.
Nan Zhiyi walked over quietly, stretched out her fingers, and gently pressed them against his temples, massaging them with just the right amount of pressure. "Did you drink too much at noon? Do you have a headache?"
Gu Xiao didn't open his eyes, and let out a muffled "hmm" from his throat.
In reality, he had a high alcohol tolerance, and that little bit of alcohol wouldn't have given him a headache, but her gentle concern pleased him greatly, and he secretly felt pleased, so he readily agreed.
Nan Zhiyi believed it and massaged him even more earnestly.
Her fingertips were slightly cool, her touch gentle, and she carried her unique fragrance, gradually dispelling his weariness.
After pressing for a while, Gu Xiao grasped her wrist, gently pulled her towards him.
Nan Zhiyi fell onto his lap, her body encircled by his strong arms, and she lay on his chest.
"Okay, I'm not pressing anymore."
Nan Zhiyi nestled comfortably in his arms, her cheek pressed against his sweater, and could hear his steady, powerful heartbeat.
The two nestled together quietly.
After a while, Gu Xiao finally spoke: "Tomorrow is the fourth day of the Lunar New Year, and I have to start working normally. Gu Yan and the others should also go back to the south; their flight is in the morning."
"Yes, I know. You're asking Xiao Liu to drive them to the airport?"
"I have a meeting tomorrow, I can't get away."
A commotion erupted downstairs, mingled with Gu Yan's loud shouts of "Kill him!" and Zhou Anping's indignant cries of "Hey! Gu Yan, you cheated!", clearly indicating a fierce battle.
Nan Zhiyi couldn't help but chuckle: "Judging from the noise, they're really having a good fight."
"Why aren't you playing?" Gu Xiao asked, twirling a stray strand of her hair with his finger.
Nan Zhiyi pouted and said, "It's no fun. I just want to play with you."
With just that simple sentence, Gu Xiao couldn't help but smile. The alcohol really got to him, making him feel comfortable all over.
He lowered his head, found her lips, and placed a gentle and lingering kiss on them.
The two stayed upstairs with the sleeping Xiaoman, enjoying a moment of peace.
In the late afternoon, Xiaoman woke up, rubbing her eyes and whimpering.
Nan Zhiyi dressed him properly before the three of them went downstairs together.
The card game downstairs is still going on.
Nan Zhiyi looked at Gu Xiao and asked quietly, "Why don't you let Anping and Qingshan stay at home for dinner? Sister Zhang can prepare it in time."
Gu Xiao nodded and walked over to Meng Qingshan, saying, "Qingshan, let's have a simple meal here tonight. Everything is ready and convenient."
Meng Qingshan was pondering his next move when he heard this and quickly waved his hand, smiling apologetically, "Fifth Brother, it's really impossible. My parents are coming back from visiting relatives tonight, and we agreed to eat at home, so we have to go back and keep them company. Next time, next time for sure!"
Gu Xiao didn't insist: "Alright then. You guys keep having fun, it's a rare opportunity to get together."
Nan Zhiyi encouraged Zhou Anping, "Anping, don't let Gu Yan win."
Gu Yan was engrossed in the fight when he heard this and replied without looking up, "How could that be! Today I'm going to beat those two young people to a pulp and make them beg for mercy on their knees!"
He threw down a card with great force.
Zhou Anping retorted defiantly, "Pah! Gu Yan, stop bragging! Who was it that got beaten so badly by me and Qingshan just now, losing three rounds in a row? If it weren't for Wenjing covering for you, you would have lost your pants long ago! And you still have the nerve to talk big!"
Her tone was sharp, just like when they were kids, always teasing and bickering each other.
These words struck at Gu Yan's previous predicament. He choked for a moment, but instead of retorting as he usually did, he chuckled twice and said, "That was to let you guys have your way, understand?"
His somewhat ambiguous response surprised Zhou Anping, who knew his personality well, but he didn't think much of it.
Only Gu Yan himself knew that he felt quite guilty in front of Zhou Anping.
Zhou Zhengping had a very bad falling out with his family and was determined to make a name for himself before returning home in glory. He had specifically instructed Gu Yan not to tell the Zhou family, especially not to let Anping know that he was doing business, because he was afraid that if his sister found out, he wouldn't be able to keep it from his parents either, and there would inevitably be another uproar at home.
Zhou Zhengping said that if anything happens, he will call Zhou Anping's workplace himself.
Gu Yan agreed to keep it a secret.
This unspoken apology made him play cards absentmindedly, giving Zhou Anping the opportunity to score points one after another, making her laugh heartily and extremely proud.
Gu Yan touched his nose, admitting defeat and accepting her ridicule.
Before dinner, Zhou Anping and Meng Qingshan said goodbye and left.
Gu Yan followed and escorted them to the courtyard gate.
He looked at Zhou Anping and Meng Qingshan standing side by side, put away his usual playful smile, and said seriously, "Qingshan, Anping, then I won't see you off any further. I'm going back to the south tomorrow. It's so good to have seen you both on this trip."
Meng Qingshan patted him on the shoulder: "So soon? I thought we could get together for a couple more days. Business over there is important, take care on the road. Next time you come to Beijing, let me know in advance, and we'll definitely have a few more drinks!"
Zhou Anping also said, "That's right, we haven't even had a proper conversation before you have to leave... You need to take care of your health in the south, don't just focus on making money, make sure you eat and sleep on time."
Gu Yan nodded vigorously: "I know, Anping is starting to worry about people now. You all should do well in the capital too."
He looked at Meng Qingshan and said, half-jokingly and half-seriously, "Qingshan, I'm entrusting my sister to you. If you dare to bully her, I won't stand for it. I'll fly all the way back from the south to settle the score with you!"
Meng Qingshan laughed loudly and put his arm around Zhou Anping's shoulder: "Don't worry, she's the one who bullies me!"
Zhou Anping punched Meng Qingshan and laughed.
She looked at Gu Yan and said, "Come to Beijing when you have time, and bring Wenjing with you. Then we can have a proper get-together."
“Okay,” Gu Yan replied, “Alright, go back now, it’s cold.”
He stood at the doorway, watching the two walk away side by side, before letting out a soft sigh of relief.
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