Chapter 81 Worries
The next morning, the jeep drove out of the military camp.
Gu Xiao drove very steadily, while Nan Zhiyi sat in the passenger seat, watching the fields and hills rushing past the window.
The car drove for most of the day and didn't arrive at a remote cemetery on the outskirts of Jian'an City until the afternoon.
This place is the burial place of many "problematic" people; it is poorly managed and overgrown with weeds.
Nan Zhiyi carried the prepared offerings and walked towards her parents' graves.
She hadn't been here for more than half a year and thought it would be overgrown with weeds.
Upon closer inspection, it was discovered that there were no fallen leaves or weeds in front of the grave, as if someone regularly cleaned it.
Nan Zhiyi's heart stirred slightly as she looked at Gu Xiao beside her.
His gaze fell on the tombstone, his expression solemn.
"Has someone been here?" she asked softly.
"Yes. I've asked someone to come and check on us regularly."
A warm feeling welled up in Nan Zhiyi's heart, making her eyes slightly hot.
She didn't expect it.
She thought he was busy with military affairs and that it was already a rare treat for him to come back with her.
It turns out that, without her knowing, he had already done a lot for her in secret…
She knelt down and gently placed the prepared fruit, snacks, and drinks in front of the grave.
Her eyes reddened, but she didn't cry. She gently told her parents about her life over the past six months.
Finally, she poured the wine in her glass into the ground, saying, "Dad, Mom, Gu Xiao took very good care of me..."
Gu Xiao stepped forward, knelt down beside her, and made the most solemn promise to the deceased.
"Dad, Mom, Zhiyi is with me, don't worry."
Nan Zhiyi grasped his hand. "Thank you, Gu Xiao."
He didn't say anything, but he tightened his grip on her hand.
After the memorial service, the two packed their things, and Gu Xiao led her away.
The jeep got back on the road and headed towards the military compound. The familiar street scenes drew closer and closer.
Nan Zhiyi suddenly remembered something and said with some annoyance, "Oh dear, I forgot to buy mooncakes and a gift for Dad..."
Gu Xiao, with one hand on the steering wheel, glanced at her upon hearing this: "No matter how much you prepare, when you leave, Dad will still put it back in the trunk for you to take with you."
Nan Zhiyi's cheeks flushed slightly when he pointed it out: "But we can't go back empty-handed."
Seeing that she was really anxious, Gu Xiao stopped teasing her and nodded his chin toward the back seat: "I asked someone to get me some things before the Mid-Autumn Festival, and I put them in the trunk when I picked up the car this morning."
Nan Zhiyi breathed a sigh of relief and smiled ingratiatingly, "Brother is so thoughtful."
Gu Xiao stroked her fingers.
It was around this time that she liked to say sweet words to make him happy.
When the car arrived at the Gu family's courtyard, it was already close to dusk.
Nan Zhiyi glanced at the Zhou family's house across the street and whispered to Gu Xiao, "I want to go find Anping first..."
Gu Xiao, who had already gotten out of the car with his luggage and several gift boxes, stopped her upon hearing this, saying, "Don't go. I already sent a letter to Uncle Zhou last night. Telling Anping now will only cause her more worry and won't help anything."
He added, "Besides, Aunt Song... she might not necessarily think it's a bad thing."
Nan Zhiyi was taken aback.
Zhou Zhengping felt disgusted by Lu Linlang's behavior, and her group of friends found it despicable.
As for... Aunt Song, she would only think of it as a perfect match that fell from the sky.
After all, Lu Linlang's father was the vice president of a military hospital. Although his rank was slightly lower than Uncle Zhou's, they were still considered a good match.
Where is Uncle Zhou?
He may value practical benefits and influence more. The Lu family's background can indeed bring some assistance to the Zhou family, especially during this sensitive period.
As for the truth, as long as it's acceptable on the surface, it might not be an unacceptable "accident" for Uncle Zhou.
She pursed her lips and stopped insisting on going to find Zhou Anping.
The Gu family courtyard was brightly lit, and a soldier jogged over to take the things from Gu Xiao's hands.
When Commander Gu saw them come in, he grunted and said, "You're back."
"Dad," Nan Zhiyi greeted him obediently.
Gu Xiao put down a small bag he was carrying.
"Dad, I've prepared a gift for you."
Commander Gu didn't even glance at the small bag. His gaze lingered on Nan Zhiyi's face for a moment before he said in a kind tone, "You must be tired from the journey. Aunt Wu made your favorite squirrel fish and eight-treasure duck."
Nan Zhiyi smiled even more sweetly, "Thank you, Dad."
Commander Gu waved to Gu Xiao, "Take your wife to rest."
Dinner was indeed plentiful.
The housekeeper, Aunt Wu, was a very good cook, and Nan Zhiyi was indeed hungry. In addition, most of the dishes on the table were to her liking, so she ate with more relish than usual.
Gu Xiao sat next to her, barely eating himself, only occasionally putting food on her plate. Deboned fish and boneless duck were piled in her bowl.
Commander Gu held his bowl, glancing at his son's eagerness out of the corner of his eye. Even though he had seen it many times, he still wasn't used to it.
After the meal, Commander Gu said, "Fifth Brother, come to the study."
Gu Xiao responded and looked at Nan Zhiyi: "You go upstairs and rest first."
Nan Zhiyi nodded.
Back in her bedroom on the second floor, she went into the bathroom and turned on the hot water in the bathtub.
She immersed herself in the warm water, sighed comfortably, closed her eyes, and cleared her mind.
The study downstairs.
Gu Xiao closed the door.
Commander Gu sat behind his desk and got straight to the point: "At the last military meeting, they talked about the next step of reorganization for your division. What are your thoughts?"
Gu Xiao is a young man who has already become a regimental commander. He is outstanding in his abilities and is the most stable and promising member of the Gu family in the military.
His future is tied to the future of his family.
"Reorganization is a trend, but I believe the focus should be on integrated training and equipment upgrades. Our regiment's experience in border rotation training shows that the existing structure is not fast enough to respond to sudden, small-scale conflicts..."
Commander Gu listened with a blank expression, but his eyes were focused, and he occasionally asked one or two key questions.
Gu Xiao answered each question clearly and logically.
"A good idea." Commander Gu listened for a moment, then pondered, "However, the bigger the tree, the more the wind will blow. Given your in-laws' social standing..."
Gu Xiao marrying Nan Zhiyi is a potential disadvantage in the current environment, and it is easy for people to use it as a pretext for making a fuss.
"I know." Gu Xiao's voice was calm and unwavering. "Merit is merit, and demerit is demerit. The organization will make its own judgment."
Commander Gu looked at him, a hint of approval flashing in his eyes, but more so deep worry.
"It's good that you know what you're doing. Remember, be steady and methodical, avoid showing off, and leading your troops well is the top priority. After you finish this leave, go back and prepare well for winter training."
"Yes." Gu Xiao stood at attention.
"And that scoundrel Lao Liu," Commander Gu frowned, "ran off to the south again without a word! He said he was going to start some kind of trading company? Speculation and profiteering! I think he's lost his mind!"
He harbored resentment towards his youngest son for not taking the "legitimate" path in business.
Gu Xiao: "He has his own path. He's quick-witted and daring; he might just make a name for himself. I gave him some start-up capital."
Commander Gu glared at him, wanting to say something, but ultimately let out a heavy sigh: "Neither of you brothers gives me any peace of mind! I'll be driven to my death by you two sooner or later!"
The eldest son married a woman with problematic family background, while the younger son was obsessed with money.
He waved his hand, "Go and rest."
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