Chapter 345 Birthday wishes
Although Old Master Qin's hair was all white, he stood up straight and exuded an imposing presence.
The eldest brother of the Qin family appeared more composed and reserved, with a calm demeanor that suggested he had long held a high position.
Gu Xiao and the father and son were obviously old acquaintances, and they shook hands and exchanged pleasantries familiarly.
Grandpa Qin patted Gu Xiao's arm, his voice booming, "Gu Xiao's here! Good! Speaking of which, it's been a long time since I've seen your father..."
Qin Fen's elder brother had a brief chat with Gu Xiao about his recent work situation, but only touched on the topic briefly.
On the other side, Nan Zhiyi was led by Li Xiaoxuan to the women's side.
I received the invitation a while ago. Nan Zhiyi and Gu Xiao had discussed the birthday gift, which was a Shoushan stone seal material that the Nan family had collected before, paired with a mahogany base, symbolizing good fortune and longevity.
Nan Zhiyi presented the gift box with both hands to the birthday celebrant, Grandma Qin, and bowed slightly, saying, "Auntie, this is just a small birthday gift. I wish you boundless happiness and longevity."
She had visited the Qin family several times and was quite familiar with the old lady.
Grandma Qin accepted the gift box and handed it to the younger servant beside her, indicating that she should keep it safe.
Her wrinkled hand grasped Nan Zhiyi's hand and patted it gently, her smile kind and gentle: "Zhiyi, you've gone to too much trouble. Your auntie has received your kind intentions, thank you for remembering us."
Nan Zhiyi smiled and replied, "Auntie, it's our duty. Your good health and vigor are the greatest blessing for us younger generation."
Grandma Qin smiled even more broadly and said, "Then you should come to our house more often, okay?"
"Definitely. If you don't find me bothersome, I'll go every day."
At this moment, Li Xiaoxuan smiled and introduced a middle-aged woman with an elegant demeanor next to her, "Zhiyi, this is my sister-in-law."
The eldest daughter-in-law of the Qin family glanced at Nan Zhiyi briefly, then warmly shook hands with her.
"I've heard Xiaoxuan mention you before. You are indeed beautiful and intelligent. Minister Gu is very fortunate."
Nan Zhiyi politely replied, "Not at all, sister-in-law, you flatter me."
Li Xiaoxuan chimed in with a grin, "Since you like Zhiyi so much, sister-in-law, you can't keep making excuses about not being able to come next time we arrange to play mahjong! It would be good to have Zhiyi join in too!"
Upon hearing this, the eldest sister-in-law's smile deepened, and she gave Li Xiaoxuan a playful tap, saying, "Look at her mouth! But Xiaoxuan's suggestion is not bad; we should definitely find an opportunity to get together next time."
Nan Zhiyi chimed in, "Okay, I'll have to learn a few more tricks from Xiaoxuan beforehand."
......
After exchanging pleasantries.
The birthday banquet then began.
The process was nothing new; it was just a series of established procedures, including speeches from leaders, birthday wishes for children, and toasts from guests.
The dishes were plentiful, and the atmosphere was lively.
The table where Gu Xiao and Nan Zhiyi were sitting consisted of military officers and government officials of similar rank, and the men were mostly discussing current affairs and policies.
Nan Zhiyi wasn't very interested.
She sat quietly beside Gu Xiao, occasionally exchanging a few polite words with the other women at the table about everyday matters.
Halfway through the banquet, a pre-arranged arts troupe came to perform, bringing the atmosphere to a climax.
It wasn't until the banquet was almost over that Li Xiaoxuan sneaked over and whispered a complaint in Nan Zhiyi's ear: "It's finally almost over, my face is almost frozen from smiling."
Upon hearing this, Nan Zhiyi exchanged a smile with her, everything understood without a word.
As night deepened, the guests began to take their leave one by one.
Nan Zhiyi and Gu Xiao also found a suitable opportunity to say goodbye to the Qin family again and leave the noisy banquet hall.
Stepping out of Hongbinlou, the crescent moon hung low, and the coolness of the autumn night rushed towards me.
As the evening breeze blew, Nan Zhiyi tightened her grip on Gu Xiao's hand.
Gu Xiao unfolded the thin woolen trench coat he was draped over his arm and put it on Nan Zhiyi's shoulders, carefully tucking it in.
His fingers gently brushed across her cheek. "Alright, mission accomplished, let's go home."
The two got into the car, and Nan Zhiyi leaned back in her seat and let out a soft sigh. "I finally understand why Dad refused to hold a birthday banquet... It looks lively and grand, but it's really tiring."
She turned her head to look at him and said, "Fifth Brother, when I was talking to those leaders at the main table, I didn't dare to breathe, and my palms were almost sweating."
Gu Xiao glanced at the road ahead, a smile playing on his lips. "Really? I didn't see my wife nervous at all. She handled things perfectly, her replies were appropriate, and even her smile was just right."
"Of course, I can't let my Minister Gu down. No matter how nervous I am, I have to keep a straight face."
Gu Xiao turned his head to look at her and said softly, "Wife, in the future in Beijing, there will only be more occasions and social events like this. You will gradually come into contact with different circles and different people."
He also expressed a hint of helplessness, "You'll have to get used to it gradually. But, like today, it's fine."
Nan Zhiyi didn't speak, but gently placed her hand on his hand, "I know, my good fifth brother."
When the couple returned home, the small building was quiet inside and out.
Gu Xiao tiptoed to the guest room on the first floor to check. He saw Gu Yan and his nephew lying side by side on the bed. Gu Yan's arm was being held tightly by Xiao Man as a pillow. Both of them were sleeping soundly.
He quietly withdrew and whispered to Nan Zhiyi, who was waiting outside, "She's sleeping soundly, don't worry about her."
Nan Zhiyi also noticed that Zhang Yueran was not there, guessing that she probably went straight back to her school dormitory that night.
The two then went upstairs to wash up and rest, and the night passed without incident.
Since Gu Yan wouldn't be staying in the capital for more than a few days, Gu Xiao specially took a day off and planned to go to Fragrant Hills with his family to see the autumn leaves.
With clear skies and crisp air, it's the perfect time for hiking.
At first, Gu Yan was in high spirits, carrying Xiao Man and rushing ahead, but when he climbed halfway up the mountain, his speed slowed down, his breathing became heavy, and fine sweat appeared on his forehead.
Gu Xiao crossed his arms and looked at his younger brother leaning against the old pine tree, panting, and raised an eyebrow.
"You're already chickening out? Gu Xiaoliu, has your body been softened by the sweet soup from the south? This is nothing."
Gu Yan, panting with his hands on his knees, couldn't find the words to refute him for a moment. He could only glare at his brother, his eyes blazing with anger.
Nan Zhiyi couldn't bear to see this and quickly tried to smooth things over.
"Gu Yan must be busy with business and social engagements, and has neglected to exercise. This mountain path is steep, so it's normal for him to be tired. Let's rest for a while and have something to eat. Sister Zhang has prepared some food and drinks."
As she spoke, she pointed to a small platform not far ahead, where there were several stone benches and tables for tourists to rest, and several tall maple trees with fiery red leaves. The autumn sun shone through the maple leaves, casting swaying shade.
Gu Yan felt like he'd been granted a pardon and nodded hurriedly, "That's right! My sister-in-law is so considerate! Brother, do you think everyone's like you, doing military training every day? Come on, Xiaoman, come sit with your uncle up ahead for a while and replenish your energy before we fight again!"
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