Chapter 379 Staying Up Late on New Year's Eve
Before long, all the fireworks were finished, and the night sky returned to silence, leaving only the faint smell of gunpowder in the air.
Gu Yan took out two red envelopes from the inside pocket of his coat and handed them to Gu Yong and Gu Meng: "Here, this is for your trouble. Clean this place up, sweep up all the debris, and be careful."
Gu Yong and Gu Meng accepted the red envelopes, felt their thickness, straightened their backs, and gave a proper salute, saying, "We guarantee to complete the mission, Sixth Uncle!"
The rest of the Gu family members walked back home in a lively atmosphere.
Upon entering the house, a warm feeling washed over me. Commander Gu was sitting on the sofa watching television, which was broadcasting a gala performance entitled "Welcoming the New Year," with singers in brightly colored costumes performing cheerful songs.
Commander Gu saw the children chattering as they came in and beckoned to them: "Come here, all of you, come to Grandpa's and watch TV! Watch TV and have some candy and melon seeds."
Xiaoman was the first to run over and climb to sit next to her grandfather.
The other children also swarmed over, some sitting, some lying down, taking up the best spots in front of the sofa.
The adults found places to sit down, drink tea, and chat.
The night grew deeper.
Commander Gu was getting on in years and had just recovered from a serious illness, so his spirits were gradually declining.
He noticed that Xiaoman, nestled in his arms, was nodding her head. Zhao Heng, in Zhao Zhigang's arms, was also sleeping soundly, and Nannan was rubbing her eyes, trying to stay awake.
This year, he started with the smallest one, stuffing the first red envelope into the arms of the sleeping little Zhao Heng.
Then, he looked at Xiaoman: "Gu Zhao, come here, Grandpa's New Year's money."
Xiaoman, still a little dazed, accepted the thick red envelope. "Thank you, Grandpa."
Commander Gu gave red envelopes to Nannan, Gu Yong, Gu Meng, and Gu Min's twin daughters in turn, and each child was all smiles.
After distributing the gifts to his grandchildren, he also gave a copy to each of his son, daughter-in-law, daughter, and son-in-law present, saying, "Take this, it's for good luck."
"Thank you, Dad!"
Then it was time for the families to give each other red envelopes to their children.
Xiaoman was quickly stuffed with several red envelopes.
He overheard the little girl next to him saying to the twin sisters, "Tomorrow we can go to the supply and marketing cooperative and use the money in our red envelopes to buy sugar paintings and those scented erasers!"
Xiaoman tugged at Nannan's clothes and asked, "Sister Nannan, can it buy lots and lots of things?"
Nannan pulled out a one-yuan bill and waved it in front of him. "Yes, Xiaoman, this bill can buy ten sugar paintings. Let's go buy some yummy treats together tomorrow, okay?"
Xiaoman hesitated for a moment before answering, "Sister, I need to think about it some more."
Commander Gu patted Xiaoman's head and said to everyone, "Alright, we're family, so let's not stand on ceremony. Staying up late on New Year's Eve is up to you. Those who want to stay can stay a little longer, and those who are sleepy can go back to their rooms to rest. Tomorrow is the first day of the Lunar New Year, so relax and sleep in as long as you want. No need to get up early."
After he finished speaking, Gu Weiguo helped him slowly back to his bedroom to rest.
As soon as Commander Gu left, Gu Yan yawned, waved to his brother and sister-in-law, and was the first to saunter upstairs.
Everyone dispersed.
Nan Zhiyi and Gu Xiao took Xiaoman back to the bedroom on the second floor.
The little guy's excitement wore off, and he was so sleepy that he could barely keep his eyes open while washing up. As soon as his head hit the pillow, he fell into a deep sleep, still clutching the red envelopes tightly in his hand.
Gu Xiao carefully took the red envelope out of his son's arms and tucked the blanket in.
Nan Zhiyi said softly, "Just put it by his bedside. Let him see it himself tomorrow and try to figure out how to spend it. He needs to have some concept of spending money."
"Are you really going to let him spend all of this? This little money-grubber will probably be unable to move when he sees the supply and marketing cooperative tomorrow."
"He shouldn't be... that outrageous, right?"
Nan Zhiyi thought for a moment, "Even if he wants to, we have to discuss it with him tomorrow and get his consent before we can deposit most of it for him. We can't just confiscate it directly; we have to respect his own wishes, don't you think?"
Gu Xiao had always supported her educational philosophy. He wrapped his arm around her waist, kissed her lips for a while, and then said, "Okay, I'll listen to my wife. In our family, you're the boss."
As he spoke, he put his arm around her and led her toward the bathroom, saying, "Let's go wash up, it's too late."
Nan Zhiyi gently nudged him: "I can go by myself, you don't need to come with me..."
Gu Xiao knew she was shy and wouldn't be able to relax in the old house, so he just leaned against the bathroom door frame, listening to the sound of water coming from inside, and spoke to her through the crack in the door.
"Honey, tomorrow is Lunar New Year's Day. What are your plans? Do you want to go out for a stroll?"
The sound of water in the bathroom was turned down slightly.
"Fifth Brother, Dad has been sick this year. I heard from Aunt Wu that many old comrades and subordinates have come to visit him, and the bonds between them are stronger than in previous years. During the Spring Festival before, it was always Dad, Second Brother, and Fourth Brother who went to pay their respects. Tomorrow... shouldn't we go to visit some of our uncles?"
She thought about the relationships and connections within the Gu family. Although Commander Gu had retired, the camaraderie that had lasted for decades should not fade.
Gu Xiao replied softly from outside, "Wife, I've already spoken to my brother. This morning, we'll take Xiaoman with us to visit Secretary Liu and Uncle Wan's house on behalf of Dad and our family. We'll offer our New Year's greetings and then leave without disturbing them any further."
"There's no need to visit too many families. Just pick a few with whom we have the closest relationship and the strongest bond. Dad's health is the priority right now; he needs to rest. Too many people visiting and inquiring will only disturb his rest. We'll just represent him and do our part..."
Hearing the water stop flowing, he lowered his voice and said, "If you feel uncomfortable, we can just show up at one or two key locations, and let my brother and the others handle the rest. How about we go to the temple fair this afternoon? I heard there's a temple fair at People's Park this year, and it's more lively than in previous years."
Nan Zhiyi listened to his long-winded rambling outside and couldn't help but laugh. "Okay, I'll do as you say. As for going to the temple fair... let's see how things go this afternoon. Let's focus on the important matters first."
She really liked how Gu Xiao acted when they were alone together.
This man, who was sparing with words and cold and dignified in front of outsiders, became unconsciously patient and gentle with her, even considering her needs and explaining things in detail, with endless things to say to her.
This unreserved devotion made her feel cherished and loved.
Gu Xiao's voice drifted in through the crack in the door again, "I got you a clean towel and pajamas. Call me when you're done washing and I'll hand them to you... I'll wrap your hair up, okay?"
There was a moment of silence outside the door, then...
"...Oh. So you... find me too long-winded, is that it...?"
His tone was full of resentment.
Nan Zhiyi picked up the showerhead and sprayed water onto the bathroom door, some splashes of water shooting out through the crack in the door.
"Gu Xiao! Don't give me that crap! Just wait at the door!"
A faint, triumphant laugh came from outside the door, followed by silence.
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