Chapter 298 The Key
As dawn broke, Nan Zhiyi got up and went downstairs.
In the restaurant, Aunt Wu was serving breakfast to Commander Gu. Upon seeing her, Aunt Wu was somewhat surprised: "Zhiyi? Why are you up so early? Why don't you sleep a little longer?"
Commander Gu looked up at her, his gaze lingering for a moment on her slightly haggard face. "Since you're up, sit down and have breakfast together. If you're still sleepy later, go back upstairs for a nap."
"Okay, Dad."
Nan Zhiyi sat down at the dining table.
Wu Ma quickly served her a breakfast as well, then turned and went back into the kitchen to busy herself.
The only sounds in the restaurant for a moment were the soft clinking of bowls and chopsticks.
After a moment, Commander Gu put down his chopsticks and brought up the matter that happened in the middle of the night.
"The phone call I received late last night was for urgent military matters. The mission came suddenly and there was no time to lose. Especially for Lao Wu in his current position, military orders are paramount, and there can be no delay."
"Dad, I understand. Don't worry, I will take good care of the family and Xiaoman."
“You’re a good child. To be honest, I’ve watched you grow up. I always thought you were a pampered girl that your parents doted on and had never suffered any hardship. I never expected that you would do better than many people thought. You’ve managed to take care of our little family so well, so that Lao Wu can go out without any worries. That’s the greatest achievement.”
Such direct praise made Nan Zhiyi quickly say, "Dad, please stop praising me. This is what I should do."
Commander Gu changed the subject and said, "Since Xiao Wu is busy these days, you and Xiao Man can stay at home for a few more days. There's no need to rush back to the capital. You can take care of your own things these days. Leave Xiao Man to me. I'll take him out for a walk and let him see some old friends."
Nan Zhiyi knew that her father-in-law was being considerate of her and wanted to spend more time with his grandson, so she readily agreed: "Oh, then I'll trouble you, Dad. I can rest easy with you taking care of Xiaoman."
Commander Gu pondered for a moment, "There's one more thing. Regarding the property returned to your family after the policy was implemented—the property certificate, some jewelry, and cash—I've made the decision. They're safely stored in the vault of the General Logistics Department of the Military Region. The deposit slips and keys are in my study drawer. When you have time, go and take inventory and see what to do with them. Whether to take them back to Beijing or leave them here for now is up to you."
Nan Zhiyi hadn't expected Commander Gu to be so considerate. It was already difficult enough that those items were returned intact, and Commander Gu not only kept them safe but was now returning them to her without reservation.
Her heart warmed, and she thanked him sincerely, "Thank you, Dad, for your trouble."
Commander Gu nodded, picked up the newspaper on the table again, and began to read it while eating breakfast.
Nan Zhiyi quietly finished her meal, tidied up the dishes, and then went to the kitchen.
Aunt Wu was busy preparing breakfast for the other two families at the stove. When she saw her come in, she immediately asked, "Have you eaten yet? I've kept Xiaoman's portion warm by the stove. He can eat it when he wakes up."
Nan Zhiyi took Wu Ma's arm and whispered in her ear, "I'm full. Wu Ma, I brought you a gift, but there were too many people around last night, so I was too embarrassed to take it out."
Wu Ma knew perfectly well that the child was afraid that if her second sister-in-law Zhang Xiufen saw it, it would cause unnecessary gossip and comparisons.
She was pleased with herself, but deliberately put on a stern face and gently patted Nan Zhiyi's hand.
“You silly child, why are you putting on these pleasantries with Aunt Wu? Your thoughtfulness is sweeter than honey for Aunt Wu! Besides, when have you ever received the pickles and dried goods I sent you? Haven’t you brought me back something even more precious? Those pastries and fabrics you brought from the capital, which neighbor isn’t envious? Why are you being so polite with me!”
Nan Zhiyi wasn't annoyed that she had seen through her words. Instead, she shook Nan Zhiyi's arm and said, "Alright, alright, I won't stand on ceremony with you. In a couple of days, when all the sisters-in-law have gone back to their parents' homes, I'll secretly bring it to you. I guarantee you'll like it."
Wu Ma's wrinkles around her eyes smoothed out: "That's more like it! Go upstairs and rest for a while longer."
Nan Zhiyi responded and then turned to go upstairs.
In the bedroom, Xiaoman was still sleeping soundly.
She glanced at her watch; it was almost seven o'clock.
A wave of drowsiness washed over her, she yawned, slipped into bed, and pulled her son's soft little body into her arms.
Nan Zhiyi's thoughts drifted uncontrollably away.
Where is Gu Xiao right now? By train or car? Is this mission... dangerous?
In front of outsiders, she had to appear calm and composed, but only she knew that the string in her heart was always taut, and would twitch from time to time.
Lost in thought, she drifted off to sleep.
She only woke up from her light sleep when Xiaoman in her arms stirred.
Xiaoman snuggled in her arms, her little hands wrapped around her neck, "Mommy, I'm awake."
Nan Zhiyi kissed him on the cheek again and again until the little guy was satisfied and had played enough, then dressed him and took him downstairs.
Downstairs, the elder brother and sister-in-law's families had obviously already had breakfast.
Gu Jianjun and his three children were gathered around the television.
Zhang Xiufen and Wang Juan were helping Wu Ma in the kitchen.
Nan Zhiyi patted her son's head and said, "Xiaoman, say hello to your second uncle, brothers, and sisters."
Xiaoman tilted her little face up and said in a loud voice, "Good morning, Uncle. Good morning, brothers and sisters."
Gu Gang and Gu Qiang, being older, simply smiled and nodded at their little brother.
Nannan, however, really liked her cute little cousin. She ran over and took his hand, her voice clear and bright: "Little Man, come on, watch TV with your sister!"
Xiaoman obediently followed her to the sofa, sat down next to her, and, imitating her, opened her eyes wide to look at the magical square box.
Aunt Wu called out from the kitchen, "Zhiyi, bring Xiaoman over and have breakfast first. It's been kept warm!"
Nan Zhiyi responded and went into the kitchen.
"Second sister-in-law, fourth sister-in-law, thank you for your hard work. I'll come and help after I finish feeding Xiaoman."
Zhang Xiufen kept working without looking up, saying, "It's nothing, just a little work. Go on, don't let the child go hungry."
Wang Juan smiled and chimed in, "That's right, Fifth Sister-in-law, don't rush, take your time, we've got you covered."
Aunt Wu placed Xiaoman's breakfast on a tray and handed it to Nan Zhiyi.
She then called to her son at the dining table, "Xiaoman, come on, let's eat first."
Xiaoman was reluctant to part with the TV, but she still obediently went to the dining table and ate her meal.
However, when he picked up the small spoon to scoop the porridge, he did so much faster than usual, and his eyes kept glancing towards the TV.
Nan Zhiyi pinched his chubby cheeks. "Silly boy, eat slowly, be careful not to choke. The TV isn't going to grow legs and run away, it's right there waiting for you."
With her mouth full of porridge, Xiaoman mumbled indistinctly, "I can run!"
Nan Zhiyi couldn't help but laugh at the childish words.
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