Chapter 103 Cuddling
The two snuggled together and talked for a long time. Most of the conversation consisted of Nan Zhiyi rambling on about the trivial matters that had happened in the family compound over the past three months. Gu Xiao listened quietly and responded occasionally.
Only after the person in his arms fell asleep did he carefully lay her down flat and tuck the blanket in.
He didn't go to sleep immediately, but picked up the thick stack of letters again, especially the last one, and read it carefully over and over again.
He is about to become a father.
His child with Zhiyi.
The joy and sense of responsibility that came with this realization stirred up a deep emotion within him, and he barely slept a wink all night.
He placed breakfast on the small table by the bedside.
"Zhiyi, wake up and eat something."
Nan Zhiyi opened her eyes groggily and smelled the faint eggy smell in the air.
Before she could even speak, she threw off the covers and rushed barefoot to the toilet.
Beneath the thin pajamas, the outline of her shoulder blades was prominent, and she was frighteningly thin.
Gu Xiao quickly followed to the toilet door.
She was bent over, her thin back heaving violently as she dry-heaved, only managing to vomit a little water, and fine beads of cold sweat appeared on her forehead.
He felt a dull pain in his chest, carefully put slippers on her, quickly poured her a glass of warm water to rinse her mouth, and then used a towel to wipe away the cold sweat and physiological tears on her face.
After doing all this, he picked Nan Zhiyi up and carried her back to the bed, wrapping her tightly in the blanket.
He sat on the edge of the bed, warming her cold feet in his lap, and silently looked at her pale and haggard face.
In places where he couldn't see her, she endured it all day by day, meal by meal.
No wonder she's so thin.
"I'm not going to work today. I'll take you to the hospital to see the best doctor."
Nan Zhiyi leaned against him, recovering from the discomfort, and shook her head: "No need to go... I'm used to it. The doctor doesn't have any good solutions. Maybe it will get better after this period."
"Besides, it's almost New Year's Day, and the bulletin board is just getting finished. I need to help Chen Xiaoyun check it out and organize her work notes. It's her first time making a bulletin board on her own, and I'm worried about her."
Gu Xiao frowned, looking at the determination in her eyes, knowing that she had a strong sense of responsibility and that she didn't want to delay her work.
He was silent for a few seconds, knowing he couldn't persuade her otherwise, and gave in: "Okay, I'll pick you up after get off work this afternoon, but you have to ask for leave. Starting tomorrow, stay home and rest."
"Mm." Nan Zhiyi nodded.
Gu Xiao wrapped her in the thickest cotton-padded coat, and covered her up completely with a scarf and hat before pushing out his bicycle and carefully taking her to the propaganda department.
Once in the office, Nan Zhiyi roused herself and carefully explained the details and points to note in the last few sketches to Chen Xiaoyun.
She took out her densely filled work notebook, which contained various font examples, color schemes, layout techniques, and even emergency solutions for unexpected problems.
"Xiaoyun, these are all for you."
Nan Zhiyi solemnly placed the notebook in Chen Xiaoyun's hands. "Don't be nervous, just do it as we discussed before. It's okay to be slow since it's your first time doing it independently. Neatness is the most important thing. If you encounter anything you're unsure about, you can ask Officer Lin or Section Chief Li."
Holding the heavy notebook, Chen Xiaoyun was very grateful: "Sister Zhiyi, don't worry, I will definitely do my best!"
Nan Zhiyi smiled and turned to ask Section Chief Li Mei for leave.
Li Mei readily approved the leave, adding with concern, "Your health is the most important thing; it's okay to rest for a few more days."
"Thank you, Section Chief Li."
It was almost time to leave work, and the sky was already getting dark.
As soon as the door to the propaganda department opened, Nan Zhiyi saw Gu Xiao standing in the shadows of the corridor.
He didn't know how long he waited.
"Let's go."
When he saw her come out, he immediately went to greet her, naturally took the small cloth bag from her hand, and held her slightly cool hand tightly with his other hand.
Nan Zhiyi let him lead her out of the office building.
A cold wind blew in her face, and she couldn't help but shrink her neck.
Gu Xiao straightened her scarf again: "Let's go to the hospital first. I'm worried."
Nan Zhiyi thought for a moment and said softly, "Alright... Judging by the days, it's about time to take a look."
She was last diagnosed two months ago when she went to see an internal medicine doctor because of "stomach discomfort." At that time, the doctor only conducted the most basic consultation.
The military hospital had already closed for the day, but the lights were still on at the duty window on the first floor of the outpatient building.
Gu Xiao asked Nan Zhiyi to sit down on a bench in a sheltered corner while he went to register.
"Go to the obstetrics and gynecology department."
A middle-aged nurse sat at the window and deftly tore off a piece of paper and handed it out: "The doctor on duty is in the first room on the east side of the second floor."
Gu Xiao helped Nan Zhiyi up and took her to the second floor.
The stairs are made of cement and are quite steep.
Gu Xiao held her waist tightly with one hand and supported her arm with the other, almost half-carrying and half-lifting her up.
Nan Zhiyi could feel the tension in his arm muscles, as if she were a fragile piece of porcelain.
She didn't try to be strong, and happily enjoyed his careful and tender care.
The second-floor corridor was even quieter, with only the sound of two people's footsteps.
Gu Xiao knocked on the door and led her inside.
The gray-haired female doctor's gaze lingered for a moment on Gu Xiao's military uniform epaulets before falling on Nan Zhiyi, whom he was carefully protecting.
"Sit down first," the female doctor said, pointing to the chair in front of the table.
Gu Xiao helped Nan Zhiyi sit down, and then stood beside her.
"Where does it hurt?" the doctor asked, picking up his pen.
Nan Zhiyi said, "Doctor, I'm almost three months pregnant. I've been vomiting a lot and can't eat anything."
The doctor nodded and began asking detailed questions.
Gu Xiao listened intently, his brows furrowed. When he heard Nan Zhiyi say, "I vomit several times a day, can only drink some millet porridge, and have lost more than ten pounds," his heartache was almost overflowing.
"Lie down on the bed, let me examine you." The doctor pointed to the examination bed next to him.
Nan Zhiyi got up as instructed.
Gu Xiao stepped forward, wanting to help her.
Nan Zhiyi gave him a reproachful look: "It's okay, I can manage on my own."
The doctor examined Nan Zhiyi from behind the screen and listened to the fetal heartbeat.
Once back at the table, the doctor wrote in the medical record and said, "Currently, the fetus's development is basically normal. Morning sickness varies from person to person; some people experience it more severely. You're too thin; insufficient nutrition will definitely not do."
She glanced at Gu Xiao, who looked anxious, and said, "If possible, it would be best to change the environment and find a warmer place where we can take good care of her to recuperate. With her constitution, forcing her to endure this here will only harm both the adults and the child."
"Keep warm, eat small, frequent meals, and eat whatever you can manage. Try anything sour or appetizing. If you vomit a lot and become dehydrated, go to the hospital immediately for an IV drip."
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