Chapter 484 Thoughts 2
All was quiet, and the Gu family courtyard fell into silence.
The soft sound of falling snow outside the window made the night seem even quieter.
Nan Zhiyi was not sleeping soundly. In her half-awake state, she heard a very faint sigh, almost drowned out by the sound of breathing, but she still heard it.
She didn't open her eyes, but moved the hand that was on his waist, and sneaked under the hem of his pajamas, slowly stroking it a few times, her fingertips touching the slightly raised texture of an old scar.
"What's wrong with Comrade Gu Xiao?" Her voice was hoarse with sleepiness, and a little coquettish. "You're sighing and complaining, which is unlike you."
Gu Xiao's muscles tensed up for a moment involuntarily, then slowly relaxed, letting her hands do as they pleased, though his breathing became slightly heavier.
He whispered, "My wife has a secret, and she's keeping it from me."
Nan Zhiyi snorted and scratched him with her fingertips. Feeling his muscles contract slightly, she said with a hint of reproach, "What are you talking about? My fifth brother and I talk about everything. What secrets could we possibly have?"
She truly believed that.
After her parents passed away, Gu Xiao was no longer just her husband, lover, and brother, but also the place where her emotions found refuge and the confidant of her soul.
She could and was willing to share with him without reservation all her deepest fears, her most subtle joys, and even her most private thoughts.
She believed that there should be no secrets between them, and there never were.
Gu Xiao didn't respond to her coquettish words, but just looked at her quietly, his gaze calm and still in the night.
"That means they have something on their mind but are unwilling to talk about it."
Nan Zhiyi's heart softened under his gaze. She stopped what she was doing and thought about it seriously. It was just a momentary emotion; she was tired after a long day and didn't want to bother him with her sadness. She hadn't expected him to notice it so early and still care.
She snuggled even closer into his arms.
"Fifth Brother, ... I just thought we were tired after a long day, so I didn't mention it. Actually, it's nothing serious, it's just that today... I talked to Aunt Feng for a bit, and suddenly I missed my parents."
Gu Xiao wrapped his arm around her and pulled her closer. "Want to go see your parents?"
He asked directly.
Nan Zhiyi hesitated for a moment: "It's during the Lunar New Year, and Gu Yan just had his wedding... Would it be... inappropriate for us to go and pay our respects?"
Gu Xiao understood her concerns, but said, "After breakfast tomorrow, we won't take Gu Zhao. We'll just say we're going out for a walk to get some fresh air. I'll take you to see her."
Nan Zhiyi originally thought that it was best to keep that longing in her heart and that whether or not to hold a memorial service was not a necessary formality. But after hearing him say that, she thought it would be good to go and see.
"Mmm," she responded, snuggling closer to him again. "Thank you, Fifth Brother."
Gu Xiao didn't say anything more, but simply tightened his arms, completely enveloping her in his warmth and breath.
The snow fell all night, and as dawn broke, the view outside the window was a uniform white, covering all the noise and celebration of the past few days, leaving only a clear and quiet silence.
Nan Zhiyi woke up early, and there was no one beside her. Gu Xiao must have gone to Commander Gu's room.
She woke Gu Zhao up. The little guy rubbed his eyes, saw the snow outside the window, and immediately perked up: "Later I want to build a snowman and have a snowball fight with Sister Nannan."
"Okay, Mom and Dad are going out this morning, you can stay home and play with your older brother and sister."
Gu Zhao slowly put on her clothes: "Okay, I understand, Mom."
Nan Zhiyi straightened his collar and watched him finish washing up.
The mother and son opened the door to go downstairs, just as Gu Yan and Chen Anna also pushed open the door to come out.
The four of them smiled as soon as they met.
"Good morning, Uncle! Good morning, Aunt!" Gu Zhao called out cheerfully.
"Sister-in-law, Xiaoman, good morning."
After exchanging a few pleasantries, they went downstairs together.
People were moving around downstairs; most of the Gu family members had gotten up.
Li Xiuqin and Wang Juan helped Sister He tidy up the tables and chairs and set out the bowls and chopsticks.
Although the Gu family is a modern family, Commander Gu has some old-fashioned rules in his bones. He especially values the first family breakfast after the new wife enters the family, believing that it is a testament to her formal becoming a family member and also signifies a harmonious and fulfilling life in the future.
Therefore, even though yesterday's wedding banquet was hectic, everyone got up early this morning to get ready, and even the children got up early.
Not long after, Gu Xiao helped Commander Gu out of the bedroom.
Commander Gu was dressed in a well-fitting Zhongshan suit, his silver hair was neatly combed, and he looked energetic.
Upon seeing this, the children and grandchildren on the sofa all stood up.
"Good morning, Dad."
Good morning, Grandpa!
"Sit down, everyone, have breakfast." Commander Gu sat down in the main seat and waved his hand.
Breakfast was eaten quietly, with occasional light clinking of bowls and chopsticks and children talking in hushed tones.
After the meal, Commander Gu rinsed his mouth and looked at his children and grandchildren. "Make yourselves at home after you finish eating. If you want to rest, then rest. If you need to go back this afternoon, then pack up and go back. Don't worry about me."
Gu Weiguo: "Dad, no rush. I happen to have some free time today, so I'll give you a haircut and a shave. I guarantee you'll be satisfied." Gu Weimin also smiled and said, "Big brother, I'll be your assistant."
"Okay, okay." Commander Gu said cheerfully.
Gu Xiao then spoke up: "Dad, I'm taking Zhiyi out to meet two old comrades-in-arms. We'll be back before noon."
"Whatever you say. The roads are slippery with snow, so drive carefully."
Gu Yan also said, "That's perfect. I'll take Anna out for a walk and have her chat with some friends."
Commander Gu agreed as well.
Before long, the two cars drove out of the Gu family compound one after the other, leaving fresh ruts on the still-snowy road, and headed in different directions.
Gu Xiao drove the military green Jeep straight to the outskirts of the city.
The road was covered in snow, causing vehicles to move slowly.
When we arrived near the suburban cemetery, there were two small stalls set up under sheds at the entrance, selling sacrificial items.
Gu Xiao parked the car, got out and bought several stacks of yellow paper, gold and silver ingots, a bundle of incense sticks, and incense and candles.
The snow in the cemetery was even thicker, and there was no one around, only the green pines and cypresses supported by fluffy white snow.
The couple walked hand in hand to their parents' joint grave, the upper part of which was covered in snow.
Nan Zhiyi bent down, ignoring the cold, and carefully brushed the snow off the tombstone, revealing her parents' names.
Gu Xiao lit the candles, inserted the incense sticks, and then gathered up the yellow paper ingots and paper money.
Flames rose in the snow, and paper ash swirled upwards with the heat.
Nan Zhiyi did not cry.
I don't know when it started, but the grief has been worn away by time into a deep longing.
Gu Xiao reached out and put his arm around her shoulder, listening to her stammering about everyday things...
A cold wind swept through the pine and cypress trees in the cemetery, causing the ashes of paper offerings to swirl upwards and blend into the leaden-gray sky.
The snowfield was silent, save for her whispers.
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