Chapter 148: Xi Nian Delivers the Materials

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Yan Rushan reluctantly left the Zhong residence, glancing back at the brightly lit small building with a sigh, thinking to herself that it would have been better to marry earlier.

At twenty-nine, Zhong Yuxiu carried New Year gifts to visit Professor Ding and Principal Guo, paying her respects ahead of the festival.

On New Year’s Eve, Zhong Yuxiu was having breakfast when Song Man personally came to her home. Surprised, Zhong Yuxiu paused and put down her chopsticks.

“Aunt Yan, what brings you here? Have you eaten breakfast? I can make you a bowl of noodles.”

“No need to trouble yourself, I’ve already eaten on the way,” Song Man replied as she approached.

Zhong Yuxiu gestured politely, “Please, have a seat.”

“Alright.” After sitting down, Song Man looked at her and said, “I heard from Dashan that you want to spend the New Year at home?”

“Yes.” Zhong Yuxiu hesitated briefly, then regained composure and nodded. “Thank you, Aunt Yan, for thinking of me. However, I’m still unmarried; it wouldn’t be appropriate to celebrate the New Year at your home. I will come to pay my respects to you, Uncle Yan, and Grandpa Yan on New Year’s Day.”

Song Man shook her head. “These days, we’re less particular about those things. It’s lonely to spend the New Year alone. It’s much better to come to the family and enjoy the lively celebrations together. Your Uncle Yan was talking about you last night and was worried you might feel awkward, so he insisted I come by today. Dashan came back yesterday looking unsettled. Yuxiu, you and Dashan are courting, and both his father and I have high hopes for you two. Barring any surprises, we’ll be family sooner or later, so don’t stand on ceremony.”

Rekindling estranged feelings is never easy.

“After Dashan returned, Grandpa asked him several times whether he had upset you. Grandpa truly likes you. Our family isn’t large; most relatives live in the countryside. The New Year has always been quiet here, and having one more person adds to the warmth and energy. What do you think?”

Song Man appealed to both emotion and reason, speaking so sincerely that it was impossible not to feel touched.

At this point, Zhong Yuxiu could not refuse. To persist would not only be ungrateful but also turn away the goodwill extended to her.

“Aunt Yan, thank you for coming all this way. I’ll take your advice.”

“Good child,” Song Man smiled. “Don’t worry, our Yan family is not bound by many strict customs. Come by often to visit.”

Zhong Yuxiu nodded. Song Man beamed and chatted with her for a while before leaving.

Looking down at the tangled noodles, Zhong Yuxiu quickly finished eating. “Gou Dan, I’m done.”

“Yes, mistress.”

For lunch, she planned to keep it simple and just eat enough to fill her stomach; unexpectedly, Xi Nian arrived as scheduled.

“Comrade Zhong, Happy New Year!”

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Xi Nian arrived accompanied by two bodyguards.

“Happy New Year.” Zhong Yuxiu smiled and led them into the main hall, sitting opposite them. “Thank you, Comrade Xi, for coming all this way.”

Xi Nian smiled gently and shook his head. “It’s my duty; you needn’t be so formal. I’ve brought the materials you requested. Would you like to take a look?”

“I trust Comrade Xi’s work.” Xi Nian had long experience dealing with numerous researchers, with broad horizons. “Gou Dan, take the items and pour some tea for Comrade Xi and the two bodyguards to warm up.”

“Beep beep.” Gou Dan stopped in front of the bodyguards carrying the items and extended its mechanical arm.

The two bodyguards, familiar with the Zhong residence from previous visits protecting Xi Nian, had seen Gou Dan before. They quietly observed the robot as it accepted the items, restraining their curiosity.

Gou Dan returned the items beside Zhong Yuxiu, then went to the kitchen and brought out four cups of hot tea, serving one to each person.

“Prepare a few more dishes.” Zhong Yuxiu quietly instructed as Gou Dan came to serve the tea.

Gou Dan did not respond; since the master had lowered her voice, it was to be kept confidential.

Once Gou Dan left, Zhong Yuxiu’s face brightened with a smile. “Comrade Xi, it’s nearly noon. Why don’t you have lunch here today?”

“Well...”

“You went out of your way to bring me the materials; it’s only right to invite you to lunch. In the future, when I need to trouble you again, if you don’t stay, I won’t dare bother you anymore.” Zhong Yuxiu’s expression softened slightly.

It would be rude for the host to see off a guest just before noon without offering a meal, especially someone who had come specifically to deliver something.

Xi Nian smiled ruefully. “It’s my honor to share lunch with you. Your cooking is excellent, and Gou Dan’s skills are impeccable. I’m fortunate.”

“Please.” Zhong Yuxiu raised her cup in a toast.

“Please.” Xi Nian returned the smile.

After sipping their tea, Xi Nian said, “Comrade Zhong, I owe you an apology.”

Zhong Yuxiu suppressed her curiosity and waited quietly.

“Your other share of dividends may be delayed a few days and probably won’t arrive until after the New Year. The overall settlement is still underway, and the exact amount remains unclear, so...”

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Zhong Yuxiu put down her cup, unconcerned. “No matter. Comrade Xi, you need not apologize. This matter is beyond your control; I understand that everyone has their own responsibilities. It’s nearly the New Year, and they’re still settling accounts. Who knows if the holiday will be peaceful at all.”

Work unfinished before the New Year only makes the post-holiday period busier.

The New Year holiday was guaranteed, but it depended on whether those handling the settlements could complete their tasks before the break.

“Thank you for your understanding.” Xi Nian smiled apologetically, feeling somewhat relieved. “Once the figures are finalized, I will deliver them to you immediately.”

They talked for a while longer. Gou Dan prepared three stir-fried dishes—two meat and one vegetable—and also steamed egg custard. Combined with the existing three meat dishes, one vegetable, and one soup, the meal was quite presentable.

Catching sight of Gou Dan bringing out the dishes, Zhong Yuxiu smiled. “Comrade Xi, please wash your hands and have a seat. Lunch is served.”

“Sorry to trouble you.” Xi Nian led his bodyguards to wash up, while Zhong Yuxiu went to the kitchen to wash her hands and help Gou Dan set the table.

When Xi Nian and the others entered the dining hall, they saw the table laden with meat dishes.

“Comrade Xi, please sit. You two, don’t be shy—make yourselves at home.” Zhong Yuxiu gestured casually and took her seat at the inner side of the long table.

Xi Nian and the two bodyguards sat opposite her. Gou Dan brought out bowls, chopsticks, and rice. The bodyguards, not accustomed to eating much, stopped after two bowls.

Seeing this, Zhong Yuxiu knew they hadn’t eaten enough. “Gou Dan, please serve more rice to the guests.”

“Beep beep.”

Gou Dan obediently served each bodyguard and Xi Nian a full bowl of rice.

“You don’t need to be so polite here,” Zhong Yuxiu said without directly stating it. The two bodyguards were touched; food was scarce everywhere these days. For Zhong Yuxiu to notice their hunger and have the robot serve them more rice was thoughtful and generous.

“Thank you, Comrade Zhong.”

Zhong Yuxiu smiled. “You burn a lot of energy. How can you have strength without eating well? You’ve been here before; you know the appetites of Comrades Hao and Tian. Your portions are barely enough to fill their gaps.”

The two men were visibly surprised and smiled shyly.