Xie Sui hummed a tune as he left, shaking his head at Zhao Xuefei's pleas. The woman was clearly out of her mind, having such leverage in his hands yet insisting on causing trouble and seeking attention. What kind of baffling behavior was this?
It would be best if Yan Xiaoliang got his hands on her. A match made in heaven, the slut and the scumbag.
Putting the troublesome couple out of his mind, he ambled along, inquiring until he reached Director Gu's home. It was Sunday, and Director Gu was busy with housework. Sundays were no holidays for her, with a whole family's laundry, sheets, and bedding to wash and scrub.
The communal tap was in use, and the sun was shining brightly. Gu Yu washed clothes while chatting with neighbors, well-liked by everyone.
"Director Gu, someone's looking for you. Is it a relative?"
Director Gu saw Xie Sui and her face crinkled into a smile. "Oh, Xiao Sui! Not busy today? Why have you come? Come inside, quickly. Why are you bringing all these things?
Take them away, we don't need to be so formal between us."
Xie Sui smiled, "Sister Gu, these are for the elders in my family, not for you. Don't worry about it. It's my first visit, how could I come empty-handed? It's just a small token of my appreciation. If you don't accept it, are you looking down on me?"
"Why are you being so polite with me, child? If you can earn money and support your family, I'll be happy."
She led him to her home, and neighbors, curious, kept asking about him. Director Gu introduced him to them more than ten times, leaving Xie Sui's smile feeling stiff.
This was the purest form of warmth he had never experienced in his previous life.
The Gu family's home was not large, only about fifty square meters, housing three generations. Gu Lei's grandmother, over seventy years old, sat in the living room watching television. A fourteen-inch black and white television was a rarity at this time.
"Xiao Sui, have some water."
"Thank you, Sister Gu. Is this Grandma? Is she well?"
Gu Lei's grandmother's ears twitched, and she said loudly, "What did you say?" Su Dan Novel Net
Director Gu replied, "Her hearing is a bit poor, you need to speak up. Mom, this is Xiao Lei's friend, he's asking if you're feeling well."
"Good, I'm quite well. Xiao Lei's friend, you're a very spirited young man."
Their conversation relied on shouting. Xie Sui gave a dry laugh, "It's good that you're well."
Director Gu sent her mother away and her expression turned serious. "Xiao Sui, is there something on your mind? Just say it, Sister will help if I can."
Xie Sui felt a pang of guilt. Such a wonderful Sister Gu, he truly didn't want to disappoint her. Swallowing the words he had prepared, he said, "Sister Gu knows me best. I want to buy a house and bring my wife and children over. In the autumn, I'll send the children to preschool. Commuting back and forth between the village and the town all day isn't a long-term solution."
Director Gu nodded. "You're thinking very sensibly. Children's education is most important. However, private home purchases aren't possible right now. I'll keep an eye out for you."
"Thank you. I'm truly sorry to trouble you again."
Director Gu said, "It's nothing. Xiao Lei still relies on you for care. If it weren't for you guiding him, that boy would be fooling around all day. I was so worried he'd get into trouble one day. Now he's so much better, focused on his work, and looks so much more energetic.
Someone has been arranging a marriage for him recently. If the match is good, he'll be married this year, and perhaps next year we'll be holding our grandson."
Xie Sui was even more relieved that he hadn't voiced his previous intentions. He smiled, "That's wonderful news! I'll help out when the time comes. Ah, Sister Gu, you'll be such a young grandmother. When you take your grandson out, people will definitely think you're his mother."
"How could it be that exaggerated..."
Director Gu laughed heartily. Chatting with him was always enjoyable; he always said the right things.