Gu Sinian stepped forward and took Qi Zhenzhen's hand, his usual cool demeanor softening, his sharp features becoming gentle. "I've asked people to move all the books from the outer study to our courtyard. You love to read, and these books will be enough for you for a long time."
"I read very quickly," Qi Zhenzhen said with a playful chide.
"At least three months," Gu Sinian mused. "After three months, if you still want to read something else, I'll accompany you to find it."
So, this was his way of telling her he would be back in three months.
Qi Zhenzhen looked at Gu Sinian and smiled sweetly. "I'll work very hard to finish all these books."
They exchanged a smile, clearly sensing each other's feelings.
They returned to their room hand in hand, and Qi Zhenzhen continued to pack Gu Sinian's belongings. Gu Sinian leaned against the Luohan bed, propping his chin with one hand, watching Qi Zhenzhen busily at work with unwavering eyes. In the past, he would avoid staying in the manor whenever possible because it felt too desolate. Now, he wished he could stay in the manor all the time, finding contentment just by watching Zhenzhen's busy figure.
Gu Sinian recalled his mother saying when he was young, "When you grow up, there will be a good girl who will care for you like I do. She'll meticulously manage your daily life, you'll share your joys and sorrows with her, and you'll spend your long life together..."
Not long ago, Gu Sinian had thought he would probably never meet the kind of girl his mother described.
Now, Gu Sinian's lips curved upwards involuntarily. How fortunate he was to have met Zhenzhen and married her.
Qi Zhenzhen turned around and saw that the usually cool-faced man was smiling foolishly.
"Are you thinking of something amusing?"
"I just feel that this is truly wonderful," Gu Sinian replied, coming back to himself.
"This?"
"When I went out before, Gu Qing always packed my bags," Gu Sinian said. "My clothes were just stuffed into a bundle, and they were all wrinkled when I wore them. I never had sachets to ward off mosquitoes and insects. Once, in the summer, I stayed in the forest for three or four days, and when I came out, my face was covered in bites."
Qi Zhenzhen was taken aback. "Didn't your mother pack for you?"
"Unless I was going away for a long time, I would tell Mother I was at the training grounds," Gu Sinian said. "At that time, Mother was exhausted and distressed by Father's affairs, and I didn't want her to worry about me anymore."
Qi Zhenzhen suddenly felt a pang of sympathy. Strictly speaking, Madam Da Qin was not a qualified mother. When she insisted on marrying into the Duke's manor, she was only considering her own feelings. She liked Gu Changwei and married him without hesitation. If, from then on, she had been able to put aside her pride and skillfully win over Gu Changwei, she wouldn't have ended up in her current state. She was unhappy, and Gu Sinian was always out of favor with his father.
Pitiable, regrettable, and hateful.
Fortunately, she hadn't remained stubbornly deluded. Although it was late, she had finally come to her senses and let go.
"From now on, wherever you go, I will pack your bags," Qi Zhenzhen said, each word clear.
Gu Sinian chuckled softly. "Good."
For the next three days, apart from paying respects to their elders, the couple stayed together constantly. All their meals were prepared by Qi Zhenzhen. When Qi Zhenzhen cooked, Gu Sinian would stay by her side, helping out. When Qi Zhenzhen did needlework, Gu Sinian would sit nearby, reading. He would read for a while, then watch Qi Zhenzhen for a while. It was simple, peaceful, and beautiful.
June 13th was the day Gu Sinian was to depart. Before going to sleep, Qi Zhenzhen had resolved to get up and see him off, no matter what. But what happened? Gu Sinian clung to her again and again, and she didn't even know when she fell asleep. When she woke up, he was already gone.
"Madam is awake. This servant will help you get dressed," Chunfeng, who was serving outside, heard the movement in the inner room and hurried in. "The Heir left before dawn. He specifically instructed us not to disturb your rest when he left. The Heir said to tell you not to worry, that he would take good care of himself outside and would return as soon as possible."