Chapter 55: Riding a Donkey to See You

The two enjoyed a warm dinner. As the meal was nearing its end, Gu Lanxi asked him

"Is there anything you want to eat? I'll cook tomorrow."

Lu Nanting had naturally heard Auntie Wang mention earlier that she would be heading home soon. Upon hearing this, he couldn't help but stroke his chin.

Auntie Wang's leave was quite flexible.

In principle, aside from the 11 days of statutory paid holidays, she worked a six-days-on, one-day-off schedule, just like other live-in nannies.

However, because Gu Lanxi's work was specialized, Auntie Wang often had to schedule her time off to coincide with Gu Lanxi's convenience.

This required private negotiation between the two of them.

Fortunately, Gu Lanxi was not a demanding employer and ensured Auntie Wang enjoyed her rightful benefits. Auntie Wang, in turn, was considerate. Having lived together for many years, their relationship was very harmonious.

Since they were heading to Kaiyuan to film next, holidays would be scarce, and Auntie Wang would need to go along. Therefore, she would take three days off in advance this week, only heading to the new house on Friday morning to familiarize herself with the new working environment.

From Tuesday to Thursday, the two of them would have to handle their own three meals a day.

Gu Lanxi had been highly self-sufficient since childhood and was quite resourceful; her cooking was excellent. Hearing her say this, Lu Nanting began to look forward to it

"There are too many things. I'll have to think it over carefully—I'll probably work you until you faint."

"Mhm. We have the whole day at home tomorrow, so you can take your time thinking."

"Not going out tomorrow?"

"The funds from Su Cha have arrived. I called your aunt; her flight is the morning after tomorrow. We'll go pick her up then. You stay in the car while I go down, and once we pick her up, we'll go straight to the Real Estate Transaction Center. After that, we'll go look at the house and discuss renovations, then contact the designer. We'll move everything over on Thursday."

Thinking further, she asked him, "Can you go out on Wednesday?"

Lu Nanting estimated, "Definitely."

Appropriate trending on social media could increase an artist's popularity and commercial value, but occupying too much social resource could instead have a negative impact on him.

If things went as expected, Fan Tiantian's side would surely take action soon to cool his popularity and prevent him from staying on the trending searches.

At that time, he could simply disguise himself, send a few extra cars to confuse onlookers, and there shouldn't be any major issues with going out to handle business.

After listening to his detailed explanation, Gu Lanxi thought it over and nodded. "That's good. If all else fails, I'll just have to entrust your affairs to your lawyer."

Since it was their marital home, it was best if they went together to give it a sense of ceremony.

The two ate in silence for a while. Seeing that she had finished the crucian carp, Lu Nanting asked

"Are you in such a rush? She is an elder, after all. Don't we need to pick her up and host her at our home?"

The Gu family was large, and Gu Lanxi had countless aunts. Before meeting them, even if he asked, he wouldn't be able to tell who was who, so he decided not to ask.

"No need to bring her home. My aunt has several properties here; she prefers staying in her own place. I've booked a private restaurant for Wednesday night. We can just treat her to dinner then. Kaiyuan County is quite remote, and I have to take Auntie Wang there early Friday morning. If we invite her to the house, we won't be able to host her properly."

This way, the entire day on Thursday could be used for moving.

Lu Nanting expressed that he had no issues with her arrangement.

"I have to go to Mango TV to record a variety show on Friday night, so I have to leave that afternoon as well. After that, I have to take a red-eye flight to Xi'an to prepare for the concert on Saturday night."

"Is it that live show, *Star Music*?"

That program was live in nature, featuring a group of singers gathering to chat and sing. Because one could often hear a lot of industry gossip and new songs, its ratings were consistently high.

Many singers participated to prove their vocal abilities.

Those with upcoming concerts even considered it a must-attend for promotion.

It was perfectly normal for Lu Nanting to have such a schedule.

"Mhm."

After their brief communication, they began eating.

Once the meal was finished, Lu Nanting let out a long sigh. "The married life of being apart more than together is about to begin."

Gu Lanxi was amused by the heaviness in his tone. "What? Are you going to miss me?"

Lu Nanting laughed along. "I want to tuck you into my pocket and take you everywhere I go."

Gu Lanxi looked innocent. "You're getting married, but you didn't notify me in advance! Your work was all scheduled long ago; what could I do?"

To be honest, when faced with such matters, the only reason her life rhythm hadn't turned into a chaotic mess was her own emotional stability and ability to regulate herself.

Lu Nanting felt a bit guilty, but he quickly became righteous again. "You can even forget things that are written in black and white! How do you have the nerve to blame me for not notifying you? It's clearly a matter for two people, yet in the end, I'm the only one worrying about it?"

The reason he had written those notes that violated marriage laws back then was simply due to the humility of a working professional.

In order to coax his "Gold Sponsor Daddy" into spending more time with him, he had spent his days "ceding territory and paying reparations."

Gu Lanxi simply thought he was being childish and played along to make him happy.

But saying these things out loud was actually a bit hurtful; it was better not to say them.

Gu Lanxi kept many potted plants at home.

During the summer, evaporation was high. Generally, Auntie Wang would only water them when Gu Lanxi was away or if she forgot.

After dinner, Gu Lanxi carried a long-spouted watering can and wandered around the house to water the plants. Lu Nanting followed her like a shadow, constantly chattering away.

"You have to call me, send more WeChat messages, and ideally, make more video calls. Tell me about anything interesting you encounter every day."

Gu Lanxi obediently agreed, "Mhm."

He became happy and continued his rambling.

"I'll call you too."

Then he immediately contradicted himself. "Forget it, I don't know when you'll be free while filming. I'll just send you messages. When you're free, tell me. If I'm free too, we can video call; if I'm busy, just leave me a message."

As he repeated the same circular logic, Gu Lanxi couldn't help but glance at him sideways.

"Should I write you letters then? Ideally with a few chicken feathers attached?"

Lu Nanting considered it seriously

"Not for now. My schedule is very full lately and my location is unstable, so it's hard to receive mail. If it gets lost and someone else sees it, I'll be dying of anger. If it takes too long to arrive, I'll also be dying of anger..."

After a string of "dying of anger," he realized Gu Lanxi was being sarcastic. Becoming agitated, he rushed forward to tickle her.

"You naughty Gu Manman! Are you making fun of me?"

Gu Lanxi laughed uncontrollably from the tickling and used the watering can to pour water on him.

"Are you a white phosphorus spirit? Your ignition point is way too low!"

"Fine! You're even scolding me!"

One chased and the other ran, playing around until the whole room was covered in water.

Finally, Gu Lanxi laughed until she had no strength left and was caught by him.

Lu Nanting held her by her armpits and placed her directly on the five-drawer cabinet in the living room, pretending to sternly command, "Sit still!" He then turned and went to the laundry room, returning a moment later with a floor scrubber to seriously mop the floor.

Gu Lanxi sat on the walnut cabinet with her back against the wall, hugging her legs, still holding the watering can like a child who had done something wrong.

After a long time, she said weakly, "If I were on holiday, I'd take a tractor to see you."

Lu Nanting couldn't help but laugh.

Only after he finished mopping and put the scrubber away did he return to pick Gu Lanxi up and carry her to the sofa.

"Then I'll ride a donkey to see you."

Gu Lanxi tried to hold it in, but eventually, she couldn't help but collapse into laughter in his arms.

That answer was very Lu Nanting.

She truly loved the way they interacted.

Those who were married or in a relationship would likely understand perfectly.

That feeling of life being a collaborative discussion, where every matter receives a response, every word is meaningful, yet there is profound mutual respect and the freedom to be oneself—it must be absolutely wonderful.