As soon as Qi Anlu returned home, Zhou Xinfang told him that Qi Wenhan had gone back to their hometown on some business and wouldn't return for a while.
"I heard they're building a high-speed railway in our hometown. He went back for ancestor worship and to relocate your great-grandparents' graves. It'll probably take some time before he comes back."
For Qi Anlu, Qi Wenhan's absence was definitely good news.
After the final exams ended, school officially broke for holidays, and the test results would be announced later by the homeroom teacher.
The days following the exams were peaceful for Qi Anlu.
He could sleep in naturally, his mother cooked all his favorite dishes, and there were no annoying voices around. He even accompanied his mother to the farmers' market twice.
"So you're Anlu? Your mother talks about you all the time. Finally got to meet you today."
Similar comments came from several vendors as they walked through the market. Zhou Xinfang would smile and respond, "He was too busy with studies before. Now that it's holiday time, he can finally come out with me."
This would be followed by a stream of compliments like, "Your son is tall and handsome, smart and filial. You're blessed."
Qi Anlu would quietly stand aside holding the groceries. Hearing these words made him feel somewhat dazed, knowing that all these compliments originated from his mother's frequent mentions of him.
His mother must have talked about him countless times while shopping here for the vendors to recognize his name so readily.
His mother seemed so carefree here, appearing to know every vendor well, chatting loudly, bargaining, and quickly calculating prices.
His mother at the market was completely different from how she was at home... especially in front of Qi Wenhan.
At this moment, he wished more than ever that Qi Wenhan would just disappear.
These past few days, Qi Anlu had even forgotten to check his exam results, something that had never happened before.
Three days into the holiday, the final exam results were released. He received a message from Teacher Cen, and to his surprise, he had ranked first - not just in his class, but in his entire grade.
However, he didn't really feel happy until he saw his friends' scores in the group chat.
Gu Zhijing had achieved his goal of ranking fifth in the class, exactly fifth, no more no less.
Qu Zizhou ranked eleventh, just missing the top ten, while Chu Mingyan also showed improvement.
[Qu Zizhou: @Qi Anlu My mom wants to treat you to a meal to thank you properly]
[Qu Zizhou: @Qi Anlu But my mom's too enthusiastic, I'm afraid she'll scare you, so I convinced her to give me the money instead. I'll treat you myself]
[Chu Mingyan: Stop making excuses, I bet you just want to pocket some of the money]
[Qi Anlu: I'm looking forward to the feast. If there isn't one, I'll have to tell Auntie Jiang]
[Qu Zizhou: Why doesn't anyone trust me! All three of you come, I'll treat everyone]
This time, Jiang Yun was quite generous. Her daughter and husband were coming home soon, the family would be reunited, and her son had improved in his exams. She was so happy that she gave a substantial reward.
[Gu Zhijing: Let's talk when I get back, I'm about to go traveling!]
As soon as the results came out, Gu Zhijing went to claim his reward from Nian Suian. Gu Junxing had promised that ranking fifth would earn him not only a trip but also 10,000 yuan.
Nian Suian immediately transferred 20,000 yuan with a wave of her hand.
"10,000 is from your father fulfilling his promise, the other 10,000 is from me."
The 20,000 yuan made Gu Zhijing ecstatic. He excitedly hugged Nian Suian and then grabbed Tang Yuan (the cat) from her arms, showering it with kisses.
The cat meowed in protest and ran away with its tail tucked.
His antics made Nian Suian shake her head in amazement. "Zhijing, we're supposed to be rich kids, show some restraint. 20,000 yuan isn't that much."
"It's different, Little Mom! This is the first time I've earned this much money through my own efforts." Gu Zhijing was already imagining how much money his dad and stepmom would give him if he ranked first next time. Just thinking about it made him want to laugh out loud.
That evening when Gu Junxing returned from work, Gu Zhijing heard the car and immediately rushed to the door to greet him (and show off).
"Dad, did you already know about my results? How thoughtful of you to buy me flowers." Gu Zhijing grinned, reaching for the flowers in Gu Junxing's hands.
Gu Junxing dodged him, "These aren't for you. Did the results come out?"
Gu Zhijing took a closer look... ah, they were roses, definitely not meant for him.
But mention of the results brightened his mood again, and he hurriedly showed Gu Junxing the message from Teacher Cen.
"Look, Dad, exactly fifth place, no more no less."
Gu Junxing glanced at it and said, "Where do you want to go? Decide for yourself, then have Butler Su book the tickets and hotel. But only major cities are allowed."
"Got it, Dad!"
Nian Suian was lounging on the sofa playing with her phone, having heard the father and son's conversation.
But seeing Gu Junxing walking towards her with a bouquet of flowers still made her heart flutter.
"Today's gift."
"Thank you, I love it."
"Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!"
Gu Zhijing had somehow popped up behind the sofa, clapping and cheering them on.
Faced with his son's encouragement, Gu Junxing just smiled silently, instead watching for Nian Suian's reaction.
Nian Suian sighed, carefully pulled out one rose from the bouquet, and handed it to Gu Zhijing.
"Here, go play with this."
"Give me another one."
"Here you go," Nian Suian pulled out another one for him.
Gu Zhijing took one in each hand, then brought the flowers together.
He made a "mwah!" sound.
Then ran away with the flowers.
Nian Suian hugged the bouquet, kicked off her slippers to stand on the sofa, and leaned down slightly to give Gu Junxing a quick peck on the lips.
Gu Zhijing didn't dwell on it for long. During dinner, he told Gu Junxing he wanted to visit Snow Village.
Snow Village was a famous tourist destination with no safety concerns, so Gu Junxing didn't object. He told his son to discuss flight and hotel arrangements with Butler Su.
"Come back within a week, your grandparents should be home by then."
Nian Suian also reminded him: "Be careful and keep in touch with us every day."
Gu Zhijing obediently agreed. He had initially wanted to invite his friends along, but Qu Zizhou needed to stay home for his father and sister's return, Chu Mingyan was going to his hometown with his mother, and Qi Anlu wanted to stay home with his mother.
Traveling alone was something he'd never done before, but Gu Zhijing wanted to try it. He rejected Butler Su's suggestion to join a tour group, saying he wanted to travel independently.
However, Butler Su still arranged for a driver to pick him up from the airport and take him directly to the hotel.
Meanwhile, Nian Suian bought Gu Zhijing plenty of warm clothes and shoes, insisting that he remember to wear thermal underwear under fleece pants under cotton pants.
Compared to Nian Suian and Butler Su, Gu Junxing, his actual father, seemed much more relaxed about it.
But Nian Suian knew better - why else would he have all those travel guides pulled up on his computer?