Receiving a call from Qin Yize made Gu Qiaoqiao naturally happy. She initially intended to buy some groceries on her way back but then thought about it againâgiven how thoughtful and meticulous Qin Yize is, he would have surely filled up the empty refrigerator.
Originally, Gu Qiaoqiao had plans to go out for dinner with friends that evening.
However, she didnât inform Qin Yize about this; instead, she called her friends to let them know she wouldnât make it.
When she got back, Qin Yize had already prepared a meal, waiting for her.
The place was spotless, both upstairs and downstairs. Clearly, Qin Yize hadnât been idle since he returned, tidying up inside and out. Having a husband with OCD really paid off.
At the moment, Qin Yize was on the couch, reading the newspaper. When he saw Gu Qiaoqiao come in, he set the newspaper aside on the coffee table and said with a smile, "Qiaoqiao, wash your hands first and letâs eat. I brought you a gift back."
"What did you bring me?" Gu Qiaoqiao asked curiously.
She didnât even know where he had traveled to this time.
But she was smart enough not to ask.
No matter how good the relationship is between husband and wife, there are always things where knowing your boundaries is essential.
Qin Yize took Gu Qiaoqiao to the bathroom. "Freshen up first. After dinner, Iâll give it to you; thereâs still soup in the kitchen. Iâll go serve it now."
Gu Qiaoqiao chuckled, "Quite mysterious indeed."
Once they had finished eating and drinking, Qin Yize brought out the gift for Gu Qiaoqiao.
When giving gifts, you have to cater to the recipientâs tastes. Qin Yize knew what his wife adored most, so naturally, what he brought out made Gu Qiaoqiao exuberantly happy.
It turned out to be a piece of jade with landscape patterns.
It was that rare type, Smoke Rain Stone.
This stone is known for its natural patterns, but over the years, it has become exceedingly rare.
Itâs nearly impossible to find on the market.
Thereâs plenty of fake ones, but fake is fake. Naturally formed ones and artificially carved ones are always different.
Looking at the one in front of them, it was clear at a glance that it was a naturally formed Smoke Rain Stone.
From a slight distance, one could see the thousands of mountains and rivers on the stone, with a small boat on the lake, seemingly with drizzling rain.
"Ah Ze, youâre amazing. Where did you find it?" Gu Qiaoqiao couldnât help but admire Qin Yize.
Such a thing, if sold, would fetch hundreds of thousands.
"Got it by chance. Do you like it?" Qin Yize asked gently.
"Of course I love it. Thank you, Ah Ze."
Qin Yize quirked an eyebrow playfully, "So how will you thank me?"
Gu Qiaoqiaoâs clear eyes flickered, she abruptly yanked Qin Yize over, stood on her tiptoes, and unexpectedly pinched his cheek.
Seeing Qin Yizeâs somewhat dumbfounded expression, Gu Qiaoqiao playfully laughed.
With a resigned smile, Qin Yize reached out and tousled his wifeâs hair. Their eyes met, and Gu Qiaoqiaoâs gaze was innocent like the eyes of a fawn Qin Yize once saw in the wild. His eyes, deep and earnest, captured Gu Qiaoqiaoâs gaze, his voice tender and flowing, "Qiaoqiao, whatever you like, no matter how far, across mountains and rivers, Iâll find it for you."
Gu Qiaoqiao also looked at Qin Yize with focused intent.
She knew once this man said something, he would definitely make it happen.
She trusted he would do it.
With a smile on her eyes, "Ah Ze, I always knew you were the best."
"You are my wife, this is what I should do."
Then, he took out several paper packets from his bag and handed them to Gu Qiaoqiao, "These are seeds of some precious plantsâhard to come by. They are results from my classmateâs lab, gifts for Great Grandma."
"Ah, your classmate?"
"Yes," Qin Yize nodded gently, "This classmate of mine loves botany and specializes in cultivating seeds of ancient plants which have gone extinct. Iâve seen it, itâs a type of orchid, with three colors on one flower, very beautiful."
"Mom also loves flowers; letâs give her half."
"No need, letâs give Great Grandma all of them first. She is better than Mom in breeding seedlings. Later, Mom can transplant some."
Gu Qiaoqiao thought about it, nodded, it was a good idea.
Outside the window, insects chirped softly, the moonlight was like water, and time seemed so peaceful.
The next morning, when Gu Qiaoqiao got up, Qin Yize had already cooked the porridge and also got steamed buns and pickles from the canteen.
The steamed buns from the base canteen, steamed in large pots, are particularly delicious. Paired with specially pickled vegetables, breakfast was very satisfying.
Qin Yize needed to go to the baseâs office area. This morning he was hosting a meeting and would inspect the results of new technologies in the afternoon.
Nevertheless, Qin Yize still helped Gu Qiaoqiao carry a box and walked her to the gate, and at that moment, Brother Li San was about to arrive.
Qin Yize whispered a few instructions and strode away.
While Gu Qiaoqiao was holding the box, which contained a carved wooden sculpture.
It was an eagle spreading its wings, ready to soar.
The color on the outside was dark red, already processed; the wood was camphor wood, known for its rough texture and strong durability. Most importantly, its wood grain was distinctly crisscrossed; after highly polishing and waxing, the overall sheen was exceptionally beautiful.
Very suitable for carving craft items like eagles.
Gu Qiaoqiao knew the teachers at the academy were waiting for her graduation project.
She had heard from a good friend, Xie Hongli, that her work was to be placed in the academyâs exhibition room.
After all, Gu Qiaoqiaoâs craftsmanship was extraordinarily exquisite, with few rivals.
Moreover, her works were not numerous.
In the eyes of the teachers, Gu Qiaoqiao was not just a student; she was a sculptor coming to polish her skills.
What she needed was merely a diploma.
Everyone knew this well, and besides, Gu Qiaoqiao was to stay at the school and teach.
Gu Qiaoqiao naturally was aware of the leadershipâs emphasis on her, representing the pinnacle of carving technique. For this, the school gave her open accessânot just because of the Gu Family and Qin Family, but more for her own sake.
For this, Gu Qiaoqiao felt very satisfied.
"You give me peaches, I return plums."
Gu Qiaoqiao was happy to send the academy a big favor.
This camphor wood wasnât exactly precious, but her piece was quite unique.
It was considered the best among camphor wood.
Presenting it as a graduation gift to the academy would certainly carry significant weight.
At that moment, Brother Li Sanâs car arrived. When he saw Gu Qiaoqiao holding a big box, he quickly got out and helped her place the box in the back seat of the car.
Then, he drove swiftly towards the school.
When they reached the school gate, it was almost class time. The wooden sculpture carved by Gu Qiaoqiao was not large, so naturally, it wasnât heavy. Brother Li San wanted to help Gu Qiaoqiao carry it inside, but Gu Qiaoqiao hurriedly said, "Iâll carry it myself; itâs not that heavy..."
Brother Li San weighed it and didnât insist further, handing the box to Gu Qiaoqiao with a reminder, "Walk slowly while carrying it and watch the road, donât fall..."
Gu Qiaoqiao chuckled, "Donât worry, Brother San, Iâm not a child. You can drive back, be careful on the road, and pick me up later this evening."