Chapter 71: Signing the Contract

"Since you knew it was abrupt, why ask?" The question must have been about Gou Dan.

Xi Nian was at a loss for words.

Yan Guofeng burst into hearty laughter. "Comrade Xi, don't take it to heart; Comrade Zhong is quite straightforward."

"And a bit biting," Xi Nian nodded gravely, exposing the petty side beneath his gentlemanly exterior.

Yan Guofeng and Yan Rushan chuckled softly. The orderlies stood at the door, not joining in.

Zhong Yuxiu spread her hands, helpless. "There's nothing I can do. The data has been submitted. If you want to know everything, you can check the data; with Comrade Xi's status, you'll have access."

"Indeed," Xi Nian said, understanding. In their line of work, he knew researchers well and was tolerant of their quirks and taboos. Since they’d chosen this path, tolerance and broad-mindedness were essential. "Comrade Zhong makes sense. I've looked through the data several times and have long yearned to see the actual results. Seeing them today made me lose composure—please forgive me."

"Comrade Xi is well-mannered; there's no need for blame." It wasn’t as if she’d encountered someone unreasonable—there was no need for reproach. Besides, blaming others was also a burden on oneself, and she disliked trouble. Her personality reflected that.

To put it simply, she was lazy.

If it wasn’t a matter of principle or her own interests, she wouldn’t get impatient, and trivial things weren’t worth fussing over.

"Thank you, Comrade Zhong, for not taking offense." Xi Nian smiled faintly.

"You're welcome."

With that smile, the conversation opened up; the sense of distance faded imperceptibly, and the ensuing dialogue became natural and harmonious.

Gou Dan came downstairs with a pen. Xi Nian paid special attention, noting that the robot carried an ordinary pen, not the popular Hero brand. Yet its performance was excellent and cost-effective compared to Hero pens. He nodded inwardly—unmoved by fashion, holding to her beliefs, forging her own path.

Her persistence in her ideals explained her achievements.

Many nowadays chased after Hero pens, even including them in wedding gifts. He’d seen how mad people could become under the sway of fashion—once, a young boy lied to his parents just to get a Hero pen.

He wasn’t against following trends, but one should consider their financial situation. If the conditions weren’t right, it was better to set aside such desires for now and wait until circumstances allowed.

Zhong Yuxiu, unaware of Xi Nian’s thoughts, swiftly signed her name and handed the contract back to him.

"Comrade Xi, please keep this."

"Thank you, Comrade Zhong." He took it, checked it, confirmed everything was correct, and filed the contract away. "Once our side has stamped it, I’ll send you a copy."

Zhong Yuxiu nodded knowingly. "Alright, thank you for your hard work."

"You flatter me; it’s simply my duty." Xi Nian replied modestly, then continued, "May I borrow your pen and paper?"

"Certainly." Zhong Yuxiu handed over the pen and glanced at the robot by her side. "Gou Dan, bring Comrade Xi a notebook."

"Beep." Gou Dan turned and went upstairs, returning with a red-checked notebook, which he offered to Xi Nian.

Xi Nian smiled. "Thank you." He uncapped the pen and wrote down his address and contact information. "Comrade Zhong, here are my address and phone numbers—one for my office, one for my home."

"Thank you." Zhong Yuxiu took it and passed it to Gou Dan, who accepted it and cradled it in his hands.

"It's getting late; I should be going. If you need anything, Comrade Zhong, feel free to contact me." Xi Nian stood up, holding the document folder.

Yan Guofeng reminded her, "Comrade Zhong, your blueprints still need to go through Comrade Xi."

"Thank you for the reminder." Zhong Yuxiu nodded and handed the blueprints to Xi Nian. "Sorry to trouble you, Comrade Xi."

"It’s no trouble at all. Rest assured, I’ll handle it promptly." Xi Nian put away the drawings, opened his folder, slipped them inside, and took his leave.

Since Yan Guofeng remained, Zhong Yuxiu didn’t get up to see Xi Nian out. She turned her gaze and met Yan Rushan’s eyes, smiled, and looked away.

"Will you stay for dinner, Elder Yan?"

"Gladly." Yan Guofeng glanced at his grandson, whose joyful little expression could not be concealed. With a resigned nod, he agreed, "Sorry to impose."

Zhong Yuxiu smiled softly. "It’s no imposition; I’ll be dining as well."

Beneath Yan Guofeng’s slightly drooping eyelids, his gaze was gentle, and he teased with a smile, "Dashan’s always coming over to bother you; you’re the only one with the patience for it. If it were me, I’d have kicked him out long ago."

Zhong Yuxiu struggled to keep her smile. She had the feeling that Elder Yan already knew she was seeing Yan Rushan.

Yan Rushan coughed lightly into his fist. "Grandfather, don’t tease. Comrade Zhong’s cheeks are red."

"No, they’re not," she said stiffly, though her face grew even redder.

"Alright, alright, not at all." Yan Rushan hurried to placate her.

Yan Guofeng laughed heartily, his voice loud and full of vigor.

Zhong Yuxiu was utterly embarrassed. Seeing this, Yan Rushan quickly sat beside her. "Yuxiu, Grandpa already knows about us. No need to be shy."

"I expected as much," Yuxiu said through gritted teeth. Otherwise, the old man wouldn’t tease her.

"Grandpa caught us; you can’t blame me."

Zhong Yuxiu gave him a cold look. "Elder Yan..."

"No need to say more. I approve of you and Dashan; you’re both of age. Marry whenever you wish—I can take care of everything, and Dashan’s parents won’t oppose you two being together," Yan Guofeng said, his face full of warmth. In this short time, he’d seen enough.

His grandson was enthralled, but Zhong Yuxiu’s gaze was clear, with little affection; it seemed she’d chosen his grandson because he was suitable.

"That’s not what I wanted to ask." Facing a parent, nerves were inevitable; but after Elder Yan spoke, she felt less nervous. "I meant to ask: Did Comrade Yan skip grades and apply for early graduation because of me?"

Yan Rushan smiled softly, and Yan Guofeng replied, "You’re part of the reason, but he has his own as well. Today, since you’re both here, let me speak from the heart. Comrade Zhong, forgive this old man for being so talkative."

"Not at all, please go ahead," Zhong Yuxiu said.

Yan Guofeng smiled. "You two have come through hardships together—it hasn’t been easy. No matter what the future brings, as a grandfather, I hope you’ll support each other, offer mutual advice, and develop your careers together. What do you think?"

Developing their careers together—such a statement carried weight.

Together, yet individually.

It made sense: together meant they should be honest with each other, and if possible, participate in each other’s lives. If not, at least be open and sincere. It complemented his earlier words about mutual support and encouragement.

"Grandpa, I won’t hide anything from Yuxiu. My life includes her, and I’ll be part of hers." Mutual deception leads nowhere in the end.