CHAPTER 430: CHAPTER 431: WHAT SHOULD A MAN BE GENTLE FOR AT THIS TIME?

Gu Anxi stretched and smiled. "Why take it so seriously? Spending a million a month just for a few dishes? That’s such an extravagance. I only indulged today because someone else was treating."

Earning money isn’t easy for Little Uncle; I need to be frugal.

She ran off, leaving the manager dumbfounded.

This young girl... she’s so peculiar.

「...」

Gu Anxi returned to the hospital with a full stomach.

Upon opening the door, she found Bo Xichen sitting in his office reviewing documents, still in his white coat.

She glanced at the clock; it was only one o’clock.

Instantly, a pang of heartache struck her. She went over to massage his shoulders. "I just had a Manchu-Han Imperial Feast, and I feel so guilty."

He reached out and pulled her closer. "If you really felt guilty, you wouldn’t have gone. You’re always just trying to sweet-talk me."

Saying this, he pulled her into his embrace, having her accompany him as he went through the documents.

Gu Anxi glanced at the document, noting the large words "TOP SECRET," and refused to look.

"It’s too late even if you don’t want to look now. You’re my wife now, Wifey. Don’t you want to share some of the burden?" He rested his chin on the crown of her head, her hair feeling soft and quite cute.

Gu Anxi struggled a little. "This is a Bo Family secret!"

"The Bo Family’s biggest secret is me, and you’ve already been ’investigating’ me every day," he chuckled, occasionally taking small liberties. He gradually started to get a bit out of line.

The Little Imp pressed against him, stopping him from misbehaving. ’This is indecent!’

Bo Xichen leaned forward, his voice deep and raspy. "Why does a man need to be decent at a time like this?"

This is not my Little Uncle!!!

SOB SOB SOB...

Fortunately, Doctor Bo was still a very restrained man. He only indulged a little before letting her go.

Still holding her, he began to explain some matters to her in detail.

Gu Anxi whispered, "Little Uncle, doesn’t Father Bo come to the hospital?"

Father Bo was the previous head of Yunxi Hospital; why hasn’t he come over?

Upon hearing this, Bo Xichen’s voice deepened further. "Your Father Bo is busier than you think."

As the Family Head of the Bo Family, he has many things to worry about, such as internal and external family affairs. For instance, his cousin Bo Jingshen has been causing his father quite a bit of worry recently.

Fortunately, Lin Yuan came over, and with his gradual support, things are different now.

Gu Anxi let out a small "oh" and obediently stayed in his arms, listening as he explained some important matters. Finally, he asked, "Did you understand?"

The Little Imp obediently hummed in response.

Bo Xichen chuckled. "Repeat it."

Gu Anxi leaned close to his ear. "Little Uncle, I’m going to miss you."

He was momentarily taken aback, then rubbed his forehead.

She’s really something else!

However, the Little Imp then rested her head on his shoulder and, in a tiny voice, repeated everything he had told her. His brow smoothed, and his heart softened even more.

So, she remembered it all!

Just as they were sharing an intimate moment, Jack called. His voice sounded quite aggrieved, and he even threatened to break off their friendship for two days... because Jiang Chaoge had gone to find him and slapped him.

Gu Anxi, holding her phone, smiled. "Good hit! Serves you right for toying with women."

Jack retorted irritably, "It was consensual, okay?"

Gu Anxi chuckled and hung up.

Jack’s scumminess lay in the fact that he clearly knew Jiang Chaoge’s intentions yet still didn’t refuse and irresponsibly took advantage.

However, perhaps I’m even worse—secretly filming, observing, and then securing the contract. Though Jack said he was always leaning towards Yunxi Hospital... a double guarantee is always good!

Gu Anxi leaned in her Little Uncle’s arms and asked softly, "If you were to lose me someday, would you not care who you ended up with?"

"No," he said with a faint smile.

"Little Uncle, you’re so devoted!" Gu Anxi exclaimed, burrowing into his arms like a child.

Bo Xichen reached out to stroke her hair. "I mean, I won’t lose you."

She responded with an "oh," a warmth spreading through her heart. She snuggled with him a little longer before they got to work together.

Bo Xichen was very busy, so she helped him until eight in the evening. Only then did she return to Siyuan to hastily eat dinner and then pack her bags.

Considerate of him, she offered to help pack his luggage. But she was only halfway through when a hand gently pressed her small shoulder.

"Little Uncle." She was gently pinned against the wardrobe, her eyes shining brightly.

Bo Xichen hummed absently, then lowered his head.

Gu Anxi’s fingers clutched the fabric of his shirt. "I... I need to pack the luggage."

"I’ll pack it myself later." His gaze was clear as he bent down. "Focus, Gu Anxi..."

「...」

Early the next morning, Bo Xichen was about to depart, and Gu Anxi woke early to see him off.

Bo Nianyao and Lady Bo repeatedly urged him to be careful. Bo Xichen nodded, then picked up his luggage and got into a black sedan.

Bo Nianyao watched quietly for a moment before beckoning Gu Anxi over. "Sweetheart, come with me to the study."

Gu Anxi obediently agreed.

Lady Bo knew they were going to discuss business matters, so she didn’t follow, merely instructing someone to send over the stewed tonic soup they had prepared.

In the study, Bo Nianyao sat on the sofa, with Gu Anxi opposite him.

He waited patiently and kindly for her to finish eating before pondering for a moment and then speaking, "Xichen must have told you a fair bit about the family’s affairs, right?"

Gu Anxi immediately nodded. "Yes."

After sipping his tea, Bo Nianyao gently twirled the cup in his fingers. "Here’s the situation. I plan for you to be in charge of Yunxi Hospital while Xichen is away. As for the Cloud He Group, your aunt is currently managing it. Her relationship is very stable now, and she’ll be getting married eventually. She recommended you to me, saying that after she marries, she’d like to take a backseat and have you manage the Cloud He Group."

Gu Anxi was taken aback.

This clearly meant they were treating her as family. Not just that, but entrusting her with top-tier responsibilities!

She said very carefully, "Father Bo, I’m young. I’m afraid I might not be competent enough."

Bo Nianyao said calmly, "Xichen not only has to manage family matters, he also holds a position at the WHO, and... he also has a mission within the Federation."

He spoke softly, "Dark is a kill-on-sight order from the higher-ups."

Gu Anxi was completely stunned.

Bo Nianyao lowered his gaze. "Xichen and I are as heartbroken as you are, but this isn’t something that can be resolved in a short time. Xichen’s meaning is that you should be careful with everything at home."

Gu Anxi asked softly, "Why?"

Bo Nianyao sighed. "Too many things are involved. For our Bo Family... it truly is... It’s my failure in teaching. Your Second Uncle, he... In any case, Father Bo trusts that you can handle it."

Gu Anxi nodded. "I understand."

Bo Nianyao continued, "As for Yunxi Hospital, there’s nothing else major, just one thing: you must guarantee the personal safety of a certain patient staying there and ensure his condition remains stable."

Gu Anxi looked at him earnestly. "Is it that Old Wang?"

Bo Nianyao nodded. "Yes. Xichen will perform surgery on him. There shouldn’t be too much of a problem, but we still need to be careful. What if... After all, he’s elderly."

Gu Anxi understood. This person was highly influential. If anything happened to him at Yunxi Hospital, not only would their reputation suffer, but it would also be difficult to answer to the higher-ups.

After Bo Nianyao had given these instructions and felt that was about enough, he also asked a few caring questions about the younger generation.

Once Gu Anxi left, Bo Qing arrived.

Bo Qing managed the affairs of a branch of the Cloud He Group, so he wasn’t exceptionally busy.

After he came over and sat down, the two brothers sipped drinks and chatted, inevitably touching upon Xichen’s trip.

Bo Nianyao spoke lightly, "I just discussed a few things with Anxi. That child is capable. When Xichen is away in the future, we’ll have an extra helper."

This is hardly just an extra helper; she’s practically assisting Bo Nianyao in managing the overall situation.

Bo Qing smiled. "Older Brother, Anxi is young. The people at home, outside, and even at the hospital might not necessarily obey her."

Bo Nianyao took a sip of tea and chuckled. "Aren’t there still you and I? Besides, though Anxi is young, her methods are quite shrewd. I don’t know which master taught her to be so outstanding."

He chuckled again. "Xichen really found a treasure in her."

Bo Qing smiled. "That’s true. With Older Brother here, there certainly won’t be any problems."

Bo Nianyao teased, "If she ran into trouble, wouldn’t you help too? You and Bo Jin dote on her no less than your sister-in-law and I do."

Bo Qing smiled faintly again.

Bo Nianyao continued to speak, but it was mostly idle chatter...

They were both like thousand-year-old foxes; Bo Qing’s mind was as clear as a mirror. As he withdrew, his fingers clenched tightly.

He had already lost Bo Nianyao’s trust. What about Xichen and Anxi then? What were their thoughts?

Just as he was pondering this, Gu Anxi approached from the direction of the Orchid Room. Seeing him, she greeted, "Second Uncle."

Bo Qing smiled faintly. "Preparing to go to the hospital?"

Gu Anxi hummed. "Yes. I’ll be leaving shortly."

Bo Qing moved aside slightly. "Drive carefully."

As Gu Anxi passed him, she suddenly stopped. "Second Uncle, I might have to leave here for a while soon."

Bo Qing responded with a light smile, "Oh? Returning to Qingcheng?"

Gu Anxi shook her head. "No, I’m planning to visit my master and stay with him for a while, to talk with him about life and ideals."

Bo Qing: ...

Gu Anxi waved. "Second Uncle, goodbye."

But Bo Qing suddenly called out to her, "Anxi."

Gu Anxi paused. "Second Uncle, is there something else?"

Bo Qing contemplated for a moment. "What if your master asks you to stay with him? I mean... forever."

"Forever?" Gu Anxi said softly. "I’ve already promised to stay with Little Uncle."

Bo Qing’s eyes dimmed. "What if your master is willing to let go of everything?"

"If he truly let go of everything, he wouldn’t try to stop me from being with Little Uncle, would he? He would have let go of that too!" Gu Anxi smiled faintly. "But I know he won’t. He... Even if I were dead, he probably wouldn’t let me go easily. Second Uncle, have you ever felt like your heart was about to be pierced by a knife?"

"No," Bo Qing whispered, "but I know what the feeling of Heart-Piercing Swords is like."