I Have Decided to Go Look for My Father

After she returned home that night, Gu Xi told Gu Shao about the joint competition.

“……, as such, I will be gone for three days.”

Having heard that, Gu Shao nodded and said, “Alright.”

Gu Shao had already learned about Gu Xi being in the competition – Director Zhou from school had already given him a call that afternoon, when he was in a meeting, and informed him of it.

Gu Xi was dazed. She looked at Gu Shao: Was that it? There was nothing else that he wanted to say?

Over on this side, Gu Shao looked up from a document and saw that Gu Xi was still standing there, her head lowered, looking troubled. It seemed there was even a hint of disappointment in her eyes?

“Watch out for your own safety when you are out and listen to your teachers. Don’t go off on your own. Tell the teachers or call home if you run into any problems,” added Gu Shao.

Gu Xi finally had a smile on her when she heard that from Gu Shao. She reassured him, “Okay. I will. Don’t worry, Dad.”

“And……” Gu Xi started again.

“What is it?” asked Gu Shao as he saw the troubled look on Gu Xi.

“No, nothing.” Gu Xi shook her head. She had wanted to tell him that parents could attend the final award ceremony portion. That being said, she recalled that Xu Fei had mentioned that Gu Shao was quite busy recently. After some more thought, she decided against it.

“Goodnight, Dad.” Gu Xi turned and left after she said that.

Watching Gu Xi bounced out of his study, Gu Shao lifted his brows and his looked mellowed out.

***

Thursday afternoon came quickly.

The 8 who would be participating in the competition packed up first at home, then meet up to leave from school together with their teachers.

Before Gu Xi took off, Aunty Mei gave her a long exhortation, worried.

“Do remember to call home if you run into any problems, okay? You can call home or call up Mr. Gu. Grandma Mei had packed you medicines for cold, fever, and motion sickness. You will see them in your luggage. Don’t forget to take the medicines if you are not feeling well. Read the instructions before you take them. If you are not certain, ask your teachers……”

Gu Xi nodded to whatever Aunty Mei was telling her. And she wasn’t sure what to make of it all: She was only going to be gone for three days and to City B that was only the next district over. Why did Aunty Mei make it sound like she was going somewhere far away and for a long time?

Gu Xi looked at the two suitcases to one said and her lips twitched.

She was only going to be gone for three days and had only packed herself one suitcase. Lo and behold, she had just turned around and Aunty Mei made it two suitcases for her.

“Oh, yes, I almost forgot.” Having said that, Aunty Mei went inside the kitchen and handed a bag to Gu Xi when she returned. “I made these snacks this morning. Bring them with you to snack on your way, Xiao Xi.”

Gu Xi nodded and, after taking the bag over and taking a look, noticed that there were two portions inside of it.

Aunty Mei explained to her, “I packed two portions. One is for you, the other one is for you to share with your other schoolmates.”

Just two portions. The extra portion was probably not going to be enough for the other schoolmates.

Gu Xi grumbled to herself.

Obviously, by “other classmates”, Aunty Mei was referred to Gu Chenyi.

Gu Xi stopped herself from pointing that out and nodded.

“And take these with you too. They are all snacks. If you don’t have enough to eat, you can always snack on them. Don’t let yourself go hungry.”

Watching as Aunty Mei pulled out another big package of food, Gu Xi started feeling uncomfortable. “I don’t need that much. It will take up too much room.”

Aunty Mei didn’t think that would be a problem. “It’s alright. If you can’t carry them all you can have your schoolmate help you.”

Gu Xi, “……” Needless to say, said schoolmate’s surname was Gu.