Chapter Sixteen Reunion

  On the seventh day of the new year, Gu Zixin returned to City A to start her new year's work. On the first day of work, Qiao Xuanan convened a meeting for all newspaper staff and re-announced the reporting plan and work goals for the new year. This year, Gu Zixin was reassigned to the Culture section. In County X, located in northern China under City A, there are many ethnic minority residents, including Mongolians. Gu's hometown is one such county town with a large number of Mongolian people. From a young age, she had been exposed to and influenced by their culture, so although she was not an expert, she at least had a strong interest in it. Therefore, assigning her to this section was also a good match for her abilities.

  After the meeting, Gu Zixin was left alone by Qiao Xu'an.

  "The cultural page is a new section our newspaper has opened up in response to the new situation, it's not easy to do well, but also not simple. Although we have geographical advantages and many resources to dig into, if you want to produce something with connotation and quality, it's not an easy task. I think you are very suitable for taking over this section, no problem?" Qiao Xuan'an played with the pen in his hand, looking at Gu Xi Xin.

  "I did my best."

  "Alright, starting is always the hardest part. Since this is a new beginning, the first draft is very important, I'd like to hear your thoughts."

  "If we focus on the cultural phenomena rooted in our native land, I think it's unavoidable to talk about ethnic culture. Among them, Mongolian culture is relatively systematic and well-established, so I believe we should start by introducing Mongolian culture, choose a specific aspect, and do an in-depth report." She paused for a moment before continuing: "As for the chosen topic... Editor-in-chief, what do you think about the Morin Khuur (Mongolian horsehead fiddle)?"

  Qiao Xuanan nodded, indicating for her to continue.

  "I think if we follow the current development trend, and summarize it in terms of culture, it would be a great development and prosperity of culture. For the first issue, the theme should focus on inheritance and flourishing, selecting a representative figure for an in-depth interview. The Morin Khuur is a relatively mainstream and important cultural form in Mongolian culture, I think starting with 'The Inheritance and Flourishing of Morin Khuur' would be a good choice. Editor-in-chief, do you think this idea works?"

  "Great idea, but who's going to do it?"

  "...haven't thought of it yet, I'll find materials right away and confirm the candidate within half an hour."

  "I knew it was right to entrust you with this, and your idea is basically in line with mine." Qiao Xuan seemed very satisfied with Gu Xi's concept, taking out a stack of materials from the drawer, "No need to look anymore, it's her."

  Gu Zi Xin flipped through the materials and browsed them briefly, then closed them. "Don't worry, editor-in-chief, I'll make an interview plan right away and contact them today."

  After everything was ready, Gu Zixin brought along her interview notebook, camera and recorder and set off.

  Sun Xianru. This is the person Gu Zixin wants to interview today. This person has a rich resume, a professional performer of Mongolian four hu, former deputy director of A City Cultural and Art Troupe, and former president of A City Mongolian Four Hu Art Association. With many years of experience in playing the four hu and skills, relying on his own many years of experience in playing the four hu, he improved the traditional craftsmanship of making the four hu instrument, making the sound of the four hu more pleasant to listen to.

  Gu Xixin looked at the small photo attached to the material, this middle-aged woman was gazing at Gu Xixin with a warm and gentle smile.

  She was elegant and refined, famous in the capital. When she saw Sun Xianru, Gu Xi's mind involuntarily thought of this phrase. Although she was nearly sixty years old, her well-maintained face showed few signs of aging, and instead, through this not-at-all-old-looking face, one could still see the enchanting charm of her youth. Her low-key and simple clothing, the steady elegance in every gesture, and the warm and kind smile on her face made Gu Xi realize the true style of a renowned artist. She was deeply impressed.

  And such an impression was further verified as Gu Zixin's interview went deeper. The two people talked a lot about the Erhu art, with much left unsaid on both sides.

  As the interview was about to end, it was already 4 o'clock in the afternoon. Gu Xixin looked at the interview record and felt that it was almost enough, so she stood up and bid farewell. Sun Xianru is also a warm and hospitable person, and perhaps because of this, she and Gu Xixin hit it off immediately, chatting happily, and it was only natural for her to try her best to persuade Gu Xixin to stay for dinner together.

  Gu Xixin was just about to politely decline when the doorbell rang.

  Sun Xianru heard the doorbell and motioned to Gu Jixin to wait a moment before going to open the door.

  When Sun Xianru led the visiting guests into the living room, Gu Zixin stood rooted to the spot, unable to move forward or backward.

  "Let me introduce you two, this is a reporter from the city newspaper, Miss Gu Zhi Xin, and this is my nephew..."

  Gu Xixin stared blankly at the person in front of her, Sun Xianru's words echoing in her ears, but she didn't take them in, her eyes fixed on a certain someone's smiling and meaningful gaze.

  "Miss Gu, we meet again." The cunning in Yin Shu's eyes was clear.

  Gu Xixin was speechless and didn't know what kind of tricks he had up his sleeve, but she could only stretch out her hand to shake. "Mr. Yin, nice to meet you."

  "You know each other? That's great!"

  "It's not just an acquaintance, Auntie. Miss Gu had an exclusive interview with me before, so we can be considered... old acquaintances. However," Yin Shu's eyes sparkled with amusement: "Miss Gu seems to have trouble accepting my presence here."

  Gu Xixin didn't say a word, her eyes staring at Yin Shu, with a strong warning in them.

  "Ah, great! Little Shu, you rarely come and coincidentally ran into Miss Gu. You can keep her company and chat with her for a bit. I'll go cook two dishes in the kitchen. No one is allowed to leave today." With that, Sun Xianru quickly walked into the kitchen.

  "Aunt Sun, don't bother..." Gu Zixin's words were only halfway out when no one paid attention to her anymore.

  "Long time no see, Miss Gu..." Yin Shu leaned in close to Gu Qixin's ear and said with a smile.

  Gu Zixin shifted her body and looked at him sideways.

  Under her gaze, Yin Shu straightened up and composed herself, saying seriously: "I just got off the plane this afternoon, and after visiting my uncle and aunt, I was going to pick you up from your unit for dinner."

  "Premier Yin has a million things to attend to, and yet you have to trouble yourself to remember these trivial matters. How can I possibly be at ease?" Gu Xi said with a hint of a smile, but her voice was devoid of any amusement.

  Yin Shu sighed and said, "Zi Xin, I know you're resentful towards me. Later, I'll slowly explain it to you."

  Gu Xixin couldn't help but laugh when she heard the two words "Xixin", but looking at Yin Shu, his face was extremely serious. She also couldn't laugh anymore. Gu Xixin thought to herself, this feeling seems acceptable.

  Just as she was lost in thought, she felt the hand of the person beside her reach out and grasp hers tightly. Gu Xixin's face turned red as she tried to struggle free, but Yin Shu only gripped her hand even tighter.

  Gu Xixin turned her head to look, and Yin Shu was lying on the back of the sofa with his eyes closed. Although there was a strong smile on his face, it couldn't hide the fatigue at the corners of his eyes and eyebrows.