When Li Long returned to the Big Courtyard, Gu Xiaoxia was already home from work.
As her due date drew closer, her belly grew more pronounced. At Li Long's strong insistence, she would take leave before the end of May.
Still, Gu Xiaoxia wanted to finish working the remaining days of May.
Director Wang had actually spoken to her privately at work too. There was not much work at the moment, and her circumstances were special, so she should take leave if she could.
Work concerning women was fairly easy to handle in those days. On the one hand, women strongly demanded to work just like men; on the other, female officials were also well looked after.
So there was nothing stopping Gu Xiaoxia from taking leave now. Work was not as cumbersome as it would be in later years; it focused more on practical results.
By the time Li Long returned, Gu Xiaoxia had already walked several laps around the courtyard before sitting down.
Han Fang opened the gate to let the Jeep in, and Gu Xiaoxia slowly stood up.
After watching Li Long park the Jeep near the East Side Room, turn off the engine, and get out, she asked with a smile:
"Did everything go smoothly today?"
"Very smoothly," Li Long replied. He walked over and looked her over carefully. Only after finding everything normal did he say:
"Tomorrow, Eldest Older Brother and the others will spend the day digging fritillaria in the mountains, then come back early the following morning. That'll finally wrap up the taibazi weaving.
"I can keep buying fritillaria for another few days. By the time you take leave, my work in the mountains should be about finished too, so I'll be able to stay home every day."
He would finish all his